《Crystal Guardian》 Chapter: Foreword Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Foreword An unassuming object from the Heavens Strikes the Earth, and in its wake the new age of man begins. The impact of the Objects Gives Birth to 2 new species of Neo-Humans, and one of the newly created Neo-Humans gives birth to a Hybrid of Human and Neo-Human. The 2 Neo-Humans are sometimes good and sometimes very-very BAD. The world is suddenly afflicted by people who can lift cars and those who can kill with one hit. There is no going back to the safe world of yesterday; there is no turning back and undoing this gift from the Heavens. Authorities all over the world struggle to contain these new threats, and theyre consumed by fear when they finally learn the truth about what is happen to their good Earth. The world is changed forever as the 2 Neo-Humans go to war with each other over the right to determine the destiny of the world. The war draws in the Hybrids and the Humans escalating it to the point where the survival of life on the planet hangs in the balance. An unexpected resolution and peace is restored; for as long as a tentative peace holds. - - - This is a story of Men of Honour and Women of Virtue. A story of Armies of Light and Soldiers of Darkness; A story of Great Battles. A story about the Home of the Warriors, the Reasons they Fought and How they Died. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. - - - The story of the Crystal Guardians is the Story of the Crystal Source, the Story of Crystalorb, the Story of Crystalans, the Story of Humanity, the Story of Technology. The Story of how hate can pervert the course of destiny. The Story of how potential good can be transformed into evil and how what seems evil may not actually be evil because appearances can be deceiving. The story of how human nature evolves, allowing mankind to survive the transition from simple creatures to an advanced Civilization. - - - Authors Note: I started this Work of Fiction before Realm Eternal, but at the time Realm Eternal was burning to get out of my head and onto paper/screen so I couldnt focus on Crystal Guardian, and now that the Realm Eternal itch has been scratched I can begin releasing Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light. To be honest despite my dislike of Overpowered Characters my Protagonists are OP. I try to balance it out by making quite a few other people OP. I have to Thank Nalen for Agreeing to let me use his Username as a Character. - - - Chapter 01: Origins - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 1: Origins - - - On the planet Azleck chief scientist Zao approaches the Royal Court to make a request to king Huto supreme Ruler of the Azleck kingdom and head of the Azleck Royal Court. Zao : " Holy heir! Supreme Leader! Honoured Father! Loved Mother! And Noble Lords!" Huto : " The Azleck Royal Court is ready to hear your request Zao! Step forward and speak!" Zao : " Eminence; We have nearly all the ingredients to proceed, but we need one more element to proceed" Huto : " What is it?" Zao : " I humbly ask for the Sceptre of Andros!" Huto : " The Sceptre of Andros?" With anger and surprise in his tone. Huto : " The Sceptre of Andros was given to our ancestors by the God Andros!!" The King is slightly angered and his face reflects this. Huto : " It is the symbol of my Divine right to rule! The Sceptre of Andros is said to contain the power of the God Phaylon!" Zao : " My Lord; we seek the power of the Sceptre of Andros to complete the research, and the healing power of the God Phaylon contained in the Sceptre is the key!" Huto : " Two thousand Trilus (Solar Cycles) ago the God Andros gave this Sceptre to my ancestors!" The king raises the Sceptre, and everyone in the room bows. Huto : " Every king since then has held this Sceptre, has ruled with it!" Zao : " My king! We are at war with an infinitely powerful enemy, and to counter that power we must seek the power of the Gods of Old! They have conquered a thousand worlds, and they are yet to meet a Nation they cannot defeat, but perhaps the power of the Sceptre of Andros can help us convince them to look elsewhere for their conquest" Huto : " Our high Commander believes the Migon to be unstoppable! We''ve began the evacuation of Azleck The King moves towards Zao. Huto : " Go! Harness the power of Phaylon in the name of Azleck!" The King hands Zao the Sceptre of Andros. Zao : " Praise be to the King of Azleck! May the Gods grant him strength!" - - - Approximately 69370 light-years from Earth the Azleck kingdom had been at war with the Migon Federation for five Earth years, but despite the Azleck''s best efforts they were losing. The Azleck''s were never any kind of a match for the Migon Federation. Military analysis reports had long foretold their defeat; the Migon Federation had mastered the art of war, and their technology was dedicated to improving their war making capabilities. For five long years the Azleck had bravely stood against impending Destruction, but time was running out, and in a matter of months the Azleck home world would fall, and with its fall all the Azleck citizens enslaved by the Migon Federation. These were insurmountable odds, the Migon Federation had only dedicated 0.06% of their war making capability to the war against the Azleck Kingdom, and their calculations were precise. In a desperate bid for survival the Azleck research team led by chief scientist Zao were working on a project they hoped could save their people. The secret location for this project was in an uninteresting area of space, a part of the Galaxy that held no strategic value; the solar system that housed the planet Earth. The project''s purpose was the creation of an ultra fast crystal based central processing unit (CPU). The crystal was a genetically engineered living organism modelled on the brain. The hope was that with faster processing levels they could engage in high speed attack sequences and manoeuvres against the Migon Federation. The plan was for automatic target acquisition, targeting and high speed attack or engagement. The Hyperconductive Crystal was derived from an underwater plant organism that had been altered by introducing genetic material from other plants, bacteria, viruses, archea, reptiles, mammals, birds etc. The cellular walls, nucleus membrane, nerves, synapse of the organism are formed by various formations of Crystals. It was later learned during the testing of the Crystal Plant that it was toxic to other plant material, when introduced to animals it destroyed the immune systems. In laboratory accident some fragments of the Crystal Plant became imbedded in the skin of one of the Azleck Scientist revealing that the Azleck''s highly evolved immune system could destroy all the crystal plant. Zao began to experiment with giving the Crystal Plant genetic memory in order to create a kind of DNA based operating system and memory storage system. The basic programming allowed existing computers to be linked to this new Crystal Plant based organic computer. Before the research Team could finish the programming of the organic computer they were attacked by three Migon Federation Warships; it was as though they came out of nowhere! The Research Ship was destroyed, and debris of the ship scattering throughout the solar system. Most of the Crystal Plant was destroyed, but a fragment about the size of a human fist that had been in cased in a metallic cube survived. The exploding ship propelled the cube on a path that would eventually lead it to Earth; it was an incident that would change the destiny of the humans by linking them with the Azleck. - - - Because the metallic cube had been damaged, the metallic cube could not sustain its structural integrity on entry into the atmosphere. The metallic cube began to melt and fuse with the Crystal Plant; this caused the Crystal Plant to break apart into many fragments. The high heat hardened and fused metallic cube particles to the Crystal Plant, but even though the outer layers had become metallic crystal, the inner core of the Crystal Plant was still fundamentally organic. The planetary entry trajectory was over the south Atlantic to south east Africa. While most of the Metallic Crystal Plant ended up in the Indian Ocean some of the Metallic Crystals hit land most destroyed by the force of the impact. - - - Earth Date 1805, Southern Africa, late afternoon three brothers are taking care of their fathers cattle in the bush, guarding them from predators. They are Molefe age 9 years, Lesedi age 14 years and Ralefa age 17 years. The boys were performing what was their duty, their obligation to their family. Their Father Kanao was one of the village shaman, healer and diviner. While they were moving around checking on the cattle something fell from the sky and hit Lesedi on the chest; the force of the impact threw Lesedi to the ground. As Lesedi cried out in pain his older brother Ralefa ran to his assistance and found Lesedi on the ground bleeding, his hands clutching his chest. Before Ralefa could ask Lesedi what had happened, Lesedi lost consciousness, then when Ralefa removed Lesedi''s hands from his chest he saw what looked like a piece of rock Imbedded right at the centre of Lesedis chest. Believing that they had been attacked Ralefa told Molefe to run home to their father for help. Ralefa tried using his fingers to remove the piece of rock from Lesedi''s Chest but a piece of the rock splintered and lodged itself in his middle finger. Ralefa felt a stinging pain emanating from his middle finger, he saw the piece of rock, before he could remove the splintered rock the pain increased and spread from the finger up the arm to the neck and the rest of his body. Before he passed out he whispered the words Poison. It was the Metallic Crystal Plant Fragment; it had impaled Lesedi and infected Ralefa. Ralefa was the more fortunate of the two, he had only received a small amount of the outer Metal Fused Crystal Plant, and even though it was still organic it was only reacting to those parts of his body that contained Metallic minerals. The first to be infected was the blood; the cells were infected, their DNA corrupted, changed to include some of the Metallic Crystal Plant DNA. From the blood it spread to all other areas of the body attaching its self to all receptive cells, in a matter of hours the Transformation was complete, and all new blood cells being created contained Metallic Crystal material and DNA. The effects were much more severe on Lesedi, and because he was exposed to more of the pure organic Crystal Plant, every cell in his body would eventually be altered. The process was taking much longer than that in Ralefa. The Metallic Crystal Plant attached to the bone on the chest was replicating into the bone changing the bone making it much denser than it was before. In both Ralefa and Lesedi the Metallic Crystal Plant was increasing their muscle density, giving them abnormal strength and speed. For Lesedi the transformation would be long and painful. - - - When Ralefa woke up a day had passed, he and Lesedi had been carried to his fathers house, his mother was in panic, his father being one of the village healers and Diviner was communing with the ancestors, requesting their intervention in saving his sons. When the young woman entrusted with caring for Ralefa realized that he was awake she ran to inform his father. Ralefa soon found himself surrounded by many villagers who were all eager to know what had happened. Ralefa believing that he and his brother Lesedi had been poisoned told all that had occurred from his perspective, he then enquired as to the status of Lesedi. Ralefa was told his brother Lesedi was in great peril, but he was alive, Kanao told his son Ralefa that the ancestors would give Lesedi the strength he needs to overcome the ailment that afflicted him; that Lesedi would rise to claim his destiny. A few days later with Lesedi still in a deep sleep, Ralefa who was now completely recovered went back to the scene of the incident to see if he could use the Powerful Psionic ability inherited from his father to see the whole picture. He wanted to see if he could use the third sight to discern the past, and see what was! He stood in the spot where Lesedi laid for hours, but was unable to discern anything. The fact that he was unable to see and discern anything convinced him that what had happened to them was the doing of an evil force. On his way home he found himself face to face with a hyena, it was big, male and hungry. Armed only with his walking stick, under normal circumstances he would not stand a chance, but something was different. There were no nearby trees for him to climb, so Ralefa realised that he would have to fight to survive. They stared at each other, then the beast moved closer in preparation for a lunge, Ralefa held his stick steady, then in a flash the hyena jumped and made a lunge for Ralefa''s neck, when Ralefa reacted he noticed that he was much faster than the beast, and so with his left hand he grabbed the hyena by the neck while it was still in mid air and squeezed. In an instant the hyena lay dead in his hand, its neck had been broken and crashed, and Ralefas hand was covered in its blood, and so Ralefa stood in shock with the dead hyena in hand for several minutes. A passer-by from Ralefa''s village was walking home when he came upon the sight of Ralefa with a dead hyena in hand, the villager ran to the village telling anyone who would listen what he had seen. - - - Ralefa arrived back at the village to stares and murmur; he was unaware that someone had seen him with the hyena. Upon arriving at his home his mother told him what by then all the villagers had heard. Ralefa told his family what had happened with the hyena, he then asked his father if this was the doing of the ancestors; had the ancestors chosen him to wield their power? But Kanao would only answer with the word "perhaps". The next morning Ralefa and his father were summand before the village chief and the village Elders. The village Elders and the Chief wanted to know if Kanao had used magic to increase Ralefa''s strength. The village chief had always been suspicious of Kanao, he was afraid that Ralefa could threaten his rule over the village. Kanao told the village Elders and the chief that he had not used magic to increase anyones strength. Incidentally the village elders did not believe Ralefa''s father, instead they believed that this was some kind of attempt to unseat them. Amongst the Batlokwa Tribe powerful magic and Psionic ability was commonplace, so it was not farfetched for the village elders to believe that Kanao was practicing some form of powerful magic. Ralefa being naive was unaware of the great danger his family now faced, nevertheless they would allow the will of the Great Spirit to unfold. - - - It had been ten days since Lesedi and Ralefa were injured, Lesedi was still in a deep sleep, the villagers were growing restless, rumours were spreading, and some of the rumours were being spread by some village elders. A consensus was forming, the villagers were being influenced to believe that Lesedi had in-fact died but his father brought him back from the dead. They believed that to complete the revival for Lesedi a Human sacrifice would be required. Fear and suspicion in the village spread like wildfire, before long a mob had been organized, the intent was to rid the village of Ralefa and his family. On the eleventh day the mob descended on Ralefa''s family home, Ralefa had been checking on his brother Lesedi when he heard the noise in the lapa (porch), he stepped outside to discover that his father, mother and younger brother Molefe were being attacked by the mob. As Ralefa ran to the aid of his family the mob speared Molefe and his mother while his father was vigorously trying to fight them off. One of the villagers threw a spear at Ralefa, but Ralefa caught the spear and threw it back into the crowd instantly killing two people, another man tried to knife Ralefa from behind but Ralefa heard him, hit him on the chest collapsing his ribcage, when the mob saw this they became even more enraged, throwing their spear all at once, even with his speed Ralefa could not stop them all, Kanao threw a sack in the air then hit the sack with his cane and instantly half of the mob fell asleep. However this did not stop the spears so one of the spears hit Kanao fatally wounding him. Ralefa faced a painful and horrifying death at the hands of the unrelenting mob, but then in an act of fate Lesedi sensing the devastation outside awoke from his deep sleep, the crystal on his chest was still protruding from his chest, but it had been changed to the shape of a smooth 38mm Sphere in socket, it looked like a perfectly round eye on his chest, the Crystal was partially covered by a skin flap just like an eye lid. Lesedi stepped out of the door, the mob quickly went still, Ralefa had been injured and was hiding behind a door, he was using it as a shield holding it with the left hand while the right hand held a spear. Lesedi looked around shocked at the horror before him, then the lid covering the crystal on his chest opened fully and a bright light emerged from the crystal, all the villagers who looked at the light felt a blinding pain in their heads and collapsed. Ralefa was somehow only mildly affected by the bright light emanating from Lesedi''s Chest. The crystal was drawing energy from the nerve synapse that had formed inside the internal Hemisphere. The nerves and synapse had been enhanced to be Hyperconductive like the crystal. With the mob now subdued Ralefa and Lesedi quickly rapped the bodies of their family members in cloth and carried them off into the bush. They walked for about ten hours then stopped to rest because Lesedi was tired, he had not eaten a full meal for days, and while he was sleeping he was only fed milk. - - - At about the same time the villagers were beginning to awaken from the sleep induced by Lesedi and his father. Ralefa decided that they could no longer carry the dead bodies, the bodies would soon begin to decay because of the heat, they couldnt burry them because the villagers would find them and desecrate the graves, so the only available option was to burn the bodies. Upon hearing Ralefa talk about burning the bodies Lesedi began to imagine the bodies burning, then the eye lid like skin flap covering the crystal on Lesedi''s Chest opened and a beam off light came out of the crystal forming a circle around the bodies, a moment later electricity flowed from the crystal burning the bodies to ashes. After this latest manifestations Lesedi felt very weak and fell to his knees. Ralefa told Lesedi to rest while he went to look for food, so Lesedi went to the top of a nearby hill in order to keep an eye on his Brother. Ralefa did not have to go far before he came upon a herd of buffalo, he saw a large male buffalo at the edge of the herd, the bull was large and confident, and thus did not feel the need to have the protection of the herd. Ralefa''s plan was to lure the bull away from the herd by forcing it to charge at him, its strength would be its undoing. Realising how quickly he had healed from the attack by the mob, Ralefa was confident that he would be able to survive any injury the bull could cause. The bull charged as predicted, and so Ralefa ran continuously taunting the bull, making it angrier thus being blinded by its rage, he led the bull into a trap then speared it. While the bull laid there dying he approached the bull and grabbed it by the tail, and that''s when he felt it; it was as though he was draining all the energy from the bull, the bulls Life-Force was leaving the bull and entering him. The commotion attracted the herd to the scene, the herd was coming to the aid of the bull, Ralefa soon found himself surrounded by an angry herd of buffalo. Ralefa quickly grabbed the bulls hind leg and ripped it clean off the bulls carcass, one of the buffalos charged so Ralefa used the leg to strike the buffalo on the side of the head, the buffalo died instantly, seeing this he hit every other buffalo that charged the same way, before the herd decided to retreat twelve buffalos laid dead in front of Ralefa. Ralefa was in no mood to give way to anything else that day; he had lost too much and would surrender nothing else, not even to a wild creature. So Ralefa carried two hind legs of buffalo to where his brother was waiting, they cooked the meat and ate. When they were finished eating Ralefa took the largest bone from the leg he had used to kill the buffalos and proclaimed that the bone would be his new weapon of choice. To Lesedi there was something strange about Ralefa, he never seemed to be tired, he slept a maximum of four hours, when his wounds healed they left no scars and they healed at a phenomenal rate, not to mention his strength. Lesedi also felt very strong but also very heavy, he felt like his body weighed ten times what it did before. That night Ralefa told Lesedi all that had occurred while Lesedi was in a deep sleep. Ralefa swore revenge; he swore that one day he would return to the village and punish all those who were involved in the attack on his family. The next morning they continued to journey west towards the desert, Ralefa knew that the desert would offer some protection against all those who would wish to follow them; the desert would be a natural barrier against their enemies. They walked for days stopping to rest and eat along the way. - - - After about a month of travelling, they came across a man from the San tribe being harassed by two North Sotho men, Ralefa reacted to this with anger saying to Lesedi "Now they assault even the defenceless" Ralefa''s anger from the attack by the mob had not subsided, he grew to dislike his own people. The San man Naxe was pleading with the two men to let him alone, but the men would not stop, so Ralefa stepped forward and said to the two men "Will your thirst for blood never seize, when will it be enough?". The men were confused by Ralefa''s statement, so they told him to get lost. Then Ralefa said if you will not stop your prosecution of the innocent, then I will just have to stop you". One of the men tried to push Ralefa aside, but this only made Ralefa angry so Ralefa took his buffalo bone and hit the men on the elbow breaking the man''s arm, seeing this the other man ran off. Naxe told Ralefa and Lesedi that the man would return with others, so they must be on their way. Naxe took Ralefa and Lesedi to his home village; it was a small San village at the base of a rocky valley. The mountains around the village were made up of hard jagged rocks, this made them difficult to climb, but the villagers had become very adept at manoeuvring on the rocky surface. When Naxe told the villagers how Ralefa came to his rescue the villagers readily accepted and welcomed them into the village. - - - Naxe had four daughters so he saw Ralefa and Lesedi as an opportunity to get his daughters married off. So without even consulting Ralefa and Lesedi, Naxe chose his two oldest daughters aged 16 and 18 for Lesedi and Ralefa. Naxe selected the 18 year old to be Ralefas wife, and then chose his 16 year old girl to be Lesedis wife. Ralefa did not mined being married off, he was just happy to be amongst people who did not want to harm him, he was happy to have someone else make the decisions. Lesedi on the other hand was just following his brother. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Being fast and strong Ralefa made a very good hunter, he picked up the san hunting techniques with ease, but Lesedi on the other hand was never a good hunter. Both Ralefa and Lesedi had learned to read from the missionaries not far from their home village amongst the Batlokwa, their father had made sure that they learn to communicate with European settlers. While exploring the nearby mountains Lesedi came across a cave. Lesedi went into the cave, when it became too dark to see the Crystal on his chest opened and provided him with a bright light source. Lesedi noticed some rocks reflecting his light; he discovered that the stones were gemstones. Knowing the Europeans affinity for these gemstones, he decided to collect them and try to trade for other goods. Lesedi returned to the village with some of the stones, he told his brother Ralefa about his find, Ralefa thought that it would be best not to tell the rest of the San village about the gemstone, he remembered how these stones had brought Europeans to those areas that had them which led to the destruction of the nearby local communities. So the two brothers Ralefa and Lesedi decided that they would travel as far away as possible from the San village and trade with the Europeans. They would tell the villagers that they were going to trade with animal horns, tusks and skin. While they did take these items to trade they also took some gemstones. Ralefa and Lesedi used their divination talents to see into the hearts of the Europeans, they sought out the poor and desperate amongst the Europeans, and then used them as middlemen; they traded for books, implements, seeds, food and other essentials. - - - Many years passed with the brothers Ralefa and Lesedi living peacefully amongst the San as members of their village. In the cause of fifteen years Ralefa had seven children with his wife Mana, five boys and two daughters. Lesedi on the other was not as blessed, for thirteen years he had been trying to have children with no success, but when he had almost given up hope his wife Cara fell pregnant and gave birth to twin boys. The wildlife in the area began to be depleted as other hunters from all over the land increased in number, so the San village elders decided to move their people north towards what would later be known as Botswana. Ralefa and Lesedi refused to move with the rest of the village, they knew that with the aid of their secret stash of gemstone they could survive on the land without the wildlife. A year after the San villagers had left Ralefa had a vision, in the vision the people of his fathers village were attacking another family, so Ralefa took this as a sign that the time had come to return to the village he had escaped from and punish the evil people who lived there. Over the years both Ralefa and Lesedi had grown stronger, their talents had increased with age. Ralefa in particular had become almost invulnerable, earlier that year while they were digging for gemstones a large rock fell onto his leg but caused no damage. Again he had once hit himself on the finger with a large hammer but felt only mild discomfort. When ever his skin was punctured all he needed to do was absorb the life energy of an animal and he could heal instantly, leaving no scar. Ralefa''s Children had inherited most of his talents; they were fast, strong and could absorb energy from animals. Lesedi on the other hand was limited in his abilities, he also had incredible strength and speed, but his talents seemed more conscious than natural, all his abilities seemed to be generated through the crystal in his chest by a conscious effort. Lesedi seemed to draw his energy from both food and the sun while Ralefa seemed to for the most part only need large amounts of food. Lesedi could generate many types of energy from the crystal in his chest , the energy was drawn from reserves in the rest of his body, once those reserves were depleted he could no longer generate these energies from the crystal on his chest, causing him to loose most of his abilities. Lesedi''s two sons were also born with these transparent crystals on their chests though with no skin covering; completely exposed. Lesedi could also absorb life energy from animals, but this was painful, Lesedi however found that he could also absorb Life energy from plants. It was because the plants absorbed light energy from the sun that made the particular energy compatible with Lesedi. - - - Ralefa and Lesedi left their families protected by Ralefa''s eldest children and set-off on a quest for justice; they travelled by day and rested at night because of the limitations of Lesedi''s capabilities. Both of them could run for kilometres at high speed without the need to rest, which allowed them to be on the outskirts of their fathers village in just a few days. Ralefa and Lesedi decided to camp at the top of a hill near the village; from there they would launch their assault on the villagers. Ralefa had devised a plan that would ensure maximum suffering for the village''s people, he would take away their livelihoods, make it impossible for them to survive, take from them what they had taken from him, their homes! Early one morning they made their move, Ralefa moved from kraal to kraal absorbing the life energy of all the village livestock, Lesedi used the crystal on his chest to absorb the life energy of all the Plants in the Village, instantly turning the entire village into a desert. Then Ralefa and Lesedi went back to the top of the hill to observe the results. The villagers awoke to find that their entire village plant and animal life were dead, so they quickly started to cook and store all the dead chicken, sheep, goats and cattle, but this was a futile exercise, they couldn''t store the meat quickly enough to stop most of the meat from rotting. Before long the entire village was covered by the smell of rotting meat, so the villager decided to burn all the rotting carcases. In a matter of just days the food supply of the village had almost been depleted, village diviners tried to uncover the cause of this disaster but they could find no answers except that this was some kind of vengeance. Ralefa and Lesedi had used their Psionic abilities to shield themselves from the sight of the village diviners. When the villagers tried to ask for help from nearby villages they were met with scorn, the nearby villagers believed that this particular village was cursed, and that all the inhabitants were also cursed, they believed that allowing those people to enter their villages will bring ruin to them also. None would help them, they began to feud amongst themselves for the little resources that remained, blaming each other for the tragedy that had befallen them. The village began to break apart with the inhabitants leaving for other areas; those who had been wealthy were now faced with the prospect of having to sell all their possessions and try to start anew elsewhere. With the village in ruins Ralefa and Lesedi set their sights on the village elders and the chief, they would make them pay for their crimes, with no one to protect them the time had come for atonement. In the middle of the night Ralefa and Lesedi rounded up all the village elders, the chief, and their surviving families and locked them in three huts, then set the huts alight burning some forty people alive. Lesedi was concerned about the prospect of directly punishing the innocent, but Ralefa was adamant that those who benefit from evil are just as guilty as the evil doers, and thus should share their fate. - - - Ralefa and Lesedi returned home to their wives and children. Something was different with Ralefa, having seen the full extent of their power his ambition became grater than just freedom, peace and safety. He began to believe that he could achieve more with his power. Ralefa began to believe that the power he and Lesedi wielded did not come from the ancestors; he believed that fate had chosen them to be an instrument of Change. Ralefa believed that the proof of his assertion was in his children, the fact that they had inherited his power was the final proof that the power did not come from the ancestors. On this Ralefa and Lesedi felt differently, Lesedi believed that the power came from the ancestors, he believed that they were chosen by the ancestors to protect their people while Ralefa believed that fate had chosen them to rule the people, and through them would flow a blood line of warrior kings. Ralefa argued that they could not protect people who feared and despised them. Ralefa knew that even with his power he could not take over the lands, and that''s because the numbers of people were too great. While reading history books Ralefa realised that there was another way to acquire power comparable to that of a king; wealth! Extraordinary Wealth could give them the power to determine their own destiny. It could give them control over the world around them. It seemed that Ralefa and Lesedi had reached a compromise in their arguments about the use of their power; they began to stockpile the gemstones until they had depleted all the reachable gemstones in the mountains near their home. - - - Ralefa and Lesedi then made contact with three British bankers through their middleman in order to purchase ten percent of a small British bank called Merchant and Traders Bank (MTB). Having bought a stake in this bank they then deposited all the money gained from the gemstones in the bank. That gave the bank enough money to start becoming a serious lender; all this made all the other share holders very happy with having Ralefa and Lesedi as partners even if they were Africans. The revenue generated from the Bank afforded Ralefa and Lesedi the opportunity to educate their children in Britain. Lesedi''s wife Cara became pregnant again, this was an unexpected blessing for Lesedi, and his two sons were now 19 years old. Cara was nearly 48 years old, Lesedi was 46 years old. Sadly Cara died during childbirth, but the child survived to be raised by Lesedi alone. Lesedi named the boy Peo. Ralefa realizing that his daughters were having trouble keeping boyfriends he decided to help them find husbands. The men that were interested in Ralefa''s daughters would all run for the hills once they realized that the girls had superhuman strength and speed, the men felt immediately threatened by this, they believed that the girls would eventually control and dominate them. So Ralefa appealed to his brother Lesedi. Ralefa knew that there were only two boys in the area that would not be threatened by the abilities of his daughters; Lesedis twin sons. Only those with abilities comparable to those of the two girls could understand. Ralefa went to his brother Lesedi and asked Lesedi to tell his twins sons that they must take Ralefa''s two girls as their wives. Ralefa then promised Lesedi that if he agrees he can have the area both families call home as his own. Lesedi agreed and thus their children were married - - - Ralefa had already decided to leave that area; all the gemstones that could efficiently and secretly be mined had been mined, so the land had little value to Ralefa. Using his new found wealth Ralefa used an agricultural corporation he owned that was registered in Scotland to buy a cattle farm ninety kilometres away. The company had hired an Englishman to manage the farm, Ralefa, his sons and their wives would stay on a large house he was building on a small hill on the farm. The company manager instructed the Farm manager to never disturb Ralefa and his family. Lesedi had also set up a company in Britain to own lands through out the British Empire. Both Ralefa and Lesedi had realized that they couldn''t openly own land and property, because they were always viewed with suspicion. Europeans would not openly trade with them, Europeans regarded the Africans as inferior, but the Europeans would happily trade with an anonymous corporation. A corporation gave Ralefa and Lesedi the anonymity that allowed them to move around freely. On the year Lesedi turned sixty he decided that he would travel the northern lands, he would explore Africa, seeking out others who were like himself, and he sought to find others in the continent that were given the talents that he and Ralefa possessed. Lesedi left his youngest son Peo under the care of his twin sons and left the valley on a journey of discovery. Lesedi left in the year 1852, he travelled by any means available to him visiting tribe after tribe, village after village, he collected village knowledge, village legends and tribe history. After travelling for many years with no answers he heard of a legendary people that existed a long time ago in Ethiopia, the legendary people were said to possess powerful magic that could create bright light, thinking that this could be a link to the source of the Crystal on his chest Lesedi wrote to his sons and told them that he would be travelling to Ethiopia for the next phase of his journey. When Lesedi reached Ethiopia he searched for the legend of these ancient people, Lesedi learned that the people he sought once lived in a land called Nubia, but the Nubian civilization had long since vanished. Lesedi went to the edge of what was once the Nubian territory but found no remnants of the people, knowing that the British were great collectors of knowledge Lesedi travelled to study ancient civilizations in British Libraries. Finding no reference to crystals Lesedi wrote to his sons and told them that he would be returning home. Before Lesedi could leave he encountered an African man named Kanu who was also trying to discover his origins. Kanu was the son of an Ethiopian who served a British explorer, Kanu was 52 years old and had never set foot on Ethiopian soil, Kanu''s wife was an Indian woman who fled India because she belonged to the lowest cast and was mistreated by those of higher cast status. Lesedi told Kanu about the search he had undertaken, he told Kanu that he would soon be leaving for Africa because his journey was without success. When Kanu learned that Lesedi was a man with some wealth Kanu asked Lesedi to employ him, things were difficult in England, Kanu''s family could benefit from moving to Africa. Lesedi agreed to employ Kanu and his wife as his servants, Lesedi paid for the voyage of Kanu, his wife and five children; they would travel through Russia to Asia and eventually reaching Cape Town in 3 years gaining more servants along the way. - - - Lesedi arrived to a host of activity, it had been 43 years and the European settlers were at war with the British Empire. Lesedi and his companions quickly made their way to his home, and Lesedi arrived to find that his sons were uneasy about the situation in the land; they feared that war would find its way to their home. Lesedi went to see his brother Ralefa who told him that this was just another squabble for land that did not belong to the Europeans. Ralefa was certain that the war would result in better terms for his family, Ralefa would not take sides in the war, and he would not assist any of the warring parties. Ralefa had moved most of his family to Bechuanaland to keep them safe from the conflict, Ralefa''s four sons had multiple wives and with that many grandchildren for Ralefa. In time Ralefa had 90 grandchildren. Ralefa advised Lesedi to also move his family to the northern lands. Ralefa had become embolden by his wealth, he believed that the longer the war dragged on the weaker the Europeans would become, he hoped that in the aftermath of the war there might be an opportunity for him to grab power. Ralefa believed that they were superior to both the Africans and Europeans; he believed that it was his childrens destiny to be the main power in the region. Ralefa believed that the normal Africans would never accept them, so the only option was to be the secret controller of things. Ralefa wanted his descendents to be the puppet masters of the region, to that end Ralefa was already secretly meeting with chiefs all over Southern Africa, giving the Chiefs weapons and other resources in return for their loyalty to him. Lesedi was shocked to see how wealth and power had corrupted Ralefa, even worse Ralefa had passed on his believes to his sons and now the grandchildren would also hold the belief that they were superior to all other humans. Lesedi knew that eventually the descendents of Ralefa would view his own descendents as a threat. Lesedi knew that because of their divergent views conflict between the two bloodlines was inevitable. Fear befell Lesedi, he knew that he would soon die and with him gone, there would be nothing stopping Ralefa''s sons trying to take control of his family. Lesedi began to plan for the survival of his family; he would build a shelter, a safe haven for all of them. Near Lesedi''s home on the hills forming the valley which circled Lesedi''s home, at the top of the hill with the hardest rock, there; on that hill Lesedi began to dig. Lesedi''s abilities had increased with age, he was using the crystal on his chest to generate a beam of light capable of cutting through solid rock. The diameter of the whole was 2 metres. After digging for three weeks the depth reached seventeen meters, Lesedi was growing impatient; he thought that perhaps he could dig faster if he channelled more energy into the beam of light. Lesedi summoned all his energy into a beam of light that would dig deep into the mountain, the eye on his chest opened and a massive beam of light flowed from the crystal with such power that it melted the rock at the edge of the hole. A single burst of energy that lasted 20 seconds had increased the depth of the hole by 20 meters. Then in a twist of fate Lesedi felt a sharp pain emanating from his chest, he had used too much power, some of the energy had been refracted inwards, his heart and nerves had been damaged. Lesedi had fatally wounded himself, his impatience had killed him. With only hours left to live he began to make contact with the ancestors, asking for them to clear his path. Lesedi''s Chest Crystal began to glow, the ancestors told Lesedi that not all of him would die, they told Lesedi that a portion of his spirit would be left inside the crystal; they told Lesedi that his descendents would be able to communicate with the part of his spirit in the crystal. As his final hour approached Lesedi told his sons that once he dies they must take his body and throw it into the hole he had been digging. - - - When Lesedi died his sons followed his final instructions and threw his body into the hole. Then a burst of light began emanating from the bottom of the hole, the crystal was still alive, infused with Lesedi''s spirit it could actualize his final wishes. The crystal absorbed all the material of Lesedi''s body leaving nothing of the body, then it began to dig using bursts of energy, the depth of the hole reached 1000 meters. Absorbing Fundamental Energies increased the powers of the Crystal. Rock material from the digging process were crushed into dust which was absorbed by the crystal, this process increased the Crystal''s diameter to 3 meters, thereby increasing the diameter of the hole to 4 metres. The Crystal was producing from the rock a very hard crystal to cover the wall of the tunnel; the tunnel was vertical, smooth and very stable. At the bottom of the tunnel The Crystal created a large cave that had the shape of a Hemisphere with the flat part at the bottom. The diameter of the Hemisphere was 1500 meters. At the centre of the cavity the Crystal had created a 300 meter high pyramid made of the same hard and dense Crystal, at the top of the pyramid the Crystal placed itself in a cavity it had created. The main Hemisphere was surrounded by 12 smaller Hemispheres each of diameter 650 meters with tunnels connecting them to the primary Hemisphere. The 12 Hemispheres were called the first level of Hemispheres. The positions of the tunnels connecting the smaller Hemispheres to the primary Hemisphere were such that they resembled the hours of a clock. Adjacent smaller Hemispheres were also connected by a tunnel. At the apex of each of the smaller Hemispheres there was a 0.5 metre Diameter Crystal sphere attached to the ceiling, this would serve as a light source illuminating the Hemisphere. All illuminating crystals would draw their energy from the main crystal on the pyramid. In the main Hemisphere next to the pyramid was a 200 metre high, 50 story cone shaped building. This building would serve as the primary residence of the inhabitants; it was fully equipped with indoor pluming which connected to one of the smaller Hemispheres which contained water storage and purification systems. The cone shaped building had been divided into 10 room apartments with a single exit. At the top of the tunnel the entrance became covered by a black, hard and dense crystal, the crystal covered the entire peak of the hill. Lesedi''s sons thought that this was merely a tomb for their father, but it was much more than that, it was a sanctuary for them. It had been months since Lesedi died, the hill where his body had entombed itself had been rumbling since they threw his body into the hole, then the hill went silent, and the rumbling stopped. - - - Chapter 02: Evolution of the Crystal - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 2: Evolution of the Crystal - - - Ten days after the hill stopped rumbling the three sons of Lesedi had the same dream, in the dream Lesedi explained to them what the Crystal had been doing on the hill, he told them that the Crystal that once lived on his chest contained a part of his spirit, the Crystal had been transformed into a Spirit Stone, it had consumed the rock to produce a safe and secure home for all of them. Lesedi told them that should they need anything else in the Cave all the need do is all three touch the Spirit Stone and give the Spirit Stone a mental picture of the thing they desired and the Spirit Stone will begin fabrication. Lesedi told them that only those with the Crystal in their Chests would be able to activate the elevator transit system that would take them into the enclosure; he gave them instructions on where to aim the beam of light from their Chest Crystals to open gate and thus activating the transit system. The Spirit Stone had created all those structures based on Lesedi''s collected knowledge, all his knowledge had been applied to create this inner world, all the books he had read on mathematics, physics, biology, architecture and electricity had contributed to the design of the underground oasis. The next morning the three brothers Naole, Nalen and Peo went to the top of the hill, at the entrance to the hill Nalen used his chest crystal as instructed by Lesedi, a beam of light from Nalen''s chest crystal hit the black crystal covering the entrance. A door opened, the door led to a stairway that led to a spherical carriage that had 12 chairs. The three brothers set on the chairs, then the black crystals sealed the main door into the tunnel and the carriage moved down into the tunnel. The tunnel splits several tunnel networks tangentially connected to the main Hemisphere at the bottom. When the spherical carriage reached the bottom the three brothers got off, as they moved through connecting archway they found themselves at the bottom of large Hemisphere. They began exploring the area amazed at the beauty of the area. They went up the pyramid to see the Spirit Stone. Nalen suggested that they name the place Crystalorb (Crystal-Orb) meaning Crystal Sphere because it was made almost entirely of Crystals, and had the shape of a hemisphere. When all three touched the Spirit Stone the stone told them all they needed to do to make Crystalorb a complete life supporting system. The Spirit Stone gave them tasks to do, so they all started working, they even went above and brought their wives and children to help with work, Kanu and his family along with other Asian servants also helped with the work. They brought into Crystalorb edible plants, dairy cattle, chicken etc. For months they worked secretly to make Crystalorb habitable and self sustaining. - - - The war between the British and the Boers was escalating, and when the British army wanted to use the valley as a base the farm manager who was employed by the company now owned by Lesedi''s three sons had no choice but to agree. The families that lived in the valley decided that it was time for them to move to Crystalorb, they believed that the British would never learn of Crystalorb''s existence. Crystalorb was powered by the Spirit Stone; the Spirit Stone was using the black crystal covering the peak of the hill to absorb energy from the sun. The black crystal exhibited the absorptive properties of a Black Body. The British were on the farm for 2 years without ever being aware of Crystalorb, but the people of Crystalorb were very aware of the British, a series of reflective crystals acting like mirrors allowed the people of Crystalorb to see all around the view from the mountain peak. The British military left the valley because of the difficulty in securing water supplies in the valley, but the people of Crystalorb did not return to the surface to live permanently. The people of Crystalorb had become accustomed to living in Crystalorb, in Crystalorb there was water, food, safety and security. In the two years that they were in Crystalorb Nalens wife gave birth to twin girls while Naole''s wife had twin sons. A that time Nalen had in total four children, Naole had three, and Peo had in total two children. They continued to live in Crystalorb only coming out for supplies and information. The farm manager would purchase supplies for them and they would come and collect them from him. The farm manager was well paid so it never bothered him that there was almost no one in the valley. However as was now established practise by Lesedi and Ralefa; Nalen and Naole sought out Sick, Poor, Suffering and Dying Europeans to work as proxy and servants. In return for salvation, resettlement on the Farm and stable secure employment Nalen, Naole and others gained loyal service. Most of the Europeans resettled on the Farm had no clue of the existence of Crystalorb, and those who knew feared the Deadly Power of the inhabitants of Crystalorb. Many years passed with no disruption to the lives of the people of Crystalorb, their wealth was increasing in proportion to the value of the companies they owned. In 1925 Naole died at the age of 98, he had in total 9 children and 148 grand children, his brother Nalen had 11 children and 156 grandchildren, and Peo had 6 children with Kanu''s daughter Bila. They were all three common grandfather to 128 children because their children had intermarried. When Naole died the crystal on his chest absorbed the rest of his body then the crystal merged with the Spirit Stone, like his father Lesedi Naole had left a portion of his spirit in the crystal which then merged with the Spirit Stone. All those who had crystals on their chests would go the same way, leaving a portion of their spirit in the Spirit Stone. Those who did not have the crystals on their chests were cremated and their ashes scattered in the gardens so they would also forever be a part of Crystalorb. The 3rd generation of inhabitants of Crystalorb lived surprisingly short lives, averaging just 50 years. Their DNA was becoming more specific, and the 3rd generation of inhabitants of Crystalorb were the first true Crystalans (meaning; Of the Crystal). The 3rd generation of inhabitants of Crystalorb had a dependence on the Spirit Stone that did not exist with previous generations, and as babies they needed constant contact with the Spirit Stone to sustain their energy requirements. - - - The two world wars served to convince the people of Crystalorb that the world was not safe for them, they were certain that if the world knew of their power, world leaders would seek to control them. As the world made technological progress the people of Crystalorb would acquire the technological devices study them and replicate them using the power of the Spirit Stone. The black crystal at the peak of the hill could also absorb radio waves, so they were used like a receiver to listen to radio and watch television. They could also send radio waves through the black Crystal at the peak of the hill. The people of Crystalorb were always aware of events occurring around the world, it was the world that was not aware of them. The people of Crystalorb became a high tech civilisation dependent on their technology for all their needs. Even when things above took a turn for the worst with racism running rampant the people of Crystalorb knew that should they try to intervene they would be exposed, even their fellow Africans would fear and hate them. They stayed hidden and waited for calmer times to make their emergence into the world. The descendents of Ralefa on the other hand were indistinguishable from other Africans or any other race they mixed with; they had no crystals on their chest that would betray their secrets, and their wealth gave them immunity from the racism that affected other Africans, Indians & Asians. Ralefa''s descendents gave themselves the name the Hand of Destiny (HOD), and also referred to themselves as Hodian, this was to signify the way they spread their influence like an unseen Hand. The Hand of Destiny had spread like a virus infecting everything around the world, they employed spies in all powerful nations, their ultimate objectives were known to only themselves, and they killed anyone who threatened them. However it was the rise of Boer nationalism that would change the course of destiny for the people of Crystalorb also known as Crystalans. Fear was a powerful motivator, the rise of the Boer nationalist terrified the Crystalans, it alarmed the Crystalans because the Boer showed a contemptuous hatred for Africans, and this was the type of Racism & Bigotry comparable to that of the Nazi in Germany. The Crystalans believed that the Boers would eventually try to exterminate the Africans just as the Nazi tried to exterminate the Jews. The Crystalans believed that should the Boers discover Crystalorb they would try to destroy it. Towards this end the Crystalans began to prepare for conflict with the government above. The Crystalans began by organizing themselves; they created an elected leadership called the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders consisted of 9 members, once elected to the Council of Elders you were a member for 200 years or until death, depending which came first. To qualify to be elected to the Council of Elders you had to be over the age of 55 and a Crystalan. Once nominated their soul would be judged by the Spirit Stone to determine whether they are worthy to be on the Council of Elders, and only then could they be elected to the Council of Elders. The Crystalans spoke a language that was a combination of Setlokwa, English and Xe (Xe is the Koi and San Language). Crystalans society was increasingly becoming more technologically advanced. For security reasons the Crystalans created the Guardians, and later the Vanguards. The Guardians were originally formed as the Guards of the Spirit Stone or Crystal Guardian, Crystalorb''s Elite Guard, and the Guardian Order as a natural follow on from the original protectors of the Spirit Stone. The Vanguards were originally meant to be Crystalorb''s first line of defence, but they were later reformed to be part of the Crystalorb''s Security force when the Guardian Order was established. There were originally 12 Guardians; 12 sectors, 12 Guardians. Each Guardian had 12 Vanguard teams under his/her command, and originally each team consisted of three Vanguards. Not all the required teams could be staffed because there were not enough Crystalans to fill the positions. To be a Vanguard one would have to demonstrate an extraordinary mental discipline that gave the ability to generate high energy Chest Crystal Blasts. - - - It was Olen Lesedi a 3rd generation inhabitant of Crystalorb who first created the Crystal Armour. Olen Lesedi had travelled the world collecting knowledge and artefacts. He travelled to Europe, South America, and east to India, China, Korea and Japan, he studied warrior techniques from all over the world, but he was particularly impressed with the Honour of the European Nights, the Discipline of the Centurion and the Samurai warrior code and fighting techniques, so he copied what he could. Olen wanted to create a way to store the Spirit Stone energy in Armour then harness it to amplify Chest Crystal light energy burst while reducing the risk of high energy light refraction. Harnessing the power of the chest crystal, he built Crystal Armour that could amplify the Chest Crystal''s ability to produce Gamma Radiation Photons. He built Crystal Armour by growing Spirit Stone fragments using Spirit Stone energy. Olen had to design and build a prototype; he created the Crystal Lance as a way to generate direct physical attacks. Olen worked for many years before he could produce a working prototype, on testing he discovered that the armour would require very precise chest crystal energy control, the Armour required the operator to generate high levels of crystal energy in order to produce sufficient energy required for the energy interface between armour and operator, consequently not all Crystalans could operate the first generation Crystal Armour. All Crystalans who had a chest crystal increased their energy level with age, the older the Crystalans got the more powerful they became, as a result all the Crystalans who generated sufficient energy to control the Armour were over 25 years old. Once Olen finished the prototype he and the Council Of Elders brought it before the Spirit Stone, then all nine members of the Council Of Elders touched the Spirit Stone, a beam of light went from the Spirit Stone to the crystal on Olen''s chest, when Olen touched the armour a second beam of light went from the Spirit Stone to the prototype, the prototype was absorbed into the stone, then the Spirit Stone gave Olen a list of minerals it would require to begin fabrication. Once Olen had delivered the minerals required in the quantity requested, the Spirit Stone began the fabrication of the armour. The Spirit Stone created three types of armour Vanguard Armour, Vanguard Team leader Armour (also referred to as Vanglead Armour) and Guardian Armour Each type of armour required the operator to be able to generate a certain level of energy, a guardian could operate both the Vanguard and Vanglead armours but a Vanguard could not operate Vanglead or Guardian Armours. The Crystal Armour does not function like an ordinary piece of equipment, but an extension of the wearer, not different to an arm or a leg. The Crystal Armour is connected to the users brain through the Chest Crystal. Because of how the Crystal Armour is connected, the use of the Armour requires advanced mental discipline. While wearing the Crystal Armour the user does not have the feeling of operating an object, but another part of the users body. The Crystal used to form the Crystal Armour is a fragment of the Chest Crystal, grown by the Spirit Stone into the Crystal Armour. Consequently each Crystal Armour is unique, and can therefore only be used by a specific individual. - - - Olen wanted to find a way to recharge the armour while away from Crystalorb, he thought that lightning could be a possible way to quickly recharge, but the only problem was that to test his theory he would need to be wearing the armour to test the charging mechanism he was developing. In the middle of a thunderstorm he stood at the top of the hill with his Lance raised high, since lightning strikes the highest point Olen believed that lightning would hit his Lance. Olen was only interested in collecting the energy of a single lightning strike, but things did not go as planned, even though Olen had designed systems to shield himself from the energy of the lightning. Lightning hit the Lance but before he could withdraw the Lance another strike hit, then another in seconds he found himself being hit by multiple lightning strikes until the armour was overwhelmed and Olen collapsed. Olen awoke to find that he had been rescued by a female Guardian named Casara, she had been observing Olen''s test, 38 year old Casara had dedicated her life to achieving new levels of energies, she completely understood the importance of what Olen was trying to achieve. Casara understood that being able to recharge the armour would give them an ability to project their power beyond just in the vicinity of Crystalorb; their capabilities would finally be useful to all Peoples. When Olen awoke he discovered that the lightning energy had breached his containment shielding, and because the armour uses the chest crystal like a central processor his chest crystal had been damaged. The chest crystal is a living part of the body, to all Crystalans the crystal was like an organ no different from an arm, a leg, the heart or even the brain. As a matter of fact the crystal was more connected to the brain than any other part of the Crystalan''s body, there are more nerves going to the crystal than anywhere else. Olen was gravely injured, many did not think he would survive, but Casara would not give up hope, she had been secretly in love with this Crystalan genius who gave them the armour at just 20 years old. 50 year old Olen was still unmarried and had no children; he had spent the past 30 years studying the sciences; Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Engineering and Chemistry. Olen designed a chemical compound that could save him, but to synthesize the compound he required some of the rarest minerals in the world including enriched radioactive isotopes. The Council of Elders would never sanction such an action, besides most Crystalans believed that Olen''s research had driven him mad, at that stage Olen was considered an annoyance. Casara immediately jumped at the opportunity to help Olen, she would travel into the world and find these minerals and thereby save the man she loved. Casara searched the world for the components, where she could not purchase the minerals she stole them; she stole from governments, people and companies. After many months Casara returned to Crystalorb with all the elements Olen had requested, then Olen synthesised the chemical compound which was red in colour, Olen then used a drill bit he had forged from the black crystal to drill into the crystal on his chest, then Olen asked Casara to inject all the chemical compound into the whole that he had drilled into the chest crystal. As Casara was injecting the compound into Olen''s chest crystal the damaged parts of the crystal began to absorb the liquid, and then the liquid began to spread to the rest of the crystal changing the crystal. Olen''s chest crystal was reformatting itself and the rest of his body, when it was finished Olen''s chest crystal had changed colour from clear to red. Crystalans had chest crystals that were clear and similar to ice crystals. Olen had saved himself, but in doing so he had changed himself, even he did not know the full extent of the changes he had done to his Crystalan body, but Olen was unconcerned with all of that, having seen the love and devotion Casara had demonstrated for him, she was now the object of his fascination. And thus Casara and Olen were married; they had two children a boy named Lekalo and a girl named Shanela. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. - - - It was with Olen''s children that the effects of the red crystal were realised. The children were born with red chest crystals and this made them the subject of ridicule at the hands of other children, but there was more to it than that; clear crystals could generate a full light spectrum while the red crystal could not. There was another disadvantage that Olen''s children experienced, they required twice as much time as the clear crystal kids to rebuild their energy reserves. Although the red crystals seemed to be the same size as that of the other children, on closer examination Olen realised the red crystal was twice as dense as the clear crystal. To compensate for its limitations the red chest crystal could generate nearly three times the energy generated by the clear crystal, the spectrum of light it could generate was more potent because of the increased energy levels. Consequently Olen''s children had the potential to wield strength beyond their years. Nevertheless Olen''s kids continued to be the subject of ridicule, even after they showed great courage and cleverness. In time Olen''s children found partners and married each having only one child. There was some difficulty when Olen''s children tried to have children of their own resulting in many miscarriages for Shanela and for Lekalo''s wife. In the end Lekalo and Shanela were satisfied with having just one child each. Lekalo''s daughter was named Esara while Shanelas son was named Nalen. Because Esara and Nalen were both born with the red chest crystal they were also the subject of ridicule by other children. The constant ridicule by other kids pushed Esara and Nalen closer; they depended on each other for safety and comfort. When Esara and Nalen reached their late teens and wanted to marry each other their parents agreed even though Crystalans had began to frown upon cousins marrying each other. Because of the increased energy levels generated in the red crystals Esara and Nalen quickly rose through the ranks of the Vanguards. Esara and Nalen at the age of 20 and 19 respectively became the youngest Crystalans to wear the Vanglead armour, but because of their young age the Council of Elders were reluctant to make them team leaders, so they assigned them to the expeditionary units. Despite their fighting talents Esara and Nalen preferred to be in the armour research division, they enjoyed the solitude of research work. In 1991 the world above was changing, there was new hope for peaceful coexistence, that same year Esara gave birth to a daughter named Casara. Casara was also born with a red Chest crystal. Two years later Esara gave Birth to their son Naole; Ancestrally named for the First Naole. There was something different about Naole; the boy was born with a deep Dark Blue Chest Crystal, almost navy blue. Nalen believed that the fact that Naole nearly died in his mothers womb had caused a mutation that resulted in the crystal turning from red to a deep dark blue. At around six months pregnant Esara experienced difficulties in her pregnancy brought on by an attempt on her life while Nalen, Esara and their baby Casara were on vacation in Europe. Esara had somehow ingested a radioactive poison designed to kill someone with a Crystal enhanced physiology. The Red Crystals protected Esara, but the ordeal resulted in the Crystal in the fetuss Chest Crystal reacting to try to save the baby. It had been a difficult pregnancy to start with due to the instability in the Red Chest Crystal, and this added complication generated a crisis that threatened Esaras life. It was therefore great relief when the boy was finally born, and it signalled a change in known Crystalan physiology. Naole''s Chest Crystal was also 50% larger than that of any other Crystalan baby. On closer observation Nalen realized the blue crystal was over five times denser than the clear crystal. As Naole grew older Nalen realised that the blue chest crystal was generating more than five times more energy than the clear crystal. This meant that Naole was utilizing more than five times more energy than any other Crystalan, because of this, Naole had very little energy, he slept longer than other children, ate three times more than other children his age. Naole''s energy reserves were being depleted faster than he could rebuild them. Naole was in desperate need of a way to store more reserve energy, so Nalen and Esara began work on designs for a battery for Naole to store his crystal energy. To make sure the energy would be compatible with his crystal energy they collected a sample of the blue chest crystal then grew it in size by feeding it with direct energy from the Spirit Stone (also known as the Crystal Source) . The end result was a blue sphere 4 centimetres in diameter, the sphere behaved like an external part of Naole; by just touching it he could recharge his internal energy reserves thus preventing him from collapsing. - - - Because of the changes that were happening in South Africa the Council of Elders felt that it was time for Crystalans to be part of the world again, and to this end in 1995 the Council of Elders sold all the assets the Crystalans owned in the world except for the farm containing the valley that Crystalorb was underneath. Then the Council of Elders created the Crystalorb Trust with members of the trust being all Crystalans, and the Council of Elders being the trustees. There were 1763 Crystalans at that time. The Council of Elders then used the money gained from selling the international assets to set up a company named Crystal Valley Industries (CVI) in South Africa. The company and the farm were owned by the Crystalorb Trust. The Council of Elders chose the valley above Crystalorb as the company headquarters, the factories were placed around the valley. The valley was named Crystal Valley, and the farm was named Crystal Valley Farm. The Company produced Hydrogen and Oxygen from water; it was a simple and elegant solution to generating income. All the company employees were Crystalans, so they would keep the company''s secrets because they were Crystalan secrets. They used solar energy collected by the Spirit Stone to generate electricity which they then used to turn water into the two gases. With time they produced other gases that required large amounts of electricity as an input. It is this business activity that attracted the attention of the Hand of Destiny; they wanted to know how the corporation Crystal Valley Industries could produce these gases more efficiently than any other producer. So the Hand of Destiny sent their agents to investigate the Crystal Valley Industries company, and that was when the Hand of Destiny realised what the Crystal Valley Industries company was; realizing that the Crystal Valley was indeed the home of the brother of their great Ancestor Ralefa. When the Hand of Destiny realized that the owners of the Crystal Valley Industries Company were the descendents of Lesedi they sought to make Contact with the descendents of Lesedi. The leader of the Hand of Destiny was called Viceroy, his name was Tsela Ralefa. The Viceroy of the descendents of Ralefa sent a letter to the Crystal Valley Industries Company requesting a meeting with leaders of the descendents of Lesedi. It came as a surprise to the Council of Elders that the descendents of Ralefa had found them so easily, despite the fact that the Council of Elders worked so hard to hide their true identities. - - - In 1998 the Council of Elders met with the Viceroy and 8 senior members of the Viceroy''s Council also Known as the High Council of the Hand of Destiny (HOD High Council), in a marquee at the edge of the Crystal Valley Farm. The descendents of Ralefa introduced themselves as the Hand of Destiny (HOD), while the descendents of Lesedi introduced themselves as the Crystalans. It was a historic occasion, what was once whole had been split into two, and this meeting would determine how the two would interact going forward. After the greetings had been completed the discussions began with the Viceroy speaking for the Hand of Destiny, and the Oldest member of the Council of Elders speaking for the Crystalans. Gaurdius: " In the name of the Council of Elders, and that of all Crystalans I Gaurdius Son of Lenaka hereby welcome you the sons and daughters of Ralefa to our home. We hope this will be the first of many gatherings as we forge a path into the future!" Viceroy: " We have asked for this meeting to avoid confusion amongst our peoples! As you can imagine your appearance into the world a few years ago has raised questions about who you are and the nature of your intentions? Gaurdius: " I state here for the record that we are the Crystalans, descendents of Lesedi; brother to Ralefa. We carry Lesedi''s legacy on our chests and with it his destiny!" Viceroy : For a hundred years we have lived in the open, amongst the people of this land, we have shared the people''s struggle for freedom, but your sudden appearance has the potential of destabilizing the balance we have reached with the people of this land. By using your crystal capabilities openly you risk making the world aware of your existence, once the world learns of your existence it would only be a matter of time before they learn of our existence!" Gaurdius: " We have lived in secret for too long, if we are to have true peace and prosperity we must also live in the open, we can hide no longer, the world will accept us. With the changes that have occurred in this country the people can accept the new hope we offer!" Viceroy : " The people will not accept you or us; its been our experience in the past hundred years that those who''ve discovered our secrets have reacted with fear, suspicion and hatred! Gaurdius: " We are not suggesting that we make an announcement to the world today, but a gradual introduction to the world of both our peoples!" Viceroy : " I fear it may already be too late, your company Crystal Valley Industries has within a short space of time become one of the largest suppliers of gases. This has raised the interest of the media, and before long governments will also be interested; you have opened Pandoras Box! Gaurdius: " Since you called for this meeting we did some research about you, and are aware of your activities, you have benefited from the use of your power, so why would you deny us the right to benefit from our power. Your children move freely in the world, our children deserve the same freedom!" Viceroy : " No! Youre wrong, our children are not free, they too fear the wrath of the public at large, yes we have used our power to gain wealth and influence, but all of that would become meaningless should the rest of the public learn of our special abilities! Gaurdius: " What scares you is that people might learn of your true ambitions, to control their world, you must give them the opportunity to choose to accept all of us!" Viceroy : Once they learn about you, all of us will have no choice but to fight for survival, this is the nature of people, reason goes out of the window, and biological imperatives take over. As for our activities, while you have been hiding in some hole somewhere we have been fighting to create this world you see around you; our actions were born out of necessity! Gaurdius: " What would you have us do? Be forever in hiding! We have returned to the world and we are here to stay! We must share our gifts with the world!" Viceroy : " You know the world will not accept you; it is foolish to think otherwise! Gaurdius: " Even if the world is not ready to accept us, it would be wrong to impose our will on the people; they have the right to choose for themselves!" Viceroy : " Unfortunately that is not the law of nature, evolution does not negotiate, fate has chosen us to lead, so don''t try to impose your ideas on us. You have not been in the world long enough to fully understand the gravity of your actions Gaurdius: " We may have been hidden but we have always been aware of the world, it is the world that has not been aware of us" Viceroy : Then perhaps it would have been prudent for you to remain hidden Gaurdius: " What is done is done and cannot be Undone, it is up to the Hand of Destiny to decide to share the space in the world, there is no other way. Some of your methods are horrendous; you wield your power with impunity! That has to End! There must be justice or indeed the world will rise against us!" Viceroy : " The world will rise against us no matter what we do, we must prepare for confrontation; dont you see that conflict is inevitable? Gaurdius : " No! We have to find another way!" Viceroy : " There is no other way, our destiny has always been in our hands, and we will not allow anyone to take that away from us! Gaurdius : " We can achieve more together than apart!" Viceroy : " I agree! Join us! With your help we can achieve a new balance of power in both our favour!" Gaurdius: " We have to stop looking for a more favourable balance of power and start working on a community of power for all Humanity!" Viceroy: " Its impossible to find a righteous community of Humans when some Humans think that they are more important than others! Go to Europe and you will find a sea of prosperity; prosperity that has been achieved through the barrel of a gun! Force is the only thing that works; no human civilization has ever succeeded through anything else. Gaurdius : " Give them time, they will find a better way!" Viceroy : " Unfortunately time is the one thing we do not have; with every passing moment their ability to oppose us grows stronger. Gaurdius: " Our Future is not different from that of the rest of humanity, we are linked, intertwined, we need them more than they need us!" Viceroy : " Which is why we must act to secure our future, as the Hand of Destiny we will not accept a future were we do not have some measure of control Gaurdius : " The only control we can ever have is over ourselves." Viceroy : " With economic power we have been able to control our immediate world, we have accomplished more than most, with our wealth we will control those who work for us in our companies. Gaurdius : " To what end, how far will you go? At what level will you stop?" Viceroy : " Things will go as far as they need to, until the rest of humanity no longer poses a threat to us! Gaurdius : " What about the Laws of the Lands, Rules of Honour, Morality?" Viceroy : " The only laws that matter to us are our own! Besides the laws they write on the books and the courts are meaningless, the laws are not cast in stone, and we have seen how they can quickly be changed to suit some Agenda, we will not hold ourselves subject to the whims of the ignorant! Gaurdius : " What would you determine the nature of your relationship with us to be?" Viceroy : " It has become clear to us that you will not join us, so we only ask that you not interfere in our affairs! Stop drawing attention to yourselves!" Gaurdius: " Thats impossible, how can we operate in a business environment without ever coming into competition with you? It sounds like you are looking for a Veto on our activities; you want us to ask permission from you to go about our activities? We will not have masters; we are no ones slaves!" Viceroy : " Don''t get offended, all we are saying is that this country is our turf, so if you wish to operate here we would appreciate a little discretion! Gaurdius : " And if we refuse to follow your rules?" Viceroy : " Then I suppose conflict with us would be unavoidable! Gaurdius : " So now you threaten us!" Viceroy : " It''s not a threat, but merely a friendly warning! Understand this; we will not allow you to destroy everything we have built over the past hundred years! Gaurdius : " That sounds like a threat to me! What do you mean you will not allow us?" Viceroy : " Precisely that; we will have to move to stop you! For example should you decide to go public about your capabilities we would have no choice but to take control of the Country by force to secure our future, we would make sure that the people rise up against all Crystalans." Gaurdius: " We understand now what this meeting is all about, you have come here to make sure we are compliant, you think we might counterbalance your power, so you''re hear to head us off!" Viceroy : " If you decide to fight us the only ones who will suffer are the people you seek to protect, if you tell them who you are they will rise against you, can''t you see it''s futile! You must accept your fate! Gaurdius: " We cannot allow you to put innocent lives in harms way just so you can further your power!" Viceroy : " You Crystalans are Hypocrites just like your ancestor Lesedi, you claim to deplore violence yet on your chests you carry the most violent weapon of all. The power to destroy entire nations by taking away their ability to produce food; turning farmlands into deserts. You talk peace yet you prepare for war, we know about your Crystal Armour. Youre not the only ones who have found ways to increase your power! Gaurdius: " We as the Council of Elders will act according to the truest principles of what it means to be Crystalan; we have no choice but to be what we are!" Viceroy : " Regrettable! I had hoped you would be reasonable, but know this! His face becomes serious. Viceroy : " Everyone! Everyone who has stood against us has fallen! Gaurdius: " We are aware of your power, and have been for a long time, we have watched as you killed with impunity, its you who have been ignorant of us, we are not the only ones who have witnessed your cruelty, and others have seen it and will rise against you!" Viceroy : " You seem determined to oppose us, so when your precious Crystalans start dieing remember that we gave you an opportunity to avoid their suffering! Gaurdius: " We were always destined to confront you; it''s been our fate ever since Ralefa and Lesedi went their separate ways!" Viceroy : " Since conflict looks inevitable I offer you this; we must try and keep any clashes that might occur between us away from the rest of the population, both our peoples will be adversely affected by the human population finding out about us in that manner!" Gaurdius: " We had hoped to avoid this, but you will not change, and we will not bend to your will, fate will decide!" Viceroy : " We would hate to have to destroy you, so think long and hard before you take any actions that may lead to the destruction of all the Crystalans." Gaurdius: " We hope conflict would not be necessary, but by the Source we will defend ourselves!" And that ended the First meeting of the 2 Neo-Humans. And with that the meeting came to an end, the Council of Elders had come face to face with the most powerful force in southern Africa; the Hand of Destiny. The Council of Elders knew that there were tough times ahead; they had very little intelligence about the true capabilities of the Hand of Destiny, just how physically strong are they? There was only one way to answer that question, someone would have to fight one of the members of the Hand of Destiny (Hodian). - - - Chapter 03: Progress - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 3: Progress - - - After the meeting the Council of Elders called a general address, they told all the Crystalans what had occurred at the meeting, three members of the Council of Elders addressed the Crystalans. The members of the Council of Elders were Gaurdius, Isis and Cyris. Gaurdius, Isis and Cyris were former Guardians so they had personal understanding of the risks that those who wear crystal armour would have to confront. And they said this in closing; Gaurdius: " Crystalans; my heart ways heavy as we bring you these news, we as a people are at a crossroads, we can choose to hide and do nothing, but that would only postpone our confrontation with the Hand of Destiny (HOD), and with every moment we waist the Hand of Destiny grows stronger" Cyris : " The Hand of Destiny has told us in no uncertain terms that we must either submit to them or be destroyed! There are questions we need to answer about the HOD, we must collect intelligence on the HOD, and we need to measure their capabilities. We don''t know how long our conflict with the Hand of Destiny will last, but we do suspect that there may be more of them than there are of us! Isis : " Because of this, we must ask that we begin Vanguard training much earlier than we did in the past. Therefore all Children over the age of 7 will be equipped with training armour, the training armour will not be a fighting tool but a training tool designed to produce a highly trained Vanguard by the age of 18. The training Armour will be equipped with an attack limiter to prevent the children from harming themselves or each other. With the Spirit Stone protecting Crystalorb we don''t expect that Crystalorb is in any immediate danger but we must plan for the worst. May the Source give us strength! - - - After the General Address the Council of Elders summoned Nalen and Esara to the Council chambers. Nalen was Head of the research Units, and Esara was the head of the Expeditionary Units. Isis : " Esara you have served Crystalorb with great distinction, you have shown great courage and discipline, since becoming the Head of the Expeditionary units the units have become our trusted eyes and ears on the frontiers. This is why we look to you in this our hour of greatest need Esara : " Honoured leaders I am ready and willing to serve in what ever way the council sees fit! Isis : " We need intelligence on the Hand of Destiny, to this end we ask you to go into the world and survey the disposition of their forces. We need to know just how many of them there are Nalen : " Lady Isis; if I may! Isis : " Yes!" after a brief pause as looks at the other Elders "Nalen; Proceed! Nalen : " There may be a way to ascertain that number, I have been experimenting with some of the communications capability of the Spirit Stone. With the Council''s help we can connect the Spirit Stone to the internet, with this the Spirit Stone will be able to collect all the knowledge we seek from any place in the world. The Spirit Stone can access any computer provided that the encryption has not been placed beyond the limits of computation. We can access the database of the Department of Home Affairs and collect information on anyone who has the Surname Ralefa" Cyris : " Great thinking Nalen, you are hereby authorised to proceed!" Isis : " Esara; once Nalen collects the Information you must deploy your Vanguards to observe some of them and collect what ever Information you can gather. However in the end we''ll need to get an accurate measure of the fighting capabilities of a member of the Hand, you will have to fight on of them. Your physical capabilities are the highest of anyone I have ever seen your age, even in Vanglead Armour you generate more than twice the energy level of other Vangleads. We should have promoted you to Guardian a long time ago but because of the red crystal on your chest we were not sure how the rest of the armoured units would react, and there are those who view you with suspicion." Cyris : " Nevertheless your Promotion to Guardian has been Approved, and since all Armour is person specific in the next hour we will begin the ceremony where we will call upon the Spirit Stone to absorb your Vanglead Armour and replace it with a Guardian Armour. As from today you will be the first ever thirteenth Guardian. Nalen : " My Lord! Cyris : " Yes; Nalen Nalen : " I would also like to ask permission to begin experimenting with some upgrades to the crystal armour; modifications I have been designing." Isis : " The two of you are an incredible pair, one is an amazing warrior and the other has a tireless mind that will not yield. Gaurdius: " A true testament to Your grandfathers Greatness; I knew him you Know? Many forget that it was he that gave us the crystal armour, Olen would be proud of the two of you." Cyris : " When one becomes a Crystal Guardian the Spirit Stone arms you with the Guardian Compass! It''s a spiritual connection to other Crystalans, but it sometimes extends to other beings that have a deep connection to Crystalans. It''s the Guardian Compass that allows Crystal Guardians to hear Crystalans calling out to them. It triggers the protective instinct of a Crystal Guardian! Some believe that this ability predates the Chest Crystal, and it is in fact a human ability!" Esara and Nalen left the Council Chambers embolden by the words of the Council of Elders. They knew that hard times lay ahead but together they would face anything that came their way just as they did when they were kids. On the way home they had a conversation about Esara''s promotion. Esara : " So what do you think? Me a Guardian? Nalen : " Congratulations my Love, you deserve it! Esara : " Its a great responsibility, will I be strong enough! Nalen : " I don''t know anyone stronger; the Hand of Destiny will never know what hit them" Esara : But! Nalen : But nothing, with you in Guardian Armour; they don''t stand a chance - - - An hour later the Promotion ceremony began. Nalen, Casara and little Naole were in attendance; also in attendance were all the members of the Council of Elders and the other 12 Guardians. Each Guardian protects a sector of space around Crystalorb; the space is divided into 12 sectors like the hours of a clock, with each hour representing one Guardians area of operations. When all the guests had gathered at the top of the pyramid, Gaurdius, Isis and Cyris touched the Spirit Stone activating the crystals on their chest, then they began to commune with the spirits in the Spirit Stone. Gaurdius: " With the Crystal fragment on my Chest I unlock the seal!" Isis : In the name of all Crystalans I call upon the spirits of those who have left us!" Cyris : " Mighty spirits awaken and hear the call of your children!" Isis : " Esara; Step forth and say your Oath! Like most Crystalan women Esara was tall with a lean muscular physic. Esara stepped forward holding her Vanglead Armour which was encased in its power sphere. Esara : " I am the light on the hill!" the Crystal Armour sphere reacts as it recognizes Esara "The line in the sand!" Light energy increases "Here and no further!" Then electrical energy flowed from the Spirit Stone hitting the crystal on Esara''s chest, a beam of light from the Spirit Stone hit the Vanglead Armour forcing it out of Esara''s hand, the sphere containing the Vanglead Armour then floated towards the Spirit Stone, upon contact with the Spirit Stone a bright light emanated from the Spirit Stone, then in a flash the Armour sphere reappeared. Isis : " Go ahead Esara; Touch your destiny" When Esara touched the Armour sphere it began to glow bright red, the sphere opened to reveal Esara''s Guardian Armour. Then Esara produced a beam of light from her Chest crystal, and when the light hit the activation node on the armour it moved towards Esara and started assembling its self on her body. When the assembly process was complete Esara began the power up sequence which then activated the energy coupling with the retractable Lance. Esara''s Guardian Armour was different from that of other Guardians. The Normal Guardian armour was formed from clear Crystal; with (1) a Dense dome Armour Chest Crystal for Chest Energy blasts, (2) two other smaller middle finger Dense crystals for Fist Energy blasts, (3) a helmet with a communications crystal on the forehead and (4) a Crystal Lance. Guardian Armour Crystals are 25% larger than that of Vanglead Armour. The Vanguard and Vanglead Armour were not equipped with the communications Helmet and the Lance, also the Armour sphere was 40% smaller than Guardian Armour. The main difference between the Vanguard and Vanglead Armours is that the Vanglead Armour Chest Crystal is 20% larger than that of the Vanguard Armour. For Esara the Crystal Lance, the helmet and all the Energy blast Crystals were red. Because of the differences in the Armour energies there were also differences in the Armour amplification of physical strength. Vanguard Armour multiplied a Crystalans strength a hundred fold allowing the individual to lift over 80 tons, or the equivalent of 50 small cars. Vanglead Armour increased the physical capabilities by more than twice that of the Vanguard Armour. A Guardian would gain more than twice the physical capabilities of Vanglead Armour through the use of Guardian Armour. As a Crystalan gets older their Chest Crystal gets denser and more powerful, and that meant that their Armour would need to be upgraded so that the Crystal forming the Armour is identical to the Chest Crystal. The fact that the Chest Crystal and the Armour''s Crystal were identical allowed the Crystalans body to perceive the Crystal Armour as part of the body, this is what gave Crystalans the ability to intuitively control the Crystal Armour, with the Chest Crystal linking the brain to the Crystal Armour. Olen did not design the armour as a weapon system but and ability enhancer, his intension was not to create a stand alone weapon but a tool for amplifying a Crystalans natural ability. The helmet and the two smaller middle finger dense crystals for fist blasts were all additions created by others as improvements to the original design. When Esara was finished powering up the ceremony continued. Isis : " Warriors of Crystalorb I give you the first ever Expeditionary Guardian! Tasked with the protection of Crystalorb''s interests that lie beyond the territorial range of Crystalorb!" And with that the ceremony was complete; Esara had been inducted into the Crystalorb warrior elite. Esara''s children Casara and Naole were very delighted at the prospect of being the kids of a Guardian; they thought that it meant the teasing by other children would end. - - - A few days later Nalen completed his search for details about the number of the members of the Hand of Destiny (HOD). Nalen had discovered that at a minimum there were 9500 living descendents of Ralefa. This meant that the Crystalans were gravely outnumbered these were pretty bad odds for the survival of the Crystalans. When Nalen presented this information to the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council they wanted to know why there was such a difference in the procreation capabilities of the two groups. So Nalen answered: Nalen : " My Lord the answer to that question lies in the very make up of a Crystalan, I suspect it has to do with the Crystal induced electrical energy in every cell of a Crystalan''s body. When my son Naole was having difficulties as a baby I examined his body chemistry relative to known medical data, comparing Naole''s, Mine, Esara''s and other Crystalan samples to known Medical data." Isis : " What were the results?" Nalen : " Well, the electrical energy contained in a standard Crystalan cell is more than 10 times that of a normal Human. Red chest crystal Crystalan contained more than 3 times the electrical energy of a normal Crystalan and Naole having a blue chest Crystal contains more than 6 times the electrical energy of a normal Crystalan Cyris : " What does any of this mean?" Nalen : " Experience has shown us that for Crystalans the male is the carrier for the active genes that form the chest crystals, but even though the female''s genes are passive the female Crystalan is the other critical component in ensuring fertilization. We have seen in the past that Crystalan women could successfully have children with normal human men, but Crystalan men had trouble conceiving with normal human females. At the heart of the fertility problems is the energy in the cells of the sperm. The sperm of a Crystalan male has so much energy it destroys the egg while trying to penetrate the egg. In 99.8% of cases the attempt ends in failure, but the egg of a Crystalan female is not destroyed by the sperm because it contains a comparable energy component. However the egg from Crystalan female being immobile does not generate the extra energy compared to the Crystalan sperm, thus the Crystalan egg does not nearly always destroy the sperm from a normal human; resulting in fertilization in 32% of the circumstances!" Isis : " By the Source!" Gaurdius : " So what about the Hand of Destiny, dont they have the same problem?" Nalen : " From the historical records of the day Lesedi and Ralefa received their abilities; Ralefa only came into contact with a microscopic fragment of the crystal on the skin. That is why the mutation was centred around soft tissue, but for Lesedi the mutation was centred around bone tissue, the end result is self evident. Other records also indicate Ralefa''s abilities were more physical than energy based. We believe Ralefa being exposed to such a small amount of the crystal allowed his body to manage the transformation process more effectively than that in Lesedi. For Lesedi the transformation was dominated by the crystal''s requirements resulting in higher energy levels. The cells in our bodies operate at these high energy levels because the crystal in our chest operate more efficiently at these electrical energy levels" Isis : " Is there anything we can do to increase our birth rate?" Nalen : " Yes Lady Isis!" after a brief pause "But we have more immediate concerns. In trying to give an estimate on the physical capabilities of the members of the Hand of Destiny we came upon something disturbing." Cyris : " What?" Nalen : " After the Meeting you held with the Hand of Destiny we collected the chairs used by the Viceroy and his associates so that we could collect any skin follicles or other residual DNA material. From the skin samples we have been able to collect we found that their skin contains a form of metallic crystal similar to our crystal but fundamentally different in its properties" Gaurdius : " What does any of this mean?" Nalen : " Well, their crystal does not display hyper conductive electrical properties, but seems to act more like skin reinforcements; they increase the strength of the skin to yet unseen levels. Their crystal uses a different kind of energy to increase some body activities; we suspect it has something to do with Ralefa''s need to absorb Life-Force energy. Records show that Ralefa did not absorb the energy of humans because human consciousness distorted the energy, so he preferred the energy of non-Sapient animal life, we believe that it is this energy that allows their crystals to multiply and store this energy." Isis : " I still don''t see the point?" Nalen : " It was the chairs that gave us the final clue, at the base of each of the legs of each chair there is a plastic material covering the end of each leg. Since all the chairs were new, the deformation of the plastic gives a relatively good measure of the weight of each person. We have thus been able to calculate each of their weights. We already know that Crystalans are on average 257% heavier than normal humans of proportional size. The Members of the Hand of Destiny have been calculated at 4 times the weight of a normal human, that is 300% heavier, and the Viceroy in particular is 5.5 times the weight of a normal human of his size" Cyris : " By the Source, what implications does that hold for us?" Nalen : " Their weight has implications as to their muscle density. From the ease in which they moved we can safely say that their strength is in proportion to their weight. If I were to give an estimate they could be between 10 to 30 times the strength of a normal human not taking into consideration the potential for even higher levels due to life-force energy absorption." Gaurdius : " Are you saying that they are stronger than us?" Nalen : " Not exactly, we also have some of their capabilities. I mean, we are also descendents of Ralefa; his two daughters married Naole and Nalen. The difference comes up because of the chest crystal; it is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Even without Armour the crystal allows us to reach strength levels greater than ten times that of a normal human, but that strength comes at a price, it uses so much energy that it cannot be sustained for long periods of time, and that is why we need the armour. We think that their strength is constant and permanent!" Isis : " But we still hold the advantage?" Nalen : " That may not be true; we still dont know what the Viceroy meant when he said that they have found a way to increase their power!" Cyris : " In any case they don''t have the Spirit Stone to guide and protect them." Nalen : " That may not be enough, with access to advanced weaponry they may be able to reach even here in Crystalorb. To survive we might have to take the fight to them, wherever they are!" {Onala another member of the Council of Elders enters the discussion} Onala : " Is our future truly that bleak? Come on son of the great thinker Shanela! I have watched you since you were a child, I know youve probably started thinking of a way to give us back the advantage!" Nalen : " I have some Ideas that could give us the advantage we need to survive! Some of my Ideas and concepts are risky, but may help to tip the balance in our favour" Isis : " Well! Let''s here them" Nalen : " First, we need to address the numbers problem, there is just too few of us to wage a successful campaign. We need to start recruiting from the normal human allies to help in the fight, and to this end I will begin work on Armour that does not require a chest crystal to operate it. I expect that the armour may only reach 20% of Vanguard armour, but it will give us units on the ground. Second, I have been experimenting with ways for us to use our armour to generate a protective energy field to shield us from enemy physical or projectile attacks, but to be effective I will require combat data." Cyris : " I don''t know about Armour for normal humans? If we build such Armour we run the risk of it falling into enemy hands or worse that of governments! Should world governments gain access to our armour technology it could be catastrophic for all human kind. They would use this new found power to make war on each other!" Onala : " I agree, we can''t risk Crystalan technology ending up in the wrong hands. If others use the technology to do Evil we would be responsible for the chaos that follows." Nalen : " You just don''t understand the gravity of the numbers that are against us? Looking back at our historical records we know that Ralefa''s sons had multiple wives. One of Ralefas sons had 37 wives and a total of 189 children, and all the males also had multiple wives. By 1970 the HOD was paying hundreds of women throughout Africa to have children for them. In short we are looking at thousands of them, possibly tens of thousands." Gaurdius: " I agree with Cyris, that risk is too great, but the shield sounds like just the thing we need" Nalen : " There are some complications with that" Onala : " What complications?" Nalen : " Generating the shield drains the Crystal Armours reserve energy, making the practical applications of the shield minimal. Fortunately I have designed a plan to solve the energy problem. Incidentally the answer to increasing the Crystal Armours reserve energy comes from a device Esara and I created for our son Naole to aid him with his energy reserve problem. However there is a little problem with integrating the energy reserve system into the Armours, this may require a complete redesign of the Crystal Armour energy management systems." Gaurdius : " Nothing is ever simple with you is it Nalen? How long will it take?" Nalen : " 6 to 12 months my Lord!" The Council of Elders now turns their attention to the Guardian Council. Isis : " Guardians; what progress can you report? Kolen the Guardian Council chairman referred to as Guardian Commander gives his report. Kolen : " Honoured Council; we can report that our preparations are moving ahead smoothly. Training has intensified, and all our units in other territories are mobilizing as we speak. We stand ready for an attack!" Gaurdius: " Esara; What of the intelligence we require on the fighting capabilities of the Hand of Destiny?" Esara : " We are monitoring a group of the members of the HOD operating in a small mining town in Namibia; we hope to receive actionable information from their activities" Onala : " Good!" Cyris : " What do the Guardians make of Nalen''s Assertions that we may be in big trouble?" Kolen : " With all due respect Nalen is being overly pessimistic about our situation." Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Esara : " Guardian Commander; if I may!" Kolen : " Go ahead!" Esara : " I am eager to hear from my Husband as to when his research on the Expeditionary transport Aircraft will be complete." Nalen : " Well, I have determined that the Aircraft are no longer necessary!" Kolen : " What?" Cyris : " Indeed; on what authority did you make such a decision?" Gaurdius : " We the Council of Elders make the decisions on whats necessary!" Nalen : " The whole thing was impractical! The Expeditionary units will just have to acquire the aircraft from the international market, we have more pressing issues!" Esara : " The ability to rapidly deploy our Expeditionary units is critical to our security" Nalen : " I agree!" Cyris : " Then why have you acted to stop the development of the aircraft?" Nalen : " My analyses of the situation led me to believe that the development of these aircraft would detract from our main objectives. Even with stealth capabilities the operational usefulness of these aircraft would be limited. That is why I am designing an alternative to the Aircraft!" Esara : " What alternative?" Kolen : " What are you talking about? There are no alternatives!" Gaurdius : " Let the man speak! He always has such inventive Ideas!" Nalen : " I think the way to go is to make the Crystal Armour flight capable!" Onala : " What?" Cyris : " We''ve tried that before it had disastrous results!" Nalen : " Perhaps that was because you didnt have me working on it for you!" Esara : " Honoured Councils; please forgive my Husband, sometimes his ego gets the better of him!" Kolen : " Making the armour flight capable could give us standoff attack capabilities. This may be the boost we need to gain the initiative!" Gaurdius: " Another one of your big Ideas Nalen?" Nalen : " The previous attempts at flight failed because the premise was wrong, I have better Ideas about that. My preliminary designs are of an electromagnetic air compression system. We compress air and then release it through several thrust vectored nozzles. It''s simple when you think about it!" Gaurdius: " Of course, by using electrical energy you avoid the need for a standard fuel!" Isis : " Gaurdius don''t encourage him!" Gaurdius: " Isis; you dont understand, this might actually work" Kolen : " How much lift have you been able to generate" Nalen : " So far the testing of the compressed air nozzle has produced 9820 Newtons of thrust from a single nozzle at 25% of projected Vanguard Armour power" Gaurdius : " What are the energy requirements?" Nalen : " Well there are some energy requirements. That is why the energy upgrades to the Armour are so critical; therefore the redesign of the energy matrix for the shield will take into account the energy requirements for long term flight needs. We have made the necessary calculations and we are confident that we will be within operational limits!" Onala : " In the mean time will use our company to acquire Plaines and helicopters for use by the Expeditionary units! Cyris : " Agreed!" Isis : " Yes!" Gaurdius: " Nalen; The fate of our people rests with you and your research team!" And with that the meeting was concluded. - - - After the meeting Esara went to talk to her husband about some concerns she had about some of Nalen''s assertions. Esara knew her Husband; she could sense that he was greatly conflicted about something. He had been quiet for days now and very busy in his laboratory working harder than usual. Esara : " Husband; what troubles you?" Nalen : " It''s nothing, I''m just stressed out." Esara : " Nalen I know you, talk to me!" Nalen : " I can''t talk to you about this!" Esara : " Why not, I am your wife, unburden your Heart!" Nalen : " But you''re not just my wife, you''re a Guardian. You have a responsibility that extends beyond the concerns of your husband" Esara : " I still need to know whats in your heart, I love you! Thoughts of you never leave my mind and my heart." Nalen : " I am afraid!" Esara : " We are all afraid my love, these are dangerous times for all Crystalans" Nalen : " My fear has a specific focus on you! Ever since I have been able to estimate the Hand''s strengths I have been worried for your safety. The Council of Elders seems far too eager to send you into battle, far to willing to sacrifice your life! They may be willing to loose you but I''m not!" Esara : " You''re not going to loose me!" Nalen : " This is why I have been working so hard. I have been developing all these knew ideas to protect you, but I''m worried that it wont be enough!" Esara : " Why do you think that?" Nalen : " The thing that concerns me the most is what the Viceroy said, what did he mean they found ways to increase their power? My suspicion is that they have created Armour comparable to ours." Esara : " By the Source! That cant be true!" Nalen : " Each member of the Hand of Destiny is all but Indestructible, Armour would make them invulnerable. Should the need arise for you to engage them ...!" They embrace. Esara : " I will be fine" Nalen : " If you have to fight, go for the quick victory, no build ups, fight at near maximum power! Esara : " You mean fast and Hard, Just like when we were kids! Its a pity you never had the stomach for violence, you could have been an amazing warrior! I see Naole is the same way." Nalen : " Thank the Source! He can grow up to be a great Mind just like his father." Esara : " There goes that ego again." Nalen : " Come let us go home to our children" And so they went home. - - - Nalen immediately started work on the upgrades to the Crystal Armour. The work was intense with many pitfalls. The hyper conductive crystals could generate a very powerful electric field which then generates a powerful magnetic field. The design is such that the electromagnetic fields contain the pressurised air in multiple chambers. The thrust vectored nozzles were placed with two at bottom of each foot, two on the back at waist level, two on the back at chest level, two on the either side of his Armour Chest Crystal and another two on the shoulders. The vectored nozzles are capable of a maximum range of movement. That meant that vectored nozzles could be pointed in any direction, this allowed the operator to change direction instantaneously. Preliminary testing showed the potential for very advanced flight capabilities. Before full testing could begin the shield designs had to be perfected. Nalen wanted to make the flight safe, for him the main fear was that without the shield a crush at the projected high speeds could kill the operator. Nalen''s main concept was to use the shield configuration systems as part of the flight system. The shield design was based on a number of different properties. The main concept was to trap a gas between two different electromagnetic fields. The preferred gas was helium, but atmospheric air proved to be a more realistic option. The electromagnetic fields were such that they attracted each other thus compressing the air between them, therefore creating an air barrier around the armour. Generating sufficiently strong electromagnetic fields proved very difficult because it required a massive amount of electrical energy. This led to the armour core energy reserves being increased to 100 times the original. This increase was achieved using the designs learned from Naole''s energy sphere. The side effect of increasing the Total reserve energy of the armour was that the weight of the armour was multiplied by 4. In the end taking into account all the flight and energy enhancement the weight was 5 times that of the original armour. - - - Nalen had been working for nearly five months to produce his prototype. When Nalen finished his preliminary testing of the prototype he approached the Council of Elders to ask them for their approval for the use of the Spirit Stone to absorb the design to create a Full crystal upgrade to his own Vanglead armour. So the full Council of Elders gathered at the top of the pyramid to hear Nalen''s request. Also present was Esara, Kolen and the other 4 members of the research team. Nalen : " Honoured Councils! I am here to present the Research team''s progress on the armour upgrade and therefore request your approval for the next phase of the testing!" Gaurdius: " Welcome Nalen, it''s good to see that you are making progress!" Isis : " Very well, but first could you demonstrate the capabilities of your prototype!" Onala : " Yes; we have to see the improvements before we can proceed!" Cyris : " If you could perhaps quickly demonstrate the shield and flight capabilities of the prototype" Nalen : " Certainly!" Then Nalen used his red Chest Crystal to activate his now enhanced Vanglead armour triggering the assembly sequence. Once the armour was fully assembled on his body he began the power up process. Once the Crystal Armour reached full power Nalen used his chest crystal to control the Crystal Armour, and then activated the new systems. Speaking out loud for the benefit of the Council of Elders. Nalen : " Activating Shield! Setting shield strength to 5% of maximum!" A red aura appeared around Nalen''s armour, with the aura starting 50 millimetres from the armour. Nalen : " Activating flight system shield matrix interface!" The Shield around Nalen''s arms took the shape of an aerofoil, and on his back the shield formed a wing covering his shoulder length. Nalen : " Activating holographic heads up display and automatic targeting systems!" A Holographic heads up display (H.U.D) appeared showing all navigational data, energy levels and other systems. The targeting systems were also started, with the chest blast crystal glowing and thus becoming active. Nalen : " Everything looks good!" There is a Pause. Nalen : " Starting thrust sequence!" The Shield formed Vortices around all the thrust vectored nozzles and air intake systems. Also there would be Vortices formed around Armour energy blast Crystals as the blast is being generated. Nalen : " And here we go! The vectored nozzles begin to roar. Nalen : " Starting thrusters!" Thrust vectored nozzles begin to blow air at very high speed but not with enough force to achieve lift. Nalen : " Activating automatic stabilisation and navigation systems! Calibrating automatic control systems and surfaces!" The thrust vectored nozzles begin to move around their spherical range of motion. Nalen : " Lifting 2 meters!" Thrust vectored nozzles increased output causing Nalen to rise and hover 2 meters above the surface of the pyramid. All those present were amazed at how easily Nalen achieved Lift. Nalen : " For programming purposes, with my body perpendicular to the surface we call this vertical flight. In this mode I can move horizontally and vertically with my body remaining perpendicular to the surface. Nalen then demonstrated the movements while his body remained perpendicular to the surface. He then stopped to hover, then tilted 90 degrees so that the length of his body was parallel to the surface. Nalen : " As you can see I can hover even when parallel to the ground. For programming purposes we call this parallel flight. In this mode I can also move horizontally and vertically with my body remaining parallel to the surface!" Nalen then demonstrated the movements while his body remained parallel to the surface. He then stopped to hover, and then tilted 90 degrees so that the length of his body was perpendicular to the surface, but now his head was at the bottom and his feet at the top. Nalen then demonstrated the horizontal and vertical movements, while his body remained upside down and perpendicular to the surface. He then stopped to hover, and then tilted 180 degrees so that he was right side up and the length of his body was perpendicular to the surface. Nalen : " To fully test the supersonic capabilities of the Armour I would need a fully integrated system. That can only be achieved by the Spirit Stone! I don''t want a situation where a connection error results in mid-flight failure!" Naole smiles. Nalen : " The Spirit Stone makes no connection and interface error!" Isis : " This is an incredible achievement Nalen!" Gaurdius : " You and your team may have given Crystalorb the tool we need to survive!" Cyris : " You should be very proud!" after a brief pause "You should all be very proud! Crystalorb is Honoured by your dedication!" Nalen : " On behalf of the Research Team, thank you! I would like to caution the Council that there is a learning curve in operating the new systems!" Gaurdius : " Acknowledged! Let us proceed with the Spirit Stone Fabrication processes" All the members of the Council of Elders touched the Spirit Stone activating the crystals on their chest, then they began to commune with the spirits in the Spirit Stone. Gaurdius : " With the Crystal fragment on my Chest I unlock the seal!" Isis : In the name of all Crystalans I call upon the spirits of those who have left us!" Cyris : " Mighty spirits awaken and hear the call of your children!" Isis : " Nalen; Step forth and touch the Spirit Stone! Nalen still wearing his Experimental Vanglead Armour stepped forward and touched the Spirit Stone. As soon as Nalen touched the Spirit Stone an enormous burst of electrical energy flowed from the Spirit Stone into Nalen''s hand moving through his entire body then out his Chest crystal back into the Spirit Stone. Then the armour removed itself from Nalen''s body encasing itself in a bright red sphere. Then electrical energy flowed from the Spirit Stone hitting the crystal on Nalen''s chest, a beam of light from the Spirit Stone hit the red sphere containing the Experimental Vanglead Armour making it float towards the Spirit Stone, upon contact with the Spirit Stone a bright light emanated from the Spirit Stone. With a burst of electrical energy the red Armour sphere reappeared, but the red sphere was twice the size of a Guardian Armour Sphere. Nalen moved towards the Sphere and touched the Sphere. Nalen : " Here we go!" By touching the Sphere Nalen activated the armour release systems. To everyone''s surprise Nalen''s armour was Guardian Armour. Nalen : " This is a surprise!" Gaurdius : " By the source!" Isis : " Guardian Armour?" Cyris : " But we did not authorize Nalen''s promotion to Guardian?" Kolen : " He does not function as a warrior!" Onala : " How could this be? What did you do Nalen?" Nalen : " I didnt do anything!" Cyris : " You must have!" Onala : " Indeed!" Esara : " Nalen!" Isis : " Let us take a moment to confer!" So the Council of Elders left and went into chambers to discuss amongst themselves for a few minutes on what course of action to take given the unprecedented events. Then the Council of Elders returned to give their judgement. Isis : " Obviously this development has caught us unawares!" Cyris : " Nevertheless we cannot allow Nalen to wear the Guardian Armour without our approval!" Esara : " My lord if I may!" Gaurdius : " Go ahead Esara!" Esara : " My Husband has no desire to be a Guardian, he does not want the responsibility of a warrior; Yet for whatever reason this is a Guardian Armour. Why not ask the Spirit Stone why it has chosen him for Guardian Armour?" Gaurdius: " It''s Obvious why the Spirit Stone has deemed him a Guardian; because of his red chest crystal he generates energies far beyond that of a Vanglead, perhaps even more than that of a normal Guardian. The Spirit Stone must have chosen him on that basis!" Nalen : " In that case feel free to Transform it back to Vanglead Armour!" Isis : " It''s not that simple! In any case Esara is correct we must ask the Spirit Stone!" All the members of the Council of Elders touched the Spirit Stone activating the crystals on their chest, then they began to commune with the spirits in the Spirit Stone. Isis : " Mighty Spirits please hear our call!" Cyris : " Fill our hearts with you Courage!" Gaurdius: " Help us understand the answers to the questions in our minds!" Then all the members of the Council of Elders heard a voice in their heads. It sounded like many people speaking simultaneously. The Voice: " We desire for Nalen to be a Guardian, because you will need his strength! None amongst all in Crystalorb has shown more commitment to the security of Crystalorb. Nalen may seem arrogant, but he understands the urgency of the situation, and this is why for the past five months he has laboured day and night to produce this new Armour. In his core Nalen harbours an incredible power, a power greater than that of any Guardian. We cannot force him to become a Guardian, he has to choose to be one, but we have chosen to give him the Guardian Armour to encourage him in that direction. In the end he must choose to be a Guardian, let him wear the Armour of the Guardians!" The Council of Elders then let go of the Spirit Stone. This was the First Time the Spirit Stone had chosen to use a voice to communicate with them. Isis : " We have reached a decision on this matter!" Gaurdius: " Nalen; you can wear the Guardian Armour, but we will not give you the title and responsibility of a Guardian!" Cyris : " Nalen; you may now proceed" Onala : " But before you proceed, Esara step forward!" Esara Steps forward. Gaurdius: " Esara; How familiar are you with Nalen''s armour enhancements?" Esara : " I''ve been there while he tested some of its systems!" Cyris : " So that means that outside his research team you are the only other person with some understanding of how the new armour operates!" Esara : " Well; Ayah! I suppose so! Yes!" Isis : " All the other members of the research team are at Vanguard Armour level Onala : " She''s the only one from Crystalorb Command that might be able to operate the new Guardian Armour!" Gaurdius: " Nalen we cannot allow you outside Crystalorb in Guardian Armour unescorted! You would become an immediate target for our enemies!" Isis : " And since youre not a Guardian you''ll need an escort!" Cyris : " Esara will escort you on your testing exercises!" Gaurdius : " To that end we will now upgrade her Armour to that similar to yours" Nalen : " Great! Now Ill have my wife as my babysitter!" Esara : " Relax, it wont be that bad!" Gaurdius: " Nalen; for all your activities outside Crystalorb you will be under the command of the Expeditionary Guardian!" Isis : " Esara look after him, keep him safe!" Esara : " On your Command!" Cyris : " Now; everyone leave us! We wish to talk to Nalen alone!" Everyone left leaving Nalen alone with the Council of Elders. Isis : " Nalen; the Spirit Stone has seen into your heart and found a great warrior, but your mind is not ready! So know that we do not disapprove of you being a Guardian, but understand that the position of Guardian is earned!" Gaurdius : " Being a Guardian is about more than the armour you wear!" Cyris : " Yes, a Guardian is a leader!" Onala : " A Leader who commands the respect of those who follow him or her!" Isis : " To other Crystalorb warriors you are a researcher not a warrior" Gaurdius : " But the Spirit Stone has sensed your true nature!" Isis : " The Spirit Stone believes in you and that is enough for us!" Cyris : " But you still have to prove yourself to the rest of Crystalorb!" Nalen : " I understand!" Isis : " Good!" Then the Council of Elders called those who had left back into the Spirit Stone chamber to continue the Armour upgrade rituals. The Council of Elders then used the same procedure as that of Nalen to upgrade Esara''s Guardian Armour. This resulted in both their Armours standing there, transformed from their spherical form. Gaurdius: " Well? Nalen! Esara! What are you waiting for? Activate your Armours!" Esara : " On your Command!" Nalen : " On your Command!" Then Nalen and Esara produced red beams of light from their Chest Crystals, and when the beams of light hit the activation nodes on their armours, the armours moved towards Nalen and Esara and started assembling themselves on their bodies. When the assembly process was complete Nalen and Esara began the power up sequence which then activated the energy coupling the armours with their retractable Lances. - - - Chapter 04: In the Name of Crystalorb - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 4: In the Name of Crystalorb - - - Afterwards Nalen and Esara used the transit system to go outside of Crystalorb. They then Activated the flight systems, after that took off and climbed to an altitude of 12000 meters. They then tilted to allow for Parallel Horizontal Flight. The Armour was designed to remove Carbon ? from Carbon dioxide (CO2) thus giving the operator a constant supply of pure oxygen. When Nalen and Esara completed their tilt for horizontal flight they began to fly at high speed. Nalen wanted to know the limitations of the Armour at Supersonic speeds. With the shields at 5% Nalen and Esara increased their speed to 350m/s (Mach 1.0184), just above supersonic. The ease at which the Armour went supersonic surprised even Nalen. Next Nalen and Esara increased their speed to 875m/s (Mach 2.544). They flew at that speed for 2 hours towards the Atlantic Ocean covering 6300 km (kilometres) then stopped in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean where they could perform the rest of the tests. Nalen Wanted to know how the Armour performed under Battle conditions. So Nalen and Esara would now fight each other, taking the armour to the limits of its capabilities. Nalen : " Well woman, we are about to find out what you are truly made off!" Esara : " So thats how it''s going to be?" Nalen : " Of course, hold nothing back!" Nalen raised his shields to 90% "Lets see what you''ve got!" Esara : " Ok! Just like when we were kids" Esara raised her shields to 90% "You''ll lose!" Nalen : " Back then I was taking it easy on you!" Esara : " Really?" Esara activates chest blast at 40%, but just before she blasts. Nalen : " Chest Nova Blast!" Nalen produces a very bright, red orb of light from his chest. The light temporarily caused Esara to loose sight of Nalen allowing him to escape her Chest blast. Nalen then quickly goes supersonic while in vertical flight then produces a hand crystal blast which hits Esara on her left arm. Esara : " What the hell was that?" Nalen : " It''s a special move I created" Nalen gives Esara a smirk, then smiles "Do you like it?" Esara : " I''m going to enjoy wiping that smirk of your face!" Esara powers both hands for a blast "Let''s see how you like this!" Esara sends two hand blasts directly at Nalen, but Nalen quickly moves out of the way only to be confronted by a fist from Esara. Just as Nalen thought that the attack was over the two hand blasts he had avoided were coming back and aiming at him from behind, Esara had calculated that he would avoid them. Nalen : " Ooh hell!" just as the blasts were about to hit Nalen Thunder flash!" A burst of energy deflects the energy blasts straight into the water. Esara : " Lightning blast!" A lightning stream of energy flowed from Esara''s right hand hitting Nalen''s left shoulder. Nalen : " Spinning shield" Nalen''s Shield began rotating collecting the energy from Esara''s attack "Shield burst!" Nalen redirected Esara''s attack which then hits Esara on the chest "You want to play? Lets play!" Esara : " That was pretty good, you''ve improved a lot since the last time I fought you!" Nalen : " You''re just used to being more powerful than those you train against, you''re not pushing yourself hard enough!" Esara : " No! You''ve been training in secret" Nalen : " Will see how you like my next attack!" Esara : " Bring it!" Nalen : " Spinning Shield Tornado Attack!" Nalen''s Shield began rotating, this time even faster than before causing the air around Nalen to spin. As the wind speed rose Esara began to have trouble stabilizing her hover. Realising that at the centre of the twister Nalen was not experiencing flight problems she decided to fly over the wall of wind and into the eye of the twister and make her assault directly at Nalen. When Esara went into the eye of the twister she discovered that Nalen had been using the twister to suck water from the sea, and Nalen had calculated that Esara would make her assault from above. Nalen : " Hydro Cannon!" All the water Nalen had been collecting began spraying Esara like a very powerful water jet. As the water hit it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain her shield. Nalen created the shield, and so he new its weaknesses, the water was cooling the air in the electromagnetic field, but the water was also interfering with the magnetic field causing the shield to fail. Then Nalen stopped his attack Nalen : " Well? What do you Think?" Esara : " Impressive!" Nalen : " I thought you''d like that one" Esara : " So you''ve developed a whole host of attacks that no one has ever seen before!" Nalen : " Yes, while you were Learning the attacks all other Guardian use I have been perfecting attacks unique to the Red Chest Crystal. It''s time for you to bring Your A Game Guardian!" Esara : " Ok! Just remember; you asked for it!" Then Esara removed the retractable Lance from the side of her right thigh. The Crystal Lance is the primary weapon of a Guardian. Esara increased her energy output powering up the Crystal Lance. The increase in electrical energy caused the contracted Lance to extend to its full length of 2 meters. The primary concern to Nalen was the two pointed edges of the Lance. Nalen knew that because the Lance is powered by electrical energy it had the potential of penetrating his shield. The Lance could also be used to generate precise electrical energy attacks. Nalen : " Huh! Shield to maximum!" Esara : " Now will see how well you stand up to the attack of a Guardian!" Esara used the Lance to generate electrical energy streams from both Lance edges targeting the feet nozzles through the Vortex opening in the shield. As soon as Nalen felt the electrical energy reaching him through the shield he did something no other Crystalan can do. Nalen produced electrical energy from all the Crystals on his armour, the electrical energy had a different charge to that of Esara''s electrical energy, this cause the two electrical energies to repel each other thus blocking Esara''s Attack. Just as quickly Nalen modulated the charge of the electrical energy he was producing to be compatible to that of Esara''s energy attack resulting in Nalen''s armour absorbing Esara''s electrical energy. Seeing this Esara stopped her attack Esara : " What the hell was that?" Nalen : " Again, something only a red Chest Crystal can do!" Esara : " I can''t do that?" Nalen : " Of course you can, you just don''t know how!" Esara : " You are full of surprises!" Realising that Nalen has a counter for almost any energy attack Esara decided to launch a physical high energy Lance attack. Esara went supersonic reaching mach 2.8; she would physically propel the Lance through Nalen''s shield. As the tip of the Lance collided with Nalen''s shield there was a gigantic release of light and electrical energy that could be seen 5 kilometres away. Then Nalen saw that his shield was failing; Esara was channelling so much energy into the Lance that it would eventually break through the shield. Nalen increased his light and electrical energy output from the Armour Crystal to the highest he could master. This massive surge in energy from Nalen supercharged the air that was trapped between the Electromagnetic Fields to create the shield, turning the air into supercharged gaseous plasma that produced so much power it broke the tip of the Lance that had partially penetrated Nalen''s shield. Esara : " By the Source!" Nalen : " You know you could have seriously injured me with that!" Esara : " I''m sorry, I lost control a little bit, but I was aiming for your shoulder" Nalen : " Phew! It''s a good thing I..." Esara interjects "Ayah!" Esara : " Wait! I''m receiving a transmission from Crystalorb. It''s the Council of Elders" A holographic projection emerges from Esara''s helmet Communications Crystal. A holographic projection of the Council of Elders appeared before Esara and Nalen. Gaurdius: " Esara, you must return to Crystalorb at once! There is a situation developing that requires your immediate attention!" Esara : " At once my Lord!" Esara and Nalen immediately went supersonic heading in the direction of Crystalorb, with Esara staying in constant contact with the Guardian command centre. Esara : " Esara Supersonic, speed at mach 2.9, altitude 12000 meters, estimated arrival time 105.253 minutes" - - - While Esara was flying in the direction of Crystalorb Kolen the Guardian Commander briefed Esara about the developing situation. A member of the Hand of Destiny (HOD) had made contact with the team monitoring the HOD''s activities in a mining village in Namibia. The man''s name was Lotjama Ralefa nicknamed Loj. Loj expressed to the Vanglead in charge of the expeditionary team that he wanted to defect. Loj was sure that the HOD would kill him should they find out that he had intensions of betraying them. In return for his and his family''s security Loj would provide a detailed account of all the HOD''s activities that he was aware of. Loj would be able to give information about the fighting capabilities and weaponry of the Hand of Destiny. At the Chambers the Guardian Council and the Council of Elders had gathered to discuss the situation concerning Loj. Kolen : " Honoured Councils, we must retrieve Loj, the information he could give us could be critical!" Isis : " But is it worth the risk?" Cyris : " This could be the thing that sparks direct confrontation between Crystalorb and the Hand of Destiny!" Kolen : " My lord; confrontation is coming with or without this, but with Loj we would no longer be blind to the abilities of the HOD!" Gaurdius: " And what about after we retrieve him where would we put him and his son?" Onala : " We don''t even know why he wants to defect" Kolen : " Why is neither here nor there, a decision is required on this matter, and time is of critical importance!" The discussions continue. - - - When Esara arrived at Crystalorb she immediately went to see the Council of Elders. Isis : " Esara; those are your people in that town, what do you think is the correct course of action?" Esara : " The risk is great, especially to my people on the ground, but an opportunity like this may never avail itself again! I would choose to retrieve Loj!" Gaurdius : " How many HOD units are on the ground?" Esara : " Six, including Loj!" Cyris : " So our people are outnumbered!" Gaurdius : " Esara; how quickly can you get there?" Esara : " 90 minutes, but my Armour needs some repair and recharging so thatll be another 2 hours" Gaurdius: " Esara; instruct your units on the ground to intervene and retrieve Loj at the earliest opportunity!" Esara : " On your Command!" Isis : " Kolen; activate your units to collect Lojs son and bring him here to Crystalorb!" Cyris : " And Kolen; make sure that all the Crystalorb Defence systems are raised to the maximum level. We must stand ready for an attack!" Kolen : " On your Command!" Gaurdius: " We will adjourn for now and meet again in 2 hours" The emergency meeting is adjourned, but Isis wants to speak to Esara alone. Isis : " Esara; I know I dont have to tell you why the situation makes me uneasy!" Esara : " Yes Lady Isis! Peo is a capable Vanglead he will be fine!" Isis : " A mother never stops worrying! You know he volunteered to serve under your command. He said he wanted to work with the best!" Esara : " I''m honoured!" Isis : " In the meeting you said something about your armour needing repair?" Esara : " Yes!" Esara shows Isis the Crystal Lance with the broken tip "Incredible isnt it?" Isis : " Nalen did that?" Esara : " Yes, I had always thought that the Crystal Lance was indestructible" Isis : " Is he truly that powerful?" Esara : " It''s more than just power; it''s how he uses his energy!" Esara laughs I always believed that I was stronger than him, but today I saw a completely different side of my Husband. He has an almost completely different array of fighting styles; he had a counter to nearly all my energy attacks!" Isis : " By the Source!" Esara : " Ooh! It gets better! I raised my attacks to 95% of my full power and they still had no effect. He''s on a whole different level! Even when we were kids he never fought with such focus and determination. In private he has expressed a fear that I might be killed fighting the HOD, I think the fear of losing me has caused him to snap!" Isis : " Do you think he is ready to command, take the vows of a Guardian and become a Leader?" Esara : " No, I think that taking the vows of a Guardian would only limit him. He is driven by the desire to protect me and our children, and that extends to our home Crystalorb. In any case he loves his scientific work and I could not bear to see him unhappy" After a brief pause "Lady Isis don''t worry too much I will do my very best to keep your son safe!" Isis : " Thank you!" Then Esara took her Armour to the Base of the Pyramid where the Spirit Stone automatically repairs and recharges the Crystal Armours. Esara then went home to rest for 2 hours. - - - An hour and 45 minutes later Esara and Nalen were awoken and quickly hurried to the Council Chambers. The time was around 17h00. Every one in the Chamber was watching a holographic video communication from Peo. Esara : " Commander; what happened?" Kolen : " There have been some developments" Esara : " What developments?" Kolen : " Loj was being chased and attacked by the other HOD members (Hodians), the Council of Elders ordered Peo to intervene. Now all four are under attack" Nalen : " Esara; look!" Esara and Nalen also look at the holographic images showing the expeditionary team being attacked by members of the HOD. Peo is in communication with the Council of Elders. Peo : " My Lord they are using some sort of handheld device to fire plasma balls at us!" Loj : " It''s called a Manacle of Destiny, and it Produces plasma blasts!" Gaurdius : " Peo we have helicopters en-route; they should be there in 2 minutes!" In the Horizon Peo sees the two helicopters making their way towards him. Then one of the HOD enforcers fires from his Manacle a plasma balls that hits one of the helicopters causing it to crush, the other helicopter turns and tries to run away. The helicopters were hired and paid 10 times their normal fee to collect Loj, Peo and Peo''s team. Peo : " Helicopters have been lost Commander, we will head for that hill" pointing at a nearby hill "the rocks should give us cover" Kolen : " How long can you hold out?" Peo : " With the kind of firepower these guys are throwing out perhaps 3 to 4 hours if we conserve Armour energy" Esara : " Hold on Peo, I should arrive in 90 minutes!" Esara goes to the bottom of the pyramid to put on her armour. Peo and his team make their way up the hill under heavy fire. Half way up the hill one of the enforcers sneaks up on Noko one of Peo''s team members and hits Noko with a plasma blast causing Noko to collapse. Peo responds by hitting the enforcer with a full power hand blast causing the enforcer to fall down the hill. Peo : " Commander, Noko has been knocked unconscious!" Kolen relays the battle status to Esara through the Spirit Stone to her Helmet Crystal. Kolen : " Esara; Noko has been hit, he''s unconscious, where are you?" Esara : " I am supersonic, Mach 2.9, I''ll be there in 41 minutes! Nalen : " This thing will be over in 20 minutes! Commander Kolen; let me talk to Esara!" Kolen : " Go ahead!" Nalen : " Esara; raise your shield to 95% and climb to an altitude of 24000 meters then increase your thrust to 95%" Esara knowing that Nalen understands the new armour more than her promptly follows Nalen''s instructions and thus increasing her speed to mach 10.8. Then linking to Peo she reassures him that help is on the way. Esara : " Peo, I am now Hypersonic, Ill be there in 10 minutes" Kolen : " Nalen; won''t this speed cost her in Armour energy?" Nalen : " The new Armour has much higher reserves; the total cost will be 10% of total reserves, leaving her enough energy to crush those bastards!" This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Kolen : " By the Source!" Nalen : " Esara; Remember, Fast and Hard!" Esara : " Got it!" - - - When Esara was less than a minute from target she charged the Crystal Lance to maximum then used the Crystal Armour''s automatic targeting systems to acquire the 5 enforcers pursuing Peo''s team. Then when Esara was a few hundred meters while still flying at very high speed she threw the Lance at one of the enforcers impaling him on the chest, then she activates her hand blasts targeting another two enforcers with maximum hand blasts killing them instantly. In under a minute Esara had killed three enforcers. Back at Crystalorb word had spread that a Guardian was about to engage the Hand of Destiny (HOD), so a crowd had gathered and was watching the battle on the holographic projectors along the sides of the pyramid. When Esara launched her attack and killed three enforcers the crowd erupted in a cheer. Then Esara turned her attention to the two remaining enforcers. First Esara used electrical energy to recall the Crystal Lance back to her right hand. Just as the Crystal Lance touched her right hand she was hit by a massive plasma ball throwing her to the ground, and as she stood up she heard a voice. Kodu : " You had an easy time defeating my enforcers, but I''m not just an enforcer, I am Overlord Kodu Ralefa!" Esara : " I can''t say it''s a pleasure to meet you!" Kodu : " And you are?" Esara : " My name is for my Friends, but you can call me Guardian!" Kodu : " What an unexpected pleasure!" almost smiling "This performing now is the pinnacle of Crystalan power? I''m going to enjoy killing you!" Esara : " Look at that, one of your friends is running away!" This as the remaining enforcer ran for his life. Then Kodu raised his Manacled hand preparing for another plasma blast directed at Esara. But Esara had used Kodu''s tough talk as an opportunity to charge the Crystal Lance to maximum power. Kodu : " Inferno Plasma Blast!" An even larger plasma ball emerged from the Manacle moving towards Esara. Esara threw the Crystal Lance through the Plasma ball piercing Kodu in the head, and then Esara activated a chest blast at maximum power to stop the plasma ball that was still approaching her. Once again the crowd at Crystalorb erupted in celebration, Esara had given them back the confidence that they could stand up to the power of the Hand of Destiny. In the Council Chambers the other Guardians were also celebrating. The Council of Elders were relieved that their first encounter with the Hand of Destiny was successful. Esara : " Commander Kolen; one of the enforcers is escaping should I pursue?" Kolen : " Negative, secure our people, a helicopter is en route!" Isis : " Great work Esara!" Cyris : " That was an amazing display Esara! Crystalorb is Honoured by your courage!" Esara : " Thank you my Lord!" Nalen : " Well done!" Gaurdius: " Incredible!" Moments later a helicopter Arrived and took the Group to a nearby airfield where a private plane had been waiting to take them to Crystalorb. Esara arrived back in Crystalorb to a hero''s welcome; nearly all the Crystalans had come to witness Esaras triumphant return. Until that day Crystalans had never witnessed the true power of a Red Guardian. Over night Esara had become a Legend. - - - After the Victory celebrations the Council of Elders instructed Esara to go Home and rest. Meanwhile Kolen was eager to speak to Loj, and Loj was also eager to speak to the Council of Elders. There was time critical information Loj wanted to relay to the Council of Elders. But as Loj was about to enter the pyramid to go to the Council Chambers a High energy electrical field appeared at the Pyramid entrance blocking Loj from entering the pyramid. The Spirit Stone did not recognize his Life-Force Energy, and thus would not allow him to enter the pyramid. Therefore the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council moved their meeting with Loj to another building. Gaurdius: " In the name of Crystalorb I hereby declare this meeting constituted" Isis : " Loj; we welcome you and your son to Crystalorb" Loj : " I thank your kindness and hospitality" Cyris : " We have some questions as to the reasons for your defection." Onala : " As you can understand there are some amongst us who are unconvinced by your conversion" Loj : " I understand, you have to be cautious in these perilous times" Gaurdius : " What happened that made you want to leave the Hand of Destiny?" Loj : " To put it simply, my life and the life of my son were threatened. It began after your meeting with the Viceroy. The Hand of Destiny has a hierarchical structure that is mostly determined by wealth and physical power. The way this works is; as a whole the Hand of Destiny is the worlds largest supplier of animal food products, all other business serve to mask this one activity. I''m certain you are aware that we draw our energy from the Life-Force of non-Sapient animals. It''s this Life-Force energy that powers the Manacle of Destiny (MOD)" Isis : " Of course, the animals they own supply them with an unlimited supply of energy" Loj : " Exactly, thats where the wealth aspect of things comes in. The more animals you own the more energy you can extract from them. To that end we developed the Manacle of Destiny (MOD), it is a tool used to connect to a system that draws energy from these animals. After absorbing the Life-Force energy it stores the energy and feeds the energy to us directly. This meant that we no longer needed to manually touch every animal to absorb its energy" Gaurdius: " And this allows you to gain incredible amounts of energy. But what material is the Manacle made from?" Loj : " The Manacle of Destiny is not an object as such, but a living organism. My Manacle for example is a part of me; the outside is forged from an Alloy that contains some of the hardest minerals in the world. But inside it contains a network of veins that contain my Blood. That''s how the Manacle is able to link to us; it''s also how it''s able to collect Life-Force energy" Gaurdius: " What happens to the Manacle when you die?" Loj : " While the Manacle is attached to me it is also a separate entity it can go on without me. Someone with a similar DNA to mine like a sibling or my child can use my Manacle. The older the Manacle the more powerful it becomes. Its power is cumulative! Before someone new can use the Manacle they would have to introduce their blood into the Manacle, and if the DNA is compatible the Manacle will accept. The Manacle increases its core energy capacity with every recharge, thus the older the Manacle the more energy it can store, and with that the more the energy it can produce" Isis : " Who created the Manacle?" Loj : " We don''t know exactly, some say it was Ralefa Himself! Others believe it was one of his sons! In any case the Manacle worn by the Viceroy is said to be the complete blood line, including the blood of Ralefa himself" Cyris : " By the Source!" Loj : " What Source? What is the Source?" Isis : " The Source is the Spirit Stone, the Heart of Crystalorb!" Gaurdius: " So this Manacle worn by the Viceroy is like our Spirit Stone; it holds a piece of the original ancestor!" Loj : " Are you saying that the Spirit Stone is formed from the original crystal that was on Lesedi''s chest?" Isis : " Not just Lesedi''s Chest Crystals, but all the Chest Crystals of every Crystalan that has died" Gaurdius : " More than that! It also holds a portion of their spirits!" Onala : " You said something about hierarchy?" Loj : " Yes, we operate on a hierarchical system. Its a system that is determined by wealth power and birth. The wealthiest Hodians have the most Manacle power because they own more animals from which they harvest the Manacle energy. All Hodians are wealthy, but there are different levels of wealth. Someone who has 10000 cattle is not the same as someone who has 100000 cattle. At the Top there''s the Viceroy, then there''s the Viceroy''s Council members also referred to as the Grandlord, then there''s the Overlords, then there''s the Under-Lords, and lastly there''s the Enforcers." Cyris : " Where did you rank?" Loj : " I was an Under-Lord" Gaurdius : " What caused the Trouble with you?" Loj : " My wife was recently promoted to Overlord. This was a hotly contested position, but she was an amazing businesswoman. Her business acumen ensured that she had the necessary wealth to increase hers and my power. Her competitors believed that they had a birthright to her new position, so that was the end of that!" Isis : " What do you mean?" Loj : " They murdered her! They poisoned her, and they would have killed me and our son had we not escaped." Onala : " I didnt know you could be poisoned?" Loj : " Ayah! But this was no natural poison, it was a radioactive isotopes based poison designed to kill even one of us. The Viceroy did not mined the fact that they murdered my wife because he did not like her politics, and besides the murderers were his friends and family." Cyris : " What do you mean by politics?" Loj : " She was resistant to the Viceroy''s world domination agenda. She was more like you in the approach to the world, she believed that we should protect ourselves, but that should be the extent of our influence. She deplored the Idea of being a master people, and there are others who believe as she did. Too Bad!" shaking his head "Now they will all be slaughtered!" Gaurdius: " Where do you stand on the world view? And what do you mean slaughtered?" Loj : " Personally I don''t care too much about the world, I say live and let live; besides I was never a very good warrior. When the rest of the HOD learn that a single female Crystalan killed 3 enforcers and an Overlord in 5 minutes they will panic and start purging all those amongst them who do not share their goals. Their suspicious nature will lead them to believe that they were somehow betrayed, it would be the only explanation for the defeat of the Viceroy''s Brother!" Cyris : " Did you say Viceroy''s Brother?" Loj : " Oh yes!" after a brief pause "Overlord Kodu was the Viceroy''s Brother!" Isis : " By the Source!" after a brief pause "We''ve put these people in danger!" Cyris : " Can you compile a list of all those that might be in danger." Loj : " Yes, to the best of my abilities." Gaurdius: " Kolen activate your Units, as soon as Armour upgrades are complete take Loj''s list and find these people, save as many as you can!" Kolen : " On your Command!" Isis : " And Kolen; try and avoid direct confrontations with the HOD, there has been enough death for one day" Loj : " My wife was right about you Crystalans; you would risk your own lives to protect even those who were aligned to your enemies." Isis : " Crystalorb must not be a source of Hatred, but a beacon of hope! We must bring our light into the world, not rule the world!" Loj : " In that case I will help in any way possible!" Gaurdius: " Good, the First thing we will need from you is your Manacle. The energy that it uses is what we call Negative Psionic Energy, the energy of destruction. Crystalans are also capable of absorbing Life-Force energy from animals, but this causes extreme pain to us, we have since learned that the pain we feel is the pain the animal experiences, so for that reason we don''t practice that energy absorption method. We can also absorb Plant life energy, but we only do that in case of emergencies. Give us your Manacle and our research teams will study it, and then produce a new Manacle that uses positive energy, energy that will come from the Spirit Stone!" Isis : " What was your wife''s name?" Loj : " Ilesia" Isis : " We will call the new Manacle the Light of Ilesia, in recognition of her enlightened world views." Loj : " This will be a great honour for my Wife" Gaurdius: " There are Crystalans who are not born with Chest Crystals; the new manacle will also help them be part of the fight for peace!" - - - In the next few days the Crystal Armoured Crystalans rescued 90 people with the help of Loj they were able to signal these people and arrange for a pickup with minimal confrontations with the HOD. Sadly not all could be saved 23 of the people on Loj''s list were killed by the HOD. All the people on Loj''s list were somehow related to Loj; they were his relatives, his late wife''s relatives or just good friends. When the Council of Elders realised that there would not be enough housing in the Cone shaped residential Building to accommodate all the new families, the Council of Elders Ordered the creation of three more Cone shaped residential Buildings to accommodate these and future Crystalorb residents The process of creating these new buildings was an incredible sight. The buildings were grown like a crystal plant. Once the Spirit Stone formed the base Crystals a combination of light and electrical energy along with the requested minerals were fed to the base crystals making them grow. The Spirit Stone controlled the direction of the growth by changing and varying the strength and direction of the light and electrical energy. This was something that all Crystalans enjoyed witnessing. In a matter of days the construction was complete. Since the Spirit Stone does not create mechanically moving parts like gears and hinges all moving parts were electromagnetic just like in the Crystal Armour and the Crystal Lance. All Crystalan technology was electromagnetic systems; consequently electricity was a critical component to all Crystalorb. It''s for this reason that the Black crystal at the top of the hill that was now referred to as Mount Crystalorb began to spread as the energy requirements of the Crystalans increased. Also Nuclear Reactors were constructed to support Energy Needs. - - - Meanwhile Nalen was hard at work understanding the mechanism of the Manacle of Destiny (MOD). This was a difficult and tedious process since the energy matrix for the Manacle of Destiny (MOD) was of a different energy type than that Nalen was used to working with. Nalen''s daughter Casara had just turned 7 years old and could thus begin training, while 5 year old Naole was still troubled by his massive energy requirements. It was clear from the beginning that Casara took after her mother Esara, Casara took to fighting techniques like it was second nature to her, she was quite obviously a natural warrior. - - - There was a lull in confrontations with the Hand of Destiny (HOD); the Council of Elders was beginning to believe that all out conflict may be avoided. But it was not meant to be, because even at that very hour the HOD was hard at work planning their next move. One of the people rescued from the HOD told of something disturbing being carried out by the HOD, she was called to speak before the Council of Elders; her name was Tumi, short for Tumelo. Gaurdius: " We hear that you might be in possession of information that could give us a clue to what the Hand of Destiny is planning." Tumi : " I am happy to help in any way possible!" Isis : " And we''re glad to have your assistance." Tumi : " I have no direct knowledge of this, but my father was a researcher for the HOD''s genetic manipulation division called sector 9. Before they murdered him he told me that the Viceroy had gone mad after the death of his brother, authorizing advanced research into the speeding of a genetic mutagen designed to turn normal humans into a Hodian hybrid capable of using the Manacle of Destiny. They are planning to build an army of these warriors!" Cyris : " By the Source!" Gaurdius: " Why didnt you tell us sooner?" Tumi : " I don''t have any proof, so I didn''t think anyone would believe me!" Onala : " This explains the lull in the fighting; they are not reconsidering their stance they are preparing for war!" Tumi : " It gets worse!" Isis : " How?" Tumi : " They have satellites that they use to search for underground mineral reserves, and they have probably used it to scan the Crystal Valley Farm." Cyris : " That would mean they know about Crystalorb." Tumi : " The bigger question is; who are they going to tell about Crystalorb?" Gaurdius: " In any case they would be fools to attack Crystalorb directly, no matter their numbers." Tumi : " They may not need to, if they can get someone else to do their dirty work for them, like for instance the South African government. After what your Guardian did to the Overlord Kodu they will want to draw you into the open where you would be a target for not just them!" after a brief pause "Even with your power you could not possibly survive! As for me after seeing you risk your lives to save us, I have decided that I will share your fate whatever it may be!" Isis : " Thank you Tumi!" Tumi leaves the meeting, leaving the Council of Elders to discuss what their next step should be in the face of this new information. - - - Chapter 05: The Legend of Heart - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 5: The Legend of Heart - - - Meanwhile the research team completed their research into the production of the new Manacle, the Light of Ilesia or the Manacle of Ilesia. The Light of Ilesia is a similar device to its predecessor the MOD, but different in that it gave the user the ability to produce supercharged electrical energy balls. The Light of Ilesia energised air particles making them bond into a highly charged sphere that the researchers called an Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attack, which was one of the attacks of the Crystal Armour. To aid the Manacle of Ilesia the research team created a uniform made of Crystals that could be worn like ordinary Military uniform. The Ilesian uniform gave the Ilesians increased strength and agility while providing protection from energy and physical attacks. The Ilesian uniform draws its power from the Light of Ilesia, and thus did not need to be recharged directly at the recharge centre, but the Light of Ilesia would need to be recharged at the recharge centre. The Light of Ilesia could also be used to generate an Electromagnetic Field in order to create the shield. However the shield could only be sustained for a limited period of time because of the energy requirements. Because of the Electromagnetic Fields the Light of Ilesia allowed the use of short term flight capabilities. The intent of the flight capabilities was to allow the user quick exit potential in case of emergencies. Maximum altitude 750 meters, maximum speed mach 0.3 (103.2 meters/seconds or 371.52kph) and range at maximum speed 20 kilometres. All those who used the Light of Ilesia would need to provide a small sample of their blood and this would form a basis for the link with the Light of Ilesia. Unlike the Manacle of Destiny the Light of Ilesia would not pass to a relative upon death, but return to the Spirit Stone allowing for the blood of the former user to be forever part of the Spirit Stone. The Light of Ilesia was often referred to as the Manacle of Ilesia, and those who wore the Manacle of Ilesia were named Ilesian, under the command of the Ilesian Guardian. - - - One of the 12 smaller Hemispheres (First level of Hemispheres) surrounding the main Hemisphere in Crystalorb was used as a training facility where all preliminary flight training was done. Vanguard, Vanglead and Guardian Armoured trainees could then proceed to train in the airspace above Crystalorb because their Crystal Armour generated Electromagnetic Fields had the property of absorbing radio waves thus making them invisible to both the military and civilian radar. Because of the physical toughness of the Crystalans even the childrens training Armour was upgraded and made flight capable. The Council of Elders was adamant that Crystalan children learn to defend themselves from as young an age as possible. It was with this increased demand on the Crystalan kids that Nalen realised the limitations of Naole''s Blue Chest Crystals. The red Chest Crystals also had limitations, the very high energy requirements were a strain on their hearts, and the toll on their bodies was immense. It was these increased demands on the body that concerned Nalen; it was this very reason that his mother Shanela and Esara''s father Lekalo had such short lifespan. The potential for a critical electrical power induced heart failure was very high with the red Chest Crystals, and even higher for the blue Chest Crystals. It was not like they could go out and find a heart donor. Tests on all three red Chest Crystal Crystalans revealed that Esara, Nalen and Casara had very good hearts, the Second and Third generation red Chest Crystals were less disruptive to the body biochemistry. The bodies were making adaptations with each generation, increasing power output while reducing the risks. Casara''s body chemistry was at the pinnacle of red Chest Crystals capabilities, she was ahead of the curve in all respects. - - - It was June 1999 and Nalen was teaching Casara and Naole the importance of the Electrical fields in the generation and control in of the Electromagnetic Field shield. Nalen was teaching his kids how to make use of their unique Chest Crystal capabilities to increase the strength of their shields. Nalen was teaching the two kids how to generate an electric field using their Chest Crystal without the use of the Crystal Armour. Nalen felt that it was important that his kids develop a natural sense of their energy reserves; he wanted them to be constantly aware of how much energy they had to operate with. Every night All four; Esara, Nalen, Casara and Naole performed a ritual where they would drain 95% of their energy into their reserve energy spheres. Performing this ritual allowed all of them to develop a feel of how much core body Crystal energy was available. It was during one of their ritualized energy purging that the weakness of Naole was discovered. Naoles heart was failing under the strain of his high energy utilization. The blue Chest Crystals energy requirements were destroying little Naole''s heart and lungs, there was so much electricity flowing through his tiny body that it was killing him. - - - Nalen Approached the Council of Elders to ask that he be relieved of his responsibilities as the head of research so he could focus all his attention to the problems afflicting his child. Nalen : " Honoured Councils, I come to you with a heavy heart, to ask for a reprieve. I am aware of the needs of the Council in regards to my duties, but fear that I may no longer be able to serve as one of my Order should. My attention has shifted from the needs of Crystalorb to that of my son. The boy is gravely ill!" Gaurdius : " Is there anything that can be done?" Nalen : " My wife thinks that there is nothing that can be done, we have both lost a parent to the particular problems associated with the Red and Blue Chest Crystals" Isis : " How can we help you?" Nalen : " I don''t know if he can be saved, but it''s my duty as his father to try anything possible. I need the time and space to work on this. So I ask that the Council relieves me of my duties!" Onala : " For how long Nalen?" Nalen : " For how ever long it takes for me to find a solution for him!" Cyris : " Do you have a premise, an idea you think might work?" Nalen : " No, I have nothing! Naole needs a transplant, but no transplant is possible since he is Crystalan. There can be no transplant match because we all know what happens to Chest Crystaled Crystalans when they die. This is why my wife has resigned herself to the probability of Naole''s death, but I will not accept this defeat, not without at the very least putting up some kind of fight!" Gaurdius : " The Council hereby relieves you of your duties as head of research. Know this Nalen, you have been an inspiration to us all, you have taught all of Crystalorb that no odds are too great, no mountain too high, in your heart you hold true to what it means to be Crystalan." And with that Nalen, Grandson of the great Olen leaves the responsibility of protecting Crystalorb with his mind and focus, his attention to the survival of his son Naole. - - - In Nalen''s home the mood was sad due to the prospect of losing Naole, even the great Esara seemed powerless as Naole was growing weaker by the day. Casara held on tightly to her best friend Enala as she confessed her despair at the sight of Naole. Casara : " My mom says that he''s dieing, they say his heart is failing" Enala : " Is there nothing that can be done?" Casara : " He''s just so special, the only one of his kind!" Enala : " He has that beautiful blue Chest Crystal!" Casara : " I''m glad you think it''s beautiful, many people regard it as freakish, but I like it!" Enala : " How long does he have?" Casara : " Mom says a week perhaps two, but Papa says he wont let him die, he has been working day and night for six days without rest. Mom told me that we should prepare for the worst, she said that some things are beyond the capabilities of even my father!" - - - Meanwhile Nalen was hard at work in a large room in his apartment, he had turned the room into a laboratory. Using the Crystal based organic computer capable of very high computing speeds Nalen was creating simulations on designs he was working on. Nalen was working on building an electro mechanical artificial heart, he thought that he could use the heart as a replacement heart for Naole. There was one problem, every artificial heart ever created throughout the world was always failing, they were inflexible and as such were not responsive to spikes in body demands. The complexities in Crystalan physiology were making it difficult, the heart of a Crystalan was more than just a blood pump; it was also an energy regulator. The energies involved were making things even more difficult for adequate simulations. - - - Every simulation was failing to produce positive results; Nalen was getting more frustrated and desperate. Esara walked into the lab to find Nalen in a chaotic state. Esara : " Nalen" Nalen : " Yes" Esara : " Wont you take a break and talk to our kids" Nalen : " I have precious little time!" Esara : " Yes! Naole has little time left; we should spend what ever time he has with him!" Nalen : " Are you asking me to give up?" Esara : " No; I''m not saying that, I''m just...!" Nalen interjects. Nalen : " Because the answer is no, I won''t quit on him!" Esara : " No one will blame you for this" Nalen : " I will blame myself" Esara : " We are only human you know" Nalen : " Only human?" Esara : " Some things have no answers, and nothing we do can change that" Nalen : " But we have to try" Esara : " Everyone knows that you would give Naole your own heart if it were possible! It''s time to be the best father you can with the little time we have left!" Nalen : " Yes of course! Only human, so give him your own heart!" Nalen was now developing a new Idea in his mind "Thats it the missing component in the equation! Esara I have to get back to work, well talk once my research is complete!" Esara : " Ok my Love, do what you need to!" Nalen had found a new way of saving his Child. - - - Nalen thought that a completely artificial heart was not yielding the correct data on the simulation because the Crystalan physiology was so advanced that the cells of the Crystalan heart must have a specific chemical and energy signature that were a primary requirement of the Chest Crystals. Nalen believed that If an artificial heart would not work then perhaps a biomechanical heart may be the solution. Nalen knew that he would need a sample of the cells of Naole''s heart, but the boy was too weak to survive the intrusive nature of the cell collection process. So Nalen thought of another possible donor who had compatible DNA to that of Naole, someone who was a blood relative; himself. He went in secret to the Crystalorb Clinic to speak to medical professionals about collecting a sample of his own heart cells. The doctor was apprehensive about doing the procedure, but Nalen was adamant that he would conduct the procedure with or without the doctors help. With Nalen leaving him no choice, the doctor performed the procedure. Then Nalen studied the heart cells in his laboratory, making an analysis of their functions and processes. Nalen then collected a sample of Naole''s blue crystal from Naole''s Energy storage sphere. By mixing his heart cells with the microscopic particles of the blue Crystal then adding light, electrical energy, Spirit Stone energy and other components he was able to mutate the heart cell. It was the mutative properties of the crystal that Nalen wanted to harness. Once he was certain that he had the right mutated cell he needed to test to see weather these mutated cells could be used to repair Naole''s heart. Again Nalen volunteered himself for the testing process. Using very precise robotics technology Nalen Injected his heart with some of the mutated heart cells. Nalen then used ultrasound devices to record the process as his heart began to change, becoming more electromechanical with heart muscles becoming more like electrical circuits but still remaining organic. Because Nalen had used the blue crystals instead of his own Red Crystals there were some complications, Nalens body rejected his own heart. - - - The simulations showed a 95% probability of acceptance with Naole, so without telling Esara that he might have damaged his own heart Nalen discussed his results with Esara. Nalen : " Esara I have found a way to save our son, but the risk is great! I cannot make the decision to use my solution alone, I need your approval!" Esara : " What solution, and how certain are you that it will work?" Nalen : " I have synthesised mutated heart cells that will repair the damaged heart cells. I am 95% confident that the cells will work" Nalen shows Esara the computer simulation "The 5% has to do with the unpredictable nature of the blue crystal!" Esara : " You think this will save him?" Nalen : " I need you to understand that this may very well kill him, but it''s my last hope, our last hope!" after a brief pause "I''m afraid, I need you to assure me that if this kills him that it wont be my fault, I need you to assure me that he was going to die anyway." Esara : " Until this moment I had no hope, I was certain that Naole was going to die, but now there might be a chance!" Nalen : " Ok then let''s proceed!" - - - Again using very precise robotics technology Nalen Injected Naoles heart with some of the mutated heart cells. There was an immediate reaction as the new heart cells merged with the old heart cells changing Naole''s heart making it function more like a crystal electromagnetic pump. This was a long process taking nearly 10 hours. After the process was complete the ultrasound showed Naole''s heart being 3 times larger than before, on closer examination Nalen saw something else, on the ribs there were small 10 millimetre diameter energy spheres that were forming all around the entire rib cage. The nerves connecting to these tiny energy spheres were the same ones connecting to the heart. It seemed that they were additional energy for not just the heart but also for the Chest Crystal. The blue and red Crystals in the heart cells were the primary energy supplier for the heart. Naole''s heart had turned the colour blue with red spots. Unbeknownst to Nalen his heart had also turned the colour blue with red spots, because he had used more blue Crystals than red Crystals, Nalen did this so that Naole''s body would not reject the mutated heart cells. It was this act that was causing complication with Nalen''s body; the mutated Heart cells were doing the same thing to Nalen as they were doing to Naole. Naole was waking up, his heart functioning at maximum efficiency. - - - Esara and Nalen were sleeping when Naole stood up and went outside to play. Naole found Casara and Enala sitting on a bench. Naole : " Casara can I join you guys?" Casara stands and rushes to embrace Naole. Casara : " You''re awake!" she embraces Naole, in her excitement they both fall to the ground "You''re awake!" Enala : " By the source!" Casara : " Yeah!" Naole was not aware just how long he had been ill; in his mind he was only asleep for a few hours. Casara runs home screaming he''s awake! He''s awake! Nalen was awoke by Casara screaming "he''s awake!" Casara : " He''s awake! He''s awake!" Nalen and Esara wake up to find Naole gone. Nalen : " Casara where is he?" Casara : " He''s outside!" Nalen : " At last!" Esara : " Naole!" Nalen and Esara run outside to find Naole standing on a bench explaining to a group of other kids how he was dreaming of flying just like his parents. Esara rushed in and picked up little Naole and held him very tightly with tears streaming from both Nalen''s and Esara''s eyes. This was Nalen''s greatest achievement; his brilliance had saved his son, a true testament of a father''s love for his child. No one knew of the danger Nalen had put himself in; none could understand the gravity of his actions. Even as they were celebrating Nalen could feel his strength leaving him, he could feel his power fading. Nalen accepted this as his fate, a price that needed to be paid, and a cost he was willing to bear. For the next few days Nalen pretended to be just exhausted from working for so long without adequate rest. Then without warning Nalen collapsed, he laid on the floor of his bedroom for hours before being discovered by Esara. Esara quickly rushed Nalen to the Crystalorb Clinic. At the clinic Esara discovered just how far Nalen had gone to save his son Naole. The blue crystal in Nalen''s system was overloading his Bio-Electrical systems; the energy requirements from the blue crystal material in Nalen''s heart were too high. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. - - - These new demands on Nalens body had caused him to slip into a coma. The doctors were not sure if Nalen would ever awaken, because there was so little brain activity. Esara has a discussion with Kanu the doctor in of charge Nalen''s care. Esara : " There has to be something you can do" Doctor : " I wish there was, but at this point we don''t even know exactly what your husband did to his body, we have never seen anything like this. Did he keep any records of his activities?" Esara : " He did, but they have all been encrypted, the only way to access those files is by him using his chest crystal like a key, but with him sleeping it''s impossible" Doctor : " Our life support systems can keep him alive for as long as it takes for him to wake up" Esara : " I won''t give up on him!" Esara turns to look at Nalen "You hear me! I wont give up on you!" Doctor : " It''s in his hands now!" Esara : " Come back to me Nalen, come back!" Doctor : " I''m sure he can hear you and he will find his way back to you!" - - - Nalen was sleeping and unresponsive, days passed, then weeks, then 12 months passed. It had been a year since Nalen collapsed and the situation with the Hand of Destiny was changing. The Council of Elders summoned the Guardian Council to the Council Chambers to discuss the developing situation. The Ilesian Guardian was Loj, and the new research head was Ocyris who until that appointment had been one of the 12 Crystalorb defence Guardian. Gaurdius: " Guardians; recent developments has us concerned, please create for us an accurate picture of the current situation." Kolen : " Honoured Councils; we are also concerned, I will now hand over to the research Guardian who has compiled an intelligence report on the situation." Ocyris : " We have been monitoring the situation and can now report our findings. It appears that the Hand of Destiny has developed a new strategy in their engagement with us; they are trying to cut off our economic activities. As you know the Crystal Valley Industries company has become one of the largest suppliers of industrial gases, the HOD has been attacking the trains carrying the gases from the Crystal Valley Farm. We think as a second objective they are trying to draw out our forces into the open where they could be a target for ambush attacks." Onala : " Loj; what do you make of the new strategies of the HOD" Loj : " They must have something up their sleeves, this is an obvious trap" Gaurdius: " That may be true, yet we have to respond. Ocyris; what solutions can you offer?" Ocyris : " We cannot deploy Crystal Armoured units to protect the trains so our only option is to deploy Ilesian Units" Loj : " With respect this wont be sufficient, we need air support to scan the path of the train and check for our enemies" Kolen : " Loj is correct; scanning from the air will be a critical component" Ocyris : " But that would mean that people who reside along the train track will see the Crystal Armoured units and that could prove more problematic for Crystalorb." Isis : " If only we had Nalen, he was always very good at coming up with inventive solutions" Ocyris : " I agree, he''s a born problem solver" Isis : " Esara; How is your husband? We could sure use his talents" Esara : " There has been no change in his condition" Cyris : " Even I miss his arrogance" Esara interjects "what is it?" Esara : " Your mentioning of his arrogance has reminded me of something he once told me" Isis : " Go on Esara" Esara : " Nalen once said that I wont think he has such a big ego when he turns invisible" Onala : " Invisible?" Esara : " Let me see!" Esara thinks for a moment "He said something about his red Chest Crystal not being able to generate the correct light spectrum to make him Invisible" Ocyris : " Of course! The clear Chest Crystals can generate a full light spectrum!" Gaurdius: " Ocyris; if you could perhaps tell the rest of us who do not understand the scientific talk what it is you are talking about?" Ocyris : " It seems Nalen had an idea on how to solve the problem of people seeing us while we are flying. We can use the clear Chest Crystals to generate light that would turn the Crystal Armour Shield into a mirror thus making it invisible to the human eye" Cyris : " Yes I see! That could prove a powerful tool for Crystalorbs defence needs" Isis : " Esara! Even in a coma your husband still finds a way to save the day" Gaurdius : " That Nalen is something else" Cyris : " Ocyris; Go and teach our units how to produce this light that will aid us in this effort to protect our interest" Ocyris : " On your Command!" - - - Ocyris then began a research process into generating the light that would make the Crystal Armoured units invisible. The research proved to be a complicated process. Once the light was generated the compressed gas in the electromagnetic field created a reflective surface that reflected the area around them. So while flying through the air they reflect the sky, but there were some problems, the shield reflected the ground thus making the Crystal Armour detectable. The problems of ground surface reflection were solved through light refraction. Using holographic image projection combined with light reflection and refraction the research team found a combination that produced workable results. Once all the details had been worked out, asset protection operations began under the command of a new Mobile Assets Defence Guardian jokingly referred to as the MAD Guardian. The Council of Elders then increased the size of each Vanguard team from 3 members to 5 members this was to address the potential for increased capabilities of the Hand of Destiny. - - - Because of the accelerated training programs Naole was now of age to begin wearing the training Armour, but because of Naole''s health problems the head instructor decided that Naole should wait until he turns 10 years old before beginning any kind of training. Casara and Enala felt sorry for Naole and therefore undertook to teach him what they learn at the training Centre. Since Naole was not allowed to train at age seven with all the other kids, Esara occupied him with books and Computers. - - - Because of the improvements to the Crystal Armour every encounter with the Hand of Destiny (HOD) had not proved fatal for the Crystal Armoured Crystalans. The electromagnetic field generated shield minimized the risk of injury to the Crystal Armoured Crystalans. The Council of Elders knew that the security brought about by the Crystal Armour would not last forever; they knew that ultimate security can only be reached through a direct and symbiotic relationship with the rest of humanity. The Council of Elders, the research team and the Guardian Council decided to hold a meeting in order to plot a path towards a more effective engagement with the rest of Humanity. Isis : " In the name of Crystalorb, I hereby call this meeting to order" Onala : " With the Hand of Destiny continuing with their hit and run attack it has become clear to all of us that we must find another way to ensure our security" Gaurdius: " The Hand of Destiny is engaging in a war of attrition against us, forcing us to spread our force too thinly to be effective against the Hand of Destiny" Isis : " The Hand of Destiny is no friend to the rest of humanity, and that fact should be the premise for our interaction with the world" Onala : " Indeed, this gives us and the rest of the world a common enemy" Esara : " Except for this; the Hand of Destiny is the single largest supplier of animal foods to the world. Any attempt by us to oppose the Hand of Destiny openly will be met with resistance by the rest of humanity. I believe that we should focus our attentions on a single government; the one above us. We should make contact with the South African Government and work out some kind of autonomy" Cyris : " The South African government will undoubtedly want access to our technology. Self interest and corruption has infected every fibre of the South African government, dealing with them will be a disaster." Kolen : " In any case the South African government will eventually find out about us, it''s only a matter of time. How they interact with us will be a function of how they learn about our existence!" Ocyris : " That may already be too late. Over the past few years there has been satellite scanning of South Africa for underground mineral reserves, they are sure to have found the underground cavity we call Crystalorb. We suspect that once all the satellite data is processed they''ll try to investigate." Loj : " We must borrow from the methods of the Hand of Destiny and use the wealth of the Crystal Valley Industries Corporation to buy influence with the South African government" Ocyris : " There is another problem!" Kolen : " What problem?" Ocyris : " The Hand of Destiny has since their defeat at the hands of Esara been working on recombining their DNA with that of normal humans in order to produce a human hybrid. They are trying to rapidly increase their enforcer numbers; we dont know exactly why they require such numbers. Projected numbers indicate that they could reach 11000 enforcers within a year" Gaurdius : " We are aware of this." Ocyris : " Yes, but there is something that concerns the research team" Onala : " What?" Ocyris : " The potential for that recombined DNA ending up in the hands of Global Governments. The recombinant DNA would allow these Governments the ability to produce what would be super soldiers. They would deploy these soldiers against each other with terrible consequences. More than that the recombinant DNA will actually spread into the human population creating an uncontrollable mutation that will risk the future of the world" Cyris : " Is there anything we can do to stop this?" Ocyris : " Probably not!" Gaurdius: " But we have to try!" Loj : " The Hand of Destiny will risk the fate of all man kind in order to keep what they believe is rightfully theirs" Isis : " By the Source! We must do more than survive; we must protect the world from the growing threat of the Hand of Destiny" After the meeting was concluded preparations for contact with the South African government were started. The Council of Elders knew that they would have to move cautiously, the Hand of Destiny would probably have well placed and well paid spies in all major governments, including the South African government. If things were to go wrong the fate of the country could hang in the balance. - - - Over the years the Crystal Valley Farm had become more than just a farming area, but had become an industrial complex. The Crystal Valley Farm was now covered with structures that processed the various gases that the Crystal Valley Industries Company produced. The storage and transportation of these gases had to fall under the rules and regulation of the relevant South African Government Departments. Before the Council of Elders could make official contact with the South African government a mortar round hit one of the surface storage facilities. Fortunately because of the risk of explosion most of the flammable gases were kept in underground storage facilities build according to South African government Specifications and International Standards. When the mortar hit one of the surface depots a small fire started risking a catastrophic chain reaction. Government inspectors were immediately sent to investigate the explosion at the Crystal Valley industrial complex. The Hand of Destiny was again using sabotage as a tool to destabilize Crystalorb, even if it meant that Crystalorb is exposed to the world. The inspectors were there for a week making their investigations, calculating the trajectory of the Mortar Round that had landed on the gas storage system. The inspectors concluded that it was a terrorist act at the hands of Islamic fundamentalist bent on sabotaging the Economy. Little did they know that this was the doing of the HOD. During the time the inspectors were present at the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex, the Council of Elders had no choice but to halt all direct Crystal Armoured flight activities. Even with the new Crystal Armour''s invisibility field the doorway into Crystalorb would still need to be opened. This was the true intent of the attack, to stop the Crystal Armoured Crystalans being able to patrol. This brief vacuum allowed the Hand of Destiny to deploy around the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex. They had in their possession an experimental 100kw infrared Laser that they wanted to test on the Crystal Armour. Because of the size of the Laser the HOD needed a diversion in order to deploy it. The HOD could not fire the Laser from far away because radar had proved ineffective against Crystal Armoured Crystalans. With their Laser deployed the Hand of Destiny was waiting for things to cool down so that they could make their move. After the investigation was completed the Hand of Destiny waited five weeks before they made their assault. Because of the Crystal Armour''s invisibility field acquiring a target was a complicated exercise for the Hand of Destiny. Nevertheless they found a target, two Vanguards on patrol at the edge of the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex disengaged their invisibility fields so they could have a conversation. It was night time and the risk of exposure was minimal. While the two Vanguards were talking one of them was hit by the high energy beam of light that penetrated his shield and then injured him at the back of the head, killing him instantly. The other Vanguard immediately raised his shield to maximum, this stopped the laser from killing him as well. The standard operating protocol until then was to keep the shield at 5% until you are engaged directly, the goal was to conserve Crystal Armour energy. Back in Crystalorb the Spirit Stone alerted everyone about the death of a Vanguard. Other Vanguards on patrol were scanning the area, looking for the source of the Laser beam. The Vanguard who survived the attack was carrying the body of his friend back to Crystalorb. The Council of Elders gathered in their Chambers to observe the situation, Crystalorb was under attack, the Guardian Council had mobilized all the Crystalan warriors. Anun; son of Gaurdius, the Guardian in charge of the sector where the Vanguard was killed led the search for the Laser weapon that had killed one of his Vanguards. By activating their invisibility field they searched all the area around Crystalorb, finally locating the abandoned laser device hidden in a neighbouring farm. The owners of the desert farm had been murdered; no doubt the doing of the Hand of Destiny. - - - The Council of Elders and the Guardian Council convened to plot the path ahead, but first there was the matter of paying their respects to the fallen Vanguard. The body of Tebang the fallen Vanguard still in Vanguard Armour was laid by his family before the pyramid. In this process Jalen, Hamun, Lumen, Tshego and Lerata the more Spiritual members of the Council of Elders would articulate and expatiate the commitment ceremony for the fallen Vanguard. Tshego : " Heart of our people! Heart of Crystalorb!" Lerata : " In the name of all Crystalans!" Lumen : " We beseech you!" Hamun : " Awaken mighty Spirits!" Jalen : " And receive our fallen son amongst your order!" Tebang''s Vanguard Armour disengaged from his body, locking itself into a sphere then hovering 2 meters above Tebang''s body. Tshego : " We are born of the Light, we live in the light!" Lumen : " And upon our death we return to the light!" Lerata : " With this in mind, we will now return Tebang to the light" Jalen : " Tebang!" Speaking directly to Tebang''s body "It''s time for you to return to the Source!" Tebang''s family activated their Chest Crystals, generating a beam of light that hit Tebang''s body, this caused Tebang''s Chest Crystals to activate, absorbing all of Tebang''s body thereby increasing in size. When Tebang''s Chest Crystal was finished absorbing Tebang''s body it hovered next to Tebang''s Vanguard Armour sphere. Hamun : " Tebang''s Vanguard Armour is a part of Tebang and thus cannot exist without him, It will now mourn him!" Tebang''s Vanguard Armour sphere generated a massive aura of light that was very bright, then produced an electrical energy stream that linked it to Tebang''s Chest Crystals. Tebang''s Vanguard Armour sphere began to move in circles around Tebang''s Chest Crystal moving incrementally closer to the crystal until eventually fusing with the Chest Crystal. Lumen : " Tebang is no longer with us, from here onwards he will forever be a part of the Spirit Stone" Tshego : " Mighty Spirit Stone! Accept your son into your home" With that, the combined Chest Crystal and Vanguard Armour sphere flew up the pyramid and fused with the Spirit Stone in a massive flash of light. The ceremony was completed and the Security meeting could begin. - - - Chapter 06: To Arms - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 6: To Arms - - - Gaurdius: " There are grave circumstances facing our people, the future of Crystalorb is at stake" Isis : " I agree, the attack on our Vanguards is a clear escalation" Onala : " More will certainly come" Cyris : " Yes! But what do we do?" Kolen : " The first thing to do is change our Crystal Armour energy management protocol, the shields should be set to maximum" Ocyris : " Not maximum, 55% should be sufficient." Kolen : " Will that be enough to stop an even more powerful Laser." Ocyris : " My calculations indicate that the laser used in the attack was a 100 kilowatts Laser, Nalen designed the shield so that the shielding ability increases exponentially in relation to energy input. The result of this is that at 50% power the shield can stop a 450 KW laser. Nalen Foresaw the development of the Lasers so he made enhancements" Isis : " What are the downsides of increasing the shield energy inputs?" Ocyris : " The energy reserves of the Crystal Armour will be depleted in half the normal time. In that case should the Crystal Armour shield be engaged the fighting time is reduced, increasing the potential for defeat" Esara : " It''s clear what needs to be done" Cyris : " What?" Esara : " We can''t win this way! We have to bring the fight to them, we must not play this hide and seek game that they are clearly better at. We have to move this conflict from out of the shadows and into the light, they live in the shadows this is their realm lets force them into the light where we hold the advantage." Gaurdius: " Do you mean open confrontation with the Hand of Destiny?" Esara : " Yes! We have no other choice" Cyris : " By the Source! You will doom us all" Kolen : " Esara is right, we are fighting with one hand tied behind our back, we can''t win like that. We need to decide here and now what we would like the final status to be, what are our victory conditions." Isis : " Victory conditions? Ours is a defensive posture!" Kolen : " That''s part of the problem, we wish to deter the Hand of Destiny, but they wish to dominate us. Their objective are clear, they intend to defeat and dominate us. Our security can only be assured by removing those who have a clear intent to destroy us; anything else will simply delay our demise." Esara : " Commander Kolen is correct; the defensive posture will not deter the Hand of Destiny. We need to send a clear message to the Hand of Destiny; they need to know that if they threaten us they will pay with their lives. These raids on Crystalorb will increase over time as their numbers increase!" Kolen : " I know that open confrontation with the Hand of Destiny brings with it many risks, but they are openly attacking us, we must respond in kind!" Lumen : " And what if they use their connections to the South African Government to launch an open war with us?" Gaurdius: " Yes, what happens then? Do we make war on an entire country? How far do we go? How many innocent lives are you willing to sacrifice?" Kolen : " If the South African Government allies itself to the Hand of Destiny then they automatically become our enemies. And for the record there are no innocents, anyone who attacks us must pay an equal price no matter who they represent." Onala : " Then how would we be any different from the Hand of Destiny? If we behave like them, then we are no different." Esara : " With all due respect, the difference is in the intent. The Hand of Destiny wishes to dominate while we only seek to affirm our right to exist." Anun; Son of Gaurdius and Guardian of Sector 5, and Sello Guardian of sector 4 enter the discussions. Anun : " Even if we could launch an offensive against our enemies, where would we attack? their centres are spread throughout the world." Isis : " Yes, we cannot sanction attacks of structures in all these countries, that act may unite the world against us." Kolen : " But we can destroy targets in Southern Africa." Loj : " Yes, we can prevent the Hand of Destiny from using these countries as cover in their offensives against us." Ocyris : " We have to meet with these governments and try and convince them to server their ties with the Hand of Destiny." Kolen : " These governments are in the pockets of the Hand of Destiny; they have already been bought and paid for!" Ocyris : " Then we must use their own laws to persuade them to see the light. We must use Civil Societies to launch legal challenges to all suspicious activities!" Gaurdius: " That sounds like a more reasonable proposition than launching an all out attack against all structures owned by the Hand of Destiny." Isis : " However a limited strike on some of the more potentially dangerous assets belonging to the Hand of Destiny will be necessary." Onala : " Yes! Like their weapons research facilities." Esara : " But most of those are located overseas?" Cyris : " Then we will have to attack them there. These research projects pose a clear and present danger to us!" Gaurdius: " Esara; prepare your units, this will be your task. The expeditionary units will seek out and destroy these research facilities overseas, but for African targets Kolen will organise a taskforce." Isis : " Kolen; put together a team for these operations, Loj will assist you in this endeavour" Turning her attention to Loj " Loj your units will be essential, make sure that they are ready" Loj : " On your Command!" Kolen : " On your Command!" Esara : " On your Command!" And that concluded the security meeting. The Council of Elders had made a decision to be more aggressive with the Hand of Destiny; the Council could no longer afford to be gentle in the confrontation with the HOD. The attacks on Crystalorb had caused a lot of fear amongst Crystalans, and the Council of Elders needed a decisive action to quell the fears amongst the Crystalan population. - - - Meanwhile Loj chose a team, and Kolen and Esara selected 2 teams each for the strategic operations. Each of the three Guardians would train these knew selected teams under their commands in the special techniques required for the particular assignments. Before Esara begins the training process she addresses the two teams to inform them of the task ahead, to explain to them the need for the actions that they are about to take. Esara : " As the Expeditionary Guardian it is my responsibility to lead, guide and protect you, to equip you with all the resources you will need to survive. I know that my leadership style is a bit unorthodox, other Guardians don''t do things the way I do them, and they like things to be planned and executed accordingly. Its because I''m so different, my strengths and weaknesses are so different to that of any other Guardian." Peo : " Esara you are our Captain and we will follow you anywhere" The second Vanglead chosen Nasan also indicated her support for Esara. Nasan : " Absolutely" Esara : " I appreciate your support, and hope that your confidence in my leadership continues in the difficult times ahead!" Nasan : " It will!" Peo : " Indeed!" Esara : " The recent attacks on Crystalorb have necessitated the course of action that we are about to take. The Council of Elders has tasked us with the destruction of research facilities throughout the world, we have identified 56 targets that we have been authorized to destroy. It''s the hope of the Council of Elders that we can accomplish this task without causing the loss of innocent lives." Nasan : " And what if that can''t be avoided?" Esara : " Then we proceed anyway." Peo : " Why is it so important that we destroy these research facilities?" Esara : " They are mutating human DNA in an attempt to create a hybrid human. They want to multiply their numbers rapidly, if they are successful we will inevitably loose our fight with them. They won''t stop the there, they may use these forces to take over they the country and possibly the entire continent. They''re also developing advanced energy weapons that could prove lethal to anyone who would oppose them." Nasan : " How will we travel to all these international targets?" Esara : " Ocyris has duplicated and enhanced my energy module so that it can contain sufficient energy to recharge all 11 of the Crystal Armours involved at least 10 times. As you know my red Chest Crystals allows me the ability to recharge other Crystal Armours, it''s an ability unique to red and blue Chest Crystals. The enhanced energy sphere contains far too much energy to be allowed to travel by air; the government officials will never allow it to move through customs." Peo : " Then how will we travel?" Esara : " Ocyris has purchased a Cargo ship that is currently being modified so that it can serve as a mobile base for our use. My enhanced energy sphere will be kept on the ship. We chose a cargo ship because they are so common, we can use the cargo as cover for the true mission of the ship. Because of our flight capabilities we will not have to dock in a particular country to attack any target, we will launch our assaults from the ship directly to the target while the ship remains in international waters." Nasan : " What happens when your sphere runs out of energy?" Esara : " Then I will fly it back to Crystalorb so that the Spirit Stone can recharge it, and then return to the ship once the Sphere is fully charged" Peo : " What kind of odds are we facing?" Esara : " I''m afraid they are not good. Analysis indicates that there may be as many as 50 enforcers at every target" Nasan : " 50? How are we supposed to overcome those odds?" Peo : " 10 against 50 is too risky!" Esara : " It will have to be 5 against 50 for us to maintain the element of surprise. The Crystal Armour gives us an advantage, and I will teach you some experimental fighting techniques that will help even the odds" Peo : " I don''t Know, this seems like a suicide mission, even with all your power we are bound to loose!" Esara : " What happened to I will follow you anywhere?" Nasan : " Thats just it; you wont be there with us!" Esara : " I cant be there, my red Crystal Armour does not generate the light spectrum that would allow me to be invisible. If the country authorities were to discover our presence it could mean the end for all of us. Stealth will be critical in these missions, you have to come in silently and be gone before they realise what hit them!" Peo : " So this won''t be direct combat" Esara : " It''s like my Husband always used to tell me, Fast and Hard!" Nasan : " I see, we are a strategic tool, using the cover of darkness and the stealth capabilities of the Crystal Armour we destroy without ever being seen." Esara : " After the first few targets they will increase their security measures, but it would be too late, they have been studying the responses of the Council of Elders to previous attacks so they will probably calculate a similar reaction, this offensive will catch them completely off guard." Peo : " Yes, but we have never launched such a large offensive against them." Nasan : " It''s time they get whats coming to them." Esara : " We have a long road ahead, and all of you still have to learn my fighting techniques, so you need to focus, it will not be easy." Nasan : " These techniques you speak of, why is it that we don''t know about them?" Esara : " Because they are not sanctioned by the Council of Elders." Peo : " Why not?" Esara : " It has to do with control." Peo : " Control?" Nasan : " How did you develop them?" Esara : " I didnt!" Peo : " Then who did?" Nasan : " It must have been Nalen!" Esara : " Yes! I first saw him use them when we tested the shield and flight capabilities of the Crystal Armour." Nasan : " What exactly did he do?" Esara : " It''s not so much what he did, but what he didn''t do!" Peo : " What does that mean?" Esara : " Nalen uses the Crystal Armour differently than any other Crystalan; it''s so distinct that if you saw it you would be amazed at the capabilities of the Crystal Armour. Nalen often told me that the mind is the weapon not the Crystal, and thats how he used the Crystal Armour. As I replicated some of the moves he used against me, I realised the extent of his control. If you think about it you will see that our Chest Crystals are capable of much more than most of us use them for! Nalen found a way to manipulate his shield in ways that even I cannot understand!" Nasan : " The Crystal Armours shield can be manipulated?" Esara : " Yes, two years ago I saw my husband do just that." Peo : " But how? Is it some kind of computer programming for the Crystal Armour?" Esara : " No! He used just his mind to make the shield do what he wanted it to do! Nalen later showed me the process of shield manipulation. I have to warn you its not easy, there are some complications with the process, and one has to be very careful in this process. Not many people know this but Nalen actually broke my Crystal Lance during a practice fight." Nasan : " He broke the Crystal Lance?" Peo : " I thought that the Lance was nearly indestructible?" Nasan : " Yes, it has the highest tensile strength Known to man." Esara : " Yet Nalen was able to Break it!" Nasan : " How?" Esara : " He did this using the Crystal Armour shield" Peo : " Wow!" Esara : " I will teach you the shield techniques that I have been able to perfect, but the main thing I wish to impart upon you is that you have to find your own way to use the shield, develop your own style in the use of the Crystal Armour shield." Nasan : " I understand" Esara : " The first technique I will teach is how to spin your Crystal Armour shield around your body. Spinning the shield can multiply the strength of the shield by more than a hundred times. This increased shield capability is not automatic, but a conscious effort on your part, and thus prone to failure should you loose your concentration." Peo : " I get it, Crystal Armour is a tool, like hardware, and the mind is the software. For the Crystal Armour shield to be controlled I will have to focus my thoughts into making my Chest Crystal cause the Crystal Armour to produce the desired results" Esara : " Precisely!" Nasan : " Before the Crystal Armour was created Crystalans had to practise Chest Crystal energy manipulation, but they never had the kind of control that you are talking about?" Esara : " The better control is a consequence of the red Chest Crystal mutation it gives us the ability to recharge our core energy reserves from the energy spheres, my husband tried for a long time to create an equivalent clear Crystal energy sphere but the clear Chest Crystal will not accept external energy other than that of the Spirit Stone. In any case Crystalans with clear Chest Crystal don''t really need external reserve energy spheres. The extraordinary control of those with blue and red Chest Crystals come as compensation for the fact that we have to be keenly aware of Chest Crystal energy utilisation, we can easily run out of Chest Crystal energy causing our bodies to fail, every disadvantage is accompanied by an advantage; the balance of opposites!" Peo : " Is that what happened to Nalen?" Esara : " Yes, the energy demands of the changes he made to his body caused a systematic drain on his body energy and that caused his body to react by making him sleep, he went into such a deep sleep we don''t know how to wake him, or if he can wake up, but you don''t have to worry about that because the clear Chest Crystal is in perfect harmony with the body." Nasan : " So when do we start the exercises?" Esara addresses all the 10 people there. Esara : " The first thing I want you to do is practise expanding the shield" Peo : " Expand the shield?" Esara : " Yes" Nasan : " What does that mean?" Esara : " The shield is normally 50 millimetres from the Crystal Armour, I want you to increase the aura shield distance from the Crystal Armour by as much as you can. Now I want all of you to put on your Armour so that we can begin." Peo and Nasan led the Crystal Armour activation each leading their team in the Oath while simultaneously activating their Chest Crystals to engage automatic Armour assembly. Peo and Nasan Speaking together. Peo & Nasan : " I am the light on the hill, the line in the sand, here and no further." With that, all of them including Esara had put on their Crystal Armours. Esara : " Good" Nasan : "Now" Speaking to members of her team "Start flight systems an lift to1 meter above ground" Peo : " Yes!" also speaking to members of his team "Do likewise, lift to 1 meter above the ground!" Nasan : " We are ready Guardian!" Esara : " Excellent!" Esara also lifted to1 meter above ground" I will now expand my shield" so Esara then increased her energy output expanding the distance between Armour and shield to 500 millimetres " I want you to try and expand your shields as much as you can." This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Nasan : " Ok" All ten tried to expand their shields but failed to achieve shield expansion. Esara : " You all tried to expand your shields by increasing the power to the shield; thats why you failed. To succeed you have to increase the energy in the air trapped between the electromagnetic fields. Don''t increase the strength of the electromagnetic fields, but use the Crystal Armour Energy Crystals to produce electrical energy that can feed into the Air trapped in the electromagnetic fields. I want you to make the air particles so charged that the air particles begin to repel each other, it''s this repulsion that will expand the shield." Peo : " I see now" Esara : " You have to understand the Science behind what you are trying to achieve with the use of the shields" Nasan : " Unless I understand how it works I cannot manipulate it" Esara : " Exactly, now all of you try it again" With better concentration and understanding most of them were able to expand their shields by only a few millimetres. Esara knew what they were doing incorrectly, but she also realised that they would need time to adequately enhance their capabilities. Peo : " What am I doing wrong? It began to expand but then stopped." Esara : " It takes time, don''t worry youll get it." Nasan : " But will it be in time to be useful" Esara : " I want you to continue practicing expansion, once you are fully capable of that I will teach shield spinning and shield projection." Peo : " Shield spinning and shield projection?" Esara : " Yes, these three techniques will help all of you survive in the coming battles." Nasan : " Expansion, Spinning and Projection" Esara : " The proper application of all three techniques will make you a force to be reckoned with! Armed with these techniques you will be able to overcome the numbers that we have to face in the coming months." Peo : " I see why you were not to concerned about the odds that we''re up against." Esara : " Ok now, continue your exercises until your Crystal Armour is depleted of its energy reserve, I have other matters to attend to!" Esara left the two teams to train on their own, she had meetings with the research departments and the MAD Guardian; planning for the coming strategic operations had began and the inputs of all those leading the operations was critical to the success of the operations. - - - Meanwhile the Council of Elders instructed the MAD Guardian''s second in command Tumi (Tumelo Ralefa) to make contact with the South African government. The Council of Elders decided that the point of contact with the South African Government should be the department of intelligence, so the Council of Elders instructed Tumi to request a meeting with the deputy intelligence Minister Jabu Mthembu. Tumi requested the meeting indicating that the Crystalorb Trust wanted to make a 20 million Rands donation to the governing party to use in the upcoming 2004 general elections. This was the kind of offer even the governing party could not ignore, so they agreed to meet with the representative of the Crystalorb Trust. Tumi was to meet with the governing party and give them the money without asking for anything in return. Tumi travelled to Pretoria escorted by a combination of local security personnel and Mobile Assets Defence units with Crystal Armoured teams shadowing them while providing invisible air cover. The date set for the meeting was 16-11-2002. The deputy intelligence Minister Jabu Mthembu arrived at the office Tumi had rented for the month in preparation for the meeting. As Jabu enters the boardroom Tumi stands and greets him with a handshake. Tumi : " Welcome Mr Mthembu, It''s good to finally meet you. I am Tumelo Ralefa" Jabu : " Likewise, please call me Jabu" Tumi : " In that case you can call me Tumi. I''m happy that you agreed to meet" Jabu : " Well it''s not every day that a representative from the owners of one of the largest privately held Corporations wants to meet with me." Tumi : " We at the Crystalorb Trust believe in the great work this government is doing to grow and transform this economy, and we want to help the African National Movement secure an even greater majority in parliament to fast track your legislative agenda." Jabu : " I want to make it clear that the policies of the African National Movement are not for sale, if you hope to somehow influence them then you are wasting your time." Tumi : " For the record we like your policies, we seek only to make you better equipped to challenge your detractors. All the members of the Crystalorb Trust are of African descent, so your goals are our goals." Jabu : " My principals will want to know more about the Crystalorb Trust, all our attempts to acquire a list of all the members of the Crystalorb Trust have been met with failure" Tumi : " We like our privacy, but I can tell you this; all the members of the Crystalorb Trust are citizens of this Country. So you don''t have to worry about foreign infiltration" Jabu : " But the Crystalorb Trust is mainly registered with international institutions" Tumi : " It had to be, to protect us from the Apartheid government and their friends and allies in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas" Jabu : " Can you provide proof of any of this?" Tumi : " Not to you! But to your Principals in due time" Jabu : " Without proof I wont be able to accept your check or bank transfer" Tumi : " I understand. Will you take cash then?" Jabu : " You would hand over R20 million just like that?" Tumi : " Just like that!" Jabu : " Arent you worried that I might keep it for myself?" Tumi : " We checked your credentials, we are confident that you will be consistent with your history" Jabu : " And what if you''re wrong?" Tumi : " The Crystal Valley Industries Company paid 12.7 Billion Rands in taxes in the previous financial year, R20 million is a drop in the Ocean Jabu. Besides the credit for facilitating a new source of income for your party will be much more rewarding for your political future" Jabu : " I want to know why you people were not more involved during the struggle for freedom in this country" Tumi : " We have very powerful enemies Jabu, people who made it difficult for us to be openly involved" Jabu : " Ok then, I can now take possession of your donation" Tumi Signals one of her assistants, and private Cash in transit Guards enter the boardroom carrying money boxes which contain the cash. Tumi : " These gentlemen will take the money wherever you want them to, you will have to arrange for a police escort." Jabu : " You understand that the name Crystalorb Trust will not appear on any party documentation as having given a donation to the party. But we appreciate your contribution and look forward to future fruitful relations with the Crystalorb Trust." Tumi : " Before you leave, I must inform you that we will also donate funds to African Civil Society institutions that advocate and protect the interests of the public at large. I''m telling you so that the party is not taken by surprise, it''s important for our international credibility that we be seen as a socially responsible organisation, owning Crystal Valley Industries demands that modicum of respectability!" With that Crystalorb''s first interaction with the South African Government was concluded, Tumi had proved herself to be a great envoy for Crystalorb, her efforts had led to a successful interaction with a key component in the security requirements of Crystalorb. - - - Back at Crystalorb Esara continued the training of the two Expeditionary Teams, as their progress improved Esara sought to allay the fears of her children about her upcoming departure. Esara wanted to assure her kids that everything would be fine, but 13 year old Casara and 10 year old Naole remained unconvinced of the assurances of their mother, Casara in particular was terrified at the prospect of being left alone. Esara : " I won''t be gone for long" Casara : " I need a number Mama, how many days?" Esara : " Perhaps 2 to 3 Months" Naole : " Who will take care of me?" Esara : " I have asked Enala''s older sister Naledi to stay with you while I''m away" Casara : " What about Father? what if something happens while you are away?" Esara : " Your Father has been sleeping for over three years now, he will probably sleep for a few more months" Naole : " Mama what if something happens to you? Other kids already make fun of us calling Father a brain-dead vegetable." Esara : " Who''s been calling your father a vegetable?" Casara : " It''s Amun" Esara : " Who is Amun?" Naole : " He''s an older kid, he says that his father is the leader of all Guardians, and that his grandfather is the head of the Council of Elders" Esara : " Casara do you know who he''s talking about?" Casara : " Yes Mama, Amun''s mother is the daughter of Lord Gaurdius, also Amun''s father is Guardian Kolen. Amun''s my age, I would really like to shut him up, that boy really bugs me." Esara : " I must have a talk with his father." Casara : " No! That will only make things more difficult for us, Amun and his friends will make our lives hell if you do that" Esara : " Ok then" Esara turns to look Naole in the eyes "Your Father is not a vegetable" Naole : " Why wont he wake up then?" Esara : " Your father shares a very special connection with you Naole, one day he will awaken to show you just how special that bond is" Naole : " What special connection?" Esara : " You and your father share the same heart" Casara : " Yes, I heard the doctor say that Naole and father have genetically identical biomechanical Crystalline hearts." Esara : " No human heart is exactly like another except for you Naole your father Nalen. Because of what your father did to save you your hearts are identical" Naole : " I dont understand" Esara : " What that means is that because the two are identical they can be considered to be one. If you find yourself missing your father all you have to do is listen to the beating of your heart, and you will hear the beating of his heart. Your fathers heartbeat is your heartbeat" Casara : " It''s true, you actually carry a piece of fathers'' heart with you wherever you go, and he carries a piece of your Chest Crystals with him at all times" Esara : " Both of you may hold the key to bringing him out of the coma; his connection to the two of you may be what eventually brings him back." Naole : " Sometimes it seems like he has been in a coma forever Esara : " I know" Casara : " I loved talking to him" Esara : " We mustn''t loose hope, one day he will return to us" Naole : " Father would know how to deal with Amun" Esara : " He probably would, but in the meantime you must have faith in the knowledge that you may be different to any other Crystalan but that does not mean that you are less than equal to any other Crystalan." Casara : " At least for me the red Chest Crystal is seen as a mark of strength because of you Mama, although most believe you are a freak, there are some who believe that the emergence of the red Chest Crystal has been a great gift to all of Crystalorb. There''s no precedent for Naole''s blue Chest Crystal, no one understands his true potential!" Esara : " People generally see only the surface, they never bother to look beneath the surface; Naole can generate energy levels more than five times that of ordinary Crystalans. Crystalans are Extraordinary from a human perspective, but the Red and Blue Chest Crystaled Crystalans are Extraordinary even by Crystalan standards. So when ever they tease you remember that your very existence is an Extraordinary Event, a blessing I am grateful to behold!" Naole : " Ok Mama I will try and remember" Casara : " Me too" Naole : " There is something else" Naole picks up his training Armour " I think there is something wrong with this Armour, it does not work properly, it does not do what I want it to do all the time, other kids have already started learning how to hover, but my Armour won''t do what I ask it to do" Esara : " Casara; why havent you helped your brother with his training? He is after all three years behind other kids!" Casara : " I tried, but it didn''t help, perhaps there is something wrong with his Training Armour" Esara : " Have you tried putting on his Armour so you can see for yourself" Casara : " Yes; but there was nothing wrong with it. We even took the Armour to the instructor so she could check it and she found nothing wrong with it, she even replaced it with a new one but it still made no difference. I just don''t know what''s going on." Esara : " All Training Armours are Identical, they are all fabricated from Clear Crystals. Naole''s blue Chest Crystal must be having difficulty interfacing with the Clear Crystals that forms the Training Armours" Naole : " Then why is Casara not also having problems with her Training Armour?" Esara : " The Red Chest Crystal while different from the clear Chest Crystal it remains fundamentally similar, to the eye they seem different but the red Chest Crystal retains a majority of the properties of a clear Chest Crystal. The blue Chest Crystal on the other hand is a very different compound to the clear Chest Crystal, but similar to the red Chest Crystal. The other thing to consider is the different shades of the same colour, for example Casara and I have a lighter shade of red on our Chest Crystals while your father has a deep red, Naole''s Chest Crystal is a deep darker shade of blue, perhaps his kids might have a lighter shade, sky blue or sea blue. All these differences are important to the proper calibration of the Armour." Naole : " I still don''t understand?" Casara : " It''s obvious!" Naole : " What do you mean?" Casara : " It has to do with energy type." Naole : " What?" Esara : " Casara is correct, there are slight differences between the energies generated by the Red, Blue and Clear Chest Crystal. While these differences seem insignificant they are critical when dealing with energy bonding. We call these energies Red, Blue and Clear energies. Red and Blue energies are compatible, Red and Clear energies are compatible, but Blue and Clear energies may be to some extent incompatible." Naole : " Are you saying that I''m incompatible with my Training Armour?" Esara : " In a way, to grasp what I''m telling you, you have to understand that there are many types of energies. I want you to think of these energies like electricity at different currents, there can be low current with high voltage, low voltage with high current, low current with low voltage and high current with high voltage. The Clear Chest Crystal is in harmonious balance like low current with low voltage, but the Red Chest Crystal on the other hand can be considered unbalanced like low current with high voltage or low voltage with high current and the Blue Chest Crystals are like high current with high voltage." Casara : " Does that mean that Naole is more powerful than any of us?" Esara : " No; like electricity high voltage creates new challenges to transmission. The electrical Resistance of materials make the handling of high voltage extremely difficult." Casara : " And me? Why is it easier for me?" Esara : " Things are easier for the Red Chest Crystal because of the ability to alternate between extremes, like the low current with high voltage or low voltage with high current. This ability allows Red Chest Crystal to interface at the required energy level" Casara : " How can we help Naole?" Esara : " This is one of those times when your Father would have been useful to have around" Naole : " But can you fix it?" Esara : " Before I joined the Expeditionary Units I was part of the research team, I''m familiar with how the Training Armour works. I think the solution to Naole''s Training Armour problems can be addressed using his Blue Crystals collected from Naole''s reserve energy sphere. The Blue Crystals will function as a filter to limit the amount of energy Naole feeds to the Training Armour, this will prevent the Training Armour from being over stimulated. I have to warn you, it wont be perfect, so you have to be careful with the use of the Training Armour." Casara : " At last, maybe now he will stop complaining!" Esara : " Indeed!" Naole : " How quickly can you do it? I can''t wait to start flying." Esara : " It''s a relatively simple process, it should take about two hours" Naole : " Just think; in a couple of hours I will be flying" Casara : " It wont be that simple" Naole : " Yes it will, didn''t you hear Mama? I''m special, unique, the only one of my kind!" Esara : " He certainly has his fathers ego, they have a natural confidence about their place in the world, even if its just self importance" Esara looks directly at Naole "I don''t want you behaving dangerously! I will now get started on the modifications to your Training Armour" Esara collected Blue Crystal fragments from Naole''s reserve energy sphere and grafted them on to Naole''s Training Armour. The Blue Crystals were to function like a resister limiting the energy from Naole''s Chest Crystal to the Training Armour. When she was finished Naole took the Training Armour and started his Training. Esara then went to the Crystalorb Clinic to see her husband Nalen. - - - Chapter 07: Strike Force - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 7: Strike Force - - - When Esara stepped into Nalen''s room she immediately sensed that something was different, she immediately asked to speak to the doctor in charge of Nalen''s care. Esara : " Doctor; I''ve just been to Nalen''s room, and felt something different, I can''t quite put my finger on it, but Nalen seems somehow different. Its as if he is putting out far more energy than the last time I was here." Dr Kanu (MD) : "It''s amazing that you noticed it so quickly! I was just about to call you to tell you about the development" Esara : " Whats going on?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " I don''t know exactly, all we know for certain is that Nalen''s brain activity doubled about an hour ago" Esara : " What caused it? What happened an hour ago?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " To put it simply Naole, Your son Naole was here visiting Nalen. Naole was in a very exited state, he was jumping around Nalen''s room telling Nalen how he was going to fly around" Esara : " Naole was here?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " Yes, that''s when we picked it up" Esara : " Picked up what?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " Naole''s excitement was triggering a reaction in Nalen''s heart rate, it was as though Nalen was also getting exited" Esara : " So Nalen can hear us" Dr Kanu (MD) : " It appears so! Even though it may not seem like it Nalen is aware of things that are happening around him" Esara : " What about the increased brain activity?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " Yes, thats a bit of a puzzle, we think that the increased heart rate triggered the increase in brain activity" Esara : " What does that mean, is Nalen waking up?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " I don''t know, but it gives us reason to hope" Esara : " I''ve always had hope, what I need now is for you to tell me exactly whats going on within Nalen" Dr Kanu(MD) : " You must understand, Crystalan physiology is so different from human physiology, that my years of studying medicine are barely useful in the treatment of Crystalans. As you know most Crystalan injuries heal themselves completely without leaving a scar, the healing process is nearly five times faster for those Crystalan without Chest Crystals. Our research indicates that the difference in the healing rate is due to the Chest Crystal. I myself was not born with a Chest Crystal so I don''t have a precise feel for the functionality of the Chest Crystal" Esara : " I know all that, 40% of Crystalans don''t have Chest Crystals, we also know the reasons why, but what does any of this have to do with my husband?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " I''m merely trying to impress upon you the whole picture! The possible reason you felt such a marked increase in Nalen''s energy level has to do with something that is happening to the rest of Nalen''s body. After the increase in heart rate caused an increase in brain activity something else happened" Esara : " What?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " Nalen''s muscles are being stimulated by something, we''re still running tests, but I have to tell you that I''ve never seen anything even remotely like this; we are now definitely in uncharted territory!" Esara : " What do you mean by stimulated?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " When one is moving there is a certain amount of energy that is used to achieve movement and the amount of energy needed for walking is less than the amount of energy required for running" Esara : " Yes; I get that!" Dr Kanu (MD) : " Well when we measured the amount of energy in his muscles in relation to the rest position, we estimate that his muscles a using as much energy as if he were running. The muscle activity lasts for 10 minutes then stops for 30 minutes then activates for 10 minutes then stops for 30 minutes. It''s cyclical!" Esara : " He''s exercising!" Dr Kanu (MD) : " That can''t be right, it''s just not probable!" Esara : " You''d think that, but that''s because you dont know my husband. When it comes to Nalen you must never rule anything out, he is a man without limits, and I always knew that he would find a way back to me!" Dr Kanu (MD) : " I don''t think so, I think the brain activity is triggering the response in his muscles to suggest anything else would be overreaching. All our brain scans still suggests that Nalen is still in a coma!" Esara : " Let me tell you something, I once stood in this very clinic and heard people tell me that my son would be dead in two months, that was four years ago. In every occasion that Nalen was faced with a wall he has always found a way through it, it''s as though his natural instinct is to rise beyond his limits whenever he is faced with what seems like an insurmountable obstacle!" Dr Kanu (MD) : " Your faith in Nalen is admirable, but...!" Esara : " But nothing! My husband is fighting his way back, and this time he needs a little help, so faith is the least that I can give him. If you can''t have faith then look at the evidence, the proof of his unyielding spirit is right there!" Dr Kanu (MD) : " What proof?" Esara : " His heart" Esara pauses and takes Nalen''s hand "Everyday my son lives I''m reminded just how special Nalen is, when I come here to see him and I see on the heart monitor Nalen''s heart beat, and I am confronted by proof of a father''s love; proof that miracles are possible if you only have the courage to believe. This isn''t hope, I have seen what Nalen is capable of, and therefore believe that he can once again do the impossible. If you have trouble believing then use your machines and look at his heart and you will see the final proof of Nalen''s capabilities, believe what you see and let Nalen tell you how to help" Dr Kanu is called away to attend to an emergency "I believe Nalen! I will be here when you find your way back!" And so Esara stayed at the Clinic for two hours silently watching over her husband, confident in the knowledge that Nalen knows that she is there. The conflict with the Hand of Destiny was coming to a head, and one of Crystalorb''s most legendary talents lay helpless. The hope of Crystalorb now lay with Esara, her strength and power was once again called upon to fight the good fight, to stand for justice and protect her home. - - - Meanwhile Ocyris and his team were hard at work making the final preparations for the operations of the three Guardians; Kolen, Loj and Esara. The ship that Esara was to travel on was nearly ready for strategic operations, for the security of the Guardian and her two teams Ocyris installed defence systems on the ship. The armaments of the ship included a new Crystal based Laser weapon system designed to provide surface and subsurface projectile weapon defence. The Crystal based Laser weapon system could also be deployed as an offensive weapon should the need arise. Along with the Laser there were other weapon systems that were installed on the ship that was now named Intrepid. Using technology from the Light of Ilesia the research team created a cannon with the ability to produce supercharged electrical energy balls known as the Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls, and the Cannon could also produce the Electrolaser Lightning Bolts. As the deployment time of the strategic units approached Esara was finalising the training of the two Expeditionary teams led by Vangleads Nasan and Peo. Over six months the two teams had become competent in the use of the three electromagnetic shield manipulation techniques, Esara had been training them in the applications of these unorthodox techniques. Shield manipulation had become a critical component of their offensive strategies, and because of the three shield manipulation techniques Esara was confident of their chances of success. The combination of the three techniques Expansion, Spinning and Projection was the ultimate progression that Esara wanted her two teams to master. Projection being the most powerful was the most difficult for the units; it requires enormous energy and concentration. The projected energy field could be used to manipulate other objects, so Esara showed her units how to use the projected energy field to move rocks and levitate both people and other objects, but the most difficult to accomplish was to combine Shield energy field Spinning and Projection By combining Shield energy field Spinning and Projection Esara could drill into any material, even some of the hardest substances like the black Crystal covering the to of mount Crystalorb. The final technique proved too difficult for Vanguards to master, only the two Vangleads Nasan and Peo could perform the combination of the techniques Shield energy field Expansion, Spinning and Projection. Esara''s units were ready, the Intrepid was ready, and the other Guardians were also confident in the abilities of their teams to execute the mission, thus all that remained was for the Council of Elders to give the order and they would execute their attack plans as per the instructions of the Council of Elders. - - - And so the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council met to give their final instructions and give the orders to proceed with the next phase. Gaurdius : " In the name of Crystalorb I hereby declare this meeting constituted" Isis : " Kolen; what progress can you report?" Kolen : " Honoured Elders, I''m happy to report that our preparations are complete, we are ready to proceed" Jalen : " Ocyris; what is the status of your preparations?" Ocyris : " Honoured Elders, we a ready, our ship the Intrepid is armed and ready, it is already at sea and awaits the Expeditionary Units" Onala : " Loj; how about you?" Loj : " Honoured Elders, my team is fully prepared and other teams are preparing for deployment in support of the primary team" Isis : " Esara; are the Expeditionary Units ready?" Esara : " Honoured Elders, my people are ready; they''ve worked hard and await the Council''s command. I''m also ready to lead them into the fight, but I''m concerned about my ability to back them up should they need it" Lumen : " Is there a problem?" Esara : " As you are all aware my Red Crystal Armour does not allow me to become invisible, so in the event that I''m required to assist my teams I will be visible. I''ve trained my people so that they won''t need me, if they do I''ll have to act, and this might attract undue attention from the public" Gaurdius : " So what do you suggest?" Esara : " A second Guardian onboard the Intrepid. The attack plan calls for simultaneous attacks on multiple targets, that means very high team rotation, I have to be present onboard the Intrepid because I''m the only one with the ability to recharge the Crystal Armours, a second Guardian could help support the Expeditionary role." Cyris : " Well Kolen, can you spare one more Guardian?" Kolen : " There arent enough of us; we just don''t have enough Guardians. There are officially 16 Guardians, and my strategic operations require three Guardians to back up the strategic teams." Isis : " It does seem slightly unfair to have Esara back up two teams while the three teams operating on the continent have three Guardians to support them should they need it." Kolen : " I understand, but the simple fact is that there are 16 Guardians, Crystalorb security requires 12 Guardians and the strategic operations require 5 Guardians, that puts us at 17. Given Esara''s combat history we simply assumed that she won''t need the extra help, our opposite numbers in the HOD have come to fear the very sight of her, they call her the Red Guardian." Gaurdius: " But the rules are clear, no Guardian must fight alone. Is there no one new who can answer the call of the Armour?" Kolen : " There is none! Guardian Armour isnt something one can grow into; the minimum requirements are quite intense. If the energy requirements exceed the capabilities of the Crystalan then that''s that." Tshego : " There is one, But he''s been sleeping for 4 years!" Cyris : " My daughter tells me that there have been some new developments with Nalen" Esara : " The doctor in charge of his care is increasingly optimistic about Nalen''s condition, there have been some improvements. I deploy in 10 days, and therefore need to make provisions for any additional people that fall under my command during this mission" Isis : " I understand whats going on, Esara is the youngest of all Guardians, and therefore none of the other Guardians want to take orders from someone so young" Onala : " And we cannot put the command of the mission or that of the two Expeditionary Teams under another Guardian, the teams trust and believe in Esara they won''t follow anyone else in the same way." Anun : " My lord if I may, perhaps there is another way!" Cyris : " Go ahead Anun" Anun : " Each Guardian here in Crystalorb has 12 teams under their command, and the 12 Guardians are essential to the security of Crystalorb, we need the teams but not necessarily the team leaders. Would Esara''s need be satisfied by six Vangleads instead of a Guardian" Esara : " Yes, that would be satisfactory" Gaurdius: " Guardians; we need six Vangleads! Who amongst you will assist the Expeditionary Guardian?" Anun : " I will offer two Vangleads" Kutu : " I will offer my most experienced Vanglead" Inala : " Esara you can have two of my best Vangleads" Aman : " You can have my second in command" Gaurdius: " Well there you are, Esara you have what you need! The Council hereby orders the deployment of the strategic units in the service of Crystalorb, you are to destroy the selected targets, let those who wish Crystalorb harm be undone by the evil in their hearts!" Ocyris : " I have something further to report" Jalen : " Go on!" Onala : " Speak Guardian!" This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Ocyris : " Recent developments with Nalen has forced us to take a look at one of his earlier queries" Onala : " Which one?" Jalen : " There are so many after all" Ocyris : " After the development of the Light of Ilesia Nalen noted a 2.457% increase in the physical strength of the users after 8 days of use. He then recommended a full scale study of the effects of the energy enhancements on Crystalans." Cyris : " We received Nalens reports but felt that there was nothing be to concerned about!" Gaurdius: " Whats wrong with our people being stronger and cleverer?" Ocyris : " So you havent noticed it either?" Gaurdius: " What are you talking about?" Jalen : " Are you suggesting that we missed something?" Ocyris : " A Crystal Guardian without Armour today is more powerful than an Armoured Vanguard from 2 years ago?" Gaurdius: " What?" Onala : " How is that even possible?" Esara : " Are you saying that weve become Stronger?" Ocyris : " By a Hundred fold!" Jalen : " Thats not possible! We would have noticed; right?" Esara : " So thats how he survived!" Cyris : " Who?" Esara : " Nalen" Ocyris : " The Manacle of Ilesia feeds energy directly into the body; something first discovered by the Hodians. The effect of this method is transformative to the enhanced physiology of a Crystalan; It activates dormant genes! Crystalans have Ten Thousand Times more dormant genes than normal Humans; Im not sure we should even be considered Human! We a theorizing that the original Crystal may have been part of a Technogarnic Weapon System" Esara : " That would explain why this war has had such an effect on us! The war with the Hodians is changing us!" Ocyris : " Crystalans Like to Fight! And I suspect that Hodians also enjoy combat!" Loj : " They do! It is suspicious that all members of two separate communities enjoy potentially lethal violence." Onala : " Are you sure we all like the violence?" Esara : " We do!" Onala : " All of us?" Ocyris : " Every single one of us!" Tshego : " How could you possibly know a thing like that?" Cyris : " That cant be right!" Esara : " Its true; My grandfather noticed it too!" Isis : " But Crystalorb is so peaceful?" Gaurdius: " It cant be the Spirit Stone can it?" Loj : " I think its easy for those of you who grew up under the Light of the Spirit Stone to be oblivious to its power; its basically a God!" Ocyris : " Once we decided to go to War with Hodians the Spirit Stone removed some the limits it had placed on our Abilities; first signified by Nalen wearing Guardian Armour!" Cyris : " He knew didnt he?" Jalen : " Did Nalen know?" Esara : " I think he suspected that we might be more than we are ready to accept!" Gaurdius: " Its more than Physical isnt it? Our minds are opening up; becoming a great deal more than Human!" Ocyris : " In any case I suggest we keep this a secret for the time being; at least until our people are ready to hear the truth." Onala : " You should have kept quiet Ocyris; you never should have made us aware of this!" Ocyris : " The implications were frightening! If were going to Fight you must all be aware that The Crystal Guardians being the most Evolved of Crystalans cannot be taken Alive!" Kolen : " Understood!" Cyris : " May the source give you strength!" The meeting was concluded, the mission was approved and in ten days Esara would leave aboard a helicopter to rendezvous with the ship Intrepid. The Vanguards and the Vangleads would leave in eight days, two days before Esara. - - - During the next 10 days those who were about to deploy used the remaining days to spend quality time with their families and friends. Esara visits her friends Cyris and Inala the parents of Enala, Casara and Naole come with her to the lunch with Enala''s family. After the meal the adults go of by themselves leaving their children on their own. Cyris : " Esara; it''s good to see you in a non formal environment!" Esara : " I''ve been so busy these past few months that I''ve hardly had time to do anything else" Inala : " And how is your husband?" Esara : " His condition still has not changed, but for the first time in four years there is real hope. In the past week the doctors have seen things that indicate there is some awareness from him; they believe he is aware of things that are going on around him." Cyris : " Many on the Council frown on me when I talk like this, but I get the feeling that we need Nalen; for if Crystalorb is to survive Nalen must return!" Inala : " I didn''t know you felt so strongly about this?" Cyris : " It''s not just me!" Esara : " There are others on the Council who think the way you do?" Inala : " Can one person truly be that important?" Cyris : " I don''t know, but I do know this, were it not for the efforts of Nalen Crystalorb would have already been overrun by the Hand of Destiny!" Inala : " By the source!" Esara : " What makes you think that he is so essential?" Cyris : " If you look at the facts; It was your Grandfather who created the Crystal Armour, then his son Esara''s father Lekalo and Lekalo''s sister Shanela improved the Armour, and then Nalen took the Armour to a completely new level. Don''t you see? The security of Crystalorb has always rested with your bloodline Esara!" Esara : " But why do you think we need him to survive?" Cyris : " I''m not the one who thinks we need him" Inala : " Who then?" Cyris : " The Spirit Stone, the Source itself recognizes the great power in Nalen, the Spirit Stone gave the Guardian Armour without us having a say in the matter. Nalen is a man without limits; even you Esara surely recognise the truth, the fate of our home is linked to the fate of Nalen" Esara : " That can''t be true; he is just a sweet simple man" Cyris : " There is nothing simple about that man; he''s the most complex individual I have ever met" Inala : " It''s true he''s very complicated" Esara : " He may be relentless, but with me he''s just clear and simple" Cyris : " You are too close to him to see it, let me ask you this, how did he save young Naole?" Inala : " That was a little strange, to be better at something that you are unfamiliar with than those who have dedicated their lives to studying it" Esara : " That''s just who he is!" Cyris : " And what about his fighting techniques, If the mind is truly the weapon, then his mind must be the most powerful of all!" Esara : " I have to admit that, he has some amazing fighting techniques!" Inala : " All that power, but no inclination to use it!" Esara : " He sees the mind as a more effective tool!" Cyris : " My daughter Enala tells me that Casara can generate more than twice the energy of her own energy. If you were to calculate it at age 13 Casara could operate Vanguard Armour. You and Nalen are the same way, between the two of you exists a power like no other! I think that my colleagues on the Council know this and it scares them!" Esara : " But why would they be afraid of us!" Inala : " Self preservation!" Cyris : " We may have sealed ourselves in this cave, and we maybe born with extraordinary power, but Crystalans still remain fundamentally human, governed by human emotions!" Esara : " What emotions do you ascribe this to?" Inala : " The fear of someone you perceive as more powerful than you are!" Esara : " What are you saying?" Cyris : " It''s a human fact; all of us are motivated by our feelings!" Inala : " Its true; I sometimes get a little jealous of you Esara!" Cyris : " It doesnt seem logical does it, but emotions arent always logical!" Esara : " But why would you envy me? You have the perfect life, you are a respected Guardian and married to an esteemed Elder. I envy you!" Inala : " Yes, but in your role as Guardian you are unchallenged, most members of the Guardian Council would never admit this, but you are the best we have; a Guardian like no other! Those who serve under you have absolute faith in you. That''s why every one in your command requested to be in the Expeditionary Units!" Esara : " I wanted people who understand that the Expeditionary Units are the first line of defence, so they have to choose to risk everything, I didn''t want people who were forced to risk their lives!" Cyris : " I think that''s precisely Inala''s point, they follow you, not orders!" Esara : " You are making me out to be more than I truly am!" Inala : " Four years ago you showed the Hand of Destiny the true power of a Guardian, the strength of Crystalorb, no one in Crystalorb can deny that, and when things look bad the Crystalans look to you for strength!" Cyris : " This has angered some on the Council of Elders, they would prefer that this was not the case, they have grown accustomed to public adoration, and you threaten that!" Inala : " Even some Guardians think that you and Nalen want all the glory for yourselves!" Esara : " The truth is that I would like nothing better than to stay home with my kids, but my people need me to recharge their Armours!" Inala : " That''s the other thing; this ability of yours to recharge other people''s Armours makes some on the Guardian Council uneasy. I once heard the Guardian Commander remark that because of that ability you could raise an army amongst Crystalans and take over Crystalorb!" Esara : " Why would I want to do that?" Cyris : " It''s the paranoid mind at work!" Esara : " We can dismiss these fears as irrational for now, but eventually I will have to address them!" Inala : " We just want you to be careful while you are away, and remember to act in the best interest of your people, even if it means offending the Guardian Council." - - - As the day for Esara''s departure approached she prepared herself for the coming battles by calming her mind with meditation techniques. There was a fury of activities in Crystalorb as the sector Guardians prepared for possible retaliatory attacks from the Hand of Destiny. All Crystal Armoured Teams were on full alert; they stood ready for an attack. Ocyris the head of Crystalorb research was preparing to fill in for the sector 7 Guardian Amang. Amang had been selected by Kolen to accompany Loj and Kolen on their operations throughout the continent. Because of the inability to recharge from an external energy source other than the Spirit Stone, Amang, Loj and Kolen decided that they would operate in strategic strike role, returning back to Crystalorb after every successful mission, all missions would be designed to suit the particular targets. Because Loj''s units did not have Chest Crystals they could pass for normal humans and therefore could hit targets in major cities where a large scale Crystal Armoured attack was not an option. Amang''s responsibility was to support and protect Loj and his team. To help Amang three Vangleads from sector 7 were assigned to the mission. On the day of Esaras departure all the Guardians were stood fully Armoured in two rows at the base of the Crystalorb gate transit system. As Esara passed through the pair of Guardians parallel to her they activated their Armour Chest Crystals creating a moving arch of electrical energy, this was the Guardian salute, a way to honour a Guardian''s courage. Then Esara travelled by helicopter to Intrepid which was now in international waters 420 km from the South African coast. - - - Upon Esara''s arrival the Intrepid set a course for Europe at 28 knots, they would arrive in 2 weeks. The destination of the Intrepid was the North Sea near the Norwegian coast; the Hand of Destiny had set up research facilities in that region, 2 centres in Norway and 3 centres in Finland. The five centres were Esara''s first targets, The Hand of Destiny (HOD) had chosen the cold climates because of the nature of the research, this was where they carried out their bio research. The next set of targets were in east Europe where the governments could be bribed to look the other way while they carried out animal testing of their mutagenic DNA. Then Intrepid would then move to South America. There were identified targets in Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile. The Intrepid would then travel to the Pacific Ocean the targets being Mongolia, Indonesia and Cambodia, with the mission to destroy identified targets. The final set of identified targets would be in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Georgia. - - - When the Intrepid was two days from target location Kolen, Amang and Loj ordered their units into position. The continental strikes would hit the heart of the Hand of Destiny''s advanced weapons development located in South Africa. They would then hit other targets in Southern Africa, and then they would move to Central Africa, then North Africa. The crux of the plan was to hit all the South African targets in one day. With proper energy management a team could hit multiple targets then return to Crystalorb to rest while their Crystal Armour was being recharged. It was an ambitious plan that depended on the element of surprise to be truly effective, so they made every effort to conceal their movements, making sure that the Hand of Destiny (HOD) remained unaware of the attack. For all the teams the weapon of choice was the wave of Compressed Energized air particles electrically bonded to form a highly charged sphere that was called the Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball. Both the Crystal Armoured and Ilesian Units could produce such an attack, but it was the primary attack of the Ilesians. The Guardian Council chose this attack because Government Authorities would assume it to be electrical discharge either from a storm or electrical wiring, either way the attack would not point the finger at a sinister force. - - - Chapter 08: Pre-emptive Attack - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 8: Pre-emptive Attack - - - On the day of the first attack the Intrepid reached the predetermined location from which they would launch their attacks on Hodian Targets. The launch time was set at 23h00 GMT, chosen to coincide with a series of storms that would blanket most of western European skies. The storms would provide perfect cover for assault teams. Esara was concerned about the capabilities of the European defence forces, the Crystal Armour had some vulnerability to infrared detection, but because of the associated costs of advanced infrared systems many European defence forces didnt acquire Infrared systems. An hour before launch the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council convened at the Council Chambers to observe and command the battle, holographic displays were then activated on all four sides of the pyramid for all Crystalans to observe the strikes, the Crystalorb Broadcast system was authorized to give direct holographic feed; those who did not wish to gather at the pyramid could watch from their homes. It was Crystalorb policy that the Council of Elders not hide from Crystalans any military activity taken in the name of Crystalorb, and on behalf of Crystalans. The Belief was that Crystalans had the right to know about any death caused in the name of Crystalorb. Consequently those with young children were advised not to let the children watch if a close relative of the child was involved. - - - At the command centre the four Guardians were awaiting the final order to launch. Kolen : " Honoured Councils, the time is 22h49, we await your command" Gaurdius : " Is everyone ready?" Loj : " We are in position!" Amang : " Guardian Escort operational!" Esara : " Expeditionary Units Armoured and ready to go!" Kolen : " Assault force good to go!" Gaurdius : " The Council of Elders herby orders you to engage!" Isis : " Proceed to your assigned targets and destroy them!" The order to engage was given, and so the Guardians relayed the orders to the Five teams. The Intrepid was moving 400km from they Norwegian coast when the attack orders were given, travelling target to target at the optimised speed to minimize the travelling distance. Peo was to hit 3 targets with the total distance covered being approximately 5000km and Nasan would hit 2 targets with the total distance covered being approximately 6750km. To accomplish this in the required time Esara decided that their average speed should be optimized to Mach 7.5. This meant that Peos team could complete the round trip in 32.3 minutes and Nasans team could complete the round trip in 43.6 minutes. Esara maintained communication with the team leaders Nasan : " We are Airborne! Shields active, and stealth active! Team Nasan ready to proceed" Peo : " Team Peo Airborne, altitude 7000 meters, automatic navigation active, we''re ready to proceed" Esara communicates with both Nasan and Peo. Esara : " Increase shield to 90% and Climb to 30000 meters. You are cleared to go hypersonic!" The two teams quickly reach the target speed of mach 7.5, each team moving in the direction of their first target. Since Peo''s targets are closer his team is first to arrive within range of the first target. Peo : " Coming within range of Primary!" Esara : " Begin drop sequence! Attack speed mach 2.9! Drop two Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls each!" Peo''s team began their dive towards the target, and when they reached an altitude of 1000 meters they each fired two Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls from their Armour''s Chest Crystals, and then climbed back to 30000 meters. Peo : " First objective met, sensors indicate that the target was destroyed, proceeding to second target, requesting permission to increase speed to mach 8.5" Esara : " Permission granted, good work" then speaking to one of the Intrepid crew "link me to Crystalorb" communication is established with the Crystalorb command centre "we have confirmation that the first target has been destroyed!" Gaurdius : " Acknowledged! Loj is currently engaged, we have confirmation that his target has also been destroyed. Kolen''s first team is coming up on target as we speak" The communication link between Esara and Crystalorb is suspended. Peo : " Guardian, we are coming up on the second target" Esara : " Proceed similar to the first target and move to the third target" Intrepid receives communiqu from Nasan. Nasan : " Intrepid, we''re within range of first target" Esara : " Nasan your target is more fortified, use 3 Electrolaser Lightning Bolts and 2 Plasma Energy Balls each" Nasan : " Understood!" Nasan''s team began their dive towards the target, and when they reached 1000 meters they each fired two Electrolaser Lightning attacks from their Armour''s left hand, Right hand and Chest Crystals, and then climbed back to 30000 meters. Nasan : " Target destroyed, moving to second target" Esara : " Good work Nasan" Intrepid receives communiqu from Peo. Peo : " Final target in range" Esara : " Proceed" After about 20 seconds. Peo : " Target destroyed, returning to base" Before Esara could respond to Peo the Intrepid receives communiqu from the Crystalorb command centre. Gaurdius : " Esara, satellite images indicate that the Hand of Destiny is mobilizing to reinforce their centres in east Europe, be advised that you will face heavy resistance on those targets." Esara : " What are the Council''s orders?" Gaurdius : " You proceed as planned!" Intrepid receives communiqu from Nasan. Nasan : " Second target destroyed" Esara still speaking to Gaurdius. Esara : " Message received" The Link to Crystalorb is suspended, and the joint command communications is activated. Esara : " Peo what''s your Armour energy situation?" Peo : " My Vanguards are at 80% and I''m at 85% of max" Esara : " And you Nasan?" Nasan : " My Vanguards are at 78% and I''m at 82% of max" Esara : " Ok! Latest Intel indicates that the Hand of Destiny is reinforcing their facilities in East Europe, if we wait until tomorrow we''ll face heavy resistance. I want you to transit to the secondary location and start the second mission, the Intrepid is en-route; I will recharge you on your way back. Remember you have to get there before their reinforcements arrive so increase speed to mach 10" Peo & Nasan : " On your Command!" Peo and Nasan change direction and head for east Europe. Then Esara calls in the six Vangleads assigned to support the Expeditionary teams. Esara : " I''m deploying you six in two teams of three. I want you to hit 4 of the 8 Targets in east Europe, Peo and Nasan will deal with the other 4, they are already on route" Surprised at the decision one of the Vangleads; Thabo, raises some question. Thabo : " I''m not sure that the Guardian Council would approve of the this deviation from the original plan" Esara : " Well the Guardian Council isnt in command of this mission, I am, and on the field I make the decisions. Follow my instructions and leave the Guardian Council to me." The two Vanglead teams flew at mach 10.5 towards the targets in east Europe. Again Peo''s team moving at mach 10 was first to arrive at target location. Peo : " We''re nearing first target in region 2" Esara speaks to all 4 teams. Esara : " Remember to use 3 Electrolaser Lightning Bolts coupled with 3 Lightning Plasma Balls each" Peo : " Beginning attack sequence" Peo and Nasan were by now familiar with what can only be described as a bombing run, their teams executed the manoeuvre with absolute precision, Esara had trained them well. Peo : " Target destroyed, moving to second target" Nasan : " Beginning attack sequence" Esara : " Thabo, Narun where are you?" Nasan : " Target destroyed, moving to second target" Thabo : " 15 minutes from first target" Narun : " 25 minutes from first target" Esara : " Thabo and Narun I didn''t have time to properly train you in the Expeditionary manoeuvres, so use standard techniques, but at no point should your speed drop below mach 2.5" Thabo & Narun : " Understood!" Thabo : " Beginning attack run!" There is a long pause. Thabo : " Deploying Electrolaser Lightning Bolts" another pause "Target destroyed, moving to second target" Five minutes pass. Narun : " Target coming up" Esara : " Proceed" Nasan : " Deploying Electrolaser Lightning Bolts" another short pause "Target destroyed, proceeding to second target" Peo : " Second Target destroyed, Vanguard energy 20%, returning to base at max velocity" Esara : " Great job Peo" 10 minutes later the Intrepid receives communiqu from Nasan. Nasan : " Second target destroyed, returning to base" Esara : " Nasan what''s your energy position?" Nasan : " Vanguard energy 9%; will require intermittent recharge" Esara : " I''m on my way" While airborne and climbing to 30000 meters altitude the Intrepid relays communiqu from Vanglead team leader Thabo. Thabo : " Second target destroyed, energy 50%, returning to base" Esara : " Good work Thabo" Five minutes later as Esara moves at mach 12.5 towards Nasan''s team the Intrepid relays communiqu from Vanglead team leader Narun Narun : " Second target destroyed, energy 40%, returning to base" Esara : " Good work Narun" Narun : " There were some complications!" Esara : " What complications?" Narun : " One of the Armour Chest Crystal Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Balls overshot the target" Esara : " And?" Narun : " And hit a nightclub!" Esara : " Intrepid, scan news channels for coverage of the night club incident!" As the crew of the Intrepid watch news reports they realise that there were a possible 183 people killed in a night club explosion in the Ukraine. Esara reaches Nasan''s team, and by touching their Armour Chest Crystals for 2 minutes she increases the Armour reserves from 5% to 10% which is enough to get them back to the Intrepid. As Esara and Nasan''s team were travelling towards the Intrepid Esara received a relay from Narun Narun : " Guardian; we have a problem!" Esara : " I''m listening Narun : " My sensors indicate that we are being tracked by an infrared device" Esara : " Intrepid, open a link to all teams" Intrepid : " Channel open" Esara : " I want everyone to go into nap of the Earth mode, track the terrain, shields to maximum, speed to mach 5" All the teams reduced their speed and descended to altitude of 5 meters, but Esara went to an altitude of 25000 meters Esara : " Narun I need the location of that infrared tracking system" Narun : " Its coming from the American base in Germany" Then Esara used the Armour Crystals to generate high energy electric field supercharging the storm clouds below her, as Esara descended and moved through the storm clouds she increased the charge in the cloud particles the result of which was a dry lightning storm in the outskirts of a Polish city, as the lightning storm grew Esara left the area and started other lightning storms near 3 German cities. This was all to divert the attention of military infrared devices, and to obscure its detection capabilities. As Esara arrived on the Intrepid she opened a channel to Crystalorb. Esara : " Mission accomplished, Intrepid setting course for the south Atlantic!" Gaurdius : " Esara, why have you deviated from the agreed upon plan? Esara : " The plan no longer had any merit" Gaurdius : " You acted alone Esara, you should have consulted before making the decision. Isis : " You cannot risk the lives of Crystal Armoured Crystalans without our approval." Onala : " This is highly irregular" Esara : " With respect, I have to disagree, on the field I and I alone bear the responsibility for the lives of those under my command. After all this is why the Guardians were created, to do what must be done." Cyris : " Even so, you still had an obligation to inform us of your plans" Gaurdius : " Crystalorb has the right to be aware of the activities of its warriors Isis : " We cannot have a situation where people can just decide to act on their own!" Esara : " My departure from the plan was not acting alone, perhaps the Council has forgotten that all the targets were approved and authorized by the Council. It was the Council who tasked me with the responsibility of the destruction of the centres. If the Council is unhappy with my actions feel free to relieve me of my command" Isis : " That''s not what we are saying" Onala : " Not at all, we only seek is to voice our concern" Esara : " In retrospect I should have informed the Council, but at the time I wanted my mind focused on the mission, if anything the plan was flawed!" Cyris : " Whats your status?" Ocyris : " What are your energy reserves?" Esara : " All Units are safely onboard, and we are in transit, I will recharge their Crystal Armours and then return to Crystalorb to recharge my energy sphere, I should arrive in Crystalorb in 40 hours" Cyris : " We will have to continue this discussion then" The communication link between Crystalorb and the Intrepid was terminated. Esara began the process of recharging the Crystal Armours of the Crystalans who had taken part in the operations. After the recharge was complete Esara briefed the units on the activities of the coming days. Esara : " As you know our mission was 98% successful, but because of the loss of innocent lives in the Ukraine the Council of Elders wants a full briefing on my activities. There are those who are unhappy with the decision I made to attack the east European targets ahead of schedule, so I''m being called to account. I want you to know that I stand by the decision I made, it was the right choice when you consider the Intel I received at the time." Peo : " How long will you be gone?" Esara : " As you know the people who run this ship are from the Mobile Assets Defence division and are therefore not in command of the attack operations, but the Vanglead in charge of the Ilesian is by Crystalorb directive in charge of the ship. In my absence Peo as the most experienced Vanglead and my second in command at the Expeditionary Division will assume command until I return. Originally I was going to be gone for 27 hours, but now it looks like it might be closer to 42 hours." Peo : " What are your standing orders?" Esara : " As you know the six Vangleads from the sector Divisions are not too familiar with our attack sequence and precision attacks. What I want is you and Nasan to teach them these methods, so that we can avoid the incidents such as the one in the Ukraine! Peo : " On your Command" Esara : " And remember to always use stealth when flying, the ability of the American military to detect our energy signature makes us vulnerable to some sort of attack from them." Nasan : " On your Command" - - - The following evening Esara left the Intrepid for Crystalorb taking with her the reserve energy sphere; only she could use it, and that meant that only she could recharge it. The reserve energy sphere could only be recharge by its owner, and there were two ways to recharge it, the first way was directly draining core body energy into the sphere using the Chest Crystal, and the second way was with Crystal Armour. To recharge the energy sphere using Crystal Armour was the easiest way to recharge, to do this one would take the Crystal Armour and have it fully charge at the recharge centre at the bottom of the pyramid, once the Crystal Armour is fully charge they then drained the Crystal Armour energy into the reserve energy sphere, and then repeat the procedure until both the Crystal Armour and the reserve energy sphere were fully charged. - - - When Esara arrived in Crystalorb she immediately went to see her kids then her husband. Over the days that she was there she recharged both her Crystal Armour and the reserve energy sphere. Esara''s reserve energy sphere had increased in size to about 80 centimetres in diameter. The main purpose of Esara''s extended stay in Crystalorb was to give a full report of her Divisions activities, and to account for her decisions on the battle field. As Esara enters the Council Chambers she calms her mind, she finds the meeting already in progress with Kolen reporting on his activities. Kolen : " We destroyed 85% of the targets in South Africa, 90% in Botswana Zimbabwe and Mozambique. We sustained heavy resistance, five Vanguards and one Vanglead have been seriously injured and are recuperating at the Crystalorb medical centre. Reports indicate that we have killed 153 enforcers, and the loss of innocent lives has been held at a minimum." Onala : " What I want to know is; are you still operational?" Gaurdius : " Yes; can your units still complete their objectives?" Kolen : " I have requested reinforcements from the other Guardians, so we should recover operational strength within hours. We had trained additional units to reinforce us in the event of injuries." Onala : " Thanks Kolen, we will now hear from the Expeditionary Guardian" Esara : " Honoured Councils, I don''t have much to report that the Council is not already aware of, we cleaned up Europe and are now heading to South America. My people are in good health and their spirits are high, we are good to go" Cyris : " What about the incidents in the Ukraine, 182 confirmed dead and 7 in critical condition in the hospital, do you have anything to say about that?" Esara : " What can I say, these things happen, the Vangleads were not trained by me, they are sector trained, and they were never intended for strategic assault. As a result of which, I formally ask the Council to allow me to recall all my remaining Expeditionary Units to join me on the remaining missions" Jalen : " Is that all? You killed more innocents than the number of enforcers Kolen''s teams killed" Esara : " Its worse than that I''m afraid, we have calculated the death toll from all the buildings we destroyed to be at 729, and about 60% of them were normal Humans who''s only crime was that they worked for the Hand of Destiny, they didn''t even know who they were truly working for. And for the record I did not kill anyone, Crystalorb did!" Gaurdius : " No personal responsibility?" Esara : " None, I expected that innocents will die, but like I tell my people; the Crystal Armoured do not order the destruction of anything the Council of Elders does, ultimate responsibility lies with the Council of Elders." Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Onala : " Are you blaming us for the deaths in the Ukraine?" Esara : " Yes, I blame all of us, but mainly the Council of Elders, you alone bear the responsibility for the power of the Crystalorb Warriors." Cyris : " Esara is right, we sent her to attack, kill and destroy. That''s exactly what she did, and she did this with terrifying diligence, we sent her because she is the most destructive force we have at our disposal." Isis : " If there was ever any doubt about her destructive nature it has been erased, she has proven herself to be a truly lethal tool" Onala : " We see the numbers, your teams destroyed every target without suffering any casualties. Even the Guardian Commander was not this successful, we secretly knew when we sent you that this is what you will do." Lumen : " That''s true, we are aware of your views about our confrontations with the Hand of Destiny; you desire a more direct approach!" Esara : " It''s no secret that I would prefer a more aggressive approach, but the Injuries to Kolen''s people should at the very least give you an indication of the growing capabilities of the Hand of Destiny. The HOD are stronger than we anticipated, I remember being hit by an Inferno plasma Blast from Overlord Kodu Ralefa!" Isis : " What are you saying?" Onala : " What makes you suspicious?" Esara : " I think we need to hear from Commander Kolen on what exactly penetrated the Crystal Armour''s shield" Cyris : " Yes we need some analysis" Isis : " Was it some new weapon system?" Kolen steps forward. Kolen : " It was a Laser, but this time they used multiple lasers, we were at target 9 when my team was attacked. We counted at least 8 different lasers, and if a Vanguard is hit by three simultaneously fired lasers the shield is overwhelmed. Coupled with a high energy Infrared targeting systems we were easy targets, it''s clear now that they know how to beat us." Gaurdius : " By the source" Cyris : " What do we do now?" Esara : " We need to mobilize Crystalorb, cut off the energy supply of the Hand of Destiny, destroy their power source. We must launch an all out attack on all the selected targets before the HOD have more time to adequately organize" Kolen : " I don''t normally agree with Esara, but she has a point, we''ve lost the element of surprise, we have to rethink our strategies" Ocyris : " I''m interested in finding out how Esara''s teams were able to avoid the HOD''s defence systems?" Esara : " They never saw us coming. I trained my teams in advanced attack techniques that I developed myself. My people attacked at very high speed, it was over before they had time to react, no time for our enemies to acquire targets. They could see us, but by then it was already too late" Kolen : " Why didn''t you share your methods with us?" Esara : " I did, but you said that they were reckless and dangerous." Gaurdius : " I remember your proposal, making a dive at that speed is problematic, a slight mistake and the Vanguard crushes to the ground" Isis : " And yet Esara has been able to apply it with great effect" Onala : " In any case we cannot sanction such an attack method; we will leave it up to the individual Vanguard to choose for themselves" Esara : " Which is what I did, my people decided for themselves, once I explained to them the advantages they all wanted to learn. Which brings me back to my request; I ask that the Council allow me to recall all my Expeditionary Units to join me on the remaining missions" Cyris : " I dont know about that, the Expeditionary teams are critical in providing air support to the Mobile Assets Defence division. The rapid response capability is not something we can afford to lose, even if it''s only for a few days. Esara : " All your fears are based on the notion that there is a looming attack on our assets, why not ask the Spirit Stone to see into the hearts of the HOD, and tell us what they are planning" Jalen : " Not all Crystalans trust the power of divination" Kolen : " The reliability has proven shaky in the past, and thats because the visions are subject to interpretation" Esara : " But at least we can have some idea of what they are planning" Gaurdius : " How will that help us, the uncertainty still remains?" Isis : " Esara is right, Crystalorb has abandoned some of its ancestral power; there is a marked over-reliance on Crystal technology. All of us are guilty of this, this may be one of the reasons we''re not as successful as we could be." Esara : " Lord Lumen; use your piercing light and show us the path that lies ahead!" Lumen : " With the Council''s approval we can have a look" Cyris : " It can''t hurt to try" Gaurdius : " I agree!" Jalen : " Then let''s begin" Jalen, Hamun, Lumen, Tshego and Lerata the more Spiritual members of the Council of Elders began the Divination ritual. Tshego : " Heart of our people! Heart of Crystalorb" Lerata : " In the name of all Crystalans!" Lumen : " We beseech you!" Hamun : " Awaken mighty Spirits!" Jalen : " And shine your light upon us!" Lumen : " Let us now commune with the source" When all the 9 Elders touched the Spirit Stone an aura of light appeared around them activating the Chest Crystals of the 7 Elders who had them, and for Lerata and Tshego who did not have Chest Crystals the eyes began to glow, it was as though their eyes were 2 very bright torches. Tshego : " It''s time Lumen" Lumen : " Mighty Spirits, we seek the guidance of Elders past!" Jalen : " The knowledge of Elders past!" Hamun : " To see the unseen!" Lerata : " To hear the unheard!" Tshego : " Open our minds to the truth!" Lumen : " Use your power to pierce through the shadows and reveal the ultimate intensions of our foes, sink into their thoughts and show us what they are planning" The Spirit Stone begins to radiate a full spectrum of light, as the light energy expands it reaches the Guardians in the Spirit Stone Chamber making them fall into a Trance. Gaurdius : " What can you see?" Isis : " What does the Spirit Stone foretell of our future?" Lumen : " I see a ripple of darkness moving in a sea of light, with every obstacle the ripple hits it multiplies!" Jalen : " I see flashes in the darkness spreading!" Lerata : " I see a sand storm blanketing the sky!" Tshego : " I see a bright light falling from the stars!" Hamun : " I see a tree slowly dying!" Then the Council of Elders quickly let go of the Spirit Stone, and thus stopped the light emanating from the Spirit Stone. Kolen : " I dont understand what any of that means?" Gaurdius : " We must now attempt to interpret what we saw" Isis : " We must combine our thoughts!" Esara : " Can''t you just ask the Spirit Stone?" Isis : " It''s not that simple" Lumen : " The Spirit Stone taps into our ability to see; understanding what the Spirit Stone sees still remains our responsibility. We can all see what one of us sees; when we are before the Spirit Stone we are connected." Isis : " As important as what we see is how we feel when we see it!" Jalen : " The spreading flashes in the darkness reminds me of the feeling I get when watching images of mass suffering as a result of war" Lerata : " I felt the same way when I saw my vision" Tshego : " Sadness overcame me when I saw the bright light falling from the stars." Hamun : " I felt the same way when I saw my vision; it felt like the death of a close friend." Lumen : " Fear is what I experienced. Overwhelming gut-ranching fear!" Isis : " The ripple of darkness moving in a sea of light sounds like the end of the Crystalorb sort of stuff!" Esara : " And the idea that with every obstacle the ripple hits it multiplies concerns me" Gaurdius : " I share your concerns; this could mean the end of the world as we know it" Kolen : " But none of this is actionable, we can''t use this!" Isis : " All information is important" Esara : " The answer might lie in what our targets are?" Kolen : " What do you mean?" Ocyris : " I see; Esara has a point! Our main targets have been weapons and bio research facilities. We know that they have been trying to increase their numbers by introducing recombinant DNA into normal humans." Kolen : " Yes you''ve talked about this before" Ocyris : " It''s clear now what will go wrong, the Hand of Destiny will never be able to exercise complete control over the enhanced humans, and they know this! I thought that they were trying to increase their numbers, but they had other plans, this was their plan all along." Cyris : " What are you saying?" Ocyris : " They''ve deliberately opened Pandoras box!" Isis : " By the source!" Ocyris : " The HOD wants the world destabilized, they want the world to sink into chaos, and this must be one of their final solutions. They will force the world to accept them by making the rest of humanity destroy itself trying to contain the recombinant DNA strand" Lumen : " They cannot!" Ocyris : " It has probably already started, but there is some hope, because of the complexity of the recombinant DNA strand they would have to administer the recombinant DNA mutagen directly. It''s not something that could possibly be spread by Air or touch; the sample would have to be introduced to the subject directly, making intravenous injection the best methods." Kolen : " This means that the rate of spread is limited" Esara : " We are missing something?" Ocyris : " Yes, a component that would make this a final solution" Gaurdius : " A sinister touch that we have come to expect of the HOD Isis : " The reason that they spread their research facilities throughout the world" Onala : " They could have buried the research facility deep underground where we would never find it!" Lumen : " So there is some kind of requirement for the appearance of openness" Jalen : " Some government regulation?" Ocyris whispers quietly to Esara. Ocyris : " I''ve always been amazed at how they work together, they finish each other''s sentences, their thoughts are harmonized, it''s as though the nine are one mind!" Ocyris then returns his attention to the Council of Elders. Hamun : " What rules do they have to obey?" Gaurdius : " Ocyris; What is the HOD''s main source of income?" Ocyris : " Their main income comes from Animal agriculture including animal products" Isis : " Does that include the Production of animal vaccines?" Ocyris : " Yes" Lumen : " And Insulin?" Ocyris : " Yes" Cyris : " Anti-venom?" Ocyris : " Yes" Jalen : " Some of the Human vaccines are produced from animals" Lumen : " In fact if we did a search we would find that the HOD is one of the largest producers of vaccines" Jalen : " Intravenous vaccines would be a perfect vehicle for a Mutagenic recombinant RNA!" Ocyris : " Yes it would, we need to reassign the Vanguard teams, and the vaccine distribution facilities should be the primary targets." Esara : " That won''t work!" Ocyris : " Why not?" Esara : " The HOD has already distributed them to government facilities throughout the world." Gaurdius : " We are already too late" Esara : " We can still prevent them from producing more of the vaccines containing the Mutagenic recombinant RNA" Isis : " This is the interpretation of the ripple of darkness moving in a sea of light, with every obstacle the ripple hits it multiplies." Esara : " The HOD has once again outmanoeuvred us!" Ocyris : " There must be a way to stop them!" Kolen : " There may be..., but the question is, should we even try to stop this? If we think about this clearly we see that forcing the world to honour their human rights declarations by introducing a new kind of human does not sound that bad, this could be an answer to our problems." Inala : " You can''t be serious?" Kolen : " How the world responds to these hybrid humans will determine the nature of our relationship with the rest of humanity. Nothing we do now will stop what''s coming, change is inevitable. All we can do now is try to delay the night!" Gaurdius : " If the Guardian Council could excuse us, we need to talk amongst ourselves The Guardian Council leaves the Council Chambers leaving the Council of Elders to discuss the matter further. Isis : " These are hard questions!" Gaurdius : " Indeed, but our people look to us for answers Onala : " Even the Guardian Council is divided" Cyris : " Many on the Guardian Council would prefer to do nothing, leaving the fate of the world to the world." Jalen : " We cannot un-ring the bell" Lumen : " At the very least we must stand for justice" Lerata : " What justice? The world is full of injustice!" Tshego : " Are you saying that we should stand aside while millions of victims of the HOD face death?" Hamun : " On some level the HOD has done us a favour, we are about to find out what the world will do when they find out about our existence." Isis : " I don''t believe my ears; the Council of Elders speaks of abandoning those who may suffer because of the actions of our relatives the Hand of Destiny" Gaurdius : " Our duty is to Crystalorb! Isis : " We are nevertheless responsible for the actions of the Hand of Destiny." Onala : " I disagree; they and they alone bear the responsibility for their actions!" Cyris : " I say we share the responsibility. Both of our peoples were touched by the same crystal, we share our origins, and I suspect we share our fate!" Jalen : " The only thing we can control is ourselves, why should we risk the lives of our children for a world that will never accept us, Ralefa and Lesedi found that out the hard way!" Lumen : " You forget that some did accept them, they welcomed them, loved and cared for them." Lerata : " Still we can find no example of that today!" Tshego : " At the very least we must try and manage the process" Jalen : " Chaos is unavoidable; its a law of Physics!" Hamun : " We must act in the best interest of Crystalorb even if it means making the hard choices!" Lerata : " I can almost guarantee that the world will find a way to blame us for this, because of our Chest Crystals we would be the perfect target in this scenario. We need to keep our heads down and ride out the storm!" Gaurdius : " This must be one of the HOD''s plans. They can always claim to be the victims of our conspiracy, making us responsible for the chaos that is about to begin!" Cyris : " Are you saying that they want us to act openly?" Gaurdius : " Yes, they will present us as the problem and they would be the solution! Isis : " Then we must act in secret" Onala : " How can we?" Cyris : " They have the technology to detect us, and will happily hand it over to governments that are allied to them" Jalen : " The greater the chaos the greater the beauty that comes out of it!" Lumen : " They are raising the stakes higher than we can afford to meet" Lerata : " That sound like the thinking of the HOD" Isis : " We cannot resort to their methods, we must find another way" Gaurdius : " The first thing we must do is destroy the HOD''s capabilities to attack us, remove the immediate threat to us Tshego : " Destroy their advanced weapons research, development and manufacturing facilities." Hamun : " Yes deal with the things we can control and leave the rest to fate!" Lerata : " We can''t save the world, but we can save ourselves" Gaurdius : " Let us put this to a vote!" By a unanimous show of hands the Council of Elders decides to redirect the Crystal Armoured attack teams to the HOD''s advanced weapons research, development and manufacturing facilities. And by majority vote of 6 the Council of Elders decided not to do anything to try and limit the extent of the Mutagenic recombinant RNA outbreak, the six felt that it was time the world lived up to the ideals of human rights, but Isis, Lumen and Cyris did not agree with the majority Council decision. - - - The Council of Elders then called the Guardian Council into the Council Chambers to inform them of their decision. Gaurdius : " The Council has reached a decision on the matters before us Onala : " After some initial hesitation, we have decided not to intervene as far as the Mutagenic recombinant RNA outbreak is concerned; it is a world problem that should be left to the world to deal with." Gaurdius : " We have however decided to destroy the HOD''s capabilities to attack us by removing their advanced weapons research, development and manufacturing facilities Lerata : " To that end, we are expediting the attacks on these facilities" Kolen : " What about my people who are already on the field?" Esara : " And the Intrepid?" Hamun : " Kolen; you will lead the assault on the HOD''s main research facilities in Zambia and in the Central African Republic, since Loj and Amang are already in place in the Central African Republic you will start in Zambia and then move to support Loj. Kutu and Sello will join you Kolen" Tshego : " Kutu and Sello will each bring 3 teams to support and assist the mission" Hamun : " Given the resistance on your last mission this increased numbers should insure your success" Gaurdius : " Esara; we need you to return to the Intrepid and escort the ship back to port, we cannot afford to have the technology on that ship falling into the wrong hands." Isis : " I wish it didn''t have to be this way!" Onala : " But at this point people will get hurt no matter what we do!" Hamun : " We are forced to prepare for the worst" Jalen : " As the chosen leaders of Crystalorb we must do the unthinkable!" Gaurdius : " Such is the burden of leadership!" Esara : " You intend to leave the world at the mercy of the HOD?" Lerata : " There is no other way" Tshego : " To act now would put Crystalorb in extreme danger!" Hamun : " The safety of Our people must take the highest priority!" Gaurdius : " What I want you to understand is that it was never our responsibility to protect the world from the intensions of the Hand of Destiny, our purpose is and has always been the security of Crystalorb. The actions we take are motivated by our mandate!" Kolen : " I agree; let the world deal with its own problems, and the Hand of Destiny is a creation of the world!" Onala : " If the people in the village had not attacked Ralefa and Lesedi''s family there would be no Hand of Destiny. They were born from Ralefa''s anger, and the world will pay for the actions of simple villagers from over a hundred years ago!" Inala : " You don''t know that for sure, perhaps Ralefa would have turned bad anyway!" Jalen : " Sins of the father shall be visited upon the son!" Gaurdius : " Who knows, perhaps humanity will prove the pessimists wrong, and accept the hybrid human as a brother amongst them. We can only hope that Humanity has learned from the mistakes of the past. As for our part in this we cannot link the fate of Crystalorb with that of those who have shown in the past to be cruel to those they perceive as inferior!" Lumen : " May the Source help us!" Lerata : " Now you all know what needs to be done!" Tshego : " We will observe the world, but not interfere with humanity''s right to choose its own fate!" Hamun: " Even if that choice leads the world to disaster! And so we must respect that choice whatever it is, and once they make their choice we will make our responsive choice!" - - - - - - Chapter 09: Sidelines - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 09: Sidelines - - - After the meeting was concluded the three Elders who did not support the decision to abandon the world discussed what happened in the meetings. Cyris : " I wonder if future generations will regard this day as the beginning of the end; our fall from grace!" Isis : " They say that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely!" Lumen : " Has our power corrupted us?" Cyris : " I hope not! I think it is fear; fear that has infected us, fear that has paralysed even the mighty Guardians!" Isis : " Guardians have a tendency to forget that true power flows from the heart, the more a Guardian cares the greater the instinct to protect!" Lumen : " These days it seems only Esara still remembers where the true power lies!" Isis : " My son tells me that what makes her such a good warrior is that when you fight alongside her you know that she cares about you. Those who serve under her command know that she will do what ever it takes to keep them safe and as a result they do the same for each other!" Cyris : " True, in the Expeditionary division they value life above all else!" Lumen : " I heard a rumour that after they kill their enemies they gather to mourn the lives of the enemies they kill, they ask the Source to forgive them for what they had to do!" Cyris : " Nalen was the same way, he is one of the most powerful I have ever seen, but he wants to be known for being a devoted father and husband!" Isis : " Will our children forgive us?" Lumen : " Have Faith, the world has come a long way since the mass murders in Europe!" Cyris : " Has it?" Isis : " What about Rwanda and Bosnia, and now Sudan. History tells us that relevant past behaviour is a good predictor of future behaviour! Lumen : " Give them time, this won''t be another racially isolated act, what the HOD has done will cut across all racial groups, it will be a human phenomenon!" Cyris : " What happens when the hybrid humans react to discrimination with violence? What do we do then? Do we rise to protect the rest of humanity or do we do nothing? Let them fight it out amongst themselves?" Isis : " We do what the Council decides!" Lumen : " I fear a split is coming!" Cyris : " What Split?" Lumen : " Some Crystalans may be moved to answer the call for help, even if it means disobeying the orders of the Council of Elders. They may argue they are answering a higher calling!" Isis : " I hope it doesn''t come to that, we must work to change the minds of the Council, avoiding the pitfalls of discourse!" Cyris : " In the end all of us will have to make a choice!" Isis : " Every person has a choice to make, indeed every community will have to choose as this new crisis approaches!" Lumen : " May the Source give us the strength to make Just choices!" - - - Before Esara leaves for the Intrepid she visits Nalen at the Crystalorb Medical Centre to share her uneasiness about the developments in the world. Esara : " It''s strange Nalen; we''ve won a majority of the battles but lost the war. The Council of Elders has given up; theyve quit! I''m being recalled, my mission has been cancelled; they''ve deemed it no longer necessary. Im ashamed to admit it, but I''m relieved, as you know I would prefer not to fight if it can be avoided, but to abandon the weak and defenceless to the mercy of the wicked is just wrong. After I return my people to Crystalorb I''ll resign my position as Expeditionary Guardian, I can no longer serve under the command of those who would use me to kill only to serve their fearful needs. I must go now, but will return to be with you and our kids, and with luck I will never be asked to fight again!" Esara said her goodbyes to her friends and family; then returned to the Intrepid. - - - Meanwhile Ocyris received preliminary results of the analysis on the sample of the vaccine the research team had acquired. Ocyris requested a meeting with the Crystalorb leadership to inform them on the results. The Council of Elders and the Guardian Council gathered to hear Ocyris''s findings. Isis : " Ocyris; I hope you bring us good news. What progress can you report?" Ocyris : " Honoured Councils, we''ve acquired samples of the Mutagenic recombinant RNA, and we have done some preliminary analysis on the samples. The results of our tests indicate that our worst fears are in fact a reality" Gaurdius : " So it''s true, the Hand of Destiny is changing the world" Isis : " More like contaminating it" Onala : " Either way we must implement our plans" Lumen : " What properties does this Mutagenic recombinant RNA hold?" Ocyris : " The structure of the cells is very dense and as such very complex. We are convinced that the technology available in the world can''t detect the Mutagenic recombinant RNA in the vaccine" Isis : " Why is that? And can we warn the world about the presence of these mutagens in the vaccine?" Ocyris : " What we know is that the Hand of Destiny has only put very small amounts of the Mutagenic recombinant RNA into a Vaccine dose, and that makes detection very difficult. We were able to detect the mutagen because our technology is more advanced than that available in the world. With the Council''s permission we can send our findings by email to all the bio-research laboratories around the world" Gaurdius : " Please do that, at the very least we should attempt to warn the world of the impending danger. Whether the world listens to the warning is a choice we''ll leave to the world" Isis : " Ocyris; is there a possibility of a cure or an antigen? An antidote to the mutagen?" Ocyris : " I fear there is none, we...aahm! taking a moment We don''t exactly know what the Mutagenic recombinant RNA does to the human body, by that I mean blood, tissue and bone. Our testing is incomplete, but when we exposed the Mutagenic recombinant RNA sample to human blood cells we discovered that the mutagen has a high preference for stem cells. The mutagen reacts to the presence of the stem cell by infecting them then multiplying the infected stem cells. We think that they were designed to specifically target stem cells, but not exclusively!" Jalen : " For what reason? Why stem cells?" Gaurdius : " And how would the mutagen affect us?" Ocyris : " The mutagen should not be able to affect Crystalans in any particularly distractive way because the Mutagenic recombinant RNA is essentially Hodian and therefore Crystalan DNA. I think the HOD chose stem cells because they are the body''s repair mechanism, giving the mutagen access to every organ in the body" Onala : " What kind of transformations can we expect for those exposed to the Mutagenic recombinant RNA?" Ocyris : " We can expect that at the very least that the body will be enhanced. The Mutagenic recombinant RNA will react according to the individual''s DNA, consequently no transformation will be similar to another" Gaurdius : " How long will this transformation take?" Ocyris : " We don''t know, but if I had to guess I would say anything from 1 day to 10 years. The thing about it is that extreme mutagenic transformation responds to an extreme situation, so depending on the situations of the infected persons the transformation will be spread over time." Onala : " The Hand of Destiny would want a large component to have visible transformations" Ocyris : " We don''t exactly know where all genes in the Mutagenic recombinant RNA came from, so some may result in more than an internal transformation. We will just have to wait and see" Gaurdius : " The Hand of Destiny wants the world to change; therefore a visible transformation is almost certainly on the cards. Ocyris make sure that you send the Emails today!" Isis : " Use one of our Ghost servers! We don''t want such emails traced back to us. If we cannot stop the Hand of Destiny we''ll at least try an warn the world" Lumen : " May the Source guide us in this our hour of despair!" After the meeting Ocyris sent the emails throughout the world. - - - As the world began to panic Esara arrived back onboard the Intrepid to formally inform the Expeditionary Units of their new orders. Nasan and Peo had already been informed by communiqu. Esara addresses the entire ship contingent. Esara : " I trust that Nasan and Peo have informed you of our new orders and the reasons for the changes in our mission. Protocol dictates that you give any questions to team leaders and they will pose the questions to me, and I will answer to the best of my knowledge. But first I herby order the six support Vangleads to return to Crystalorb, as Expeditionary Guardian I thank you for your service to the Expeditionary division and wish you a safe journey home. I will now let my team leaders ask their questions." Thabo and the other five Vangleads leave the deck to collect their Crystal Armours for the flight back to Crystalorb. Peo : " What is the mood like back home?" Esara : " The Council of Elders has taken a course of action that has led to Crystalans being divided, so as you can imagine things are a little tense!" Nasan : " Divided? How so?" Esara : " There are those who believe that the Council is wrong to abandon the world to the mercy of the Hand of Destiny, but others agree with the Council and feel that it''s time the true nature of the world be tested!" Peo : " And where do you stand?" Esara : " I think the Council is wrong." Nasan : " Why? They have always been the voice of Crystalorb." Esara : " Then Crystalorb must be wrong!" Peo : " I agree, to do nothing is to condone the actions of the Hand of Destiny!" Esara : " I hold the same view, but I can understand the dilemma that confronted the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders had to choose between the security of Crystalorb and the disruption of the natural course of human kind" Nasan : " But you will still follow their orders, wont you?" Esara : " Not as a warrior, but as a citizen of Crystalorb. Each and every one of us will be faced with a question, and to answer that question you have to know why you are a warrior? Also what kind of warrior you are? Ask your selves this question; what do I fight for?" Peo : " I fight for honour and Justice!" Nasan : " I fight for the security of my family and my home!" Esara : " Both your reasons are valid reasons! I also fight for honour and Justice, but also for the safety of my kids, I fight so they wont have to! Therefore I can no longer serve the Council of Elders as one of my order should, which is why I''ve decided to resign as commander of the Expeditionary division!" Peo : " What? You can''t leave us?" Esara : " The past few days both of you have shown exceptional capabilities, proving that I have completed my work in training you. I have nothing left to teach you, the rest of the way you must walk alone!" Nasan : " But who will lead us?" Esara : " I will recommend Peo to be promoted to Expeditionary commander. As the most experienced Expeditionary team leader there is no one more suited for the task, and to assist him Nasan" Peo : " Where will you go?" Esara : " I hope to be allowed to return to my research roots, failing which I will go into the business sector. The world is changing, and we must prepare to be part of a rapidly changing Earth, I feel that my talents would be more useful to the world if I''m not required to kill. I cannot fight and kill for narrow Crystalan interests; if I kill it must be for the greater good of all human kind. I hope this does not diminish your perception of your duty to Crystalorb, but every warrior must choose his or her own path." Nasan : " I may not understand your decision, but I accept and respect your right to make it!" Peo : " I hope that someday Crystalorb finds itself once again worthy of your strength!" Esara : " Remember that just warriors are guided by their hearts, Love is the only way to true power!" Although Peo and Nasan were unhappy about Esara''s decision they accepted it. - - - Back at Crystalorb the largest assault force in the history of Crystalorb was ready to mobilize, but before they could leave a ceremony to enhance their link to the Spirit Stone would be performed. The force consisted of 5 Guardians Amang and Loj already deployed, and Sello, Kutu and Kolen deploying directly from Crystalorb with 25 teams. That meant a total of 128 Crystal Armoured warriors leaving Crystalorb for a single mission. After the injuries sustained during the previous missions Ocyris upgraded the Vanguard Armour and the Vanglead Armour so that they included a tougher helmet, but the helmet was not equipped with a communications crystal at the forehead. As the scheduled departure time approached nearly all of Crystalorb gathered at the pyramid for the deployment ceremony Gaurdius : " In the name of Crystalorb" All the Elders face the Spirit Stone With the Crystal fragment on my Chest I unlock the seal" As the Council of Elders focused their energy on the Spirit Stone, and it began to radiate a full spectrum of light energy aura. The energy activates the 128 Crystal Armour spheres making them hover in front of their operator. Isis : " Heart of Crystalorb; shine your light upon the Crystal Armoured warriors of Crystalorb!" Onala : " Let your light guide and protect them!" Cyris : " We will now hand over to the mission commander" Kolen the Guardian Commander steps forward and formally assumes command of the 127 units standing at the base of the pyramid. Kolen : " Let us begin!" as Kolen said that all the 128 placed their right hand on their hovering Crystal Armour spheres At my signal; say your Oaths!" Kolen waits a few seconds and then gives the signal by raising his left hand. All 128 Simultaneously : " I am the light on the hill, the line in the sand, here and no further!" And with that all 128 Simultaneously activated their Chest Crystals to engage automatic Armour assembly. The fully Armoured non-deploying sector Guardians step forward and give the Guardian Salute honouring the deploying Guardians courage. Kolen : " The moment has been chosen! The time has come! And that time is now!" Kolen activated his Armour''s flight systems and led the Assault force out of Crystalorb. Flying in formation out of Crystalorb, activating their Armours stealth systems at the Gates of Mount Crystalorb. As the assault force was leaving Cyris, Isis and Lumen spoke to each other. Isis : " May the Source enrich their spirits" Lumen : " For light, for justice, for peace!" Cyris : " Let us hope that they come home safely!" Then the Council of Elders convened at their Council Chambers to observe the fighting that was scheduled to begin in 3 hours, but before they started Isis receives a call from her son Peo who was still onboard the Intrepid. Isis''s senior aid informs her of the holographic call from Peo. Isis : " Hi son!" Peo : " Hello Mma!" Isis : " I can''t talk long, the Council is about to convene" Peo : " There is some information that I thought you might like to know" Isis : " What?" Peo : " Esara has just informed us that as soon as she returns to Crystalorb, she will resign as the Expeditionary Commander" Isis : " What?" Peo : " She said that she could no longer serve as faithfully as one of her order should, and she feels that her talents would be more useful elsewhere, without requiring here to kill. Esara longs for a life without combat and death." Isis : " Thanks for telling me!" Peo : " You''re welcome Mma!" Holographic communications link was then terminated. Peo knew that word would eventually reach the Council of Elders about Esara''s plans, so Peo did not want his mother to be caught by surprise. - - - Meanwhile at the Crystalorb command centre every one was monitoring the target sites, scanning for possible defensive weaponry, analysing any suspicious movements of enforcers and in constant contact with the Crystalorb assault force that was en-route. One hour before the scheduled attacks on the facilities in the Central African Republic and Zambia the formal public Observation centres were activated, this indicated that the countdown to conflict had begun. At this time the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council gathered at the Crystalorb Command Centre, with Anun the deputy Guardian Commander assuming Command of the Crystalorb Command Centre. The assault force was divided into 3 groups each led by a Guardian. Kutu and Sello each led a 40 Units assault force to the Central African Republic, leaving Kolen the remaining 45 for his assault on the facility in Zambia. Kolen would join Amangs 2 teams and Loj''s advanced team, giving a total of 63 Units on the Zambian facility. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. - - - As soon as all the teams were in position Kolen opened communications with the Crystalorb Command Centre. Kolen : " Anun is every one in place?" Anun : " Field Guardians report!" Sello : " We await your command!" Kutu : " All units ready to go! Amang : " Ready willing and able!" Loj : " Scouting party now clear of designated targets, we''re ready to proceed!" Anun : " Kolen! Everyone is ready, the Crystal Armoured are hovering at designated altitude!" Kolen : " Anun, ask the Council of Elders for final authorisation!" Anun : " Honoured Councils; it''s time!" Each member of the Council of Elders then placed their right hand on the voting console indicating their approval. Gaurdius : " The Council of Elders hereby orders Crystalorb Defence Command to proceed!" The Crystalorb Command Centre receives communiqus from the field Guardians. Anun : " On your Command!" Kolen : " On your Command!" Sello : " On your Command!" Kutu : " On your Command!" Amang : " On your Command!" Loj : " On your Command!" The Field Guardians relayed the order to the Vangleads who then mobilized their teams for the assault. Because the facility in the Central African Republic was buried deep under ground an air raid would not be sufficient the teams would have to eventually move in closer for a more sustained attack. At the Zambian facility things were going smoothly for Commander Kolen, as Kolen''s teams delivered their Electrolaser Lightning Bolts and Plasma Balls they were met with very little resistance. Kolen : " Crystalorb there is something not right here!" Anun : " What''s the matter Kolen?" Kolen : " We''ve destroyed the target, but we encountered little resistance!" Anun : " What do you mean?" Kolen : " I''ve seen no enforcers, there seems to be just local security personnel; dressed like enforcers!" Before Anun could respond the Crystalorb Command Centre receives a communiqu from Sello. Sello : " We''ve destroyed all the surface structures; we are now moving in to hit subsurface structures. Kutu''s teams will remain at 100 metres altitude to provide cover" Anun : " Message received" A minute later. Kutu : " Hold on! We are picking up multiple hostiles on approach!" Sello : " Ooh hell we are surrounded!" Kutu : " Crystalorb we are under attack, I repeat we are under attack!" Sello : " Its a trap!" Anun : " Get airborne! Maximum speed! regroup at the secondary location!" As the Vanguard teams tried to escape they all came under attack from a barrage of multiple Plasma Blast forcing most of them to the ground. However 29 managed to escape the trap, but Kutu and Sello were trapped with the other Vanguard teams. Kolen had ordered six Vanguards to fly Loj and his team back to Crystalorb, and by now Kolen''s teams were already en-route to the Central African Republic. Kolen : " Anun; what happened?" Anun : " We are still running analysis on the data we received from the Crystal Armours!" The Crystalorb Command Centre receives a communiqu from Sello and Kutu. Sello : " We are on the ground, moving on foot towards nearby hills!" Kutu : " We can''t take flight until we understand how they knocked us down!" Sello : " We are in full retreat!" Anun : " Acknowledged!" Anun turns his attention to Ocyris "Is it some kind of new weapon system?" Ocyris : " Not necessarily, our analysis indicates that its the Manacle of Destiny, but this Manacle of Destiny has rapid fire capabilities. The plasma energy is the same, but there just seems to be more of it." Anun : " Then how did they break through the Crystal Armour''s shield?" Ocyris : " They didn''t. The impact force of the plasma energy on the Crystal Armour''s shield can account for the flight disruption, but more than that the heat contained in the plasma energy is a big component. Multiple hits on the Crystal Armour''s shield raises the temperature inside the Crystal Armour''s shield to extreme levels resulting in respiration difficulties!" The Crystalorb Command Centre receives a communiqu from Kolen. Kolen : " We are five minutes away from secondary location where we will rendezvous with the Vanguard teams who were able to escape the trap" Anun : " Commander Kolen; you will have to come in low to avoid detection, we think they are using infrared systems to map out thermal images of the invisible Crystal Armour. That means that they can see you, and the consequence of that is that they can attack you even at high speed" Kolen : " Acknowledged" The other Field Guardians enter the joint communications. Kutu : " Commander; be advised, our recognisance indicates that more enforcers are heading in our direction and should arrive within 30 minutes Sello : " We are currently engaged with some 600 enforcers, but we expect that number to triple as those enforcers arrive!" Kutu : " If we are to escape, we need to do that within the next 15 minutes! Kolen : " Understood!" The Crystalorb Command Centre receives a communiqu from the senior Vanglead Lebago at the secondary location. Lebago : " Commander; We have a scouting party! I repeat we have a scouting party!" Kolen : " We can''t afford to compromise the regroup location. Intercept them; they must not report your location, so jam their communications!" Lebago : " Will do sir!" Lebago then orders two teams to quietly intercept the approaching scouting party and eliminate them as quietly as possible. Anun : " Kutu; whats your status?" Kutu : " Our combined force strength is at 83% and we are almost at the top of the hill. We are under constant attack, but we have been able to hold them off!" Sello : " The Mountain should provide cover and give us a vantage point where we can observe their movements!" Amang : " Commander; the regroup position coming up!" Kolen : " Anun we are landing, I will assess force capabilities while you consult with the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council on a rescue plan!" Anun : " Understood!" At the command centre. Gaurdius : " Anun; what is your rescue plan?" Isis : " How are we going to save our people?" Anun : " We''ve developed a strategy for the safe return of the deployed units, but there is just one problem!" Cyris : " What''s the problem?" Anun : " Our people on the ground are outnumbered 6 to 1. If our people are to survive those odds have to change, and that means mobilizing more units from Crystalorb" Gaurdius : " How many do you need?" Anun : " I need a minimum of 200 units. I would prefer 500 units" Isis : " Why 500?" Anun : " Our surveillance indicates that the Hand of Destiny is reinforcing their position, we have detected additional enforcers en-route. Within the hour there will be an additional 1300 enforcers to deal with. I''m proposing that we send Kolen''s teams to intercept their reinforcements and thus prevent them from taking away our ability to implement our plan." Onala : " You want to pit Kolen''s 80 units against 1300 enforcers" Anun : " They are in their vehicles, and that makes them vulnerable to an assault" Lesego the Sector 6 Guardian, daughter of Gaurdius and Kolen''s wife enters the discussion. Lesego : " My brother is right! If we allow the reinforcements to reach their destination then all our people will be lost. The odds are terrible but every Crystal Armoured warrior expects to at some point go up against a mountain!" Anun : " I hate to rush the Council, but time is of the essence!" Cyris : " Then you have the Council''s approval!" Isis : " Proceed!" The Crystalorb Command Centre starts the joint communications with the Field Guardians and explains their plans. Kolen also approves and gets underway to intercept the approaching 1300 enforcers. - - - Back at Crystalorb the Council of Elders authorizes the deployment of 4 full sectors. That is 4 sector Guardians and the 12 teams under each Guardian''s command. Giving a total of; 244 Crystal Armoured Units. The Guardians selected are Aman of Sector 2, Kanang of Sector 8, Lenong of Sector 10 and Pule of Sector 11. Because of the urgency the deployment ceremony was deferred, but the Guardian''s Salute was carried out. On the Field Kolen''s teams were beginning their hit and run attacks against mobile targets, but before they could begin Kolen gives them final instructions. Kolen : " Remember don''t engage the enforcers, just destroy their vehicle. The objective is to stop them from reaching their targets, and when you''re finished the Crystalorb Command Centre will direct you to the next available target. Upon completion we will regroup at the regroup location. Good luck!" The teams began their stealthy interception of the reinforcing enforcer group, and by hitting their vehicles with multiple Electrolaser Lightning Bolts the teams were able to destroy the vehicles. That would temporarily delay the enforcers from their intended destination. Back at Crystalorb the Council of Elders opened a communication channel with the Intrepid. Cyris : " Esara; I trust you are aware of the situation?" Esara : " I am!" Isis : " A rescue force is underway!" Onala : " Anun wants them to carve out a path allowing the trapped teams to escape!" Cyris : " A great battle is about to begin!" Lumen : " We want you to join the fight and help provide cover!" Isis : " You can consider this your final mission as Expeditionary Guardian!" Esara : " So you know about my intensions?" Isis : " I know, but the rest of the Council did not know!" Esara : " In any case I don''t know how helpful I could be, I''m 14000 kilometres away, my Crystal Armour is at 60% and my energy sphere is depleted after I recharged my teams and the 6 Vangleads who just left. I just don''t have enough power to be any useful in this regard!" Gaurdius : " Is there no other way for you to find the extra power that you need!" Esara : " I cant think of any that are quick enough, recharging from the sun would take too long. The only other person who could recharge me is my husband but as you know he is somewhat incapacitated!" Isis : " There may be another!" Esara : " There is no other, the only adults with red Chest Crystals are Nalen and me ...!" Isis : " Yes, but this one is not an adult!" Esara : " Please don''t drag my daughter into this; she''s just a child. And in any case her training Armour does not hold enough power to give the energy I need!" Cyris : " But she has an energy sphere" Esara : " Even with that it wont work" Isis : " What if Casara had Vanguard Armour, would that make a difference?" Esara : " Perhaps, but she is still too young, she has never even gone supersonic?" Cyris : " Esara please excuse us, we need to talk amongst ourselves!" The communication channel with the Intrepid is suspended. Gaurdius : " Isis; What you are suggesting is highly irregular!" Lumen : " We can''t sanction any course of action that will send a child into battle!" Isis : I''m not talking about sending her into battle; I''m merely saying that we send her to recharge her mother! Onala : To give a child the power of a Vanguard would be more than inappropriate! Cyris : Yet the way things are going we may require the unique capabilities of the Expeditionary Guardian! Gaurdius : " Our forces have only delayed the reinforcing HOD battle group, if they some how get through we may need more support. It would be handy to have the Red Guardian within range to make some kind of impact, but to give a child Vanguard Armour will not go down well with the Guardian Council!" Jalen : It''s too soon to take such a drastic step! Isis : Perhaps if we did this in secret. We all know that the Armour is not beyond Casara''s capabilities, at age 14 she can generate energy levels equal to that of a 35 year old, perhaps even more! Onala : But does she have the control and discipline? Isis : No she does not! However we don''t need her to have advanced control, all we need is for her to have the ability to recharge her mother; we don''t need her to fight! Gaurdius : " If the Spirit Stone senses that the girl holds the potential, then we can proceed!" The communication channel with the Intrepid is reactivated. Cyris : " Esara; we have decided to secretly give your daughter Vanguard Armour so she could use her energy sphere to recharge you and your two Vangleads. We know you don''t like it, but these are desperate times!" Gaurdius: " So get going, you''ll rendezvous with Casara off the coast of the Democratic Republic of Congo where she will recharge you and your Vangleads!" Esara : " On your Command!" And with that Esara, Nasan and Peo left the Intrepid for the rendezvous point. - - - The Council of Elders called in young Casara and told her what the needed from her. Young Casara was eager to help in any way she could, so the Council of Elders secretly performed the Armour awarding ceremony transforming Casara''s training Armour into the Red Sphere they thought was Vanguard Armour. Casara was a little hesitant in activating the new Armour so Isis gives her gentle encouragement. Isis : " Go ahead Casara, Touch your destiny!" Cyris : " Say the Oath of Crystal Armoured Crystalan warriors!" Young Casara steps forward and touches the Red Armour sphere. Casara : " I am the light on the hill, the line in the sand, here and no further!" After the auto assembly of the Crystal Armour on Casara''s body the Council of Elders saw that Casara had a single bar on her shoulders. Gaurdius : " By the source!" Cyris : " That''s Command Armour!" Gaurdius: " We should be used to it by now, all those with the last name Olen don''t conform to normal standards. That bar on the shoulder indicates that Casara has become the youngest to ever wear Vanglead Armour!" Isis : " Casara, all the data about the rendezvous point will be uploaded onto the Armour. Don''t fly to fast, I dont want you exceeding mach 4. Now get going time is of the essence!" Casara : " Yes Lady Isis!" With her energy sphere in hand she flew from Crystalorb towards the rendezvous point. The programming of the Crystal Armour meant that even a novice like Casara could operate the basic systems of the Crystal Armour like automatic flight, shields and navigation. The weapons applications of the Crystal Armour came with training and experience. On the battle field the Crystalorb rescue party was minutes away from Kolen''s position when the Crystalorb Command Centre received an urgent message from Amang. Amang : " Anun; I''m detecting military aircraft heading this way, please advice!" Anun : " How far away are they?" The Field Guardians enter the joint communications. Kolen : " They aircraft are 3000 meters and closing" The Council of Elders are also on the joint communications. Cyris : " Anun; engage the Aircraft, destroy them" But before Kolen could give the order to Fire, the Aircrafts released some 300 paratroopers. The paratroopers began firing plasma blasts at Kolen''s position immediately after they were out of the aircrafts. Kolen : " All units; fire at will! I repeat; fire!" Amang : " Crystalorb; the regroup position has been compromised!" Gaurdius : " Anun; order the rescue force to redirect" Anun gives the order for the rescue group to drop altitude to 1.5 meters and move in an oblique angle towards the regroup position at subsonic speed. Kutu : " Commander; we are taking artillery fire now, where is that rescue force?" Kolen : " Anun; We are in full retreat; taking fire from multiple hostiles!" Kanang: " Crystalorb; Our sensors are picking up something 2 km from Kolen''s position!" Lenong : " The energy readings are off the scale! Whatever it is, it''s very powerful!" Things did not look good for the Crystal Armoured Crystalan warriors of Crystalorb. They were surrounded by their enemies, their Commander Kolen was cut off and the rescue party could not activate their plans because their forward base had been compromised. Things were going from bad to worse; they detected something very powerful moving against Commander Kolen. The ultimate test of the Crystal Armour was about to begin, the power of the hearts of Crystalorb would face off against the power of Negative Psionic Energy. - - - Chapter 10: The Return from a Different Dimension - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 10: The Return from a Different Dimension - - - Realising just how bad things are getting Commander Kolen opens a Communication link to all the Vangleads on the Field, the Vangleads relay the message to all the Vanguards through the Crystal Armour''s communications interface. Kolen : " I know things look bad, I know that you are afraid, but there comes a time in the life of every warrior when you have to decide what kind of warrior you are. Do you fight only when you have the advantage, or do you fight for what is true and precious to you no matter the situation? We are outnumbered, outgunned, but I tell you Crystalorb is precious to me, Crystalorb is true to me. Victory is determined by the strength of one''s commitment to the fight. Give me your commitment and I will give you victory!" All the Crystal Armoured warriors under siege cheered, feeling invigorated, casting aside their fears and panic, recommitting themselves to the fight. Back at Crystalorb Anun had modified his plans and was ready to give new instructions to the rescue Force. Anun : " Kanang; Here''s what I want you to do!" Anun takes a moment "I want you to manoeuvre around the forces attacking Kutu and Kolen''s groups, we''ve calculated the trajectory of the artillery, I''m uploading its location to your units Armours, destroy it, then move in behind our enemies creating a third front. When they move to defend themselves against your force, Kutu and Kolens groups will have an opportunity to escape" Kanang : " Ok!" As the revised rescue plan got under way Loj who had just returned to Crystalorb joined the Guardian Council at the Crystalorb Command Centre. Kutu : " Commander; there might be a problem?" Anun : " What is it?" Kutu : " There is a group making their way up the hill" Anun : " Take them out!" Sello : " We tried, but they are wearing some kind of Metallic Armour" Kolen : " Crystalorb; we are being engaged by something capable of deflecting our Electrolaser Lightning Energy Plasma Ball attacks, I''m switching to Electrolaser Lightning Bolts" Kolen hits one of the approaching Metallic Armoured enforcers "Anun; tell everyone to switch to Electrolaser Lightning Bolts! That has more effect against the Metallic Armoured enforcers!" Loj realises from watching the holographic projection video that the Metallic Armoured are not enforcer, but something much more powerful. Loj : " I don''t believe it! That''s no enforcers!" Anun : " Then what are they?" Loj : " That my fellow Guardians; is a Grandlord!" Kolen : " We are engaged with Grandlords?" Loj : " This is bad, very bad!" Anun : " Why?" Loj : " The presence of the Grandlords can only mean one thing!" Lesego : " What?" Loj : " The Viceroy is on the battle Field, and that means that there are many more Overlords!" Anun : " He''s just one man how powerful can he be?" Loj : " You don''t understand!" shaking his head "The Viceroy and the Grandlords use the most powerful HOD Manacles, Manacles that draw their power from millions of animals. The Viceroy''s Manacle of Destiny in particular is 5 times more powerful than that of the Grandlords" Kolen : " How do we beat them?" Loj : " I just don''t know! I''ve never seen them at full power before. It was rumoured that a Grandlord''s Manacle of Destiny at full power turns the Grandlord''s skin into a Bio-Metallic Crystalline substance making them invulnerable; I never believed the rumours! Combined with our ability to regenerate they are unstoppable!" Kolen : " By the Source!" Anun : " Aman, Kanang, Lenong, Pule; Move it! You heard what we are up against we don''t have much time, so step it up!" Kolen : " All Guardians charge your Crystal Lances; we may have to go hand to hand with these Grandlords!" The situation is growing tense by the moment. All the Guardians charge their Crystal Lances in anticipation of a physical confrontation with the most powerful of the Hand of Destiny. For a moment it seemed like Anun''s plan was working, and as the Hand of Destiny was moving their enforcers to defend their flanks and rear against the Crystalorb rescue Force. At the Crystalorb Command Centre Anun and the others were observing the movements of the Hand of Destiny and sending the data to the Guardians on the Field. With the joint communications active. Anun : " Kolen; tell your people to move, they will have to hug the ground flying just half a meter above the ground, use the mountains as cover, make your way to Grid 246 where you will combine with Kutu and Sello" Kolen informs his group that it''s time to move, and so they start moving, carrying their wounded with them. Kolen : " We are on the move; Amang and I are providing cover as our people leave their positions!" Kutu : " Sello and I are also providing cover for our people!" As the Guardians were conducting their defensive manoeuvres, keeping the HOD attack force away while the Vanguard teams retreated, Anun and the other Guardians were devising an effective extraction force. The Hand of Destiny knew that if the Crystalans created enough distance between them and their forces the Crystalans could take flight and escape so they were also modifying their plans to counter the Crystalans. - - - The Hand of Destiny had their own commanders on the field. The Grandlords Tumo Ralefa, David Ralefa and Tshepo Ralefa were responsible for battle management. Lord Tsela was also on the field; determined to punish the Crystalans for the death of his brother Kodu. Tumo : " What are they up to?" Tshepo : " They are trying to spread our lines. As we pursue them our forces become too widespread, this will give them the opportunity they need to escape!" David : " Lets remember our objectives!" Tumo : " To capture one of them alive, so we can harvest their organic Chest Crystal!" Tshepo : " The Crystal is useless if they are dead, their Crystal can also die!" David : " We need to cut them off!" Tshepo : " Their more powerful units are keeping our people from advancing!" Tumo : " Then we must focus our assault on the ones remaining!" The HOD commanders contact Tsela to advice him on the course of action. David : " My Lord; we need to redirect our efforts against the ones providing cover for the retreating forces!" Tsela : " I see one of them, we will start with him!" Lord Tsela and five other Grandlords supported by 12 Overlords and numerous enforcers move against Kolen, Amang and their escorting Vangleads. Lord Tsela and two Grandlords moved to attack Amang''s position while the others took on Kolen. The first to make contact were those attacking Amang, and in a flash Amang found himself face to face with Lord Tsela. Lord Tsela speaks to his accompanying group. Tsela : " The Crystal Guardian is mine!" Amang prepares to defend himself. Amang : " Here we go!" He said this while taking a defensive posture by bringing his Crystal Lance to the front of his Chest. Amang : " For Crystalorb!" Tsela Speaking directly to Amang. Tsela : " It''s time to pay for your crimes Crystal Guardian! Youve interfered in my plans for the last time!" Then Tsela launched a barrage of plasma blasts against Amang, but Amang used his Crystal Lance to deflect the extremely hot plasma attacks, knocking all the attacks to the side. Seeing this Tsela moved in and launched a physical attack, with Amang matching him blow for blow, resulting in a titanic battle. For a while it seemed as though the two of them were evenly matched, with Amang powered and protected by his Crystal Armour and Tsela powered by his Manacle of Destiny which gives his skin the ability to shield his body from harm. - - - As the fight continued the magnitude of the power in their blows generated shockwave pulses that travelled for kilometres. At the same time Kolen faced off against the Grandlord Thabang, and the other Grandlords faced off with the Guardian''s escort Vangleads. The entire valley seemed to be engulfed by lightning and fire. The situation was no different for Sello and Kutu, but the longer the Guardians fought the greater the distance between them and their forces; giving them a greater opportunity to escape. Tsela : " You are stronger than I thought you''d be Crystal Guardian, but youre still not strong enough. With every blow you grow weaker and soon your Armour will run out of power!" Amang : " I fight to protect, and as long as the threat exists one of us will rise to challenge it!" Then the fight continued. Back at Crystalorb the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council were monitoring the situation, listening to the verbal exchanges between Amang and Tsela. All of Crystalorb was watching the holographic projectors and broadcast systems, but Anun was concerned by Amang''s Armour energy level. Anun : " Amang''s Armour energy level is decreasing fast; he''s using so much power to fend of Tsela that I worry that he may not have enough power to make a quick exit when the time comes. If his shield should fail he won''t survive!" Kanang : " We are moving as fast as we can!" Kolen on the other hand seemed to have the upper hand but he was not causing enough damage to Thabang, this meant that Kolen was also in trouble, his power was draining fast, and the demands of a physical confrontation were too much for the energy requirements of their Crystal Armour. As the Guardian Council was working on a way to rescue their Guardians they saw a disturbing image, Tsela knocked Amang''s Crystal Lance from Amang''s hand and was now launching multiple high heat plasma blasts, bombarding Amang''s shield. As the plasma blast intensified the other 2 Grandlords joined the assault on Amang, and in a final desperate move Amang summoned all his remaining energy into a Chest Photon energy blast which he directed at the closest target he could find. After Amang released his final blast his shield collapsed allowing multiple plasma balls to hit Amang''s Crystal Armour directly which caused Amang to fall to the ground and down the Mountain. As the commotion settled it became clear what Amang''s final blast hit, it was the Grandlord Thule, he was on the ground bleeding profusely, and his left leg was severed from the thigh. Kolen raised the alarm. Kolen : " Amang is down!" Anun : " Amang''s Armour is offline; it''s not reporting combat data!" Cyris : " Anun; Order Amang''s escort Vangleads to retreat to Kolen''s position!" Anun : " They can''t leave Amang?" The Spirit Stone began to glow with a spectral aura. Gaurdius: " The Spirit Stone confirms it; Amang Lesedi Guardian of Sector 7 is Dead!" Isis : " They know how to kill a Guardian now!" Amang''s escort Vangleads began their retreat to Kolen''s position, but they were pursued by Tsela and the other Grandlord Thana. As for Thule the enforcers were trying to stop his bleeding, but the damage was too great and it looked Thule would might die. Before long Tsela and 4 Grandlords were going head to head with Kolen and all the escort Vangleads, and now that they had discovered how to overcome the Crystal Armour''s shields the Vangleads were quickly overwhelmed by the massive assault. - - - In a matter of minutes 8 Vangleads were killed leaving Kolen alone, surrounded and depleted. At Crystalorb Crystalans were horrified to see their Guardian Commander under a barrage of attacks from Tsela, 4 Grandlords, 25 Overlords and numerous enforcers. As Kolen''s shields failed under the pressure, the Crystalans gasped as they saw Kolen fall to the ground. On the contrary the enforcers celebrated the defeat of the mighty Crystal Guardians. Lord Tsela addresses his people. Tsela : " We came, we saw, we Conquered!" Lord Tsela raises his fist to the cheers of his troops "They thought that they were invincible, they thought that they could defeat us, they thought wrong. It ends now, they will never again stand in our path to greatness, we are Gods amongst men, and they can not deny us our Destiny" again the crowd erupts in cheers "Now lets finish them off!" Lord Tsela raises his fist to the cheers of his troops. Tsela : " They thought that they were invincible, they thought that they could defeat us, they thought wrong. It ends now, they will never again stand in our path to greatness, we are Gods amongst men, and they can not deny us our Destiny" Again the crowd erupts in cheers Tsela : " Now lets finish them off!" - - - On the other side of the mountains Kutu and Sello also fell to the Grandlord advance, but the divided original Crystalorb force had been reunited even though their numbers had dropped from 128 to 89 and they were making their way to join the main rescue force which was still largely intact some 4 kilometres away. It was at this point that Esara reached her daughter 900 kilometres from the battle field. Casara : " Mama!" Esara : " Hello baby girl; I''m very proud of you!" Mother and daughter embrace, and then Casara begins to transfer energy from her energy sphere through her Vanglead Armour to Esara until Esara''s Guardian Armour is fully charged. Casara then restores the energy of Peo and Nasan''s Armours leaving Casara''s Crystal Armour with just enough energy to get her home. Casara : " There you go Mama!" Esara : " Thanks sweetheart! Now I want you to fly straight home, and when you reach Crystalorb take your brother and go to your father''s room at the Crystalorb medical centre. Your father must be aware of what''s going on, and family should be together at times like this!" Casara : " Ok Mama; oh! I mean yes Guardian!" Even if they were family, when wearing Crystal Armour protocol demanded that they give each other the recognition their rank demanded. As Casara flew away from them Peo, Nasan and Esara took a moment to interface with the Crystalorb Command Centre so they could plan her approach to the battle field. Nasan : " Things are bad arent they?" Esara : " Yes they are, but we like them tough!" Peo : " If this has to be our final mission, I would like to say, its been an Honour!" Nasan : " Theres no one I would rather walk into the fire with than the two of you!" Esara : " Likewise!" As they power up their shields to 25% for their final run Esara takes a moment and acknowledges Peo and Nasan then they start their climb to high altitude. Once they reached optimal altitude for Hypersonic speed they moved to their destination which was the remaining 89 that were under severe attack, their numbers decreasing with every second. At 90 km from target location Esara began to implement her attack plans. Speaking to Peo and Nasan, with Crystalorb Command Centre listening. Esara : " Peo! Nasan! Start Shield Spin! Maximum Power!" As they descended while spinning their Shield in the same direction atmospheric air formed a wall of wind that dragged and compressed nearby rain clouds. To the enforcers on the ground it seemed as though a thunderstorm was approaching at supersonic speed so they stopped their attack on the Vanguard teams and took cover as a massive tornado touched down right in the middle of them. Then Esara released a charge that started a chain reaction of multiple lightning strikes that covered the entire area. Then Esara used the joint communications system to communicate with the senior Vanglead Lebago who once again took command of the Vanguard teams who''s numbers were now reduced to 73. Esara : " Lebago; What the hell are you waiting for, fly to the Rescue force!" Lebago : " Esara; Are you doing this?" Esara : " Move it dam-it! I can''t keep this up forever!" As Lebago''s group moved across the battle field under the cloak of the heavy thunderstorm Esara and her two Vangleads stood at the centre of the twister. Esara knew that the Grandlords would find a way through the wall of wind and water, so she began to charge her Crystal Lance in preparation for her secondary assault. Just as Esara had anticipated, the Grandlords because of their Metallic physical structure were able to force their way through the wall of wind and water to the eye of the storm where they were able to come into contact with Esara, Nasan and Peo. To conserve their energy Esara, Nasan and Peo moved from Shield hyper-spin to defensive Shield spin in preparation for prolonged physical contact with the Grandlords. Before they engage the Grandlords Esara speaks to her Vangleads as they hovered 5 meters above the ground. Esara : " Keep your distance from the Grandlords. Don''t let them get too close. As long as I''m here the HOD will focus their attention on me. Tsela will want revenge for the death of his brother Kodu; therefore I must stay here for as long as it takes for Lebago''s group to reach the rescue party. As the real fighting starts I want you to take the elevated position and provide cover for me as I engage them!" Peo : " You can''t fight them alone?" Nasan : " They''ve already killed four Guardians!" Esara : " I wont be alone; the two of you will be providing cover. I wont be using the same techniques as the other Guardians, and because of defensive Shield spin their plasma attacks will be much less effective, their overconfidence will be their undoing!" If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Three Grandlords become clearly visible. Naka : " Huh!" Esara : " You two get behind me, and take your positions" One of the three Grandlords steps forward to say something to Esara as Nasan and Peo take the elevated position and provide cover for Esara. Naka : " So you are the one who killed my brother Kodu, well today is your day of reckoning!" Esara : " You are making the same mistake that your brother made!" All three Grandlords fired multiple Plasma balls at the hovering Esara in a fury that left the entire area in flames, but Esara had anticipated their plasma attacks and deflected most of them using her Crystal Lance, those that got through were deflected by the defensive spinning Shield. This was one of the advantages of the Shield spin that Esara had counted on to give her the edge over the plasma attack. - - - Back at the Crystalorb Command Centre the other Guardians could not believe their eyes, after having witnessed the fall of four Guardians at the hands of these Grandlords Esara and two Vangleads were holding their own against three Grandlords. Nasan and Peo then attacked two of the Grandlords with Photon energy beams at maximum power forcing them to take defensive positions, and that gave Esara the opportunity to launch an attack on Naka. When Naka saw that Esara was about to attack him he released another stream of plasma blasts, but Esara used her Crystal Lance to fly through the plasma balls, deflecting each as it approached until she reached Naka. Esara tried to strike Naka with the Crystal Lance but he blocked it with his left hand and then fired a plasma ball with his right hand, Esara blocked the close range plasma ball by firing Electrolaser Lightning Bolts from her Crystal Armour''s Chest Crystal. The attack and counter attack continued for some 63 seconds until Esara decided to exploit the weakness of the Metallic skin to Electrolaser Lightning Bolt attacks. Esara while in close hand to hand combat she attacked Naka on the left thigh with her Armour''s Chest Crystal which slightly breached the Metallic skin, she then pierced him with the Crystal Lance, then she fired electrical energy through the Crystal Lance directly into Naka''s body electrocuting him from the inside. Naka''s death was instantaneous, and as Esara removed her Crystal Lance Naka''s Metallic skin returned to normal, the Metallic form was somehow linked to his brain and once he was dead it could no longer be sustained. Realising how Esara had defeated Naka, Nasan and Peo focused their attacks on a single point on the chest of one of the 2 remaining Grandlords. Nasan and Peo fired Electrolaser Lightning Bolts from all three pf the Crystal Armour''s Crystals (Both Hands and the Chest), this sustained assault eventually breached the Metallic skin, as the skin was breached Nasan and Peo then fired Electrolaser Lightning Bolts from their Crystal Armour''s Chest Crystals into the part of the Metallic skin that was being breached. As the Grandlord fell to the ground Nasan and Peo knew that they had succeeded in electrocuting him from the inside, overloading his nervous system and thus destroying his natural ability to regenerate. The other Grandlord decided to run and save himself, but Esara knew that he would return with reinforcements. - - - At the Crystalorb Command Centre the Guardian Council was in shock. The Guardian Council was astounded at the capabilities of the Expeditionary Units; the precision with which they executed their attacks indicated that the training they received was far superior to that of the other Divisions. Esara receives a communiqu from the Crystalorb Command Centre which activated the Guardian joint communications. Anun : " Esara we are detecting massive movements towards your position" Esara : " How far is Lebago from the rescue group?" Anun : " He''s 9 minutes away" Peo interjects! Peo : " Guardian; We have company! Nasan : " A lot of company!" Esara : " Here we go again!" This as a group of nearly 130 Enforcers, Under-Lords, Overlords and Grandlords emerged, and to top things of Lord Tsela Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny (HOD) was also present, this was his escort group. They were called in by the Grandlord who had escaped after the death of the other 2 Grandlords. As the group surrounded the hill Esara and her Vangleads were hovering above, and Lord Tsela went directly to the body of his fallen brother Naka; kneeling besides him. Because of the Crystal Armour technology Esara, Nasan and Peo could hear what Tsela was saying to his brother''s body. Tsela : " Brother! You were always too quick to jump into the fight; your Destiny has been stolen from you!" Lord Tsela then removed Naka''s Manacle of Destiny from Naka''s right arm, then stepped in front of the advanced group to talk to Esara. Tsela : " The Legendary Red Guardian!" He pauses for a second. Tsela : " Yours is the image that strikes terror in the hearts of my enforcers, you''re the bogyman that young Hodian children are told about to scare them, and you''re said to be absolute in power!" Esara : " Not absolute!" Tsela : " But pretty close! They say youre twice as strong as any other Guardian, the result of Crystalan mutagenic experiments!" Esara : " Lies!" Tsela : " Of course! You see this Manacle, this Manacle I removed from my dead brother?" He said lifting up the Manacle. Tsela : " It belonged to our father, as the oldest I inherited it from my father when he died, and when I ascended to the position of Viceroy I gave it to Naka the next in line! Now you''ve taken him away from me, you mercilessly killed both my brothers and left me with no one to take up the family Manacle of Destiny, but I suppose as leader I should have anticipated how dangerous you are! If I had known, I wouldn''t have sent anyone else! I would have sent myself!" Esara : " We all bear the responsibility of leadership and the courage required by Duty!" Tsela : " I suppose it was always fate! I was always meant to confront you! Its fate that required the battle of the ultimates!" Esara : " It''s not fate, but a choice, a choice you made, a decision you took! Once again you chose to attack Crystalorb, chose to contaminate the worlds Gene pool by introducing your Mutagenic recombinant RNA, and finally by setting this trap! You chose to willingly put your own brother in harms way in order to capture a Crystalan, because you want access to the power of our Chest Crystals. You just don''t get it, it''s not the Crystal that we are so determined to protect, it''s the advanced designs and technology we don''t want the world to duplicate. The Chest Crystal protects itself and can never be used by anyone it does not recognize as one of its own!" Tsela : " That doesn''t matter now" Tsela puts on the Family Manacle of Destiny on his left hand. Tsela : " With this Manacle of Destiny, shall I, Tsela, Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny crush the enemies of the HOD!" As Tsela powered up the second Manacle his Metallic Skin grew denser, this was indicative of the increased energy contained in his body. Tsela''s skin turned gold in colour, something no other human had ever seen. Nasan and Peo were running scans of the power level of Tsela''s new form, they were measuring his density as a function of his power, and they were shocked at their findings. Using internal Armour to Armour communications Peo and Nasan alert Esara to their findings. Peo : " Guardian; the censors indicate that the power is off the charts, the energy level must be extraordinary!" Nasan : " He''s physical strength must be equally spectacular. We should leave!" Esara : " Your right, you should leave, Tsela will want to fight me one on one, his family honour is at stake, and he needs to prove that he''s superior to any other warrior. When I power up my Armour and Lance, you two must fly as quickly as you can straight up to hypersonic altitude" Peo : " Negative! I''m staying!" Nasan : " Me too!" Esara : " Are you really going to disobey a Guardian''s final order; a friend''s last request! Please do as I ask!" Nasan : " Ok then!" Peo : " Yes Guardian!" Esara increases the energy flowing from the Armour''s energy storage modules and thus increasing the energy flowing through the Crystal Armour. Esara also increases the shields to maximum and then generates an energy field inside the shield. As she powers up Nasan and Peo make their escape, but not without sustaining several hits from the HOD group surrounding the hill. As Esara reaches her ultimate fighting form the charge in her Armour''s shield causes her to glow red. Esara reports her status to the Crystalorb Command Centre. Esara : " Armour energy 79%, shield at maximum, Armour fully operational, all system''s go!" Tsela : " Interesting that your associates chose to abandon you on the battle field!" Esara : " I ordered them to leave!" Tsela : " I can make you this promise, the others wont interfere, all you have to do to survive is get passed me!" Theres a brief pause. Tsela : " It''s just you and me Red Guardian!" Without warning Tsela jumped from near the bottom of the hill and punched Esara with a blow so powerful it shook the ground. As Tsela''s right fist collided with Esara''s shield there was a pulse that cause the air around the hill to compress resulting in rocks flying through the air. The force of the blow sent Esara flying, hitting the ground, and to finish off his attack Tsela fired plasma balls from both Manacles directly hitting Esara just as she hit the ground. The ground that was previously wet, was now producing dust, even Esara was not prepared for the extreme power of Tsela''s new form. - - - Back at Crystalorb Casara, Enala and Naole were in Nalen''s room at the Crystalorb medical centre watching the fighting on the Crystalorb holographic Broadcast system. As the Kids went into distress at the sight of their mother being knocked to the ground their Chest Crystals activated, even Enala''s Chest Crystal activated. Incidentally Enala''s clear Chest Crystal was the final component, the last piece of the puzzle, the component that was never present before. The three children started feeling like they were being drained of Crystal energy, and within seconds all three Collapsed. - - - On the battle field as the dust settled Esara was standing up, the Crystal Armour''s shield had protected her from the force of the impacts she had sustained, Esara and her Crystal Armour were still intact. Standing at the top of the hill Tsela smiled at the sight of Esara standing on her two feet. Tsela : " Impressive; your reputation is not without merit!" Esara : " It''s not going to be that easy!" Tsela : " It''s tragic you know, such power is wasted on you Crystalans! Your power is of no use, and you''ve lost the honour you once stood for!" Esara : " As long as Crystalorb stands, so does the hope of the world!" Tsela : " Hope! Hahahaha! You are too late, we''ve already changed the world, over a hundred million are transforming as we speak, the hybrids will make war on the rest of humanity in an effort to survive, and even if they find some sort of peace we win because the world will have no choice but to accept the hybrids and by extension us!" Esara checks her energy status, in her helmet the virtual interface shows her that Armour energy is at 75%. Esara : " Crystalorb wont let you destroy the world just to prove a point!" Tsela : " Your Council of Elders is powerless to stop us; the limitations of your Crystal are no match for us! Take you for instance, every attack you make or receive your energy is depleted, in the end you have to ask yourself, how long can you last?" Before Esara could respond Tsela jumps from the top of the hill and launches another attack, but this time Esara blocks and the result is a titanic battle. The two warriors exchange blows and energy attacks, plasma balls colliding with Electrolaser Lightning Bolts resulting in a spectacular display of sound, lightning and fire. Esara and Tsela battle continuously for 5 minutes exchanging blow for blow with such intensity that the group observing the fight at the bottom of the hill decide to run for cover some 150 meters from the scene of the confrontation. - - - At the Crystalorb Medical Centre the three children wake to find Nalen gone. Nalen was awake; he went straight to his home and drained into his body all the energy contained in his reserve energy sphere. Nalen then went to the Armour Storage Centre at the pyramid to collect his Crystal Armour. Everyone at Crystalorb was so focused on the fighting that they hardly noticed him get onto the elevator system that leads to the Crystalorb exit. The only people who noticed Nalen were the two Guards at the Crystalorb Gates who saw Nalen as he exited. The two Guards thought that he was one of the Expeditionary Units going on assignment. After Nalen steps out of the gate and is out of sight of the Guards he touches the Crystal Armour sphere and begins to say his Oath. Nalen : " I haven''t done this in a while!" Nalen activates his Chest Crystal. Nalen : " "I am the light on the hill!" The Guardian Armour sphere begins to open. Nalen : " "The line in the sand!" Light energy increases, making it hard to see Nalen. Nalen : " Here and no further!" At the Crystalorb medical centre. Casara : " Where is my father?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " I dont know, but our surveillance systems indicate the he woke up kissed you and Naole on the forehead and then left the Crystalorb medical centre!" Naole : " Casara; Where is father going?" Casara : " If I had to guess I would say to help Mama!" Dr Kanu (MD) : " From the Video footage he does not seem to be suffering from muscle atrophy commonly associated with people that have been in a coma for such a long period, but then again Nalen is no ordinary man, even by Crystalan standards" - - - On the battle field Esara was involved in the most intense battle of her life, she was pushing herself to the very limits of her capabilities. Esara''s Armour energy had decreased to 60% but there was still no sign of damage to Tsela, his self regenerating Metallic Crystalline Skin seemed indestructible. As they continued to battle Esara was losing power, but Tsela seemed to have infinite reserves, it looked like he could go on for days. Even with the Crystal Lance at maximum power Tsela withstood Esaras assaults, it looked bad for Esara and the Guardian Council knew it. Lebago''s group reached the main rescue force, and the combined group was generating distance between them and the enforcers group so that the combined group could escape. Despite being heavily engaged the field Guardians were keenly aware of the great battle taking place between Esara and Tsela. At the Crystalorb Command Centre the Guardian Council were working on a plan to extract Esara before she runs out of energy. Anun : " Esara is in trouble, she can''t sustain the fight at that energy level!" Gaurdius : " How long does she have?" Anun : " We just don''t Know! It''s amazing that she has lasted this long, and our main forces on the field are still cut off!" Isis : " Why can''t she just fly away?" Anun : " When youre engaged at that level retreat is nearly impossible, any attempt by her to escape will surely be thwarted by either Tsela or the other forces surrounding the battle zone. She will definitely need external support!" Using the joint communications the Council of Elders speak to the remaining field Guardians. Isis : " As you know 4 Guardians have fallen at the hands of Tsela and his Grandlords, and now another Guardian is facing the same fate! It has become abundantly clear that no Guardian can defeat him alone, she needs your help, help her!" Gaurdius : " Help the Red Guardian!" - - - After yet another clash the two warriors stand face to face as they prepare for their next move. Tsela : " So, you still have some fight in you?" Esara : " Yeah!" Tsela : " I have to admit, I didn''t think you''d last this long, no one has ever lasted this long with me at full power, you''ve been a truly worthy adversary!" Esara : " Fighting you has been a revelation!" Tsela : " You have to know that you cant win!" Esara : " It was always clear that I was greatly outnumbered, so I never expected to walk away from this, I knew that I would have to fight my way out!" Tsela : " You don''t disappoint, do you Red Guardian? You don''t quit, never wavering in your determination, you will fight to the very end!" Esara : " Yes! By the Source!" As their fighting resumed Esara''s remaining Armour energy reached 38%. Nalen knew that he could not just walk into the middle of hundreds of Enforcers, Under-Lords, Overlords and Grandlords, he needed a plan that would give the reprieve required to relieve Esara and the rescue force. Nalen remembered a boulder at the top of one of the mountains near the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex. - - - - - -
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Chapter 11: Impact - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 1: Between the Darkness and the Light - - - Chapter 11: Impact - - - When Nalen arrived at the boulder site he used his Crystal Armour''s computational capabilities to estimate the mass of the boulder to be about 957 tons (957 000 kilograms). Nalen then used shield expansion to extend his shield around the boulder, he then twisted the shield to form a loop, and this resulted in Nalen and the boulder being isolated separately from each other. Nalen then began to pump air into the boulder containment shield. When the boulder containment shield was filled to maximum capacity Nalen increased the shield power, then he created an electrical field in his part, this was to serve as additional protection for him. Using his hands Nalen fired ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls into a vortex on the boulder containment shield. The vortex on the boulder containment shield was such that it allowed energy in without releasing air, and as the temperature in the boulder containment shield rapidly rose the surface of the boulder began to melt. The pressure on the boulder containment shield increased to astronomical levels as the temperature increased. When Nalen reached the limit of his ability to maintain the boulder containment shield he stopped firing into the boulder containment shield, and then Nalen created a vortex at the bottom of the boulder containment shield directly under the centre of gravity of the boulder. When Nalen released the superheated air trapped in the boulder containment shield both he and the boulder rocketed to the sky at incredible speed. As they moved through the atmosphere Nalen collected and stored even more air into his part of the shield. As Nalen reached an altitude of 9000 meters he activated the thrusters of his Guardian Crystal Armour increasing their speed to beyond escape velocity and pushing them through the thickest part of the atmosphere at an incredible rate of climb for something that heavy. Nalen pushed through the atmosphere along the way collecting more and more air until he reached an altitude of 100 000 meters above ground, the very edge of space. Using the Guardian Crystal Armour''s computational capabilities Nalen calculated the optimal drop trajectory. Nalen closed the boulder containment shield thrust vortex and then pumped 70% of the air he had collected into the boulder containment shield. The boulder began to fall with Nalen using his Armour''s flight systems to manoeuvre the boulder. As he moved through the atmosphere the air in the boulder containment shield became superheated. Once again Nalen created a vortex at the back of the boulder containment shield directly parallel to the angle of attack of the falling boulder, and as he released the superheated air the speed of the falling boulder increased to 12789 m/s (Mach 37.1773258) with Nalen flying along just above the boulder. At altitude 45000m Nalen sends an urgent joint communiqu to all field Guardians, Vangleads and Vanguards. Nalen : " Everyone get the hell out of the way! I''m coming in hot; get airborne or take cover!" Included in Nalen''s communiqu are Trajectory Details, Impact Target and possible Blast Radius and yield. On the battle field, all the Crystalorb Forces disengage and get the wounded airborne as they began to detect Nalens approach. At altitude 9000 meters Nalen releases the boulder and climbs at an oblique angle to an altitude of 15000 meters. As the Crystalorb Forces disengage the HOD Forces become aware that something big is heading for the centre of their forces. The HOD Forces tried to escape as the ground began to shake, but most were not quick enough, and the boulder was too close. The boulder''s impact on the ground was enormous, creating a massive crater, and the explosion released 79.2015693 Terajoules (22.00044 GWh), the equivalent of the explosive energy contained in 18.92993 Kilo-tons of TNT. Nearly all the enforcers caught in the shockwave were killed, half the Under-Lords and Overlords survived, but all the Grandlords outside the immediate impact area survived. All those in the immediate impact area were instantly killed. Lord Tsela and his escort Grandlords were outside the immediate impact area, and used their ability to jump very high distances to escape and take cover behind mountains. - - - At the centre of the Impact area remnants of the fragmented boulder were visible from the air as the four rescue force Guardians landed. Esara and all the other Crystalan forces also landed with Nalen the last to make his approach. As Nalen hovered above the impact area and slowly descended to the ground, his shield at full power, all the Crystalan forces quietly observed Nalen''s slow decent to the ground. Lebago : " Is it me? Or does he look like an Orb of Red Light descending from the Sky?" Nasan : " Like a descending Red Star!" As Nalen touched the ground he stood there for a little while. Peo : " What''s that hamming?" Aman : " It''s Nalen''s energy field! As the charged air particles collide they release electrical energy" Esara moves towards Nalen, and when Nalen sees Esara approach him he disengages his shield and takes off his helmet. When Esara sees that it truly is Nalen she runs and embraces him, and they stand there in each others arms for 2 minutes. Esara : " Sweetheart! I''ve missed you!" Nalen : " I''ve missed you Esara!" As the other Guardians approach Nalen to thank him for his efforts Esara and Nalen turn to face Lenong the Senior Guardian on the field. Lenong : " Good to see you again Nalen!" Kanang : " That was some display of power!" Aman : " Good to have you back Nalen! We are all in your debt!" With tears running down Nalens face. Nalen : " Now I''m become death, the destroyer of worlds! " Nalen was overcome with sadness, the sight of the devastation had shaken him, it was all too much for him. Esara explains why Nalen is so shaken. Esara : " Nalen has never killed anyone before; he had always found a way to defeat his enemies without killing them. Unfortunately for him, the first time he was forced to kill, he killed over 1300 people!" Nalen : " This must be how it feels to be a scientist involved in the creation of Weapons of Mass Destruction! To realise what one has helped unleash upon the world!" At the Crystalorb Command Centre there was enormous relief; Anun activated the joint communications to give final mission instructions. Anun : " Lenong! I''m sending the locations of all the dead Crystalans, send teams to collect them; their Armours are still reporting their positions. Bring them home, bring everyone home!" - - - As the Crystalorb Forces collected the bodies of their fallen comrades the remnants of the HOD also collected the bodies of their own dead. For the first time the two forces chose not to engage each other on sight, they reached an unspoken cease fire, a silent truce. At Crystalorb, the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council withdrew to separate Chambers, with the Council of Elders meeting in the Council Chambers. Isis : " It is just as the Spirit Stone foretold!" Cyris : " Nalen does harbour a great power!" Gaurdius : " And now he has shown us the true extent of the Crystal Armour''s power!" Isis : " A terrifying sight; the Idea that one person can hold the power to instantly kill millions shakes me to the core. Now the control of that power will rest with us, we have in our possession a terribly distractive force, and I don''t know how I feel about this! This power is clearly not a defensive weapon, but an indiscriminate killer, a Weapon of Mass Destruction!" Onala : " Indeed!" Cyris : " We must take time to properly consider how to reconcile the capabilities of the Crystal Armour and the Crystalorb Charter!" Jalen : " Yes, the Crystalorb Charter is our Crystalan Law!" Lumen : " The Crystalorb Charter speaks to our truest nature, and our Fervent Aspirations. Who we are, and who we hope to be! I''m also troubled by the recent direction of our people, and the sad thing is that I know we can be better, we can do better! The Crystalorb Charter says; freedom is the right of all Sentient-Sapient beings. We must honour that, live it; not threaten the world with new found power!" Lerata : " We are at war! Have you forgotten why we fight? Have you forgotten the horrors the HOD is capable of?" Tshego : " They''ve attacked us, and with their wealth they corrupt entire nations! Their cohorts are shifting the little national resources they have to serve Hodian interests, and recently theyve introduced Mutagenic recombinant RNA into the human race, an act that will surely destabilize the world! Lumen : " What Nalen did was necessary, but it was also an escalation!" Isis : " An escalation the HOD will no doubt try and match!" Cyris : " War is the ultimate failure of the human spirit." Lumen : " We must try and negotiate some kind of peace with the HOD." Isis : " We must try to find a way out of this mess." Hamun : " This isn''t a squabble over pieces of a golden rock; it''s a war, of Powers and Principalities! The HOD are the Hyena, the roving wolf, all they want is an opportunity to bear their teeth and feed!" - - - As the Council of Elders continue their deliberations the Guardian Council return to the Crystalorb Command Centre to observe the Crystalorb Force''s return to Crystalorb. The HOD are also making their way to their homes after they collected their dead. The News Media has arrived at the conflict site in the Central African Republic. As soon as the HOD left the area the News media convene at the impact area. The News Media began to give live television reports of what they believed was a Meteor impact event. At the Crystalorb Command Centre Guardians were monitoring all News reports on all channels looking for any sign of evidence that could expose Crystalorb or the presence of the Crystalorb forces. A news report from one of the smaller Satellite News networks GCN (Global Communications Network) news catches the attention of the Guardians. The News Anchor Paul Stanton goes to field reporter James McNeil who''s giving his live report. James : " As I stand here in the middle of this devastation there can be no doubt about the power of the impact of the large rock that hit this area!" Paul : " How big was the rock?" James : " Scientists say that it must''ve been at a minimum 15 meters in diameter" Paul : " Do the astronomical societies know how they missed such a large object coming into contact with the Earth?" James : " Well the simple answer to that question is that there are simply no telescopes on this part of Africa, I mean to put it simply this is the middle of nowhere! Yet we have located two kids who claim to have seen everything. We have found a translator who will translate for us The account of the 2 kids Nate and Paku is seen on the television. Paku : " We were playing in those mountains looking for birds when we saw 3 Planes fly over there and drop people in parachutes." Nate : " Then the airplanes exploded in the air!" Paku : " So we went over to see, and thats when we saw them!" James has the translator translate his questions to the kids. James : " Them? Who''s them?" After the translator translates. Paku : " The gods!" Nate : " There were two types, the Fire gods and the Glass gods!" Paku : " The Fire gods were fighting the Glass gods!" James : " What do you mean Fire gods and the Glass Gods?" Paku : " Some were covered in glass and others were shooting fire balls from their hands!" Nate : " And the Glass gods produced lightning from their Chest and Hands!" Paku : " The two groups fought for a long time, and it looked like the Glass gods were losing, many of them were being killed by the metal Fire gods; the leaders of the Fire gods!" Nate : " Until the Red Glass god arrived!" Paku : " She brought with her a storm!" James : " So this Red Glass god was a woman?" Paku : " Yes!" Nate : " That''s when we left!" Paku : " We ran away and hid in a cave in one of those mountains!" Then James turns and faces the camera to complete his report. James : " It might be easy to dismiss what the children are saying as the wild imagination of traumatized children, but except for this!" James holds a Manacle of Destiny up to the camera The two kids say that they found it on the ground as they ran away. They also say that this is part of the hand of the Fire gods, they insist that the gods somehow wear this device to shoot fire from the hand." Paul : " What is that thing?" James : " I''ve asked some of the renowned scientists here to look at it under a microscope, and what they found spooked even the most sceptical scientists." Paul : " What did they find?" James : " The device is of a Biomechanical nature, it looks metallic but it''s organic, complete with a cellular structure that is very densely arranged. The scientists all agree that this technology goes far beyond anything they''ve ever seen or heard of." Paul : " Are you saying that this is some kind of secret weapon?" Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. James : " There are other questions Paul, like how is it that advanced military equipment failed to detect something larger than the US space shuttle as it entered Earth''s atmosphere?, and the meteor fragments don''t look like other fragments we''ve seen in the past, again why is the US military not releasing footage from their nuclear detonation detection satellites?" Paul : " There seems to be a lot of questions?" James : " Yes Paul, speculation is rife and conspiracy theories are beginning to spread, yesterday we received an anonymous tip that global vaccines have been contaminated, I just wonder what all these events have to do with each other?" Paul : " Indeed! Thank you James!" James acknowledges Paul "Strange!" James : " Yes! James McNeil reporting live from the Central African Republic!" Paul : " Join us for continuing coverage of this unfolding story as we seek to uncover the complete truth! The GCN News channel goes to a commercial break. - - - At the Whitehouse the President of the United States meets with Admiral John Bright; John Bright is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The conservative President Stanley Carver is particularly upset at the lack of information about what happened in the Central African Republic. President Carver : " God dam-it John! What the hell is going on?" Admiral Bright: " Our DSP satellites picked up the impact, and once we noticed it, we began backtracking the images to investigate!" Images appear on the screens. President Carver : " And?" Admiral Bright : " That''s when we saw it sir!" President Carver : " Saw what?" Admiral Bright: " It''s hard to describe Mr President, but it looks like there was some sort of battle." President Carver : " Are you saying that there is some truth to the news stories?" Admiral Bright: " Yes sir Mr President! From our analysis we think that there are 2 Factions! Crystal Armour and Metallic Armour! The Metallic Armour faction seems to have larger numbers, but the others seem to be flight capable! We think that the Crystal Armour faction is responsible for the attack on the vaccine facilities in India, Europe and Southern Africa!" President Carver : " Are you saying that they''re hostile?" Admiral Bright : " It''s a strong possibility Mr President!" President Carver : " Where do they come from?" Admiral Bright: " We can''t be sure Mr President! They''re using some kind of stealth!" he leans in as if to whisper "We''ve been hearing rumours about a powerful Hybrid organization in South Africa, but nothing can be confirmed! They say that it goes back over a hundred years!" President Carver: " Super human Hybrids in Africa for a hundred years? Why don''t we know anything about this? How is it that they have been here all this time?" Admiral Bright: " We believe that they''re of African decent, and the racial policies of the various South African authorities may have driven them underground Mr President! They would''ve had to hide themselves for generations, and they would''ve had to develop defensive capabilities." President Carver: " If they''ve been around for over a hundred years, then they would''ve witnessed our own racial policies, and those of the Europeans. They are unlikely to trust us! Any of us!" pause Is the South African Government aware of this? Admiral Bright: " They know something, but we don''t know how much they know! However we believe that the Crystal faction is very likely to make direct contact with the South African Government!" President Carver : " What about the other ones? Ah! The Metallics?" Admiral Bright: " They seem to be operating in plain sight Mr President! Based all over the world! Involved in all sorts of Business activities! The fact that they''re hiding in plain sight concerns me a little!" President Carver : " Why?" Admiral Bright: " Because for whatever reason they''re not afraid of Governments! They seem confident that they can deal with any Government that tries anything." President Carver : " What?" Admiral Bright: " I think their confidence implies that they may have infiltrated everything, and they''re everywhere!" President Carver: " We must talk to them! Find out what their intensions are!" Admiral Bright: " At least we can find the Metallics Mr President! Maybe they can shed some light on their foes!" - - - At the Crystalorb Command Centre the Guardians were watching the news reports, and now wondered what the Global Repercussions of this will be? And they wonder if they should somehow intervene to retrieve the Manacle of Destiny? Inala : " We should do something about this!" Loj : " The technology of the Manacle of Destiny is too dangerous to be allowed to fall into the hands of unscrupulous characters!" Ocyris : " Even if they could find some way to open it, they will never be able to understand its power source, and the Manacle of Destiny will not accept those that are not connected to it by blood" Anun : " The responsibility for the retrieval of the Manacle of Destiny rests with the HOD!" Loj : " Tsela is a Madman; we can never expect him to behave rationally!" Anun : " In any case we can''t recover the Manacle of Destiny without harming people, and the Manacle of Destiny is not ours to recover. We can''t justify the harm we would cause in trying to retrieve the Manacle of Destiny, if the HOD does not recover their Manacle of Destiny then we must not intervene even if it exposes our secret. We don''t kill to protect secrets, but to protect lives." - - - The Guardians meet to plan, and the Council of Elders also debate their next course of action, but before they could finish their deliberations the Crystalorb Forces begin to arrive back at Crystalorb. As is Crystalorb custom the bodies of the dead arrive first, escorted by their immediate commander. Crystalans don''t believe in presenting a good image, they prefer the truth even if it''s painful to bear. The body of Kolen was escorted by Guardian Lenong of Sector 10 and the other 3 fallen Guardians were escorted by; Guardian Aman of Sector 2, Guardian Kanang of Sector 8 and Guardian Pule of Sector 11. The fallen Vanguards and Vangleads were escorted by senior Vanglead Lebago. Nalen and Esara arrived with the rest of the Crystalorb Forces. The Crystalans were in a period of mourning, and many families had lost a loved one, the only smiles to be found were of those relieved to see their loved ones return home safely. Of the original 128 group that left Crystalorb 57 returned alive, 71 were killed, amongst the dead were 4 Guardians. The additional rescue force lost 7 Vanguards, bringing Crystalorb''s total loss to 78, with a further 63 injured. The Council of Elders and the Guardian Council stood at the base of the Pyramid as the dead were laid before the pyramid. The Council of Elders gave the families of the fallen time to mourn their loss before the Commitment Ceremony could begin. - - - After several hours the Commitment Ceremony began. In this process Jalen, Hamun, Lumen, Tshego and Lerata the more Spiritual members of the Council of Elders would articulate and expatiate the Commitment Ceremony for the fallen warriors Tshego : " Heart of our people! Heart of Crystalorb!" Lerata : " In the name of all Crystalans!" Lumen : " We beseech you!" Hamun : " Awaken mighty Spirits!" Jalen : " And receive our fallen amongst your order!" The Armours disengaged from the bodies of the dead, locking themselves into Armour spheres then hovering 2 meters above the bodies of the dead. Tshego : " We are born of the Light! We live in the light!" Lumen : " And upon our death we return to the light!" Lerata : " With this in mind, we will now return our fallen to the light!" Multiple beams of light connected the Spirit Stone to all the bodies Jalen : " It''s time for all of you to return to the Source!" All the Crystalans at the Commitment Ceremony activated their Chest Crystals, generating a beam of light that connected with the Spirit Stone, and this caused the Chest Crystals of the Dead to activate, absorbing all of the bodies thereby increasing in size. When the Chest Crystals were finished absorbing the rest of the body they hovered next to the hovering Crystal Armour spheres. Hamun : " The Crystal Armour is a part of a Crystalan and thus cannot exist without the Crystalan; the Crystal Armour will now mourn them!" The Crystal Armour spheres each generated a massive aura of light that was very bright, then produced an electrical energy stream that linked it to corresponding enlarged hovering Chest Crystals. The Crystal Armour spheres began to move in circles around the enlarged hovering Chest Crystal moving incrementally closer to the crystal until eventually fusing with the Chest Crystal. Lumen : " They are no longer with us, from here onwards they will forever be a part of the Spirit Stone!" Tshego : " Mighty Spirit Stone Accept your children into your home!" With that, the combined Chest Crystals and Vanguard Armour spheres flew up the pyramid and fused with the Spirit Stone in a massive flash of light. The Commitment Ceremony was concluded. - - - After the ceremony all Crystalans returned to their homes to reflect on the events of recent days, Nalen in particular had spent the past four years sleeping, so he needed time to catch up on things that occurred in the past years. Nalen talks to his family about his perception of the world while he was sleeping. Naole : " Was it like a long dream?" Nalen : " Not exactly!" Casara : " Well? How was it then?" Nalen : " It was like I was trapped in a parallel Crystalorb, others could come and go as they pleased but I could not leave!" Casara : " What do you mean by others?" Nalen : " I think that there are abilities of the Chest Crystal that are yet undiscovered, abilities the hold untold power! The Chest Crystal does not die as long as it receives energy, and in the body that energy comes mainly from the skin and food. Our skins absorb 80% of the energy we need for the Chest Crystals, and here in Crystalorb that energy is supplied by the Illuminating Crystals!" Esara : " How do you know this?" Nalen : " After a long time I realised that the Crystalorb I was in was a different reality, a reality like a separate dimension. When I tried to get out it became clear that I could not physically leave the reality, because the reality would extend as far as I wanted it to. It''s my theory that Chest Crystal is capable of Chest Crystal to Chest Crystal radio communications and that as we dream the Chest Crystal broadcasts the dream in radio waves" Casara : " I don''t get it?" Naole : " Neither do I!" Esara : " What your father is saying is that he was trapped in a dream plane, and that while there he could receive other people''s dreams. He''s saying that the Chest Crystal sends what you are dreaming to the dream plane, and that the two of you might be able to communicate with each other using just your Chest Crystals" Naole : " Is that really possible?" Casara : " Father; are you saying that Crystalans are telepathic?" Nalen : " I don''t know about that, Telepathic implies the ability to read minds, that''s not what I''m talking about; the Chest Crystal can allow us to send information via radio waves to another Chest Crystal. And that information could be anything; one could even allow another to see what they see" Esara : " How far would that radio communications extend?" Nalen : " It would depend on the strength of the radio wave energy, but I suspect even laser communications are possible, what I''m talking about are faster and more efficient ways to share information and knowledge. The communications capabilities of the Chest Crystal also give me the idea that it might be possible to interface with a computational device like a computer in the same way we interface with the Crystal Armour!" Casara : " How did you finally escape the dream plane?" Nalen : " That was a little tricky, but once I realized what had happened to me I tried to reconnect with my body, and after many attempts I was finally able to gain some control of my Chest Crystal but being asleep and in that room for so long had depleted my energy. I don''t know if you realise this by now, but the Illuminating Crystals at the top of the Hemispheres do more than provide light to Crystalorb. Our bodies absorb the Light from the Illuminating Crystals, that is the main source of power for the Chest Crystal, but because I was in that room for so long what I call full spectrum energy was low in my body. To fully recover I required the 3 components!" Casara : " I get it, red energy from me for your red Crystals, blue energy from Naole for the blue Crystals in your heart and Clear energy from Enala because even though we have red and blue Chest Crystal some of the Crystal in our bodies are still clear Crystals" Naole : " And by draining the three of us of our energies you were able to power your Chest Crystal enough to use it to wake yourself from your deep sleep" Nalen : " They''ve become much brighter haven''t they Esara?" Esara : " They sure have!" The family continue to talk for hours, sharing laughs and memories, finally reunited and filled with new hope and reassurance that whatever was wrong with the world could be made right again. - - - End Arc 1 next is Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 12: A constant called Change - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 12: A constant called Change - - - A week after the events that led to the death of Guardian Commander Kolen the mourning process was concluded, so the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council convened at the Council Chambers to plot the way forward. There were great questions that needed to be addressed, further more the positions of the fallen Guardians needed to be filled, and a strategic review of Crystalan fighting techniques was also necessary. As the Crystalan leadership convened Nalen was also summoned to the Council Chambers to be part of the meeting. Gaurdius : " Welcome! All of you! We''ve called this meeting to try and forge a new reality after the events of past days, to find more Nuanced Ideas on how we must confront the path ahead! Also we wish to hear the Crystalorb leadership on who should replace the fallen Guardians." Isis : " We went through a dark moment this past week, and I for one am relieved that we have made it through intact!" Onala : " Indeed we are fortunate to have so many of our people return home alive!" Cyris : " I find myself delighted to have my former student back amongst us!" Lumen : " It''s good to have you back Nalen!" Nalen : " It feels good to be back my Lord!" Gaurdius : " At this point we would like to thank Esara for her long, distinguished and unrelenting service!" he looks at Esara "Crystalorb was blessed to have you serve as the Expeditionary Guardian!" Isis : " We would have been lost without you Esara!" Esara : " It has been an Honour Lady Isis!" Cyris : " It''s strange you know! Your particular bloodline produces some of the most powerful warriors we''ve ever seen, yet every single one of these great warriors eventually rejects violence in favour of a simpler existence." Jalen : " I''ve also found it strange, but we hope that should Crystalorb need you, you will once again answer the call for justice. Lumen : " Speaking of the call to arms, who have you nominated to replace you?" Esara : " In the Expeditionary Division there are two Vangleads with extraordinary talent; warriors I have been proud to serve alongside. They are Peo and Nasan! They''ve proved themselves worthy of the responsibility of Guardian Armour. I''m sure all of you have witnessed their capabilities as they succeeded where even Guardians had failed, and by overcoming the power of a Grandlord they proved that they have the necessary discipline and control required." Gaurdius: " But there is only one Guardian position at the Expeditionary Division? Unless you want us to transfer one of them to a sector?" Esara : " They work better together, which is why I recommend that the Council make Peo the Expeditionary Guardian and Nasan the deputy Expeditionary Guardian, but both of them in Guardian Armour. Create Expeditionary Recognisance headed up by the deputy Expeditionary Guardian. With the Expeditionary Recognisance incorporating units from or working alongside units from the Mobile Assets Defence. The main flaw in the fighting techniques of the sector units was exposed last week, the necessary skills for that kind of fighting are at the heart of what we do at the Expeditionary Division, I''m merely asking that we expand those skills to include covert surveillance and interdiction." Isis : "You want a permanent offensive capable force, ready to act on a moments notice?" Onala : " Perhaps if we had such a force our losses would have been minimized" Cyris : " I agree; we should do as you ask!" Jalen : " We will agree to this as the final request of the Expeditionary Guardian." Lumen : " Peo and Nasan will be informed of their promotion to Guardian." Hamun : " I would like to propose that Anun be officially promoted to Guardian Commander." Lumen : " Can the Guardian Council agree on this?" Lenong : " The Guardians have discussed this and are in agreement, and we also recommend Lesego for the position of Deputy Guardian Commander." Kanang : " We also recommend Lebago, Thuso, Tsea, Lebogang, Tumi and Grace for the vacant Sector Guardian positions" Segao : " As the Guardian Council we have agreed that there can no longer be a multiplication of duties, and to that end the Deputy Guardian Commander can no longer serve as a sector Guardian. Gaurdius : " Are you sure that all these people are ready for Guardian Armour?" Lesego : " Even if they are not ready we will give them the Rank and Authority of a Guardian (a sort of Crystalan General/Admiral)" Anun : " This is how we want things to look" Anun activates a holographic Image showing the following details Anun - Guardian Commander Lesego - Deputy Guardian Commander Ocyris - Research Guardian Peo - Expeditionary Guardian Nasan - Deputy Expeditionary Guardian Loj - Mobile Assets Defence Guardian Tumi - Deputy Mobile Assets Defence Guardian Inala - Sector 1 Aman - Sector 2 Lebago - Sector 3 Thuso - Sector 4 Tsea - Sector 5 Lebogang - Sector 6 Grace - Sector 7 Kanang - Sector 8 Segao - Sector 9 Pule - Sector 10 Lenong - Sector 11 Isalo - Sector 12 " Gaurdius : " Then let it be known that the Council of Elders has approved the above listed for promotion to the rank of Guardian" Lerata : " What I fail to understand is why the two Red Guardians have decided to abandon Crystalorb at this our hour of greatest need?" Nalen : " For the record, I''m not a Guardian; I hold the rank of Vanglead! I''m a lieutenant not a Captain! Certainly not a General or Admiral! At best I''m a Colonel!" Lerata : " Yes, by choice if anything else isn''t it? You don''t want to be a Guardian; do you Nalen? But still the four bars on your shoulder indicate that you are wearing Guardian Armour!" Tshego : " And remember that you were chosen by the Spirit Stone to wear Guardian Armour! Is it that you don''t want to answer for your actions? You act without authorization; you answer to no one but yourself?" Nalen : " Indeed; We all ultimately have to answer to ourselves; our conscience." Tshego : " And you find nothing wrong with that?" Lerata : " For someone as powerful as you to have no external accountability?" Nalen : " All I''m saying is that the decision to fight must be mine, not an order from an external force! I am held accountable by those I hold in high regard! As a husband and father I''m compelled to seek the understanding of my wife and children, and that extends to my friends!" Esara : " Nalen makes a compelling argument to me, at the heart of his complaint is the decision by the Council of Elders not to intervene in the world, and not to manage the outcomes of the introduction of Mutagenic recombinant RNA into human society." Jalen : " So your view on this is that the Council of Elders is wrong on the matter?" Esara : " Yes I believe that the Council of Elders has taken the wrong position, I think you have chosen to bury your heads in the sand, giving the HOD the upper hand, allowing them to recruit from the new Hybrids a new massive army. This is the reason I''ve chosen to resign my position, I believe that we must be a counter force to the HOD, we must show the world that they have nothing to fear from enhanced humans." Aman : " Esara is correct, unless we show the hybrids that there is another way they may be tempted to find security with the HOD." Tshego : " The Council has made its decision on this" Nalen : " After 4 years things haven''t changed!" Onala : " What do you mean?" Nalen : " How did I become the Harbinger of death? After the events of last week I find myself conflicted by the continuing war with the HOD. After the HOD introduced the Mutagenic recombinant RNA into human society the need for secrecy evaporated. I''m reasonably sure that the world knows about us, did you think that you could confront the HOD openly without the more technologically advanced nations being aware of us and the HOD? The cat is out of the bag!" Gaurdius : " I can see that you are also unhappy with us, but then again you''ve always thought that our position on the HOD was wrong. You want to have more contact with the world, mainly the South African government!" Tshego : " You want an alliance with the South African Republic?" Nalen : " Why not? They are the only government that is of any consequence to us! They are the only government that can offer us true security, and there is no reason why we should not do this now, the HOD has given us the perfect opportunity for closer relations with the South African government by introducing the Mutagenic recombinant RNA into human biology." Esara : " I agree! Standing on the sidelines is not a logical course of action! That is tantamount to surrendering to the HOD! We would be surrendering the world to the HOD! We can offer the world better than the HOD''s dark design; we can do better, we must do better!" Isis : " Esara and Nalen are correct, we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines; we have to find another way!" Jalen : " We''ve been through this; the risk is just too great!" Esara : " Risk? Im sorry; did none of you see the Hodians Transform?" Gaurdius : " A surprising development!" Esara : " Theyve surpassed us physically! And once they build Hodian Armour it will be all over!" Gaurdius : " It is a terrifying prospect, but as Elders our actions must be carefully considered!" Esara : " What if there was a way to minimize the risk?" Tshego : " In what way?" Esara : " I want to put together a team?" Inala : " What kind of team?" Loj : " I know where you are going with this! You want a team to go into the world and form some kind of barrier between normal humans and hybrids. You want to rescue all the hybrids that want the assistance and protect humanity from those hybrids that decide to use their power for evil." Lumen : " A noble gesture!" Tshego : " But ultimately futile!" Jalen : " In any case we can''t order Crystalans into such open involvement, which will lead to their deaths" Esara : " Which is why I would ask that membership to the team be voluntary. I ask that we let Crystalans make their own choice on this matter, all of us must have a way to express ourselves on this matter." Lerata : " Why does that seem like you want to undermine the decision of this Council?" Lumen : " I don''t think that''s the intent, but an attempt to find expression for something they hold dear." Tshego : " And we are expected to lend financial and material support to this?" Jalen : " That doesn''t sound like something in line with the Council''s decision!" Gaurdius : " Crystalorb can''t afford such a distraction!" Isis : " The Council''s decision was not to get involved directly, but this should not prevent Crystalans from individually taking the initiative!" Hamun : " We''ve been over this before, and we''ve made our decision." Gaurdius : " The involvement of Crystalans is the involvement of Crystalorb!" Esara : " With respect; The Council''s decisions are not absolute and infallible." Gaurdius : " Now you want to challenge the authority of the Council of Elders?" Inala : " I don''t think that Esara is challenging the authority of the Council of Elders, but merely affirming Crystalorb Law." Ocyris : " True! Crystalorb Law clearly states that the highest authority in all Crystalorb matters is all the citizens of Crystalorb." Jalen : " You are talking about a referendum?" Ocyris : " Yes!" Gaurdius: " That provision has never been applied! There has never been a situation that required the use of that protocol." Onala : " And there is no need for it to be applied now!" Jalen : " The Council of Elders is not deadlocked on this, we have a majority decision." Ocyris : " Unfortunately the decision to apply the protocol was not left to the Council of Elders alone." Isis : " Ocyris is correct! The Elders past must have foreseen the problem of placing absolute authority with the Council of Elders, so they created the protocol as a guarantee that the ultimate will of Crystalans is obeyed! The Guardian Council has the right and the authority to call for a referendum." Cyris : " Then the question becomes; Is the Guardian Council in agreement on this?" Anun : " We are in agreement! All the Guardians agree that doing nothing will lead to a future situation where Crystalorb will face multiple enemies from multiple locations." Lesego : " The main concern for the Guardians is that the HOD will very soon start recruiting these hybrids to their side! We could very quickly find ourselves up against millions of enforcers" Ocyris : " The HOD have found a way to increase their numbers exponentially. At the Research Division we think that the Hybrids will probably have the ability to use the Manacle of Destiny. We think that this was always part of the Hodian design." Anun : " We can''t bury our heads in the sand; we must do something, and Esara''s plan sound like a perfect first step!" Lumen : " Please excuse us as the Council of Elders confers!" The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The Council of Elders holds a short private meeting away from the Guardians. Jalen : " The Guardians have decided to go against our wishes" Isis : " That''s not what happened!" Lerata : " What would you call it? They are openly going against our decision!" Isis : " They are merely asserting what is their right as the ultimate protectors of Crystalorb!" Hamun : " Even if that goes against our decision?" Gaurdius: " Nevertheless if we put this matter to a vote in a referendum the majority of Crystalans will go with the Guardians, we can''t risk losing the confidence of our people." Onala : " In the eyes of Crystalans the Guardians are heroes, we have just recently witnessed their courage and determination, and on the battlefield a Guardian was the first to fall. The first to die for Crystalorb!" Isis : " Why can''t you accept that the Guardians are merely doing what they feel is their duty? You react as though the Guardians are making a grab for power?" Jalen : " What would you call it? The Guardians are forcing us to reverse our decision! What''s next?" Cyris : " Every one of us was elected by the people of Crystalorb. Trust the people, they will make rational decisions!" Lumen : " The Council of Elders is the guiding light, not the source, the Spirit Stone is the Source, and we must never forget that!" The Council of Elders return to the chambers, and the discussions continue. Anun : " Honoured Councils we understand your apprehension, but fear is not reason enough to avoid the correct path." Lesego : " We are all afraid, but it is when we are the most afraid that we must prove our courage." Isis : " However events have a way of conspiring to force those of us who are afraid to overcome our fears." Hamun : " Where will you base this team?" Esara : " On the Intrepid!" Gaurdius : " The Intrepid has been destroyed!" Nalen : " Then I will build another, a much better vessel! Yes!" Naole reflects "With advanced systems!" Gaurdius : " You''ve been silent on this matter Nalen, what do you make of all this?" Nalen : " Esara and I have talked at great length about this, and I think that this could be a good first step, but to be truly effective the team will have to be independent of any of the Crystalorb Command Structures." Onala : " In what way? Do you want complete autonomy?" Nalen : " No! What I mean is a division of control. Ever since I returned I have been troubled by the continuing conflict with the HOD. None of this makes any kind of sense, but yet the war continues. The HOD indicated that their major problem with us was that we were doing things that could expose them, but they themselves decided to shine a spotlight on both our peoples, leaving a trail of bread crumbs that can lead anyone willing to search to us both. The disappointing thing is that in response to this the Council of Elders wants to hide, but our opposite numbers in the HOD are taking this opportunity to announce their existence to the world. We must do the same!" Tshego : " You think we should make direct contact?" Nalen : " There is no other way!" Jalen : " We are already talking to the government above, but we must move slowly to avoid pitfalls" Loj : " I''m with Nalen on this! To some extent we have to throw caution to the wind and move more quickly in our engagement with the South African Government" Jalen : " What would you have us do? Invite South African Government representatives to Crystalorb to meet with the Council of Elders?" Nalen : " That sounds like a great Idea! Lets make direct contact! They will find out about us, and I''d prefer that they find out from us. The team Esara wants to setup will be more effective if we include all parties involved. If I were to make a suggestion, it would be that the team be jointly led by One Hybrid, One South Africa Military Commander and One Guardian" Loj : " I get what Nalen is trying to do with this, and it just might work! The appearance of an inclusive arrangement may make the hybrids more trusting of the team." Hamun : " This could give us an opportunity to manage the situation, and even bring the government to our side of the conflict." Jalen : " Ok then! Gaurdius: " By special Order of the Council of Elders the Guardian Council is authorised to form a team that will function independently of the Crystalorb Command Centre. With the intent of intervening in the world as peace keepers in the interactions of normal humans and hybrid humans." Jalen : " It is the decision of the Council of Elders that we accelerate our interactions with the South African Government." Lumen : " The Council of Elders will bring the light of Crystalorb to the world, and by doing so ensure that the flame of hope is never extinguished!" Tshego : " Nalen; We ask that you make yourself available to the needs of this team." Jalen : " Because of her experience and capabilities Esara will have to be the Guardian in charge of the preparation and operations of the team" Gaurdius : " The team will operate under the group insignia Gallant!" Cyris : " And we will recruit from Hybrids, Crystalans and the South African Military" Loj : " After Hodian losses in Crystalorb''s last engagement with the HOD, there will be many people amongst the HOD who are eager to abandon the cause of the HOD. The first task of the Gallant must be the rescue of those who want to abandon the HOD. The Ilesian Guard will help in any way possible!" Ocyris : " We have been receiving requests for help from people who claim to be Hodian, but since we have no independent verification there is a probability that this might be another trap" Anun : " I estimate that the Gallant group will need at least 3 months to become operational" Nalen : " I will begin immediate construction of the Airship Intrepid II" Ocyris : " Airship?" Nalen : " I did say that I will build a better vessel" Jalen : " Isn''t that a bit ambitious?" Esara : " Nalen was already working on something similar four years ago, and an Airship would provide better mobility not just for the team but also for conventional Crystalorb forces." Tshego : " How long will it take to build such a vessel?" Nalen : " With the help of Ocyris; perhaps six months" Isis : " Ok then! The meeting is now formally adjourned!" - - - After the meeting Esara, Nalen, Inala and Cyris walked home together, and because theyre neighbours they had become accustomed to being part of each others daily lives. Cyris : " There''s something I find strange?" Inala : " What?" Cyris : " Even with four year old Armour Nalen proved himself to be a very capable warrior, and yet the Guardian Council did not consider him for one of the Guardian positions?" Inala : " Yes, that is strange! I did propose that he be formally promoted to the rank of Guardian!" Esara : " It''s almost as if the senior Guardians don''t like you Nalen?" Nalen : " Don''t let that worry you too much; Though its been said I can be a little abrasive and arrogant." Esara : " A little?" Inala : " That''s an understatement!" Cyris : " Esara and Nalen were both the most difficult and talented students I ever had, but no one is more stubborn than Nalen" Nalen : " Let me tell you, I''ve seen stubborn and her name is Casara!" Esara : " That''s true! That child is relentless; I wonder where she gets that from?" The others laugh at Esara. Nalen : " In any case, I don''t mind the fact that I dont hold the rank of Guardian. And what do you mean four year old Armour? Have there been some great improvements to my original designs?" Cyris : " Typical! He doesn''t care that the other Guardians treat him unjustly, but he cares that someone else has improved on his design." Nalen : " I am a scientist at Heart!" Esara : " Ocyris and his team found a way to increase the energy output of the Armour Energy Crystals by 25%, and the Crystal Armour energy reserves were increased by 50%. That''s why my Armour is almost entirely red" Inala : " And that''s why they call Esara the Red Guardian?" Cyris : " About this Airship?" Nalen : " Yes!" after a brief pause "I originally intended it as the transport system for the Expeditionary Division, but chose to go with the Crystal Armour flight systems." Esara : " It would have to be very large" Inala : " How are you going to build such a large system?" Cyris : " Or do you have some kind of plan to solve the size problems?" Nalen : " I''m not going to build it; I''m going to grow it." Esara : " Just like the buildings in Crystalorb" Inala : " But how will you get it through the Crystalorb gates?" Cyris : " And how large will you make it?" Nalen : " Lordship; By my original calculations it will have to be at least 400 meters long and 250 meters wide. As for the other stuff, I will deal with them when the time comes. I''ve been talking with Ocyris about some of his designs on the weapon systems the research team put together for the ship Intrepid I. after brief pause "I think we should develop some of those systems as an automated Crystalorb defence system as well as apply them on the Airship" Esara : " You want to reduce the dependence on Crystal Armour for Crystalorb''s security" Inala : " And that will free up our forces for other purposes" Cyris : " I will talk to the Council of Elders about this tomorrow" Nalen : " I have to admit to being a little disappointed with how little progress most of the Crystalorb Forces have made in the past four years. Only Esara''s people seem to grasp the true potential of the Chest Crystal. The rest still use the Chest Crystal like a hand held weapon, but the Chest Crystal is much more than a weapon. We have only scratched the surface of its full capabilities." Inala : " Where do you think we''ve gone wrong?" Nalen : " There have been some positive developments, but the emphasis is in the wrong places. I see that most of the functions of the Armour are performed through the Armour''s operating systems, driven by a very powerful computer, and this has led to less innovation on the part of the user. I thought that more people would learn to directly link their minds to the Crystal Armour, but training seems to have gone the other way." Cyris : " I will schedule time for you to come and speak to the Council of Elders about your concerns about the way we train our forces. Every one on the Council of Elders is eager to here how we can improve and be closer to your capabilities." Inala : " We all want to know how you do what you do!" Cyris : " The Hodians seem to be moving in all the right Directions!" Nalen : " Yes! How did they break through? I mean; I have always felt that there is a Power Level beyond the Abilities of a Guardian, but I never imagined that the Hodians would get there first." Esara : " So you think we can also transform?" Nalen : " I dont see why not? We are also Hodian!" Inala : " Something most of us seem to forget!" Cyris : " Are you saying we can also Transform?" Nalen : " Lordship; Understand that I only just begun to make my analysis. However Im reasonably confident that Crystalans can achieve a Crystalline form; though the path would be far more arduous than for a Hodian." Esara : " How so?" Nalen : " Negative Psionic Energy is far more potent and easy to come by than Positive Psionic Energy. Thus matching the potency will be a challenge; we will have to grow a lot stronger before we can Transform to a Crystalline Form." Inala : " What about the Viceroys Double Transformation?" Nalen : " Analysis from telemetry data of every one who fought a Transform Grandlord suggests that even in Grandlord Form Tsela is a lot stronger than the other Grandlords. There is definitely more going on there than just a Crystalline Transformation; he seems Denser." Esara : " What are you saying?" Inala : " If its more than a Crystalline Transformation; then what is it?" Nalen : " The fact that Tsela did not show up with 2 Manacles suggests that he didnt feel like he needed the extra power! Therefore whatever is going on inside him makes him reasonably confident that a single manacle is all he needs. I suspect the first time he reached the Golden Metallic Crystalline something changed and the change is Permanent; a kind of Permanent Powered State! " Cyris : " Can we match it? Can Crystalans achieve a Permanent Powered State?" Nalen : " Honestly; Im not sure a Crystalan can ever gather the energies required to achieve a Permanent Powered State. Hopefully we wont have to; the Spirit Stone can help us through the Transformation. Though I suspect that we would have to be a great deal Stronger and Denser; Im talking about somewhere in the region of a Hundred Times Stronger than the Power Level of a Crystal Guardian. Only then would we be able to Ascend to a Permanent Powered State; a Power Level I have since principally imbued to be an Ascended Crystalan! " Cyris : " Ascended Crystalan?" Nalen : " The Ascended Crystalan will be capable of things I havent begun to imagine; a sort of Super-Crystalan." As the two couples part ways and go into their homes. All of Crystalorb is slowly going to sleep. There is a new feeling of hope in Crystalorb, everyone can sense that the world is changing, and the hope is that a brave new world is being born. - - - - - - Chapter 13: The Light of Knowledge - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 13: The Light of Knowledge - - - After many days without incidents Crystalorb was returning to a state of normality, but things were are about to take a turn for the worst, and the forces of chaos were already at work. It was 2 months since the last confrontation between Crystalorb and the HOD, two months since both forces suffered major losses on the battle field, two months since Nalen returned to once again assure the security of Crystalorb. Esara was hard at work training the recruits for the Intrepid, and surprisingly many of those who joined the Intrepid group were Crystalans who were not born with Chest Crystals. Loj, Peo and Nasan also found themselves responding to numerous calls for assistance from HOD members (Hodians) who were requesting sanctuary. In just two months 700 Hodians (HOD members) had made their way to Crystalorb, and many more were in hiding, waiting for an opportunity to be securely transported to Crystalorb. On the other hand at Crystalorb the Crystalans with Chest Crystals were beginning to feel uneasy about the changing face of Crystalorb, and the prospect of being overrun by the former Hodians. This situation would test the true character of Crystalans, and Crystalans would finally discover whether they are as accepting as they thought that they were. The Council of Elders was busy devising an integration plan. Esara was finding it difficult to teach fighting techniques to Crystalans without Chest Crystals, to aid her she requested the assistance of Tebo; who is one of the senior Vangleads in the Ilesian Division. Tebo being an experienced operative and warrior was perfect for the job, but it soon became clear that Esara had to design new methods and techniques based on the Manacle of Ilesia. Esara went to Nalen for help in the use of the Manacle of Ilesia, and because it was Nalen who created the Manacle of Ilesia, there was no one better suited for this task. Esara : " Can you help?" Nalen : " Perhaps!" Esara : " Well?" Nalen : " The answer is right in front of you!" Esara : " What?" Nalen : " There is this belief that those of us with Chest Crystals are different to those without Chest Crystals, but that''s not the case, and we can use the Manacle of Ilesia!" Esara : " Are you saying that you could build me one?" Nalen : " I don''t know, I may have to build you a different and separate system! As you know the Manacle of Ilesia operates in a very different way to the Crystal Armour, and because of the fundamental differences the Manacle of Ilesia relies more on the operating system that is contained within the logic and the computational centres of the Manacle of Ilesia" Esara : " I get all that, but would it work with me?" Nalen : " All the Manacles of Ilesia are produced as identical tools, and it''s the addition of the users DNA that customizes the Manacle of Ilesia. Once the DNA is added the Manacle of Ilesia changes and becomes unique, and from that moment onwards that particular Manacle of Ilesia will only recognise one user and one user only. You have to understand that the Manacle of Ilesia is based on the HOD''s Manacle of Destiny, and because of that it pumps energy into the user''s body, increasing their natural abilities" Esara : " Are you saying that you are not sure how the Chest Crystal will react to the Manacle?" Nalen : " Precisely! The Chest Crystal is very sensitive, and it''s connected directly to our brains, so what happens to the Chest Crystal has effects on the brain. This is why I never tested the Manacle on myself or on anyone with a Chest Crystal." Esara : " So what do I do?" Nalen : " It''s fate that you''ve brought this to me now, because I''ve been experimenting with the adaptation of Crystal Armour technology in the construction of the Airship, and I think I''ve come upon something that might help you understand what it feels like to have such raw power within you like Ilesians." Esara : " After seeing the capabilities of the Grandlords, I wonder if the power of the Chest Crystal is eclipsed by the regenerative capabilities of those without a Chest Crystal?" Nalen : " While I was asleep I had a lot of time to think about the kind of things I would ordinarily not have had time to think about. The true nature of Crystalan physiology became clearer to me, and now I understand to some extent why there are such differences between those with and those without Chest Crystal. I could construct a Manacle using fragments of your Chest Crystal from your energy sphere, and it should allow the Chest Crystal to link to the Manacle without any problems, but I think thats the wrong way to go." Esara : " Why can''t you produce a Manacle that will allow us to be as powerful as the Grandlords?" Nalen : " From what I''ve seen of the Manacle of Destiny it would be almost impossible to duplicate their technology to that extent" Esara : " Why? Is it because the Manacle of Destiny is based on a completely different energy source?" Nalen : " Exactly! Life force energy is not something we can duplicate, but Spirit Stone energy is similar to life force energy in many ways, which makes me think that there might be a way to reach the desired energy levels" Esara : " But none of this changes the fact that there are some genetic differences between Crystalans and Hodians, and it may be that those differences are what allows them to reach Grandlord level power." Nalen : " That may be true! You have to remember that Crystalan DNA is different to that of the HOD in the way that matters for you" Esara : " The Chest Crystal!" Nalen : " Precisely! Even those Crystalans who aren''t born with a Chest Crystal but are descendents of Lesedi carry some genetic material for the formation of the Chest Crystal, and those Crystalans who originate from the HOD don''t carry the genetic components for the formation of the Chest Crystal" Esara : " I thought that you said that only the male is the carrier?" Nalen : " The Y chromosome keeps the genetic record, like the key, but these days the female has become increasingly important, however the X chromosome in the egg does not contain enough information to produce the Chest Crystal in the foetus. Therefore the primary information must come from the male, but over the years our DNA has become specific, and we now need both sexes to produce the Chest Crystal." Esara : " Can two Crystalans who aren''t born with a Chest Crystal have a child with a Chest Crystal?" Nalen : " Not exactly; The production of sperm in the male does not begin until puberty, but the female is born with all her eggs intact. I have recently discovered with Naole that the Chest Crystal activates the particular genetic material when the male child reaches puberty, it is therefore necessary for the male to have a Chest Crystal for the offspring to have a Chest Crystal" Esara : " So how can you link the Chest Crystal to the Manacle of Ilesia?" Nalen : " I don''t know about that, but the answer is already available. The Manacle of Ilesia is a system designed to give Crystalans who aren''t born with a Chest Crystal the abilities comparable to that of Enforcers, Under-Lords and even Overlords. I dont think you need that kind of boost because you already hold the power within you" Esara : " You are talking about the Chest Crystal again?" Nalen : " The Chest Crystal is far more capable than any Manacle, but it requires advanced skill and discipline to tap into the true capabilities of the Chest Crystal" Esara : " How do you know any of this?" Nalen : " The day I woke up from my deep sleep I drained my reserve energy sphere of nearly all its stored energy" Esara : " You drained the energy into your Armour?" Nalen : " No! The Armour was already full, so I drained the energy into my body" Esara : " Why would you do such a thing?" Nalen : " I needed the extra power" Esara : " Did you experience any problems?" Nalen : " The final level of the Crystalan Energy Techniques is Energy Absorption! Amongst Crystalans with Chest Crystals; Energy Absorption is most optimal in those who have mastered the Absorption Technique" Esara : " The Crystalan Energy Absorption Technique is complicated by Energy compatibility problems as you very well know?" Nalen : " The energy in the reserve energy sphere is my energy; therefore the Chest Crystal did not perceive it as external energy. That is what you must do, but don''t start with too much energy, and give your body time to get used to operating at increased energy levels" Esara : " I see!" Esara received her answer, but she also understood that the task would be hard, and Nalen was still preoccupied with his work and would be of no further help in this regard. Nalen on the other hand was building the 4 meter long and 1.8 meter wide prototype. Nalen''s great plan was to complete the prototype, and then utilize the energy of the Spirit Stone to grow the Airship until the dimensions increased 100 times. - - - Crystalorb had become a hive of activities as former Hodians were being integrated into Crystalan society. The integration process was complicated by the fact that many former Hodians still contained in their bodies what the Crystalans considered to be Negative Psionic Energy. Consequently before any former HOD member could be accepted as Crystalans their soul would have to be judged by the Spirit Stone. For the soul to be judged by the Spirit Stone the person would have to stand in front of the Spirit Stone, but the Spirit Stone would not allow anyone who still had Negative Psionic Energy to enter the pyramid where the Spirit Stone was held. The process of integration took many months and some of the former HOD members periodically grew impatient. However if one was patient and understanding the process moved along and full acceptance as a Crystalan was guaranteed to all those whos soul was accepted by the Spirit Stone. - - - Esara and Nalen were making good progress in their respective fields, but no one could have foreseen the events that were about to unfold. As the Crystalorb Leadership was convened for their weekly joint meeting at the Council Chambers, Lord Cyris made a special request for Nalen to be present at the meeting. Lord Cyris had previously told Nalen that he would arrange for Nalen to speak to the Crystalorb Leadership about the way training is conducted. As Nalen enters the Council Chambers he finds the meeting already in progress. Gaurdius : " Are the Crystalorb Defence Cannons operational?" Anun : " The initial problems have been resolved, now all sectors are operational" Ocyris : " Now that the Cannons are operational the Crystal Valley Farming and Industrial complex is no longer vulnerable to artillery and mortar attacks" Hamun : " You are to be commended Ocyris" Ocyris : " The thanks must go to Nalen for coming up with the Idea" Gaurdius : " We will now hear from Nalen" Isis : " Cyris tells us that Nalen has some problems with the way we train our forces" Cyris : " Nalen has some concerns that I found were not without merit" Jalen : " Lets hear them!" Nalen : Honoured Council" Nalen bows his head for moment as a sign of respect I thank you for this opportunity to address the leadership of Crystalorb! Many of the people in this Chambers will not like what I have to say, but it has always been my nature to speak truth to power! I have never shied away from uncomfortable truths!" after a brief pause "The defeat of Crystalorb Forces in the Central African Republic is to my opinion indicative of the poor training that the Crystalorb Forces received." Lenong : " Hold on there Nalen; we were not defeated!" Nalen : " That''s not what I saw" Lerata : " I wouldn''t call it defeat" Tshego : " A stalemate is more of an accurate description" Nalen : " It''s this kind of denialism that impedes progress." Gaurdius : " Lets ask Anun what he thinks the situation was like" Isis : " If we discount the presence of Esara and Nalen what would the situation have been like?" Anun : " It''s hard to make that kind of assessment, but without Esara''s presence it can be safely assume that at the very least Lebago''s group would have been wiped out" Aman : " And given the size and power of the HOD force the Crystalorb rescue force would have suffered great losses. There is an over reliance on the Red Crystal Armour." Gaurdius : " And that''s precisely Nalen''s point" Nalen : " It''s not the Red Chest Crystal that makes the difference, but its applications! Those of us born with the Red Chest Crystals have had to rise beyond the limitations of the Red Chest Crystal. To many of you it seems like we are more powerful than those with clear Chest Crystals" Ocyris : " But the energy output tests indicate that there is more than 3 times more energy produced by the Red Chest Crystals as compared to the Clear Chest Crystals" Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Lesego : " More than that, I''ve personally seen Esara lift more than 3 times the weight that anyone her age can. This is a matter of record, so how can you say that the Red Chest Crystal is not superior?" Isis : " The physical strength differences are incontrovertible!" Ocyris : " At 41 years old Esara is the strongest Crystalan ever, and you Nalen, at 39 you are the second strongest Crystalan on record in terms of physical strength. The two of you are even physically stronger than Crystalans who were born without Chest Crystals. This is why we remain unconvinced!" Esara : " True!" Esara looks at Nalen "Even you have to admit that there are some advantages!" Nalen : " I will try and explain this in simple terms." A clearly sarcastic tone in Nalens voice causes frowns in the faces of nearly everyone in the room. Nalen : " Think of energy like a litre of water, and suppose that there are ten 100 millilitres containers, and you are required to pour all the water into the containers. The end result is that each of the containers will have 100 millilitres, but what if the capacity in 2 of the containers is limited to 50 millilitres, and the capacity of each of the other 8 containers is increased to 112.5 millilitres. The end result is the distribution of the litre is proportionally adjusted. What I''m trying to point out is that since the Clear Chest Crystal produces full spectrum energy some of the energy goes into areas that we are unable to harness for fighting purposes but are useful for other areas." Jalen : " Like the ability of the Clear Crystal Armour to become invisible" Nalen : " Precisely! Our historical records indicate that Lesedi once used his Chest Crystal to drain life from all the plants in a village, and to make a crowd of people collapse. This is just the tip of the Iceberg, because if you have control of the Clear Chest Crystal you can generate any kind of radio waves or light energy, so the possibilities are endless." Ocyris : " What do you mean by; energy goes into areas that we are unable to harness?" Nalen : " My analysis indicates that in addition to the energies we know about, the Spirit Stone produces a type of energy I have not been able to quantify." Ocyris : " What sort of energy?" Nalen : " The Spirit Stone produces full Spectrum Energy; Negative Psionic Energy and Positive Psionic Energy are on opposite ends of the Spectral Energies." Ocyris : " Are you saying that the Spirit Stone produces Negative Psionic Energy?" Nalen : " Yes!" Jalen : " Never!" Hamun : " Blasphemy!" Gaurdius : " Careful Naole!" Nalen : " About 20% of the energy produced by the Spirit Stone is Negative Psionic Energy, 50% of the energy produced by the Spirit Stone is Positive Psionic Energy, but somehow the Spirit Stone is able to make Negative Psionic Energy and Positive Psionic Energy collide resulting in an annihilation effect. This is why there is only residual small amounts of Negative Psionic Energy in the Spirit Stone!" Ocyris : " Wait a minute; Energy cannot be destroyed! It can only transform!" Nalen : " True" Ocyris : " The where does it go?" Nalen : " When Negative Psionic Energy and Positive Psionic Energy collide resulting in an annihilation effect the Energy is transformed into Divine Light!" Ocyris : " What is Divine Light?" Nalen : " I''m not sure, but I believe that Divine Light is the Energy at the centre of the Spectrum Energy. The energy of both Order and Chaos! Both Negative Psionic Energy and Positive Psionic Energy! The energy of both Creation and Destruction!" Ocyris : " How can it be both? And why haven''t we been able to detect it?" Nalen : " I''m convinced that Divine Light is extremely reactive, and contact with Negative Psionic Energy or Positive Psionic Energy starts a chain reaction that results in the dilution of the potency of the other forms of energy. It explains why Negative Psionic Energy used by the Hodians seems more potent than the Positive Psionic Energy used by Crystalans" Ocyris : " Can these energies be manipulated?" Nalen : " A warrior who understands can wield untold power, and energy manipulation is the key to this power! To defeat our enemies we must first understand our enemies!" Ocyris : " I think I''m beginning to see where Nalen is going with this" Gaurdius : " The rest of us are not Scientists, so we are still in the dark" Ocyris : " Nalen wants training to focus more on energy manipulation than fighting techniques, and I have to agree with him. This particular case was proved by Nasan and Peo, and therefore proving that control is superior to brute force." Nalen : " Current training methods are not knowledge based, we teach the use of the Crystal Armour like its an automobile; they know how to drive, but have no clue how a car works. The vast majority of Armoured Crystalans are completely clueless to the functioning of the Crystal Armour. How can you hope to control what you don''t understand?" Gaurdius: " We take that point, and many of us were completely amazed at what Esara and Nalen were able to do with the Crystal Armour" Ocyris : " Nalen is correct about the over reliance on operating systems of the Crystal Armour. The current version of the Crystal Armour flies itself, and the operator is more or less a passenger. In the combat environment there are all these systems to make the operator more efficient, but I have often wondered if we had gone too far. Has the dependence on the Crystal Armour technology reduced innovation on the part of the operator? Have they lost their ability to be creative under pressure?" Anun : " I will admit that there has been an increase in the dependence on the automatic systems of the Crystal Armour, but the automatic systems have also been beneficial to operational efficiencies, and the training of our people has become simpler." Esara : " But at what cost? These days I see young people who are helpless without Crystal Armour. They are so dependent on Crystal Armour that when faced with the prospect of a confrontation that does not require the extreme power of Crystal Armour they find themselves incapable of responding." Gaurdius: " It was the decision of this Council to train them as young as possible, to make our kids ready for what we believed would be a struggle for the very survival of Crystalorb." Isis : " But because of Nalen that fight never materialized! When Nalen redesigned the Crystal Armour the abilities of our forces increased exponentially, and the ability to fly gave our forces a clear advantage over HOD forces." Loj : " I was still with the HOD then, and I can confirm that the shield and flight capabilities of Crystalorb Forces made it impossible for the HOD to attack Crystalorb directly. Even the great HOD numbers would not make a difference, and because of this many Hodians had to rethink their position on the confrontation with Crystalorb." Gaurdius : " But now they''ve found another way" Isis : " They''ve found nothing! It''s us who have lost our way, we have forgotten who we are, and surrendered to the march of technology!" Ocyris : " Life favours progress!" Isis : " Yet somehow Nalen killed more than 1300 Hodian warriors with four year old Crystal Armour." Cyris : " Something that all our forces were incapable of doing with their state of the art Crystal Armour" Lumen : " Nalen made progress in the only way that mattered for that situation, and that was mental progress" Hamun : " For all we know only the Red Chest Crystal may have their enhanced abilities" Ocyris : " That''s not true Peo and Nasan are also familiar with those abilities. And as for the differences in physical abilities it may have something to do with the electrical energy content of the Red Crystal, and because the Red Crystals are part of every cell in their bodies it makes perfect sense that they would be physically stronger than those with Clear Chest Crystal!" Lesego : " What Nalen wants may not be possible! You can''t teach people what they don''t want to learn" Jalen : " We must first investigate the properties of the Chest Crystal that Nalen points out, and once we have a clearer picture of what is possible we proceed with better training of our forces" Nalen : " My two kids; 14 year old Casara and 12 Year old Naole are taking the University Entrance Exams (or Matric equivalency exams) as we speak, and it''s not because we push them but because we have made them aware that knowledge is the only true power. My kids understand that we are in a very real sense our Information. Every decision I make is governed by how I understand the choices before me, and this is the principle that governs the concept of informed choice. Our people were killed on the battlefield because they lacked the information to make better choices on how they used Crystal Armour. The Crystal Armour used to be an ability enhancer, but over the past 4 years it has been transformed into a weapon system. As a scientist and inventor I like technology and believe in making technological progress, but that progress must not be at the expense of our humanity. I''m here to ask all of you to change that trend, and find a way to regain what truly makes us special." Gaurdius: " We have heard you Nalen! Give us time to consider how to respond to the failures you''ve shown us" - - - As Nalen leaves the Council Chambers he can''t help feeling that the Crystalorb leadership will once again ignore his warning, but there was still hope, hope that they would see reason. Nalen had grown accustomed to their dismissals, and the Guardian Council in particular was full of seasoned warriors who disliked the fact that Nalen respected the science profession more than the warrior profession. Many on the Guardian Council were opposed to Nalen''s views on training because it meant that more of the Vanguards and Vangleads would be more independent minded, and independent thinkers don''t make for obedient soldiers. Nalen hoped that those on the Guardian Council who agreed with him would disregard the views of his enemies and proceed with the implementation of his suggestions. However other events were about to change everything. At the Crystalorb Command Centre the senior staff was observing events from around the world, and because all the Guardians were at the Council Chambers command of the Crystalorb Command Centre was left to Janu; senior Vanglead and second in command to the Deputy Guardian Commander. Janu was now the highest ranked Vanglead and next in line for promotion to Guardian. This was a great honour for Janu, and he was eager to show that he''s capable of handling his duties with diligence. As they were observing news reports they came across a news report that indicated that the Hybrid phenomenon had began. News Reporter: " Witnesses say that the robber was shot four times by the Store clerk, but somehow the man stood up, then the Store clerk opened fire emptying an entire cartridge. What happened next is just unbelievable; the robber''s skin seemed to have somehow absorbed the lead and turned Metallic. When the police arrived they also opened fire, but this time the bullets seemed to have little or no effect, and then the man who was now all but invincible began to run with speed never before witnessed, and just like that he disappeared. Now all this is difficult to believe, and even I would refuse to believe except for the fact that some of what occurred was caught on CCTV camera." The television station then proceeded to show the video footage of the man being repeatedly shot, but still managing to stand up, and the video footage even showed the man''s skin change and become more Metallic. Janu immediately sent a message to Lesego informing her that the Hybrid phenomenon had began. The Council of Elders and the Guardian Council would have to accelerate their response to the pending reaction to the Hybrid Phenomenon. In the final analysis there was no way to stop the Hybrid phenomenon, all that Crystalorb could do was to try and manage the process. On the internet there were many reports of people doing extraordinary things, and conspiracy theories were running rampant. As the weekly security meeting continued the information about the Hybrid phenomenon was spreading around the world as other news stations picked up the story. When Nalen heard about the global developments he searched the World Wide Web for possible images of the Hybrid phenomenon. The HOD plan was finally coming into Reality, and the world would soon face its greatest challenge. Families would be torn apart as brother faces brother and neighbours turned against each other. The HOD had been waiting for the Mutagenic recombinant RNA that is included as part of the virus RNA used in vaccines to take effect, and there would be no cure to these virus strains, but fortunately the Mutagenic recombinant RNA was too complicated to be airborne. In any case millions of doses had been produced, and nearly half of those vaccines were destined for Africa and South America. The HOD chose Africa because many African Republics lacked the medical science to detect and prevent the spread of the Mutagenic recombinant RNA, and therefore Africa was the perfect scenario for the spread of their Mutagenic recombinant RNA infected vaccines. When the Crystalorb Research Division acquired samples of the HOD Mutagenic recombinant RNA infected vaccines they began to experiment on mice and rats. - - - - - - Chapter 14: The Hour of Darkness - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 14: The Hour of Darkness - - - The results of the experiments carried out by the Crystalorb Research Division were of great concern to the Guardian Council. So after Ocyris presented the findings of the Research Division some of the Guardians gathered at Esara''s home to further discuss the findings. Esara : " Ocyris is a reasonable man; there is no way he would go along with the experimentation on human subjects" Inala : " The Council of Elders is playing the numbers game, and the current consensus is that if the South African Government decides to go ahead with the super soldier program Crystalorb should offer them our assistance in manipulating the Mutagenic recombinant RNA" Loj : " But the South African Government would then be in control of a terribly destructive tool" Peo : " Don''t they realize that they can''t control the Hybrid Phenomenon? The Hybrids will eventually seek their freedom from the military" Kanang : " Or better yet some in the South African military may sell Crystalorb manipulated Mutagenic recombinant RNA to unscrupulous characters" Grace : " And thus plunging the world into an even deeper crisis" Esara : " We must not allow this to happen! There has to be a way for Crystalorb to have closer relations with the South African Government without compromising the security of Crystalorb, or that of the entire world!" Inala : " Will we once again force a decision against this process?" Loj : " It wont be that easy this time" Kanang : " There are many on the Guardian Council who would relish the idea of a military alliance with the South African Government." Peo : " They want to infiltrate every facet of the South African military, and then use that influence to reach out into other countries to observe the activities of other Governments." Kanang : " It''s not a bad Idea in principle, but it''s how they want to ingratiate Crystalorb to the South African Government that troubles me" Grace : " The way I see it, we need to find some thing that Crystalorb can offer the South African Government that would be just as valuable as advanced research into the Mutagenic recombinant RNA." Esara : " But we can''t give the South African Government access to Crystalorb technology, so what ever it is it would have to come from current world technology or resources." Inala : " Where is Nalen? This is the kind of thing he would be good at" Grace : " Nalen does not hold the rank of Guardian, and is therefore not authorised to know what the Crystalorb Leadership has decided to be of highest confidentiality." Loj : " It''s strange how the Crystalorb Leadership treats one of its greatest sons, and in particular the Guardians seem to have a strong dislike for him. I have only been a Crystalan for a number of years but yet I have quickly been promoted to the rank of Guardian. Don''t you all think it''s strange that the Crystalorb Leadership is more accepting of a former Hodian than of one of its own?" Kanang : " That''s because you never served with him! Nalen can be very difficult, and he''s so powerful that you can''t actually force him to comply with anything. I remember when he first became Crystal Armoured he periodically disobeyed orders." Inala : " Part of the dislike for Nalen and Esara is the fact that power seems to come easily for them. The proof of all this is that all those with Red Chest Crystals start with Vanglead Armour, but those with Clear Chest Crystals all start with Vanguard Armour. So you often end up with a situation where someone born with a Red Chest Crystal who is younger than most in Vanguard Armour is in Vanglead Armour. To those in Vanguard Armour it seems as though those with Red Chest Crystals are Cheaters." Esara : " In any case he probably already knows" Inala : " Who? Nalen! Already knows what?" Esara : " What the Crystalorb Leadership is in discussions about" Peo : " Did you tell Nalen about the desire of some of the Crystalorb Leadership to hand over results of advanced research into the Mutagenic recombinant RNA to the South African Government?" Kanang : " That would be a Breach of security" Inala : " I don''t think that''s what happened. My daughter Enala tells me that Esara''s daughter Casara can locate Esara''s son Naole''s exact position from over 5 kilometres away using her Chest Crystal. Enala says that Casara and Naole can even communicate from such distances. Enala says that Casara can even see what Naole sees, and Enala tells me that Casara and Naole were taught this by their father Nalen. Enala says that Casara remarked that her father could communicate with them even in their dreams." Esara : " When Nalen returned he had been changed by the experience, and he''s more powerful than ever with new and fantastic abilities. Nalen says that when those who are born with Chest Crystals are sleeping the Chest Crystal broadcasts the dreams, and the consequence of this is that Nalen and I are always in each others dreams. It''s part of the reason we are so close, why we are so connected? Because we sleep next to each other its therefore impossible for the two of us to have secrets from each other." Grace : " By the Source!" Loj : " Are you saying that you can reed minds?" Peo : " I think she''s saying that those with Chest Crystals can all receive broadcast messages from other Chest Crystals" Kanang : " But how far does the ability extend? And why did Nalen keep this quiet?" Grace : " Why didn''t Nalen tell us?" Esara : " Why would we? Many of the Crystalorb Leadership already fear us, even some in this very room are apprehensive about the power of those with Red Chest Crystals" Grace : " Did you just read my thoughts?" Inala : " Yes she did! She just sent me a message confirming that she did read Grace''s thoughts! Amazing!" Peo : " So the abilities are not limited to Red Chest Crystals?" Kanang : " Nalen is on his way back, and he knows that you told us about these abilities" Esara : " Yes he felt it when I used communicative abilities of my Chest Crystal, and he''s a little upset with me for telling all of you. And I didn''t exactly read Grace''s mind I just listened to what she was broadcasting." Loj : " So this is one of the reasons why Nalen wanted to change the way training is done?" Inala : " I get the feeling that Nalen is working on something revolutionary, something that requires advanced mental abilities and control" Peo : " These mental abilities are somehow linked to advanced Armour techniques like field spin and projection arent they Esara?" Esara : " Anything that helps with mental focus is useful in the advanced Armour techniques. It should be known that what Nalen wanted is that we train our people in using their Brain and Chest Crystal connection. The link between the Brain and Chest Crystal is something that requires practice to perfect. Because of the limitations of the Red Chest Crystal members of my family have had to practice precise Chest Crystal control in order to maintain sustainable core body energy, and this has resulted in us having developed an advanced Brain and Chest Crystal connection." Nalen walks into the room to find that the Guardians are having a private meeting. Nalen greets everyone, then walks over to Esara and affectionately greets her, and then Nalen attempts to leave the room. Kanang : " Nalen! We would like to talk to you about something" Nalen : " Ok!" Inala : " Esara has been demonstrating the telepathic abilities of the Chest Crystal to us, and I have to say it''s just amazing" Loj : " We understand your apprehension, and will do everything we can to protect you from the others who will undoubtedly react negatively to your discovery." Peo : " Esara says that you are working on something revolutionary" Nalen looks at Esara with slight annoyance. Esara : " You can''t do everything alone Nalen! We need help! The support of our friends can lift the weight off our shoulders" Nalen : " I just don''t know if we are ready? Or even if Crystalorb is ready?" Kanang : " Then we will make them ready! How would you feel about a promotion to the rank of Deputy Guardian?" Inala : " We want you to be Esara''s alternate on the new Intrepid" Nalen : " What about the kids?" Esara : " We would take them with us" Kanang : " The suggestion came from Aman during the security meeting" Grace : " The Council of Elders will support it, but they are not sure that you would accept it, and so they wanted Esara to ask you privately" Nalen : " Who would I take my Orders from?" Kanang : " From the captain of the Intrepid" Kanang looks at Esara "Esara!" Nalen : " I''ll do it!" Esara : " Just like that!" Nalen : " I trust you implicitly Esara" Kanang : " What progress have you made on the Intrepid II" Nalen : " I ran into some problems with propulsion systems, but I''ve been working on new designs that will hopefully resolve those problems. The maximum fully loaded weight of the new Oval shaped Intrepid is projected to exceed 1500 tons, and upon completion will be the heaviest craft to ever fly. The use of compressed heated Helium will reduce the eventual weight by 90%, but the rest of the lift will have to be provided by other Thrust mechanisms" Grace : " Are these the same Thrust systems as on the Crystal Armour?" Nalen : " That''s where I ran into trouble!" Naole reflects; hand on his chin "The current Crystal Armour thrust systems would not be able to meet the propulsion requirements at high altitude, and in my computer generated simulations as the ship reaches high altitude the energy required to maintain speed and altitude increases exponentially because of the lack of air for compressed air thrust systems" Inala : " Then how are you going to solve that problem?" Nalen : " The answer came to me when I was watching the Vanguards prepare to go on their security patrols. The solution has always been right in front of all of us, and the solution to my problem is the answer to the question; Why does the Crystal Armour sphere hover?" Peo : " Well? Why does it hover?" Kanang : " It''s something to do with electromagnetic repulsion of the Earth''s electromagnetic field" Grace : " Are you saying you''ve found a way to generate the electromagnetic repulsion on a larger scale" Esara : " No; Magnetic fields get weak the greater the distance between the two magnets" Nalen : " It''s the principle that I wanted to duplicate. The idea that two electromagnets can be arranged so that they repel each other brings interesting possibilities. I''m still running tests and simulations, but I can confidently say that I''ve found a way to make compressed air propulsion a thing of the past." Peo : " But how does it work?" Nalen : " Think of it this way; an object has two electromagnets attached to it, now imagine that the two electromagnets repel each other, as the two electromagnets repel each other the object begins to move in the direction of the weaker electromagnet" Kanang : " That can''t possibly have the manoeuvrability of thrust vectored compressed air propulsion systems" Esara : " I posed the same question when Nalen first told me" Nalen : " I also realised this manoeuvrability issue, so I designed a way to capture the repulsive electromagnetic energy using Spatial Compression. By arranging a group of electromagnets in a particular spherical formation I can redirect the repulsive energy in any direction, and will give even better manoeuvrability because the repulsive energy pushes against the fabric of space rather than the atmosphere. Spatial Compression Technology is also known as Spatial Warping Technology." Kanang : " Incredible!" Peo : " That has to be the most fantastic thing I''ve ever heard" Esara : " I''ve seen Nalen''s prototype and it''s pretty amazing" Kanang : " You said you can capture the repulsive electromagnetic energy, and then redirect it?" Nalen : " The process is a little complicated, but to put it simply; in the spherical arrangements of the electromagnets the direction of the resulting electromagnetic energy release is determined by which electromagnets in the arrangement are producing the repulsive force. The repulsive force pushes against subatomic particles that form the very fabric of space, and thus by Newton''s third Law this creates a reactionary force that pushes back. Although I have not been able to physically identify the subatomic particles that form the very fabric of space, I''ve been able to identify the energy signature they react to" after a brief pause "My experiments indicate that the repulsive electromagnetic energy may actually be expelling these particles from an area of space, and that is how they generate a reactive force, but this is merely a hypothesis, I can''t be absolutely certain or offer scientific proof. Consequently I designed the spherical arrangements of the electromagnets so that the repelling electromagnets switch on and off at a very high frequency." Inala : " Why on and off?" Nalen : " This allows the compressed area of space to reform, and by that I mean that the expelled subatomic particles return to their original location so that the expulsion process can begin again" Kanang : " Have you applied this to the Crystal Armour?" Esara : " Hes currently working on that, but Nalen''s main focus has been to apply this to the Oval shaped Intrepid prototype he''s currently building, and there are energy efficiency and operational effectiveness questions that still have to be answered." Peo : " Your concerns have to do with whether Crystalans have the necessary skill to control such a system" Loj : " How would this affect the Manacle of Ilesia?" Nalen : " The Manacle of Ilesia would also need to be redesigned, but to be truly effective there may be a need for a surgical implant that would give the Manacle''s operator atmospheric flight capabilities comparable to that of an advanced Jet Fighter" Loj : " Because those who operate the Manacle of Ilesia don''t have Chest Crystals the control mechanism for the Manacle have to be external, are you saying that you can give us mental control?" Nalen : " To an extent! I want to divide the Manacle of Ilesia into two parts one internal and one external, but the main weapons components would still be external, however the two halves of the Manacle of Ilesia would each contain a fully operational operating system that allows the two parts to form the Manacle of Ilesia. Operating the upgraded Manacle of Ilesia will not be intuitive like with Crystal Armour, but the end result will be a better and more efficient weapon system" Kanang : " This is all just to amazing!" Esara : " Just wait!" smiling "It gets better!" Kanang : " I don''t see how?" Esara : " Tell them Nalen!" Nalen : " Ok! Once I identified the repulsive electromagnetic energy signature I tried to duplicate it, but every simulation failed, every calculation resulted in errors. So I decided to expose the repulsive electromagnetic energy to my Chest Crystal directly, and the results were far more than I had anticipated." Grace : " What happened?" Peo : " Tell us!" Esara : " This is something you have to see for yourself! Do it Nalen!" As Nalen stands up he begins to activate his Chest Crystal generating a Red electrical aura around his body, and then Nalen gently lifts off the ground and hovers a meter above the ground. This single act has the Guardians so shocked that they all stand up and quickly move away from Nalen. With arms stretched out parallel to the ground Nalen moved slowly towards the ground until his feet once again touched the ground. Grace : " But How?" Kanang : " How is any of this possible?" Esara : " How indeed" She said this smiling "It''s now becoming clear what the true power of the Chest Crystal is? The Chest Crystal succeeded where mechanical design has failed" Loj : " Now I''ve seen everything!" Peo : " By the Source!" Nalen : " I would be lying if I said I knew how I produced the repulsive electromagnetic energy, but once I was exposed to it I could simply just reproduce it instinctively by just intuitively focusing my mind. Esara can also do this, but she still lacks balance and control, hopefully that will come with time and practice" Peo : " What about that Red electrical aura? For a moment I could have sworn that your skin was turning dark Red just like your Chest Crystal, but that must have been my eyes playing tricks on me." Esara : " You are not wrong Peo! Nalen''s skin did turn Red as the Crystals in his skin cells became energized. Most of us tend to focus the Chest Crystal externally, but it can also be focused internally. By focusing the Chest Crystal internally the energy of all the Crystals in every cell of the body increases transforming us into the form that is similar to that of the Grandlords, but there are some limitations as the energy requirements are also increased." Inala : " So the Crystal Armour still makes for the most effective weapon" Esara : " Yes" Nalen : " Now for the answer to the rest of your questions. First I would like to point out that with enough Manacle energy Loj being from the HOD would probably be able to transform to the Metallic Crystalline Skin, but those who are Crystalan by descent and not Hodian, and have no Chest Crystal would experience a transformation that is similar to the Metallic Crystalline Skin with the Skin Crystals being more dominant than the Metallic. The removal of Negative Psionic Energy from those who used to be Hodian is the result of their skins absorbing enough Spirit Stone radiation that is sent through the Illuminating Crystals. Those with Clear Chest Crystals are the most efficient at absorbing the radiation from the Illuminating Crystals, and the radiation enhances all the abilities of the Crystals in our bodies that''s why we all feel better when we are in Crystalorb." This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Kanang : " You are reading Our thoughts aren''t you?" Nalen : " It makes things go faster! As for the problems concerning the desire for closer relations with the South African Government we just have to give the Government officials what they truly desire which is wealth, prestige and prosperity. We are the largest producer of Industrial Gases in the world, and many parts of the world still burns natural gas to produce electrical energy, so all we have to do is produce Industrial Gases that can be mixed with natural gas for gas power stations with the objective of lowering the natural gas input by more than 50% and thereby reducing gas power generation costs by more than 30%. This will result in us producing more than a hundred times more export product than we are currently producing, and this will result in more than a hundred times more tax revenue for the South African Government. Increasing our tax contributions to more than 50 times the current 12.70 Billion Rands. That more than anything will win Crystalorb the Favour of the South African Government." Loj : " Without compromising our security?" Nalen : " But for any of this to work the Crystalorb Leadership will have to invite high level representatives of the South African Government to Crystalorb. The Council of Elders would have to make the offer to the South African Government directly. We need to show them Crystalorb, let them see that we can be a powerful ally, and that we can help the Republic of South Africa become a global power, but also make them aware that Crystalorb is an independent authority and if they try to impose their Government on Crystalorb by force they will lose." Kanang : " I will go to the Guardian Commander immediately and tell him all that I''ve learnt from all of you. I will persuade him to see things our way" Inala : " And I will go to the Council of Elders and do the same. I will also inform them that Nalen has accepted the promotion to Deputy Guardian." As the two Guardians rushed to the Crystalorb Leadership to inform them of the developments they had witnessed at Esara''s home Nalen was feeling relieved because he knew that he would not have to once again face the suspicion and politics that would have been required had he been the one to inform the Crystalorb Leadership of his scientific discoveries. Nalen did not want to return to the unenviable task of the research head who has to explain research data to a Crystalorb Leadership that remains fundamentally unscientific. - - - So the Guardians made their case to the Crystalorb Leadership, and thereby winning the support of those who did not want to see Crystalorb bio-technology in the hands of those they did not trust. The Guardian Council in particular was very interested in the new technology that Nalen had developed, but many Guardians were suspicious of Nalen, and they wondered why Nalen had not shared his discoveries with the Crystalorb Research Division. Fortunately for Nalen and Esara all the Guardians who were present at the meeting held at Esara''s home decided not to tell the rest of the Crystalorb Leadership about Nalen and Esara''s ability to hear other people''s thoughts being broadcast by their Chest Crystals. The Council of Elders ordered Tumi to once again make contact with Jabu Mthembu the Deputy Minister of Intelligence. The Council of Elders authorized Tumi to invite Jabu Mthembu on a visit to Crystalorb, and this was to be a prelude to a visit by the President of the Republic of South Africa. Tumi made contact with Jabu Mthembu and asked him to come on a tour of the Crystal Valley Farming and Industrial complex. - - - When Jabu Mthembu arrived at the Crystal Valley Farming and Industrial complex he was informed that the tour would include a visit to the Underground facilities. Jabu brought with him Dan Sethoka the Deputy Minister of Defence and Joel Mlama the Deputy Minister of Finance on the tour of the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex. So when the three South African Government officials were taken underground into Crystalorb they had no idea what they were about to experience, and when they exited the elevator transit system they found themselves in an underground Crystal City. The three South African Government officials and their security were escorted to a Chamber where the Council of Elders were waiting. The Council of Elders showed the three South African Government officials a two hour video that explained the history of Crystalorb and that of Crystalans. After the Video the Council of Elders explained what they wanted from the South African Government, and what Crystalorb was willing to offer the Republic of South Africa. The three South African Government officials were also supplied with detailed documentation of Crystalorb''s offer. As the three South African Government officials left the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex onboard two helicopters the Crystalorb Leadership knew that there would be no turning back now, and the future of Crystalorb would be determined by the actions of the elected officials of the Republic of South Africa. - - - As time passed without a response from the South African Government many of the Crystalorb Leadership began to think that things were about to take a turn for the worst, and the finger of blame was being firmly pointed on Nalen who was now officially promoted to Deputy Guardian. So the Council of Elders summoned Nalen to the Council Chambers to answer questions on a wide range of matters resulting from the interaction with the South African Government. Gaurdius : " Two weeks have passed and still no response from the South African Government! Perhaps your analysis of them was incorrect?" Jalen : " They may be planning an attack even as we speak!" Nalen : " It''s probably not a good idea for Crystalans to see that the Council of Elders is in a state of panic." Hamun : " Don''t try our patience Nalen?" Lerata : " We never should have listened to you" Tshego : " Your suggested course of action may have doomed us all" Nalen : " Why are you so worried?" Onala : " You don''t seem to understand the gravity of the situation" Nalen : " You people are in a panic, and now you are afraid of your own shadows." Gaurdius : " Lets all try and remain calm" Isis : " Nalen did not make the decision, but we the Council of Elders did" Cyris : " And we bear the responsibility for that decision" Lumen : " I have faith in Nalen!" Hamun : " And that has always been your flaw! You trust too much!" Nalen : " Ok! I will make you this promise; If the South African Government decides to go to war with us I will personally lead the strike force that crushes them. I hope that puts your minds at ease!" Isis : " I''m confident it won''t come to that" Nalen : " So am I" Cyris : " They just need time to formulate their position" he smiles "It must''ve been quite a shock for them!" Gaurdius : " Nalen, have you finished your work on the Intrepid?" Isis : " Is the new technology ready?" Nalen : " The prototype is ready, and one month ahead of schedule at that! And with your permission I will take it outside and begin feeding it with the Spirit Stone energy to make it grow, but first I must upgrade my Crystal Armour, it''s after all over four years old!" Gaurdius : " How exactly are you going to make it grow outside?" Nalen : " The same way the buildings in Crystalorb are grown, but only this time I will be the conduit for the Spirit Stone energy, and by using my Crystal Armour to redirect the energy to the prototype" Jalen : " Are you sure you can do this?" Nalen : " I do this all the time when growing crystals in my Laboratory" Gaurdius : " But not at energy levels this High!" Nalen : " Which is why I need to upgrade my Crystal Armour. As you are aware I''ve made some breakthroughs in propulsion technology, and now I''ve applied the technology to my Crystal Armour propulsion systems" Lumen : " When do you plan to start?" Nalen : " Tonight at 23h00" Cyris : " What do you need from us?" Gaurdius : " How can we help?" Nalen : " To access the energy of the Spirit Stone I will need three Elders, but the three Elders have to have some connection with me, some meeting of the mind, a natural trust is required for this to work. So for this I need Lord Lumen, Lord Cyris and Lady Isis" Lumen : " Ok!" Cyris : " Will do!" Isis : " I will help!" Gaurdius : " Now that that''s settled we will now proceed with the upgrade of your Crystal Armour" Isis : " And by upgrading of your Crystal Armour Crystalorb gains new and advanced technology that will help assure the security of Crystalorb" Lumen : " And by extension the light of hope" Cyris : " Crystalorb Thanks you for your efforts" The Council of Elders began the Crystal Armour upgrade process. - - - Nalen''s new Crystal Armour looked like a complete redesign of Crystal Armour, and with the new electromagnetic Spatial Compression or Spatial Warping propulsion system the Crystal Armour was made thicker, denser and heavier. The new Crystal Armour contained nearly 10 times the energy reserves of the current operational Guardian Crystal Armour. Nalen''s Armour was nearly completely red just like Esara''s Armour, but there were two major unexpected differences; The Left hand Energy Crystal was formed from Dense Clear Crystals, and the Right hand Energy Crystal was formed from Dense Blue Crystals, but the Armour''s Chest Energy Crystal was still formed from Dense Red Crystals. The new Crystal Armour had a bulge on the back, and it included two1m long aerofoils that have a maximum spherical range of movement. Each aerofoil has 5 Spatial Compression or Spatial Warping propulsion thrusters, and adds to the; 4 at the bottom of each foot, one on each knee, one on each Shoulder, 6 on the bulge on the back, 6 around the Armour''s Chest Energy Crystal. Nalen theorized that the blue Crystal was because of the Blue Crystals and Clear Crystals he had used when he developed a cure for Naole''s heart problems. When Esara also upgraded her Crystal Armour the Left hand energy blast Crystal was formed from Dense Clear Crystals, but the Right hand energy blast Crystal was formed from Dense Red Crystals. - - - At 22h00 Nalen began his preparations. Nalen put on his Crystal Armour, and along with Lord Lumen, Lord Cyris and Lady Isis stood in front of the Spirit Stone. Many of the Crystalorb Leadership went outside where the 1.8 metre wide and 4 metre long Oval shaped Intrepid prototype hovered. The Intrepid prototype had come into brief Direct contact with the Spirit Stone to Harmonize Crystal Connections. Other Crystalans also went outside to observe this momentous occasion, because this was indicative to the birth of a new Crystalorb. By creating this very Large flying vessel they will bring fourth a new age for Crystalorb, and the construction of the Intrepid II will allow the Crystalorb Command Centre to have a standing mobile base capable of reaching every corner of the planet. The ship would multiply the expeditionary capabilities of the Crystalorb Command Centre, and the advanced technology contained in the ship would make the defence requirements of Crystalorb Ideal. The Intrepid II was equipped with a reserve energy storage system that would allow the recharging of both the Manacle of Ilesia and the Crystal Armour. Nalen designed the Intrepid to have a massive energy storage system, and Nalen also designed an 8000 megawatt nuclear reactor as part of the ship''s energy system, but the nuclear reactor was to be a back up power supply. The main power supply for the Intrepid would be a combination of the Spirit Stone and a Black Crystal based Solar Collector placed at the top of Intrepid. The Spirit Stone would supply energy to the Intrepid through the Crystalorb Defence Cannons. There were 36 Crystalorb Defence Cannons; the Cannons were formed from Dense Clear Energy Crystals similar to the Energy Crystals on the Crystal Armour. The Intrepid also had 4 Dense Clear Energy Crystals; one at the front of the ship, one at the Back of the ship, one at the bottom of the ship and one at the top of the ship. The 4 Energy Crystals were as capable as those on Crystal Armour, and it was through the 4 Crystals that the Spirit Stone could send energy to the ship. The Intrepid would now become the pinnacle of Crystalorb technology. The time had come for the process to begin, and so the three Elders touched the Spirit Stone. Isis : " With the Crystal fragment on my Chest I unlock the Seal!" Lumen : " In the name of all Crystalans I call upon the spirits of those who have left us!" Cyris : " Mighty spirits awaken and hear the call of your children!" Isis : " Nalen; Step forth and touch the Spirit Stone. As Nalen touched the Spirit Stone his Armour was filled with the energy of the Spirit Stone activating all the Crystal Armour''s systems, and preparing Nalen for the task that would now take place. At the Crystalorb gates and the area surrounding mount Crystalorb 24 of the 36 Crystalorb Defence Cannons came online targeting the Intrepid at the top of the hill. Nalen, who was still in Crystalorb began to commune with the Spirit Stone Nalen : " Heart of the planet; guide me!" Then Nalen was propelled out of Crystalorb and positioned above the Intrepid, and the 24 Crystalorb Defence Cannons began to select targets for energy projection. As the Cannons acquired their targets it became clear that the Cannons were targeting the Dense Clear Energy Crystals on the Intrepid; 6 Cannons were targeted at the front Energy Crystal, 6 Cannons were targeted at the bottom Energy Crystal, 6 Cannons were targeted at the Back Energy Crystal and the last 6 Cannons were targeting Nalen who would redirect the energy to the top Energy Crystal. To supply the process with material for the Crystal growing procedure the Crystalorb Research Division was pumping crushed minerals into the mineral storage chamber of the Intrepid. The mineral storage chamber was designed to allow the Intrepid the ability to repair itself in the event that it is damaged. The minerals would be kept in the mineral storage chamber as part of a liquefied solution for future use. As soon as everything was in place the Cannons began to produce light and electrical energy causing the Intrepid to begin to grow in size. For the next 19 hours the Intrepid continued to grow until the Crystalorb Research Division ran out of their prepared mineral reserves. The final dimensions of the vessel were more than Nalen had anticipated, and because Nalen was under the physical control of the Spirit Stone the Intrepid continued to grow until the materials were exhausted. The new Intrepid was twice as large as Nalen had intended it to be, and its estimated weight was 10000 tons. The ship was enormous in dimensions; 900 meters long, 400 meters maximum width and 250 meters maximum height. As the growth process shut down Nalen recovered control of his body to find the massive Intrepid hovering above mount Crystalorb. This was a partially living organism with an artificial intelligence. Nalen had equipped the ship with the ability to use the Earths magnetic field to support the repulsive propulsion systems, and as the Earth''s Magnetic field repelled the Intrepid it reduced the propulsion energy requirement. Since the stealth systems of the Intrepid were already active the ship could only be seen through the Crystal Armour and Crystalorb holographic Broadcast System. The Intrepid was designed to require Crystal Armoured individuals as keys to the weapon systems, and without the Crystal Armoured the Ship can not Fire. The heaviest and largest components were the three 100 meter diameter energy storage spheres located around the ship''s centre of gravity and the Nuclear Reactor Core. The Intrepid was also equipped with helium storage tanks located throughout the ship, and the skin of the Intrepid consisted of a hard external Crystal on the outside and on the inside the Crystals were arranged to form tubes that look like vanes. The crystals that formed the skin or hull of the ship transports helium throughout the ship through the Crystal pipes imbedded along the hull. As the helium was being pumped into the Intrepid Nalen took time to rest before the operational testing of the ship. Fortunately Esara had for the past few months been training the staff compliment required for the ship. The training of the Intrepid staff was expedited by the fact that Crystalans are already familiar with the principles of flight, and the Intrepid was designed to be fully automated, meaning that the ship maintained itself using advanced robotics. As the Intrepid was being filled to capacity with helium and Nalen was sleeping the Crystalorb Financial Management Division was compiling a report indicating the financial cost of the construction of the Intrepid. The estimates of the Crystalorb Financial Management Division was that the Intrepid II will eventually cost 35 Billion Rands, making the Intrepid one of the most expensive weapon systems in the world. ( At the time 1$ equalled 5.5 Rands) - - - - - - Chapter 15: The New Weapon - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 15: The New Weapon - - - Nalen awoke to find that the Intrepid was now ready for testing and all systems were operational, and everyone was waiting for Nalen because he was the one designated to be the first to enter the Intrepid. Without any delays Nalen entered the Intrepid followed by Esara, then Anun, then Loj, and then Ocyris and then the rest of the ship''s staff which amounted to 90 people. After Nalen activated the Intrepid''s flight systems and the ship was ready for departure he began to hand over Command to the ship commander. Nalen : " I''m now handing over command to the Captain of the Intrepid! Captain; the ship is yours!" Esara : " Thank you Nalen! Crystalorb Command Centre this is the Intrepid" At the Crystalorb Command Centre (CCC) Deputy Guardian Commander Lesego had assumed Command. Lesego : " Intrepid the Crystalorb Command Centre reads you clearly" Esara : " Requesting permission to depart Crystalorb Airspace?" Lesego : " Permission granted!" Esara : " Nalen; Climb to 18000 meters at 20 degrees nose up, and set course for the Antarctic" Nalen : " Aye Captain!" Nalen then relays orders to senior Vangleads. Nalen : " Set Electromagnetic Propulsion System to 10% and start full range atmospheric scan." The Intrepid proceeds to the desired location, and once the ship reaches the designated altitude the Guardians go on a tour of the ship led by Ocyris, this leaves Nalen in command of the Intrepid Command Centre. Anun : " This is an impressive Vessel Ocyris!" Ocyris : " Yes sir, a true marvel of technology" Loj : " How many people can the ship carry?" Ocyris : " The ship has 500 residential apartments, and each of these apartments has 3 bedrooms and a living room. We chose the apartments format because we expect that some of the ship''s permanent staff have families that would visit for extended periods of time, and although the bedrooms are somewhat small they are reasonably comfortable. There are additional 500 bed single rooms at a different section, and also another section that can house more than 1000 people in close proximity for emergencies. The ship can therefore carry more than 2000 people with ease, but for current operations the staff will be between 250 to 500 people" Esara : " This is a very big ship, and with a push the Intrepid could carry even more people" Anun : " I can''t wait to see the weapons demonstration" the commander visibly exited at the prospect " The power!" Ocyris : " At first I didn''t understand why Nalen wanted to develop a weapon system like this, but I''ve come to understand the need for it. Nalen explained that a weapon system like the Intrepid would have made all the difference during our last battle with the HOD in the Central African Republic" Esara : " A ship like this could provide air cover in a situation like that" Ocyris : " And the weapon systems on the Intrepid would be able to hold off an entire Enforcer assault force similar to the one faced at the Central African Republic." Loj : " One ship does not an army make!" Esara : " But the Intrepid could help us keep the peace between humanity and Hybrid humans" Anun : " How fast can the ship go?" Ocyris : " At very high altitude the Intrepid can reach mach 7, but only at altitudes higher than 70000 meters where the air is thin. The Intrepid is designed to operate at high altitude, and will thus spend most of the time at high altitude, only coming to lower altitude to receive supplies" Nalen activates the Intrepids internal communication systems in order to speak to Esara directly. Nalen : " Captain; were nearing the designated testing location!" Esara : " Change status to Red Condition One, and prepare the ship for combat operations!" Nalen : " Aye Captain!" As the Intrepid''s crew took their battle stations the Guardians made their way to the Intrepid Command Centre were they would observe the combat manoeuvres. As Esara took command of the ship Nalen took his place as ship systems manager where he would make sure that the Intrepids systems were fully operational. Senior Vanglead Setu and his team would see to the weapons systems. Esara : " Charge Energy Crystals, and activate main weapons array!" Setu : " Aye Captain!" Esara : " Set forward Crystal for ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attacks at 20%, and begin simulated target acquisition" Setu : " All Crystals charged and ready!" Esara : " Set back and bottom Crystals for ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts at 20%, and prepare for multiple attacks Setu : " 927 targets simultaneously locked on!" Esara : " Crystalorb; Permission to proceed?" Lesego : " Cleared to attack Intrepid!" Anun : " Let''s see what this ship can do!" Esara : " Fire!" Setu : " Firing on all targets!" The Intrepid then opened fire on all selected targets simultaneously with ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attacks from the forward Crystal and multiple ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts from the bottom and back Crystals. In just 10 seconds all the simulated targets were hit and destroyed, and even though the targets were just rock and Ice, this proved that the weapon systems of the Intrepid were Quick, Precise and efficient. Even Nalen could not have known that by designing and building the Intrepid he has fulfilled the true intended purpose of the original Crystal. The Crystal had origins that could never be uncovered by even someone as talented as Nalen, but now the Crystal had come full circle as far as purpose was concerned. Nalen had harnessed the power of the Crystal for automated targeting and attacking of multiple targets, and this was something that the Azleck Kingdom had created the Crystal for. The Intrepid''s Energy Crystals like the Chest Crystals can produce Gamma Radiation Photons and high energy Photons. This meant that the Crystals could produce ElectroLaser Particle Beams using a wide range of materials including a combination of Neutrons, Protons, Antiparticles, Hydrogen atoms/Ions and Helium atoms/Ions for the resulting Particle Beams. The ElectroLaser Particle Beams would become the main weapon systems of the Intrepid. Esara then ordered that 2 large rocks be attacked; the first one with an ElectroLaser Lightning bolt attack at full power and the second one with an ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball at full power. It was important that the full extent of the Intrepid''s capabilities be measured, and the results exceeded even Nalens expectations. Just then it became clear to Anun and Ocyris why Nalen had Created the Intrepid. Anun : " I see why Nalen built this weapon system!" Ocyris : " Now that Crystalorb has this Ship, the Council of Elders will never again need Esara or Nalen to fight against insurmountable odds like they did in the Central African Republic." Anun : " This is Nalen''s way of keeping his family safe!" Esara opens a communications Channel to Crystalorb. Esara : " Crystalorb; the tests are complete, and the Intrepid is coming Home!" Lesego : " Acknowledged Intrepid!" As the Intrepid set course for the skies above Crystalorb Nalen felt very pleased with himself, and he had once again proven himself to be the brightest of his generation, with the Intrepid as his crowning achievement. - - - After 3 weeks of further preparations the Intrepid was now fully ready for deployment, and the crew was now fully trained and prepared, but the ship was on the ground on a 4 square kilometre flat surface that had previously been prepared. The Intrepid''s nuclear reactor was also operational and was now powering the ships electrical systems. Food and other resources were being loaded onto the Intrepid, and once all the processes were complete the ship could depart for the high altitude skies of the South Atlantic Ocean. Because of the predicted long deployments of the Intrepid, crew members who were married were chosen first, and that meant that many of the crew had their spouses also serving on the Intrepid. And if the couple had children the children were also taken onboard the Intrepid. The result of this was that there were 90 couples serving as crew on the Intrepid, and they brought 190 children onboard the Intrepid. There were a further 200 single crew members joining the Intrepid, and that brought the staff compliment to 380. Three nights before the Intrepid was due to depart the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council held their weekly meeting of the Crystalorb Leadership. For the first time Nalen was part of the meeting because of his status and rank of Deputy Guardian. The Deputy Guardian was also referred to as Guardian Third Class with a Guardian First Class being designated to the Guardian Commander and Deputy Guardian Commander. The main discussions at the meeting were centred around the cost of the Intrepid. Some of the Crystalorb Leadership were unhappy with the cost of the Intrepid, while others wanted to build a second ship that would be dedicated to the defence of Crystalorb and Crystalorbs interests. Once again Nalen was causing a lot of controversy at the meeting. Gaurdius : " Anun; Why would you want to build another ship?" Isis : " The cost would be too great" Ocyris : " The minerals used in the construction took 7 years to stockpile, if be bought them on the open market today it would cost 95 Billion Rands, a cost we would not be able to manage." Gaurdius : " I get that many of you dislike the idea that the Intrepid is outside the chain of command, but can''t you understand that for the Intrepid to meet its intended objectives there must be an element of autonomy, and for that reason the Intrepid will receive their orders from the Council of Elders directly." Anun : " Now that the Spirit Stone has the ship building knowledge perhaps it can construct a smaller ship" Ocyris : " Its not that simple! Part of the problem is the way Nalen built the ship, and the energy that was supplied to the ship to make it grow. Even if we could build a smaller ship we would still need Nalen to grow it to size, but Nalen has indicated that he wont be part of the construction of any ship" Tshego : " And we have never been able to force Nalen to do anything he didn''t want to do" Gaurdius : " Nalen why won''t you build a second ship?" Nalen : " It''s too dangerous, and I wont risk my life just to make Anun and the other Guardians more comfortable. Redirecting Spirit Stone energy is not something anyone should pursue lightly, and the Spirit Stone does not want me to attempt this again." Onala : " That''s an extraordinary claim?" Hamun : " Only the Council of Elders can commune with the Spirit Stone" Nalen : " Who told you that?" Gaurdius : " That is how it has always been!" Nalen : " The Spirit Stone carries the spirits of all our dead relative, so what makes you thing that they would only want to talk to you? The Spirit Stone wants to talk to all of us, and the Council of Elders is supposed to be how the Spirit Stone communes with all of us, but if the Council of Elders fails to understand the Spirit Stone''s message the Spirit Stone will find other ways to send the message." Jalen : " How dare you?" Lumen interject before Jalen could finish. Lumen : " Nalen is right! If we search our Hearts we will find the truth" Nalen : " The Council of Elders was never meant to be a Council of rulers, but a combined leadership! They''re sworn to guide, not to dominate! The Guardians were created to protect, not to kill, they were meant to be keepers of the peace, not soldiers! This is why I''ve always resisted the rank of Guardian, it''s because over the years the protective role has become militaristic, and I''ve been one of the architects of that policy by providing all of you with the most advanced weapons the world has ever seen." Isis : " You don''t want to build an army? You''re afraid that we might use the Intrepid''s technology to extend the power of Crystalorb" Cyris : " I see Nalen''s point" Lumen : " Having witnessed the Intrepid''s power the Guardians now want to have a fleet of ships." Nalen : " And there lies the problem! Crystalorb is secure and there is no need for a fleet of Ships." Esara : " Nalen what happens if the Intrepid is damaged shouldn''t there be a back up system?" Ocyris : " It would take years for us to collect the materials needed to build another ship, and because of the way it was constructed we cannot just replicate it using the Spirit Stone" Nalen : " Even Ocyris and Esara have not realised what the Intrepid is, even they don''t understand the greatness of my accomplishment, none of you understand just how wonderful the Intrepid is, perfect in its simplicity." Gaurdius : " What are you talking about?" Ocyris : " Whats so special about the Intrepid?" Nalen : " It''s amazing that none of you have noticed it." Esara began to listen to broadcast messages from Nalen''s Chest Crystal, and as Nalen''s secrets began to reveal themselves, and she reacted with shock covering her mouth with her hand. Lumen : " What is it Esara?" Esara : " It''s alive!" Gaurdius : " What''s alive?" Esara : " The Intrepid! It''s a living organism!" Cyris : " What do you mean?" Esara : " It''s alive like the Crystal Armour, but self sustaining and not attached to a Chest Crystal" Ocyris : " How? How did you do this Nalen?" Esara : " That''s why it cant be duplicated!" Nalen : " The Intrepid may not be conscious, but it is alive! It''s more like a plant, a mobile plant! Isn''t it great?" Hamun : " What have you done?" Gaurdius : " You never told us that the ship would be a living organism Ocyris : " That''s how it''s able to regenerate, the ship is healing itself! That means it has a nervous system" Esara : " Its 5 Computers are organised like 5 parts of a brain! I sensed that there was something different about the way the Intrepid''s Computers operate" Ocyris : " This is just amazing!" Nalen : " To say that I built the ship is the wrong description; a more accurate description is that I grew it. Using cells from my own body, and recombining the DNA with that from other sources I created a plant type organism whose cell growth could be directed by an external source. The research into this method is something I developed 4 years ago when I was looking for a cure for my son, and by adjusting the methods I created a living skin which I then used to cover a crystal mould. The mould had many pores to allow the skin to grow into the mould and ultimately absorb the mould. That''s when I got the idea to introduce an organic Crystal computer as part of its components" Ocyris : " You allowed it to develop by stimulating an organic response to external stimulus. The continuance process has an accelerated evolutionary effect on the genetic material of the organism, and thus producing an advanced life form within a very short space of time. Which is the reason for 5 computers; two organic Crystal computer and three non-organic Crystal computer. The Nuclear Reactor, flight and weapon systems are by design not controlled by the organic Crystal computer but the normal Crystal computer Jalen : " Do you mean a living computer?" Nalen : " By living we mean that it is alive like a cell is alive, but not conscious like a human. We are talking about a more instinctive capability like a reptile, and so you can think of the Intrepid as cross between a Crystal plant and a reptile. The systems of the ship that could not for obvious reasons be completely organic have taken on a more Biomechanical nature. This has been a very complicated exercise and one I do not wish to undertake again." Gaurdius : " You can understand the need for Crystalorb not to depend on one ship, and one ship only!" Ocyris : " That kind of dependence is strategically unsound" Nalen : " Don''t you think I know that?" Lumen : " Then you will construct another ship?" Nalen : " No!" Jalen : " You are being unreasonable Nalen!" Nalen : " You still don''t get it!" Ocyris : " Get what?" Nalen : " I wont be building another ship because there is no need to build another ship. The Intrepid is alive and therefore capable of reproducing, and in about 5 years the Intrepid will lay an egg and with the aid of Spirit Stone energy the egg will hatch giving you a second ship. The baby ship will take 15 years of feedings by the Spirit stone and its solar energy collector along with the requisite materials before it can reach reproductive age, but in the interim the Intrepid will lay a single egg every 5 to 10 years. Before long you will have your fleet of ships, and every baby ship will inherit all the knowledge of its parent. I never intended to deny Crystalorb access to the technology, but there will be time constraints as the ships grow up; for lack of a better term. I trust this should satisfy all of your concerns!" Lumen : " You truly are the cleverest man in Crystalorb!" Cyris : " You have found a way to make yourself redundant, because with this technology we may never require you to create another weapon system for us" Nalen : " That was part of my plan all along!" - - - As the meeting continued the Crystalorb Command Centre received a message from the South African Government indicating that the president of the Republic of South Africa and other senior leaders including the speaker of parliament were on their way to Crystalorb to meet with the Crystalorb Leadership in Crystalorb. The meeting was scheduled for 8 pm, and this was so that the South African Government could make the meeting secret. As the four helicopters landed the South African Government officials were met by Gaurdius at the heliport. Gaurdius was going to be the facilitator during the meeting. President Themba Mbuto was accompanied by Dan Mjolo the Minister of Defence, Paul Hendricks the Minister of Finance, Thato Mogatsu the Speaker of Parliament and General James Mthetwa the chief of the South African National Defence Force. Stolen novel; please report. After the group entered Crystalorb they were led to the General Chambers because there were concerns that the Spirit Stone might not allow the visitors into the pyramid which housed the Council Chambers and the Spirit Stone. As the South African Government officials took their seats alongside the Council of Elders there was a calmness in the room as the leaders began to talk about the issues that brought them to that point. Gaurdius : " Thank you for coming Mr President, and welcome to Crystalorb." President Mbuto : " As the representatives of the Republic of South Africa we are happy to meet with the representatives of your people and hope to form a peaceful and lasting relationship" Gaurdius : " As do we Mr President" President Mbuto : " I have to confess to being completely surprised by the existence of this place and that of your people. There are questions in our minds that require answers." Gaurdius : " We hope that we will be able to provide answers to those questions." Gaurdius then proceeds to introduce the rest of the Council of Elders and the President introduce his group to the Council of Elders. President Mbuto : " A few months ago I remember seeing a news report in which a child was talking about a battle between the Fire gods and the Glass gods! So if you are the Glass gods then who are the Fire gods?" Gaurdius : " We don''t like the god description." President Mbuto : " Neither do we! Would warrior do?" Gaurdius : " We use Crystal Armour" Isis : " Or you can just call us Crystalans" Jalen : " And the answer to your question is that they call themselves the HOD; an acronym for the Hand of Destiny!" Cyris : " They sometimes go by Hodian" President Mbuto : " Are they the reason you are in hiding?" Dan Mjolo : " And who between your two groups is responsible for the Hybrid Phenomenon?" Onala : " We are not hiding from the HOD, but from the rest of humanity" President Mbuto : " Where did you come from?" Cyris : " The HOD created the Mutagenic recombinant RNA for reasons we don''t fully understand yet, but we think it is part of their world domination ambitions. The HOD''s ambitions are at the heart of our conflict with them, and they see us as a threat to their power." Gaurdius: " In the beginning there was one Bloodline, but what once was one was split asunder and in its place there emerged two Bloodlines; Crystalan for the descendants of Lesedi and Hodian for the descendants of Ralefa! This is how both our peoples were born, and though we share a common ancestry we are worlds apart!" President Mbuto : " What do the Hodians want?" Gaurdius : " They seek to control their own Destiny, hence the name Hand of Destiny!" President Mbuto : " That does not seem all that unreasonable?" Cyris : " It''s not! However it''s what they are willing to do to achieve that goal that should concern you Mr President." Isis : " At some point during the turn of the centaury, at the beginning of the 20th centaury the HOD concluded that the only way to control their own Destiny was to control the Destiny of all Human kind" Shaking her head "The Hodians decided that normal Humans were unworthy to lead them, and therefore must take a subjective role to Hodians! Now the Hodians are convinced that they are superior to normal humans and that they are the future of the human race." Dan Mjolo : " What do they have against you?" Onala : " They wanted us to join them, and when we refused they demanded that we not interfere with their plans. We could not stand on the sidelines while they implemented their global domination plans, so we intervened to stop them!" Cyris : " And so began the war! A war for the right to determine the fate of Humanity; indeed the entire world!" President Mbuto : " And you didn''t think the rest of us had a right to know?" Gaurdius: " Crystalorb''s problems with the Hand of Destiny is considered a blood feud! There was no need to involve outsiders in our fight with our blood brothers in the HOD." Dan Mjolo : " Why have you suddenly decided to make contact?" Cyris : " The HOD is a global Empire! We can no longer contain their power, and there is an escalation in violence that if left unchecked could consume the world." Dan Mjolo : " The Hybrid Phenomenon?" Lumen : " Yes!" President Mbuto: " When I first heard of you my Initial reaction was that we demand that you submit to the authority of the Republic of South Africa, but my military advisors told me that their analysis of your military capabilities indicate that you could crush the South African National Defence Force in a matter of hours. I''m left with the feeling that I have to negotiate with a gun to my head!" Gaurdius: " That was never our intent! Crystalorb is looking for a friend and partner in the Republic of South Africa." President Mbuto: " That''s part of the problem! We have nothing to offer you that you could not possibly take by force. You clearly don''t need us, but we need you, and with your help the Republic of South Africa can become one of the most powerful countries in the world." Gaurdius: " It all has to do with location Mr President, and we are physically in the Republic of South Africa" Isis : " And are also citizens of the Country" President Mbuto: " But you insist that this underground place must be outside the Authority of the Republic?" Onala : " Crystalorb is outside the Authority of the Republic of South Africa." Gaurdius: " Our legal experts say that since Crystalorb precedes the Republic of South Africa then Crystalorb does not fall under the legal jurisdiction of the RSA" President Mbuto: " It''s because of that fact that we are willing to entertain the possibility of your regional autonomy" Thato Mogatsu: " You have to understand that regional autonomy can only be granted by parliament, and that means informing the legislators about the existence of Crystalorb." Dan Mjolo : " Unless of course we can create another pretext! I''m talking about a way for us to pass the Constitutional Amendment that would allow regional autonomy." Gaurdius : " What sort of pretext?" Dan Mjolo : " Over the past few months we''ve been experiencing some difficulty with the Hybrid Phenomenon. These Hybrids pose a danger to our national security, and if left unchecked could result in an escalation that would be beyond our ability to manage. We have out there super-powered individuals that we lack the capacity to contain." Gen Mthetwa: " Which is where you come in! Your offer of assistance in managing the Hybrid Phenomenon provides the first opportunity for us to regain some control." Gaurdius : " You want us to assist the police?" Gen Mthetwa: " After some analysis we now understand that we can merge your desire for autonomy and our national security concerns" Gaurdius : " The pretext!" President Mbuto: " We want to setup a home for Hybrids on the area that you call the Crystal Valley Farming and Industrial complex. The home would be strictly voluntary, so all the Hybrids who come here would do so at their own free will. The hope is that all those Hybrids who feel persecuted in their communities can relocate to this area where they would feel safe and protected." Gaurdius : " I don''t see how that would be possible, doing this would cost enormous resources, and we don''t have that much money. Moreover we will not be part of any attempt to pacify the Hybrids by creating a large detention centre under the guise of a homeland." President Mbuto: " That''s not the Intent! Our concern is that people are not very accepting of change, and what we fear is that there may arise a situation where misunderstanding may lead to public violence against Hybrids. We think that to preamp that possibility, a pull for Hybrids to a particular location must be created, and this would limit potential problems between the Hybrids and the general public." Gaurdius : " And how would we finance such a project?" Paul Hendricks: " We are willing to give The Town Council 50% of all your company tax. That means that you would be required to pay 15% of the profits of Crystal Valley Industries in taxes to the National receiver of Revenue (SARS), and the other 15% would go to the Town Council. Further more 80% of all personal income tax and 50% of Value added tax (VAT) in the area would also go to the Town Council. In todays money that would be somewhere in the region of 13 Billion Rands, and as per your projected growth would reach 47 Billion Rands in 5 years. We would also offer our assistance in negotiating supply contracts with foreign governments to better accelerate the implementation your increased production plans." Gaurdius : " What concerns us is a situation where we end up with millions of people flocking to the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex. The area is just 100 square kilometres, and thats 10km by 10km!" Paul Hendricks: " We have plans that would solve all that. We can offer you a loan at prime minus 4% for you to acquire the land that lies around the area at up to twice the market rate, but the land would have to be owned by the Town Council, and this will allow us to force the land holders to sell their properties. We will then create a 1 km security zone around the land" Gaurdius : " How much land are you talking about?" President Mbuto: " Current projections indicate that a radius of 121km around Crystalorb would make the most optimal solution" Gaurdius : " What would be the size of the loan?" President Mbuto: " The final figure would be 40 Billion Rands" Gaurdius : " If we could break for a moment while you take a tour of Crystalorb?" The two groups take a break as the South African Government officials are taken on a tour of Crystalorb. The tour includes the training facilities, the Crystalorb School and medical facilities. In the meantime the Council of Elders meets with the Guardian Council to explain the South African Government offer. After some heated discussions the Crystalorb Leadership made a decision to accept the South African Government offer. As the South African Government officials return to the meeting they are surprised to hear that the Crystalorb Leadership has already reached a decision. President Mbuto : " I didn''t think you would reach a decision that quickly" Gaurdius : " The Crystalorb Leadership has concluded that your terms are acceptable, and we will start construction immediately. When do you think you will be able to pass the necessary Constitutional Amendments?" President Mbuto : " We have already started the preparation of the necessary text and we hope the process will be completed within two months" Gaurdius : " We have 50 Billion Rands in cash invested through out the world markets, and we will begin bringing the funds to start the construction of the town, but since most of our assets are held in long term portfolios we will need those loans very quickly. The plans are in place to accelerate our production, and we should be able to be financially stable through this process" President Mbuto : " What''s the value of the assets held by the Crystalorb Trust?" Gaurdius : " We don''t know exactly! Since the Crystal Valley Industries is unlisted it is difficult to estimate its value, but by revenue the Crystalorb Trust should be in the top 500 in terms of net worth. Fortunately because there are thousands of members of the Crystalorb Trust not many people pay too much close attention." Dan Mjolo : " We still have some security issues to iron out. An example of that is the Hybrids who commit crimes and thus need to be incarcerated, but we lack the technology to adequately imprison them, which is where you come in. We can understand that you don''t yet trust us enough to supply us with your advanced technology, but you could in theory build a jail in this region for these Hybrids criminals" Gaurdius : " We can do that! From time to time we''ve found it necessary to incarcerate our people because of their actions, but fortunately none of the crimes have ever warranted long term confinement. When ever Crystalans break one of our laws they''re detained and confined in solitude to reflect on their actions, and after the requisite time they are brought before the Elders to determine whether they have truly seen the error of their ways. Crystalorb laws are designed to manage our interactions with each other, and to make us appreciate each other, so being confined in solitude teaches us the importance of human contact." James Mthetwa : " That kind of utopian ideology may not work with large populations" Gaurdius : " But it works for us" President Mbuto : " I would like to take this opportunity to thank Crystalorb for trusting us enough to make contact with us, and for agreeing to be true partners as we forge our way into the future." Gaurdius : " We at Crystalorb are pleased to have found friends in the South African Government who are willing to work towards a brighter future for all human kind." As they begin to disperse Dan Mjolo asks private questions. Dan Mjolo : " This whole place is amazing; is it made by some kind of Magic" Cyris : " Its not Magic; but the Science of Elemental Energies!" Dan Mjolo : " Science of Elemental Energies?" Lumen : " We believe that Elemental Energies are the source of everything in our universe, and Crystalans have learned to harness these Elemental Energies to produce everything you see here using the Science of Elemental Energies." Cyris : " But I will admit that Sprit Energy can be considered somewhat Magical!" - - - As the South African Government officials left Crystalorb there was new hope for permanent and lasting peace and security for Crystalorb. When the Council of Elders informed Crystalans about the agreement they had reached with the South African Government it was received with measured optimism, and the hope that this could be a new beginning for all humanity. The Council of Elders knew that having good relations with the South African Government was the only way to assure security for the people of Crystalorb. A few days after the meeting the Intrepid formally deployed on its peace keeping mission through out the world, and because of the agreement reached with South African Government the Intrepid''s mission had become that much more critical. Crystalorb decided to put together a 12 member rescue team to protect civilians in the expected wars. The team was called The Gallant 12 or G12, and it would eventually consist of: 3 Hybrids, 3 Former Hodians, 3 Crystalans and 3 Hybrids from the South African Military super soldier program The Gallant 12 or G12 teams would be based onboard the Intrepid until their independent facilities could be built, and that included; buildings, aircraft, cars, bouts and submarines. The crew of the Intrepid would have to prove to the world that humanity had nothing to fear from hybrids by making sure that the conflicts between the two groups did not get out of hand, and they had to accomplish this without being seen. In the meantime Governments around the world raced to acquire the Mutagenic recombinant RNA in order to apply it for military purposes. Hundreds of scientist around the world were secretly testing the Mutagenic recombinant RNA on lab animals, but others decided to forgo proper experimentation procedures and started human testing as soon as they acquired the Mutagenic recombinant RNA. The advanced research into the Mutagenic recombinant RNA quickly became the holy grail of bio-research as the medical applications of the Mutagenic recombinant RNA promised a new generation of remedies and cures for a host of diseases. There was great optimism in the medical community, as the hope for new Mutagenic recombinant RNA based medical technology was bringing prospects of tissue regeneration for spinal cord injuries. At the heart of the Hybrid Phenomenon was tissue regeneration which is also the primary special ability of the Hodians (HOD members). The HOD have 4 main abilities; Speed, Strength, Metallic Crystalline Transformation and Tissue Regeneration. With the Hybrid Phenomenon the Mutagenic recombinant RNA caused many of the individuals to have tissue regeneration and another of the 4 main abilities. Although nearly all the Hybrids had tissue regeneration, but this was not the only ability that the Hybrids were endowed with, and those who received the ability to transform to a Metallic Crystalline Skin also received the properties associated with the Metal in the Crystal. If the Metal in the Crystal is copper the resultant properties would be strength and electrical abilities that far exceeds that of the normal human body. Similar abilities could be observed for Iron, gold Bronze, Lead, etc. There were some undesirable properties resulting from the Mutagenic recombinant RNA contamination, and these properties were associated with the effects of the tissue regeneration on cancer cells. Because of tissue regeneration cancer cells were becoming immune to chemical and radioactive therapies, and thus leaving surgery as the only viable option, but because of this cancer treatment was becoming increasingly difficult amongst the Hybrids. - - - Meanwhile the Intrepid was already intervening in many situations around the African continent where the Hybrids are involved, and consequently in a matter of weeks the Intrepid was ordered by the Council of Elders to effect the rescue of 150 individuals who found themselves under threat because they had transformations as a result of the Mutagenic recombinant RNA that was introduced to the population through various vaccines. The construction of the Crystal Valley City was already underway even before the South African Government proposed the legislation that would amend the constitution and allow regional autonomy for Crystal Valley City. As the Crystal Valley Industries construction division began the construction requested by the Crystalorb Leadership, Crystalans were preparing to receive thousands of people who would in all likelihood arrive with nothing. The South African Government lived up to their promise of financial support, and the Government also speedily approved building plans and then allocated the requisite permits for Crystal Valley Industries construction division to quickly begin the construction projects. With government guarantees Crystal Valley Industries found it easy to secure financing for their expansion of the industrial output facilities. - - - - - - Chapter 16: Bridging the Gap - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 16: Bridging the Gap - - - Two months after the meeting President Mbuto gave a public address at parliament where he formally proposed the legislation that would amend the constitution and allow regional autonomy for Crystal Valley City. The President made the case for the change, and then made the following closing remarks. President Mbuto : " We are not advocating separate development, but recognising the Hybrids as a community. We the Government of the Republic of South Africa want to give them an opportunity to live without fear of discrimination, free to move and associate with who ever they choose. Therefore by affirming their community we seek to affirm their humanity. Madam speaker I have here a petition that includes the signatures of 150000 confirmed Hybrids supporting the idea of an autonomous region for Hybrids, and thankfully Crystal Valley Industries has offered to build the Crystal Valley City on their land. Crystal Valley Industries will invest billions of Rands of their own money because the owners of the company believe in peace, and this will guarantee that the cost to the state will be minimal. We have all been touched by the Hybrid Phenomenon, and there isn''t a family that does not have at least one member who''s been changed, so let us act to protect those we love from our own prejudices, let''s act to give hope to those who see no light at the end of the tunnel. I ask that parliament speedily pass this act to avoid further conflict between brothers! I ask that parliament pass this legislation to secure peace! I ask that parliament pass this act to secure the future for all our children!" A few days later the governing party used its two thirds majority in both houses of parliament to pass the legislation despite the opposition of other political organisations, and because this was no law but a Constitutional Amendment there was no requirement for public consultation. That meant that the changes would have immediate effect without the usual delays that sometimes accompanied changes of this nature. The Constitutional Amendment gave regional autonomy to 46000 square kilometres of land centred around the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex. It suited the South African Government to have the land transferred to a regional autonomy because the land was mostly desert area and had very little commercial value. Since most of the land was owned by the South African Government they stood to benefit from the 35 billion Rands land deal. The Council of Elders were happy to acquire the land in return for assured freedom and other tax benefits. The land would be held in a trust that would be controlled by the Crystal Valley City Council which would be elected by the citizens of Crystal Valley City. The Crystal Valley City would refund the Crystalorb Trust all their expenses at an interest rate equal to the annual inflation rate. The Crystal Valley City Council would receive 50% of the Crystal Valley Industries tax for 10 years, and 80% of personal income tax in the area would also go to the City Council, but 50% of Value added tax (VAT) would go to the National government. The Council of Elders and the rest of the Crystalorb Leadership elected to forgo any further taxes such as property rates and land taxes. - - - By the time the final agreement was signed the Crystalorb Leadership had already invested 57 billion Rands into the Crystal Valley City project, and 6000 Hybrids had already made their way to the Crystal Valley City and were actively helping with the construction of the town. As the numbers in the City grew the Crystalorb Leadership decided that it was time to hold elections for the first member of the 9 members of the City''s Executive Council. The City''s Executive Council would consist of 9 members, and each member would be elected to a 9 year single term of office. There would be no consecutive terms, and that meant that there was a compulsory 9 year cooling off period before a former Executive Council member could be elected to another term. Each year one member would be elected to the City''s Executive Council. For the first eight years the City''s Executive Council would function with additional members elected by the City Council for a single year term, and then the City Council would elect additional members annually until all the members of the City''s Executive Council were elected directly by the public. The City Council would consist of members who represent City districts with the ultimate objective being that one member represents 0.5% of the City''s population, giving 200 members of the City Council. As refugees continued to pour into the Crystal Valley City project the Crystalorb Leadership trained them and put them to work in building the City. There was a hive of activity as the community was hard at work building towards a new tomorrow. The Crystalorb Leadership sought the understanding of the Hybrids in the limitations of the Crystalorb Trust to meet all the desires of the incoming refugees. After the first member of the City''s Executive Council was elected the additional members were chosen by the City Council, but because of the first members status he was chosen as City Executive Council Chairman by the City''s Executive Council. As the Crystal Valley City population increased the City''s Executive Council realised the need for an adequate and capable Police department. Not all the citizens of Crystal Valley City were Hybrids, and some were immediate relatives of Hybrids. The population needed to be protected from rogue Hybrids, HOD interlopers and other destabilizing elements. The police would have to be highly capable, and that meant that the great majority of the city police would have to be Hybrids. Thata Molema the Chairman of the City''s Executive Council approached the Crystalorb Leadership for assistance in the formation of the Police department. Thata Molema wanted the Crystalorb Leadership to help in recruiting Hybrids with powerful abilities to be part of the Police force. Mr Molema was hoping that the Crystalorb Leadership would offer some of the Crystalorb defence forces as police in the interim, and that the Crystalorb Leadership would help with the training and equipping of the Crystal Valley City Police Department. The Crystalorb Leadership was hesitant to involve their people in a prolonged deployment under the command of an external authority, but they understood that the reasons were valid, and so the Crystalorb Leadership held a joint meeting with the Crystal Valley City''s Executive Council to discuss the matter further. Thata Molema : " Thank you for seeing us on such short notice" Gaurdius : " We are happy to lend any assistance possible" Thata Molema : " I feel a little awkward coming here to ask for more things after you have already given so much to our people" Isis : " We see Hybrids as part of our people too" Thata Molema : " Nevertheless as a representative of the people of the Crystal Valley City I hope you''ll help us in this regard. Time is of the essence, and every moment we delay the agents of chaos are gaining momentum" Gaurdius : " We understand the urgency, but there are some concerns about whether the kind of assistance you are requesting violates the Crystalorb Charter" Lumen : " You have to understand that the Crystalorb Charter is our supreme Law, it''s like our Constitution, the Law of Crystalorb. The first statement of the Crystalorb Charter says; Freedom is the right of every Sapient Being! Nothing we do must violate that, and we must always try to affirm that freedom" Thata Molema : " I don''t understand what you mean?" Gaurdius : " There is a reason we don''t go around behaving like super powered heroes, and it has to do with the limitations on power. Just because one has the power to intervene does not mean that one should intervene!" Jalen : " We have had many discussions on this matter, and we''ve resolved not to interfere with an individual''s freedom of choice." Lumen : " What that means is that people must be free to choose their own fate" Lerata : " If a person chooses to jump from the roof of a very high building to their death we must not interfere with that" Tshego : " Similarly; If another person makes a series of choices that eventually puts them in harms way we can''t intervene, because to act to change the consequence of their free choice would be to interfere with their freedom, and thus would be a violation of the Crystalorb Charter." Thata Molema : " But you acted to protect Hybrids by creating the Crystal Valley City, and you continue to rescue persecuted Hybrids from all over the world" Hamun : " We act because the fate of these people has already been altered or interfered with by the HOD, and the sum of their choices can never be realised. Since the HOD and the Crystalans have the same origins we consider it our responsibility to attempt to correct the course of destiny, to restore fate!" Thata Molema : " What you are saying is that you can''t be the police? But can you be protectors? Crystal Valley City has over 209 elected representatives, and these representatives represent the hopes and aspirations of the Crystal Valley City people. Can you protect the elected representatives?" Gaurdius : " Protecting the elected representatives would mean protecting the free choice of the people and by extension freedom. So yes we can do that!" Lumen : " We can also provide Training and advanced equipment to your Police" Thata Molema : " We also need your help in recruiting Hybrids with powerful abilities to the Crystal Valley City Police Department. It''s been our experience that the more powerful Hybrids want to be part of something greater than themselves, and we think you can provide a collective they can respect" Gaurdius : " We will help" Thata Molema : " When will you send your protectors?" Gaurdius : " We will immediately deploy 210 Crystal Armoured Vanguards to protect every elected official" Thata Molema : " What about the HOD elements?" Gaurdius : " Since the Crystal Valley City falls within our original defence structure we will continue to conduct patrols to seek out and prevent HOD activity in the area" Lumen : " We have been in conflict with the HOD for a long time now, but we hope to someday end our seemingly endless conflict with the HOD. Thata Molema : " We have Identified several people with extraordinary abilities who would be perfect for the law enforcement purposes, but our attempts to recruit them have been rebuffed. The first on the list is Dan Kive from Ethiopia with abilities caused by exposure to refined magnesium after the Mutagenic recombinant RNA infected him. The second on the list is Chris McFarlane from Scotland who goes by the name Red Falcon, and he has abilities related to the Mutagenic recombinant RNA reaction to red magnetite. The others on the list are just as powerful and would be a great addition to our law enforcement capabilities" Onala : " The Intrepid is currently above the Arctic Ocean, so we will send Nasan to rendezvous with the Intrepid and then make contact with this Chris McFarlane and try and recruit him to join our cause." Thata Molema : " There are others like Ben Olden in the USA, James Black in Canada, John Valdez in Mexico, Kara Tanaka from Japan, Leng Tao from China, Raj Montra in India, Indira Sanu in southern India. The list goes on and on!" Isis : " Dont worry, we will find them all, and with luck they will all join the fight for peace!" Cyris : " The call for Justice is hard to ignore, and in the presence of the energy of the Spirit Stone we can make the most compelling argument, and to that end we will bring them here to make our case for peace." The Council of Elders ordered Nasan to travel to rendezvous with the Intrepid, and since Nasan was the commander of the Expeditionary Recognisance she was escorted by four Vanguards from her command. - - - When Nasan arrived onboard the Intrepid she immediately requested to see the captain of the Intrepid to discuss her mission, but she also wanted to reconnect with her friend and former commander. As Nasan walks into the captain''s office she finds Esara focused on holographic images detailing a desert area, so Nasan stands at attention and salutes the captain of the Intrepid. Nasan : " Recognisance Commander reporting Captain!" Esara : " At ease Commander" Nasan : " It''s good to see you again Captain" Esara : " Likewise Commander" Nasan : " It''s been a long time Esara! How''s life in the sky?" Esara : " You never think about it, but I do miss the ground" Nasan : " How are the Kids?" Esara : " They are adapting well. And yours?" Nasan : " They''re a bit of a handful, but also a blessing" Esara : " Good! I''ve received the brief about your mission objectives. When I accepted command of the Intrepid it never occurred to me that I would be running a taxi service for Hybrids, but the work is growing on me. Just today we rescued a family from Iceland who were being blamed for the melting Ice on the mountains near their home town, and all this because they took a dip in the hot springs after receiving supposedly free vaccines from a local free clinic" Nasan : " It must be hard to watch humanity turn on its own?" Esara : " Yes!" after brief pause "But we have to withstand! I regret to inform you that the Intrepid''s assistance to your mission will be limited. I can''t offer you the protection escort you requested" Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Nasan : " Why not?" Esara : " There is a situation developing in Chad and the Council of Elders has ordered me to intervene, and since we are already short staffed I can''t spare the people, but I will send Nalen with you to provide air support since you will have to touch down to make contact with this Chris McFarlane" Nasan : " You are going to send your husband? The greatest Guardian ever! To protect me?" Esara : " Hey! I thought I was your favourite Guardian" Nasan : " There''s no question that you are fantastic, but Nalen is just amazing!" Esara : " He is that! But more than his fighting abilities is his ability to make a personal connection with Hybrids. Somehow they understand him and accept him as one of their own without question." Nasan : " When can we depart?" Esara : " Your Armours are being recharged, the process takes about 2 hours, and at current speed we should be near the British coast in 110 minutes" Nasan : " What do you make of the developments that are occurring with the Crystal Valley City? I wonder if we''ve somehow opened the door for the HOD to just walk right in and take over." Esara : " I wondered the same thing" Nasan : " And?" Esara : " Nalen and Ocyris remain unconcerned" Nasan : " Why?" Esara : " You know how meticulous they are! Nalen tells me that the new Crystal Armour is equipped with a new system that detects residual HOD energy. To put it simply the Crystal Armour can immediately locate anyone who has used the Manacle of Destiny and has not been in contact with Spirit Stone energy to purify their energy system. Nalen tells me that the Crystalorb Command Centre can find anyone who has had contact with HOD energy anywhere in the autonomous region" As the two walked to the bridge to meet with Nalen they stopped over at the hanger where future baby ships would be based. The hanger facility was designed to allow the Crystal Armoured to rapidly depart the Intrepid in the event of an emergency or when large numbers of Crystal Armoured units were tasked on a major mission or operation. Located near the hanger was the mobile Crystal Armour recharged facility. - - - When Esara and Nasan arrived on the Intrepids bridge they found Nalen in communication with Ocyris through the Crystalorb Command Centre. Nalen called Ocyris to discuss Ocyris''s findings on the research concerning the Mutagenic recombinant RNA. Nalen : " I''ve been looking at your report, and something doesnt seem right" Ocyris : " Hey? Our work is diligent and precise" Nalen : " That''s not what I''m talking about" Ocyris : " Then what is it?" Nalen : " It''s the DNA analysis" Ocyris : " What of it?" Nalen : " I''ve been running a comparative analysis of the DNA sequence of the 600 samples and I''m turning up an anomaly" Ocyris : " What sort of anomaly?" Nalen : " The same genetic markers keep turning up in every sample, and this can only mean that the source of the DNA is a single individual" Ocyris : " It makes sense that the HOD would select one individual to provide the sample which they then replicated" Nalen : " And the mutagenic properties of the RNA seem far too natural." Ocyris : " What are you saying?" Nalen : " I did some work on cellular mutation, but the mutagenic properties of this recombinant RNA seems more naturally refined, it''s not entirely viral, but more like stem cell regeneration" Ocyris : " Are you saying what I think your saying? Are you trying to tell me that the Mutagenic recombinant RNA is no more than Hodian stem cells? Thats just not possible!" Nalen : " Naole helped look at the DNA records of all the Hodians who made it to Crystalorb, and I have to conclude that it is unlikely that the individual who provided the sample is in the current generation of the HOD" Ocyris : " How can you be sure?" Nalen : " There is a particular sequence of genetic marker in the chromosome that I''ve only ever seen in one other DNA sample. Not even Lord Tsela and the others who''s DNA sample we collected during Crystalorb''s first meeting with the HOD" Ocyris : " No! It can''t be!" Esara : " What is it?" Nasan : " I dont understand what they are talking about either" Nalen : " The particular series of genetic markers in the chromosome I''m talking about is that contained in the DNA of Lesedi" Nasan : " Are you saying that the HOD have Lesedi''s DNA sample?" Ocyris : " No he''s talking about Ralefa" Nalen : " The fact that the particular series of genetic markers in the chromosome of the so called Mutagenic recombinant RNA is Identical to the X chromosome in Lesedi''s DNA points to the fact that the two people concerned had the same mother. This can only mean that the HOD must have somehow stored stem cells from Ralefa" Ocyris : " And since stem cell research is a recent science the HOD must have frozen Ralefa''s body. I new there had to be a more plausible explanation for HOD advancements in the Area of mutagenics." Nalen : " The original Crystal infection that mutated and then transformed both Ralefa and Lesedi was largely unstable. It is this instability in the original mutation that the HOD have harnessed to produce the Mutagenic recombinant RNA." Ocyris : " This means that they have a limited supply of these stem cell extract. Another positive point is that this means that world governments will not have the ability to replicate the Mutagenic recombinant RNA, and once their current stockpiles of the vaccines infected with Mutagenic recombinant RNA runs out they will have to look to the offsprings of Hybrids for recruits for their super soldier projects." Esara : " How much of the mutagenic vaccines were produced?" Ocyris : " Our estimates put them at 150 million doses, but around 25 million were destroyed in Air raids, and 119 million doses were actually used, thus leaving some 6 million in the hands of governments around the world. The HOD offered 90% of the vaccines mainly in the form of influenza vaccines to the world''s poor people. This was an act of sadistic genius on the part of the HOD, and by giving the poor physical power it gave them the power to act against the wealthier individuals in societies. The HOD clearly wanted to destabilize the world, but our intervention created a counterforce to their appeal to the Hybrids. Nevertheless our analysis indicates that nearly 700,000 Hybrids have been recruited into the ranks of the HOD as Enforcers. The promise of wealth and security is very appealing for people who were already struggling, and now find themselves persecuted by even the poor for being different. We expect that the Enforcers will exceed 10 million in ten years, and with numbers like that the HOD will finally have the power to take over the continent, or possibly the world! Unless Crystalorb finds a way to stop them?" Nasan : " I now see why my mission is so important. Crystal Valley City is meant to be a counterforce to HOD appeal. The Crystal Valley City gives Hybrids more options than being a soldier in a secret army who''s intensions one knows nothing about. By recruiting these people to be part of the Crystal Valley City authority we are giving birth to new hope for a more secure and peaceful future." Esara : " Already Hybrids from all over Africa are making their way to Crystal Valley City, and since 35% of the vaccines ended up in Africa the potential for Continental Chaos is greatest in Africa. The HOD are counting on the weaknesses of African Republics to be a catalyst for whatever twisted plans they have for Africa and by extension the World." Ocyris : " Nalen; I will immediately report your findings to the Council of Elders. End Com!" Ocyris disengages the Joint Communications Channel with Intrepid. Nasan : " It''s almost time; I have to get ready." Esara : " Be careful Nalen! There might be HOD personnel watching this Red Falcon" Nalen : " Always!" Nasan : " Lets get going then!" Nasan and her 4 escort Vanguards along with Nalen departed the Intrepid on route for the highlands of Scotland to make contact with the individual who goes by the alias Red Falcon. Nalens new Crystal Armour had a Clear Crystal on one of the hands, and this allowed him to become invisible while in Crystal Armour. All those with Clear Chest Crystal could in theory become invisible without Crystal Armour, but only a few advanced minds such as Ocyris, Anun, Inala, Aman and other senior leaders could manage such an ability. - - - When the group arrived in Scotland Nasan ordered that they shadow Chris McFarlane until an opportunity to make contact arose. As Nasan observed Chris McFarlane for 30 minutes she notice that he walked around pretending to be just an ordinary man, and he lived amongst the population without them being aware of his extraordinary talents. To Nasan the pattern of Chris McFarlanes behaviour correlated with that of comic book super powered heroes. It''s around 6:45 PM, and Chris McFarland was walking around in his backyard, Nasan decides that it was time to make contact. Nasan : " Mr McFarlane! Can we have a word?" Chris : " Who said that? Show yourself!" Nasan : " As you wish!" Nasan disengaged her invisibility field to reveal herself hovering 1 meter above the ground and 2 meters from Chris McFarlane. Chris : " Ooh my God!" Chris McFarlane then activated his ability and transformed himself to a red magnetite Metallic Skin, and thus becoming the Red Falcon. Nasan : " There is no need to be alarmed Mr McFarlane! We mean you no harm" Trying to overcome his shock Chris McFarlane composed himself enough to speak. Chris : " What are you? What do you want from me?" Nasan opened her helmet face cover to reveal her face in an attempt to put Chris at ease. Nasan : " From the Council of Elders gathered in this time of crisis and confusion, Crystalorb here reaches out to humanity!" Nasan partially disengages her Crystal Armour''s glove to reveal her right hand, which she then extends to Chris and then awaits him to step forward and touch her hand. Chris : " Who are you?" He spoke as he touched Nasan''s hand "Where did you come from?" Nasan : " Greetings Chris McFarlane!" As Nasan spoke she released energy that forced the red magnetite to retreat and thus transforming Chris McFarlanes skin from Metallic to normal. Chris : " How?" clearly surprised "You drained my energy? How did you do that?" Nasan : " I am Nasan Lesedi; Envoy of Crystalorb, Commander of the Expeditionary Recognisance, Guardian Third Class!" after a brief pause "Sent by the Council of Elders to protect the future!" Chris : " The Legendary Crystal Guardian!" Nasan : " So you''ve heard of us Mr McFarlane!" Chris : " Please call me Chris! I''ve always thought that you were just a myth; an urban legend!" Nasan : " Chris; I don''t know what you''ve heard, but I have been sent here to deliver a message Chris : " What message? And who sent it?" Nasan : " The Council of Elders want to speak to you Chris; they want you to come to Crystalorb for a meeting" Chris : " What meeting? And what''s Crystalorb?" Nasan : " Crystalorb is our home. The meeting will be held in Crystalorb, and you and all the other Hybrids who have freely chosen to protect their world from the forces of destruction are invited" Chris : " Like a hybrid hero meeting? Cool!" Nasan : " What is you answer Chris McFarlane?" Chris : " Of course I''ll come!" Nasan : " Then we must move quickly! There might be HOD forces watching us, and we can''t afford a confrontation" Chris : " So you know about the HOD?" thinking out loud "Of course you do, they are your mortal enemies, your antithesis, your opposite and counterforce!" Nasan : " Our problems with the HOD are Ideological, not fundamental, and if they should change their Ideological position on the future of the world we will once again be one family." Chris : " The HOD offered me wealth and power if I joined their cause, but I just could not stomach the whole world domination thing" Nasan : " Yet they let you live?" Chris : " They said the time will come when all Hybrids will have no choice but to stand together" Nasan : " The HOD are not to be taken lightly, you are lucky they did not perceive you as a threat to their plans" Chris : " By the way; how will we be travelling?" Nasan : " By ship!" Nasan then attached an energy field around Chris and activated her Crystal Armour''s stealth and flight systems allowing both of them to fly. When they arrived onboard the Intrepid Chris was amazed at the technological capabilities of the Crystalans, and to Chris the Crystalans seemed to be operating at a level that seemed out of this world. The Intrepid proceeded to collect other Hybrids from all over the world, and Chris McFarlane was instrumental in convincing them to come along and hear the Crystalorb Leadership''s proposal. These series of events were about to change the world forever, and the Hybrids would be at the heart of the changes that were about to take place. Back at Crystalorb preparations for the meeting were underway, and the Crystal Valley City police were awaiting the arrival of the super powered Hybrids. - - - Chapter 17: The Gathering - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 17: The Gathering - - - On 10-11-2006 the Intrepid landed at landing platform 6 in the Crystal Valley autonomous region of the Republic of South Africa. The Intrepid brought with it 3000 refugees and 350 Hybrid heroes. The Hybrid heroes were there by special request of the Council of Elders, and the Hybrids knew that the Crystalorb Leadership wanted to make a proposal to them directly. The Hybrids had never seen Crystalorb and upon entering the underground homeland of the Crystalans it became clear to them that the Crystalans were more powerful than any of them had imagined. Before the meeting began the Hybrids were taken on a tour of Crystalorb, and they were also shown a brief history of Crystalorb, its culture, its laws and its governance. When the visitors had some understanding of Crystalorb the meeting began. As is customary the oldest member of the Council of Elders would speak for the Council and all the Crystalorb Leadership, and this was Gaurdius. Gaurdius : " In the name of all Crystalans I welcome you to Crystalorb" Anun lights a ceremonial torch which signifies the flame that sparked the light of hope. The torch is only lit when Crystalorb is in discussion with external forces to negotiate agreements that affect the well being of Crystalorb. The flame is a symbol that says that as long as there is light the darkness can always be defeated, and it forms part of the meaning of the Crystalorb warrior Oath. Gaurdius : " Ladies and gentleman; The Light of Hope! A hundred years ago Our ancestors were exactly where you are; Fate had entrusted Our people with a great power, but our power was limited, consequently we were forced to retreat to this place. Even though we had incredible abilities we could still be injured and killed by those who hated us; first because of our skin colour and racial group, and second because our physiology was different to their own. So we continued to hide in this area until one man gave us a measure of security, and that came in the form of Crystal Armour. When Olen created the Crystal Armour he could not have foreseen the gravity of the power he had unlocked. This proves the power of one individual in making a difference, the ability of one spirit to change the future! The Crystal Armour gave us the ability to defend ourselves against any foe, and we finally had the option to end decades of hiding, but it wasn''t meant to be. We quickly realized that the racist forces above would try to destroy us, and the resulting war with them would result in massive deaths of Africans. We resolved not to use our power in any way that might result in massive fatal casualties of innocent lives. 15 years ago things changed enough for us to make our re-entry, we would return to the world and share our light with world, but other forces had already entrenched themselves. After our first meeting with our cousins the HOD we found ourselves once again facing the prospect of ultimate destruction at the hands of our blood relatives. The HOD made it clear that unless we submit to their authority we would be destroyed. Once again one man made all the difference in the world, but this time it was Nalen Olen; grandson of the creator of the Crystal Armour. Nalen and his wife Esara are a double act! Nalen builds and advances the weapons technology, while Esara uses the weapons. In Nalen and Esara Crystalorb found its greatest champions, and because of the progress they were making the HOD found themselves on the defensive. The HOD were losing every battle, and every military confrontation with us was depleting their forces, an so they found a way to rapidly replenish their forces." The visitors whispered to each other the words "Hybrid Phenomenon. Gaurdius : " Exactly! The Hybrid Phenomenon is something that the HOD started in an attempt to out manoeuvre Crystalorb, and its working. Today the HOD outnumbers us 100 to 1, and in a few years it will increase to 1000 to 1. With such numbers they could plunge the world into permanent chaos and disaster. Realising this we instructed Nalen and Ocyris to build the Intrepid, and we created a Hybrid homeland in the name Crystal Valley City. The hope is that we can stop the Hybrid being used as cannon fodder in some future war the HOD may start in a mad attempt to take over the world. I have to stress that Crystalorb does not need Hybrids for its security! We have the technology and the power to guarantee the security of Crystalorb! In fact, by building the Crystal Valley City we have made Crystalorb more vulnerable to HOD attacks. We are keenly aware of the potential for HOD infiltration, but it is a risk we feel we have to take. Which brings us to the reason why we have invited all of you here? Crystalorb does not want to police Hybrids; we would prefer that the Hybrids police themselves. We dont need you to fight our wars, and we should not be involved in Hybrid conflicts. You are here because all of you have in some way chosen to protect the world. You are here because we believe that you can help to heal the world. Crystal Valley City needs a police force, and the Crystal Valley City Council believes that all of you would be perfect for their police force. Please understand that if you decide to join the police force you would also be required to assist your home towns with the arrest of renegade and destructive Hybrids. Crystalorb has for its part agreed to build and manage a detention facility capable of imprisoning even the most powerful Hybrids. If you decide to join you will also be required to help in the relocation of Hybrids in danger to Crystal Valley City. For your own safety and that of your families we dont want you confronting the HOD. The HOD are our problem, so let us deal with them. We have agreed to provide the Crystal Valley City police department with advanced Crystalan technology to help them carry out their duties. Should you choose to join the larger fight for the grater good you will be taken to our training facilities where 2000 volunteers from Crystal Valley City are currently being trained by our Mobile Assets Defence Division under the Command of Loj who is the Mobile Assets Defence Guardian. In the end what I''m asking you to do is; Step into the larger world and be part of the fight for the greater good!" After the address 297 of the Hybrids at the meeting decided to join the Crystal Valley City police department. Thata Molema was pleased with the result because he knew that the experience the 297 Hybrids brought to the Police service would be critical in a confrontation with rogue elements, and since the 297 Hybrids were amongst the most powerful they could even stand up to the HOD should the need ever arise. The new arrivals were then taken to the training facility where they would be equipped with a simplified version of the Manacle of Ilesia and trained in the proper application of the Manacle''s power. - - - Successive upgrades to the Manacle of Ilesia had made it an extremely powerful weapon system, and as the Crystalan operator reached 45 years of age the use of 2 Manacles of Ilesia would now allow transformations similar to that of a Grandlord. A surgical implant could allow for a more stable Metallic Crystalline transformation of the Skin that the Mobile Assets Defence Division named the Guardian Form. The Hybrids found that the Manacle of Ilesia allowed them to sustain their Metallic Crystalline transformation a hundred times longer than they would otherwise be able to, and the Manacle of Ilesia had other capabilities that they were completely without; like Flight, energy field shields and the ability to generate ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts. As the training got under way the Crystalorb ship Intrepid was docked at its platform for re-supply. The Crystalorb Leadership decided to let the Intrepid stay docked for the next month in order to allow for a full systems analysis, and associated performance review. The crew of the Intrepid was happy to have this time to reconnect with their friends and family after a long deployment. Over the previous two years the Intrepid had become the pinnacle of Crystalorb technology and the pride of the Crystalorb security forces, and even though the Crystalorb Leadership had decided not to implement their plan for the Intrepid to be outside the Crystalorb Command structure, but instead placed it under the direct command of the Council of Elders the ship had fulfilled its objectives. The Crystalorb Leadership felt that because of the Crystal Valley City the peace keeping role of the Intrepid was no longer necessary, and it was important that the Intrepid be available to the Crystalorb Command Centre should the need arise. Even Nalen understood this view, and since the ship was designed to reproduce it was important that the Crystalorb Command structure maintain adequate control over the vessel. The Intrepid had become a mobile base for Crystalorb Forces, and the role of the ship became of increasing importance as time progressed. Over the two and a half years that the Intrepid was deployed Esara had been training her two children along with anyone else who wanted to learn the advanced fighting techniques. The advanced fighting techniques were developed by Esara during her time as Expeditionary Guardian. The advanced fighting techniques were extended by Nalen who emphasized that training should be done without Crystal Armour. Esara taught Crystal Armour control while Nalen taught energy manipulation. Nalen''s students did not use Crystal Armour when training, and the primary focus of the training was not fighting, but the development of the mental disciplines required for advanced energy manipulation. Esara focused more on harnessing the energy of the Crystal Armour to improve one''s use of the Crystal Armour, and her methods centred around improving one''s control of all the capabilities of the Crystal Armour. Many of the Crew of the Intrepid preferred to study Esara''s Crystal Armour techniques, but for many of those not born with Chest Crystals Nalen''s methods held greater appeal. Although Nalen''s methods were developed for those with Chest Crystals many without Chest Crystals found them beneficial because the methods are focused on the individual mastering their own body without the aid of external devices. For those without Chest Crystals Nalen''s methods brought the promise of them being able to master the process of Transformation to a Metallic Crystalline Skin. Nalen believed that even those born with Chest Crystals should be able to transform to a Metallic Crystalline Skin without external aids. Casara and Naole attended both Nalen and Esara''s classes, but since Casara already received her Crystal Armour she was more focused on Esara''s methods while Naole gravitated more towards Nalen''s methods. Perhaps it was because Nalen was his father, but Naole took to heart Nalen''s Ideology and tried his best to apply it. Both Casara and Naole were due to complete their Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of South African in 5 months, and no one was more proud of them than their father Nalen. Casara majored in Physics and Chemistry, and Naole majored in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science just like his father Nalen. Casara and Naole were some of the youngest to ever complete the degree, but the Crystalorb Leadership was insistent that the university keep their age and progress a secret. Casara planned to take her vows of honour and follow in the footsteps of her mother by joining the Expeditionary Division, but Naole had no intension of becoming a warrior, and his plans centred around becoming a member of the Crystalorb Research Division. Because of the long deployments of the Intrepid Casara and Naole spent every day together and had become constant companions, more than brother and sister, but best friends. When the Intrepid was docked Casara spent every waking minute with her other best friend Enala, and it was during her stay at Enala''s home that she grew closer to Enala''s older brother Kato. Enala was 2 years younger than Kato, and he was 4 years younger than Naledi. Kato was about to complete his Vanguard training under Aman the Guardian of sector 2, and would formally be assigned to sector 2, but Casara encouraged him to seek to be assigned to the Intrepid so they could be close to each other. When a Vanguard is trained, the sector selection is determined by the month in which the individual was born, with January meaning sector 1. However once training was complete an individual could choose where they wished to be placed, although most chose to remain with the sector where they trained. Thus Kato had every intention to stay with sector 2 until Casara suggested that he should consider serving on the Intrepid. As the Intrepid was docked for the month Enala began to notice that the bond between Casara and Kato was more than friendship, but a deeper and more meaningful attachment. Enala began to feel a little left out as Kato and Casara grew closer and closer, so she turned to her other life long friend; Naole. Even though Naole was 19 months younger than Enala they had a history and Naole had the kind of intellect that could rival that of any adult. Naole was no ordinary 15 year old, and testament to his depth was the work he was doing assisting Nalen''s scientific research during their time on the Intrepid. Enala was surprised at how much Naole had grown emotionally and spiritually. To Enala''s surprise Naole was fast growing into a man of great depth, strength and character. The gap between Enala and Casara was growing, and it all had to do with their changing roles in Crystalan society. Casara was fast becoming one of Crystalorb''s warrior elite, over the 2 years Casara had developed into a highly trained Crystal Armoured warrior, but Enala was still in training Armour and was just preparing to take University Entrance Examinations. The two friends had less and less in common with each other, and even though they made efforts to stay connected it was clear that their friendship was changing, but both of them knew that this was just a transition and things would return to normal once they were once again in the same league. Naole more than anyone could understand Enala''s dilemma, he had spent most of his life rejected by others his age because he was ill, and later because he was more interested in seeking knowledge rather than what others his age were into. Consequently Naole was always available to hear Enala''s expressions of the feeling of being left behind, and in return Enala lend her ear to Naole''s fears, hopes and dreams. The Intrepid had been in port for 32 days and all the systems analysis work had been completed and the time for the Intrepid''s next 3 month deployment had arrived. But before the Intrepid could depart there were other ceremonies that the Captain of the Intrepid could not miss. Casara turned 18 years old and was now ready to take her vows of honour, and thus formally be accepted as a Crystalan adult. - - - The Vows of Honour were conducted during a ceremony where Crystalan youths formally become Crystalan adults. The Vows of Honour compelled adults to take responsibility for their actions, to live with honour and be truthful to their convictions. After taking the Vows of Honour an individual receives the right to take part in the governing of Crystalorb, in the form of voting, and the individual accepts the responsibility to defend and protect Crystalorb. Every Crystalan adult received an equal share of 50% of the dividends received by the Crystalorb Trust. Since 35% of the after tax profits of Crystal Valley Industries went to the Crystalorb Trust all the Crystalan adults share 17.5% of the after tax profits of Crystal Valley Industries. This meant that Crystalans had savings available for their personal use, and because of the size of the profits of Crystal Valley Industries this could be large amounts of money. In 2008 the after tax profits of Crystal Valley Industries was R29.634 billion, and that gave R10.374 billion to the Crystalorb Trust, which then allocated R891,466 to each of the 11637 Crystalan adults. And because most Crystalan adults did not use their portion of the dividends many chose to invest it with Crystal Valley Investment Bank; an investment bank that was owned by Crystal Valley Industries. The Council of Elders wanted Crystalans to have separate wealth as a security for the unlikely event that Crystalorb is destroyed and the Crystalans have to leave and live amongst the other people of the world. In the home of Esara and Nalen preparations were underway for Casara''s ceremony, and as the guests began to arrive Casara was delighted to see that her oldest friend Enala had come early to help her prepare. Because of the reputation of Esara and Nalen there was an unusual presence of many of the Crystalorb Leadership at the ceremony; these types of ceremonies were usually family centred, but on this occasion three Elders and 8 Guardians were at the ceremony. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Lord Lumen was requested by Esara to lead the ceremony. Lumen : " Thank you for coming everyone!" he takes a long pause "We are gathered here to initiate a very special young lady into adulthood. She is the daughter of two of Crystalorb''s most revered individuals. She comes from a line of extraordinary Crystalans, and at age 18 she is already one of the most accomplished people in Crystalorb. For the past 18 years she has harnessed the strength of her mother, she has absorbed the knowledge of her father, combined them and made them her own. Crystalorb is blessed to have Casara as one of its own. Step forward and answer Casara!" Lord Lumen read from Section 1 of the Crystalorb Charter and then asked; Lumen : " Do you accept the Laws contained in the Crystalorb Charter?" Casara : " I accept!" Lumen : " Will you abide by these Laws?" Casara : " I will!" Lumen : " Will you support these Laws?" Casara : " I will!" Lumen : " Do you understand the rules of honour?" Casara : " I understand!" Lumen : " Do you Vow to Live with Honour?" Casara : " I Vow to Live my life with Honour" Lumen : " Will you act with Honour?" Casara : " I Vow to act with Honour!" Lumen : " Do you understand the consequence of Honour?" Casara : " Yes I understand" Lumen : " Do you accept the consequence of Honour?" Casara : " I accept the consequence of Honour!" Lumen : " Having learnt, understood and accepted the rules of Honour! I Lumen an official of Crystalorb formally declare Casara Olen to be a Crystalan adult!" Everyone erupted in excitement. Lumen : " Stand with pride Casara; woman of Crystalorb!" As the formal ceremony concluded the party started, Music was turned on as the young people separated from the older folks and began to enjoy themselves. As the party continued couples could be seen pairing off and seeking more intimate conversations with each other. When the people paired Enala and Naole felt deserted by their friends so they decided to go for a walk in the hydroponics centre. It was during that walk that Naole and Enala began to explore other avenues of their friendship. For months they had found solace and comfort in their expanding friendship but had never explored the possibility of the friendship developing into more than a simple meeting of kindred spirits. So as they continued their walk through the hydroponics centre; which is the heart of Crystalorb''s food production Naole felt a sense of urgency. Naole was looking for the correct moment to bring up the subject of his growing affection for Enala, but he was fearful that his feelings may be unrequited. Naole : " It''s been quite a month!" Enala : " It has!" Naole : " Tomorrow I leave for another three to four months! And I ...!" Enala : " Yes?" she turns and looks him in the eyes "What is it?" Naole : " Forgive me if I speak out of term, but I have to say something, even though I may wish it unsaid a moment later." Enala : " Go on! I will hear whatever you wish to say to me" Naole : " The Idea of leaving Crystalorb unsettles me, and I find myself wavering in my resolve" Enala : " Why?" Naole : " For the past three days I''ve been wondering why I''m so reluctant to leave Crystalorb when my entire family is leaving with the Intrepid." Enala : " Yes?" Naole : " Then I realised that its not that I don''t want to leave Crystalorb" his eyes on the ground "but that I don''t want to leave someone in Crystalorb" Enala : " Mm-huh!" Naole and Enala look at each other in the eyes. Naole : " I don''t want to leave you Enala!" Enala : " You don''t?" Naole : " You disarm me Enala; You cut through all my defences. And I find myself helpless before you!" Enala : " I feel attached to you too." Naole : " I''ve treasured every moment we''ve spend together" holding both her hands "I find myself wanting to spend more time with you." Enala : " I would also like to spend more time with you too" Naole : " I know it seems crazy, but I think, I know, that I''ve Fallen in love with you!" Enala : " You have?" Naole : " How could I help falling for someone as incredible as you. How could any man escape such Gravitas! A man would sooner cut of his legs off than run from such splendid continence! I love you Enala! I stand before you and offer you the keys to my heart." Enala leans in and kisses Naole. Their intimate entanglement continues for around two minutes until their lips separate. Enala : " I love you Naole!" Enala''s mind quickly returns to reality "How do we do this?" Naole : " I don''t know, but I know we have to try" Enala : " But you''re leaving tomorrow!" Naole : " I haven''t had time to think about how we get it together because I''ve been preoccupied with if it would happen" Enala : " Perhaps you could find a way to fly back with the rotational Expeditionary teams" Naole : " The training Armour isn''t fast enough" Enala : " Casara received her Crystal Armour when she was 14, and you''ll be 16 in a month, maybe the Council of Elders would be willing to grant you Crystal Armour." Naole : " I dont know, the situation with Casara was the result of emergency conditions" Enala : " You''ve had the power to control Crystal Armour since you were 8 years old and they know it. There is no reason to deny you this opportunity!" Naole : " But there has to be a reason for them to...!" Enala : " Lets go to your mother; she could talk to my father" Naole : " But what do we tell her?" Enala : " Just tell her that you would like the same opportunity that Casara had" Naole : " I cant lie to my parents" Enala : " Of course you can! Kids do it all the time" Naole : " Not to my Parents! As their Chest Crystals grows older they have developed the ability to hear Broadcast messages from other Chest Crystals. They can hear your thoughts." Enala : " Then you will just have to tell her the truth" Naole : " Ok! But let me go alone. She may think youre influencing me if you''re there, and she would be right" Enala : " Ok! I''ll go home and wait for you there" The two embrace for a moment, and then Naole rushes to speak with his mother. - - - Naole finds his mother engaged in conversation with Lord Cyris and Lady Isis. Naole : " Mother?" Esara : " Yes?" Naole : " I''ve come to a decision" Esara : " What about?" Naole : " Now that Casara will now officially join the Expeditionary Division and will no longer serve as emergency field Crystal Armour recharge personnel, I want the position." Esara : " That was just a title the Guardian Council created to legitimize an extraordinary situation" Naole : " Nevertheless I want to be afforded the same privilege! I''ve managed and controlled the power necessary to control Vanguard Armour since I was 7 years old, my academic work has been exemplary, I assist Father with his research and I''ve mastered the mental disciplines of Father''s methods. I''m ready." Esara : " I sense that you have other reasons for wanting Crystal Armour" Isis : " Yet by Giving Casara Crystal Armour at age 14 we set a president, we have no legitimate reason to refuse Naole his right to Crystal Armour" Naole : " I know youre apprehensive mother; Afraid that I will get Hurt! But deep down in your heart you know that it would take an extraordinary power to harm someone with my abilities." Esara : " It is precisely those abilities that concern me" Cyris : " What abilities?" Esara : " Physically! Naole is more than six times stronger than anyone his age. His muscles are ten times denser than that of any Crystalan. His Chest Crystal is twice the size of that of anyone else, and the Blue Chest Crystal generates more than six times the amount of electrical energy of the Clear Chest Crystal" Cyris : " How come we don''t know anything about this?" Esara : " I dont know if Crystalorb is ready to have a 15 year old in Guardian Armour?" Naole : " I''ll be 16 in a month" Cyris : " A 15 year old in Guardian Armour?" Esara : " Because thats what we are going to get if we try and upgrade his training Armour. The question then becomes is Crystalorb ready for such power to be in the hands of a boy." Isis : " But still; Still! I say we accede to his request! Naole has proven himself to have an insurmountable will, and If giving him Crystal Armour today means that he will be that much more prepared to face our enemies when he comes of age; then I''m all for it!" Naole : " Mother; I know your in contact with father, so what does he think?" Cyris : " Clearly the boy was born to wield the power of a Crystal Guardian! Don''t stand in his way!" Esara : " He is my son! I don''t want the Crystalorb Leadership sending him to fight Grandlords!" Cyris : " None of us want our children fighting the HOD, but it''s inevitable!" Isis : " So we train and prepare them the best we can for the day when they have no other choice but to fight" Cyris : " In the meantime we work to make sure that day never comes!" Esara : " Nalen agrees with all of you! So I will set aside my fears and trust my husband. Nalen says that he will meet us at the Spirit Stone" Isis : " Then lets go and usher in a new generation of Guardians" Cyris : " I can''t wait to see the extent of the capabilities of the Blue Crystal" Naole : " Thank you mother" Esara : " Remember that Crystal Armour comes with great responsibility Naole" - - - The three Elders, Nalen, Esara, Inala, Casara, Kato, Enala and Naole gathered at the Spirit Stone Chamber for Naole''s upgrade from training Armour to Crystal Armour. To access the power of the Spirit Stone it was necessary for at least three people who had been in prolonged contact with the Spirit Stone to touch the Spirit Stone. And since the Council of Elders had the most contact with the Spirit Stone they were the most natural choice. Next in line were the Guardians, and this was because every time they upgraded their Crystal Armour they touched the Spirit Stone. Vanguard and Vanglead Armour systems could be upgraded through the Armour repair centre, but upgrading from Vanguard type Armour to Vanglead type Armour, or from Training Armour to Vanguard Armour the process required that the user stand before the Spirit Stone. For upgrades to Guardian Armour the candidate would have to touch the Spirit Stone in the presence of at least three people who had been in prolonged contact with the Spirit Stone, and any systems upgrades to the Guardian Armour required that the Guardian touch the Spirit Stone. Furthermore Guardians could instantly recharge their Guardian Crystal Armour by just touching the Spirit Stone. Then the three Elders touched the Spirit Stone. Lumen : " In the name of Crystalorb I unlock the seal" The Spirit Stone activated and an aura appeared around the Spirit Stone. As Naole brought his Training Armour. Cyris : " Because of the fundamental differences between your Blue Chest Crystal and the Clear Crystal that mainly forms your Training Armour you have to touch the Spirit Stone directly" Isis : " Go ahead Naole, Touch your destiny!" When Naole touched the Spirit Stone the energy of the stone was infused into his entire body causing all the Blue, Red and Clear Crystals in his body to be filled with Spirit Stone energy. As the Crystals in his skin became energized they began to transform Naole''s skin to a deep Blue Crystalline form. A beam of light from Naole''s Chest Crystal then illuminated his Training Armour forcing the Training Armour into direct contact with the Spirit Stone, allowing Spirit Stone energy to flow through Naole to the Training Armour, and this transformed the Training Armour into a Guardian Armour locked in a Guardian Armour sphere. When Naole let go of the Spirit Stone his skin returned to Normal Nalen : " I knew it!" Isis : " Naole its time!" Cyris : " Say the Oath of Crystal Armoured Crystalan warriors" Young Naole steps forward and touches the Deep Blue Crystal Armour sphere. Naole : " I am the light on the hill!" The Guardian Armour sphere begins to open "The line in the sand!" Light energy increases, making it hard to see Naole "Here and no further!" The automatic Crystal Armour assembly was started and Naole was covered in Guardian Crystal Armour. Naole''s Crystal Armour was almost completely Deep Blue in colour; The Armour''s Left hand Energy Crystal was formed from Dense Clear Crystals, the Armour''s Right hand Energy Crystal was formed from Dense Red Crystals and the Armour''s Chest Energy Crystal was formed from Dense Blue Crystals. Cyris : " How does it feel Naole? How does it feel to wear the legendary Armour of a Crystal Guardian?" Naole : " Its almost overwhelming! You were right father; there is a power level beyond that of a Crystal Guardian!" Esara : " So you can feel it as well?" Cyris : " Hes physiology is not that different from that of Nalen?" Nalen : " The energy of the Crystal Armour allows you to sense the potential!" Naole : " Father; how do we get there?" Nalen : " I havent figured that out yet!" Naole then took his new Crystal Armour to the Intrepid, and the others decided to return to Casara''s party. Enala chose to accompany Naole to the Intrepid, and Enala spent the night with Naole onboard the Intrepid, Enala''s parents simply assumed that she spent the night at Casara''s home along with Kato and the other teens. In the morning as Nalen was conducting status checks he saw Naole say goodbye to Enala in an intimate way, but decided to keep Naole''s secret. Of course Nalen could not keep anything from Esara. Nalen and Esara were connected in both mind and heart. - - - Then Nalen activated the Intrepid''s nuclear reactor in preparation for take off, he then activated the Intrepid''s weapon systems because at low altitude the ship has some limited vulnerability to ground based weapons like lasers and other energy weapon systems. When Nalen conducted a thrusters test it indicated to the Intrepid''s crew that it was time to get onboard and prepare for departure. After the Intrepid left Crystal Valley air space the weekly security meeting of the Crystalorb Leadership got underway. The topic of main concern was the intelligence reports from Expeditionary Recognisance indicating that the HOD is planning something big. Expeditionary Recognisance had been conducting surveillance of known HOD facilities and picked up increased activity at the HOD Enforcer training centres. The Council of Elders previously used their power of divination to determine what the HOD were plotting, but the HOD were using Negative Psionic Energy to somehow shield themselves from the divination abilities of the Council of Elders. The HOD was well aware of the power of divination, and they used it with great effect. Both Ralefa and Lesedi inherited the divining ability from their father; they then passed it on to their children, who then passed it on to their children, and so on and so on. The Crystalorb Leadership had to rely on other methods to determine what the HOD was up to, and this was the primary work of the Expeditionary Recognisance. Given increased Enforcer numbers the HOD were far more capable than ever, this meant that Crystalorb would have to be more vigilant. The main concern of the Crystalorb Leadership was that whatever the HOD is planning has to do with the Crystal Valley City. - - - - - - Chapter 18: The Cost of Benevolence. - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 18: The Cost of Benevolence. - - - As the population in the Crystal Valley City increased exponentially it became clear that the number of people in Crystal Valley City was growing faster than the Crystalorb Leadership had anticipated. The Crystal Valley City budget was ballooning beyond the ability of Crystal Valley Investment Bank to secure adequate financing to meet the objectives, and by the end of the 2009 Financial year the Crystal Valley City budget would reach R28 Billion the largest of any South African city. The income of the city was at R19 Billion, and that left a budget deficit of R9 Billion. The budget deficit was financed through loans from Crystal Valley Investment Bank, and this was threatening to undermine the liquidity position of the bank. Because the Crystal Valley City Council had contracted the Engineering Division of Crystal Valley Industries to build large residential complexes it absorbed a lot of the refugees as labour, but this was limited to a small proportion of the population. It was estimated that Crystal Valley Industries provided 300,000 jobs in the area through all the sectors where it operated. Other businesses provided a further 600,000 jobs, and that left 60% of the adult population in the City still unemployed. Since many of the residents of the City were classified as refugees the Crystal Valley City Council accepted responsibility for feeding and housing these people, and all this without help from the South African Government. The refugees were pouring into Crystal Valley City in their thousands, and the City Council was consistently turning to the Crystalorb Leadership for further loans and budgetary support. The lack of fiscal discipline on the part of the Crystal Valley City Council was of great concern to the Crystalorb Leadership, and because of the expansion plans of Crystal Valley Industries Crystalorb had incurred massive amounts of debt to finance the expansion projects. The Crystalorb Leadership quickly realised that they had financially over extended themselves, and would therefore require further loans to complete the production expansion program. Having exhausted their International avenues of finance the Crystalorb Leadership resolved to seek assistance from the Government of the Republic of South Africa in finding further financing for their build programs. The Crystalorb Leadership made contact and arranged to meet the president of the Republic of South Africa at his official residence to discuss the ways in which the Government could help. For the first time the Council of Elders decided to send and Elder outside the Crystal Valley region to meet the president in Tshwane. Lord Cyris was accompanied by Inala, Ocyris, Tumi, Loj, Nasan and Lenong. For security reasons the group travelled on the Intrepid. The Council of Elders ordered the Intrepid to remain above the city to provide protection for Lord Cyris and his team. Before the Intrepid left on the mission to Tshwane Naole and all the young people who were not considered Crystalan adults were taken back into Crystalorb for their own safety, and Casara was assigned the task of looking after all the young people who''s parents were still onboard the Intrepid. - - - Lord Cyris was warmly received by the president of the Republic of South Africa and other members of the cabinet. President Mbuto : " That invisibility thing is amazing! One moment there was nothing and the next moment there you were" Cyris : " It has its benefits" President Mbuto : " I understand youve run into some Budgetary Problems" Cyris : " Indeed we have Mr President" President Mbuto : " I know something about Budget problems! I''m running a Budget deficit during an election year. The opposition thinks we are trying to buy votes using state resources, but all were trying to is keep our infrastructure development ahead of the current economic growth." Cyris : " Mr President we are experiencing some difficulties securing further financing to complete our expansion program" President Mbuto : " And you want a loan?" Cyris : " Our analysis indicates that our loan requirements exceed the ability of the South African Government to supply." President Mbuto : " So how can we help?" Cyris : " Our client Governments have the necessary Amounts, but they refuse to lend such amounts to a private company" President Mbuto : " They would however be willing to lend to South African Government." Cyris : " Yes sir" President Mbuto : " How much are we talking about?" Cyris : " R250 Billion Mr President" President Mbuto : " I dont know if my Government can justify such a sum" Cyris : " Mr President! Crystal Valley Industries has borrowed nearly R370 Billion from international markets. Money we used to buy South African input resources for our expansion, and because of our expenditure the South African economy has over the past three years grown at an unprecedented accelerated rate. Last year''s GDP growth reached 14% and it''s due to rise this year to 16%" President Mbuto : " All that growth has created all sorts of problems for the Government. Consequently service delivery expectations have never been higher, and all this hinges on your ability to increase your production." Cyris : " Which is why we need your help Mr President" President Mbuto : " There is significant opposition to your request from members of my party. Many in my organisation believe that you would not have these problems if the Crystal Valley City Budget was reigned in. Our parliamentary Caucus believes that the Crystal Valley City Budget is spinning out of control" Cyris : " Mr President the Crystal Valley City Budget is out of our control" President Mbuto : " But you keep footing the bill for the Crystal Valley City''s Budget excesses. Which is why your International creditors are concerned about your ability to support further debt." Cyris : " We have Financial obligations to see that the Crystal Valley City does not fail, and the South African Government agreed to help us with financing." President Mbuto : " And the South African Government has fulfilled our obligations. You would not be having these problems if the Crystal Valley City Government did not continue to bring in hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to the area" Cyris : " The Crystal Valley City Council is immovable on this point" President Mbuto : " And I can not be seen to be favouring Hybrids. Moreover Hybrids who are not South African Citizens. The department of Finance tells me that because of the amount of the debt repayments the profits of Crystal Valley Industries is due to drop to R50 Billion, and the consequence for the expanding Crystal Valley City Budget will be an even larger deficit." Cyris : " Mr President we have tied our destiny to that of the Crystal Valley City, and we are already locked in" President Mbuto : " Your request is Politically unworkable" Cyris : " But Mr President ...?" President Mbuto : " But nothing!" The president interjects "Unless you offer us something new, I can''t take this to my party" Cyris : " What will it take to secure your Assistance?" President Mbuto : " First we would need R100 million for our election campaign as a gesture of good faith. Second the South African Government would need equity in Crystal Valley Industries. Third we want access to some of your technology" Cyris : " Mr President the Crystalorb Leadership would rather see the South African economy experience a rapid slow down than hand over Equity in Crystal Valley Industries or give anyone access to Crystalorb technology" President Mbuto : " I expected as much, but I had to try! In return for 10% of Crystal Valley Industries we would give Crystal Valley Industries 50% of our defence Company ArmsCorp, and we would secure the loans you require at no additional cost" Cyris : " Why would you willingly give up control of your largest defence contractor, and at a discount at that?" President Mbuto : " The nation''s Defence requirements are rising, and we lack the necessary technology to put us on par with militaries of the world. What you have to understand is that our security is your security, and our military industrial complex is not developed enough to produce the kind of technology that is required to meet our future security needs. As it stands we are forced to procure weapons from Europe and America, but these weapons come with all sorts of conditions that are expensive in terms of Political Capital. We are not asking for Crystalorb technology, but that you apply your technological expertise to reverse engineer the advanced NATO weapons technology and then mass produce it at ArmsCorp." Cyris : " You want access to Crystalorb''s technical know-how without technology transfer?" President Mbuto : " Exactly! Our government is facing increasing threats from extremist groups, and this impedes our ability to secure peace for all Africans." Cyris : " Mr President; What kind of weapon systems are you looking for?" President Mbuto : " Our specific focus is in Naval Power! We are looking for a domestically produced Cruiser Class warship with Laser weapons capabilities, Nuclear powered, Advanced radar systems, long range weapons and a helicopter type flight deck capable of supporting about 5 aircrafts similar to the British Harrier but twice the size of the British Harrier!" Cyris : " So you want a Naval vessel and an Aircraft?" President Mbuto : " The way we see it, we have to be able to take the fight to our enemies where ever they are, and the weapon systems in our brief would allow us to do just that." Cyris : " Mr President the weapon systems you are talking about would cost us at least R20 Billion. There would need to be some further financial incentives for the Crystalorb Leadership to agree to take on such a costly exercise" President Mbuto : " The South African Government intends ordering 15 of these ships with their accompanying aircraft at an estimated prise of R4.5 Billion including the 5 Aircraft, and from our engagement with the defence forces of other African countries we expect that their Navies will require 30 of these vessels. Other countries around the world would also like to acquire such vessels but the costs of similar American and European are at R12 Billion, and thus the costs are prohibitive" Cyris : " Mr President I don''t know if such a system could be built at that low price, but ..!" he turns to look at the gesturing Ocyris Can we do it Ocyris? Is it possible?" Ocyris : " My Lord! Its possible! When we outfitted the first Intrepid we designed a warship similar to what the South African Government wants, and before the Crystal Armour was made flight capable Nalen designed an aircraft that could meet the desired objectives. All we would have to do is adapt the technology to conventional materials, but the lasers would require our Crystals to perform at respectable levels" President Mbuto : " How quickly can you adapt your technology? When can you produce working prototypes?" Cyris : " Mr President you have to understand that some of the Crystalorb technology can not be adapted using conventional materials, and Crystalorb can''t transfer Crystal growth technology; its unique to Crystalorb, so this will lock you into a process you can never control" Ocyris : " We could produce an aircraft prototype in two months, but the ship would take at least 11 months, and that is because our ship building facility on the coast of the Northern Cape is currently occupied with other projects" President Mbuto : " Can you elaborate on what you mean when you say that the technology can not be adapted?" Ocyris : " To put it simply! Most of Crystalorb technology is based on electromagnetic Radiation, and the electromagnetic components are made from HyperConductive Organic Crystals. Because the HyperConductive Organic Crystals are organic they can''t be manufactured, so they need to be grown. The Crystals require a specific energy type to grow, but there are only two sources for the particular energy type, and that is; The Spirit Stone and the Chest Crystal." Cyris : " Mr President, Our enemies have been trying for decades to duplicate our technology, but they failed because of this one unavoidable reality" President Mbuto: " So what you are saying is that Crystalorb could decide who gets these weapons, and if the South African Government decides to sell the weapons to a country you don''t like Crystalorb could simply refuse to build the weapons and that will be the end of that" Cyris : " Exactly Mr President!" President Mbuto : " So you have a veto on the use of the weapons. We thought you might insist on something like that, and we are comfortable with your terms. Does the Aircraft use the same Crystal technology" Ocyris : " Yes Mr President! To limit the operating costs associated with fuel, we use Crystals that can store enormous amounts of electrical energy. For your purposes we would package the energy storage Crystals like ordinary batteries, and batteries would drive powerful electromagnets which compress air and then push it out through 4 thrust vectored nozzles" President Mbuto : " What about Projectile weapons, and Missiles?" Cyris : " Mr President we''ve developed Projectile weapons technology that would cost effectively meet the defence requirements of the South African Government" This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. President Mbuto : " Explain!" Ocyris : " We use electromagnets to spin objects at very high velocity, and when optimal speed is reached it''s released into the sky at high velocity. When the spherical spinning projectile reaches the optimal altitude the internal guidance system take over and guide the bomb to target. Since the spherical projectiles are small they are difficult to detect, and can reach extreme distances; We were able to target distances in access of 3000 km." President Mbuto : " Then we agree to your terms!" Cyris : " And we agree to your terms Mr President!" President Mbuto : " My staff will quickly prepare the contracts and bring them to Crystalorb for the executives of Crystal Valley Industries to sign. I want to take signed documents to cabinet in three days." Cyris : " Thank you Mr President!" President Mbuto : " By the way my staff tells me that there is a large invisible object in the sky above the city, and they say something about a large flock of birds crushing into it. Apparently all our monitoring systems were unable to detect it! I take it that it has something to do with you?" Cyris : " Its my transportation Mr President" President Mbuto : " I guess that concludes our business, we will contact the Governments of Japan, India, China, Russia, France, Germany, the UK and the USA about that loan" Cyris : " Crystalorb thanks you Mr President" President Mbuto : " It is the people of this land who are blessed to have Crystalans as their own." - - - As the Crystalorb groups continued to have informal discussions with the Leadership of the South African Government they were completely unaware of the situation that was developing. Lesego the Deputy Guardian Commander had elected not to inform Lord Cyris''s group because she did not want anything to interfere with Cyris''s meeting. Furthermore the Council of Elders ordered that the Intrepid remain to secure Lord Cyris''s group. It all started when a Crystal Valley Industries barge transporting liquid hydrogen to India came under attack from HOD forces based on an Island off the coast of Madagascar. The Ilesian Guards from the Ilesian Division requested Expeditionary support so Peo despatched two Vanguard teams to assist the Ilesian Guards, but when the Expeditionary Vanguard teams arrived on the remote Island they found themselves confronted by 4 Overlords each with 20 Enforcers. When the Teams tried to retreat they found themselves under heavy attack and rapidly losing energy, and so the Council of Elders decided to send in a re-enforcing battle group to support their people on the ground. Because of the size of the Island the Crystalorb Command Centre concluded that the HOD would not be able to mobilize a large force on the Island. Believing that there was no real danger the Council of Elders asked Casara to quickly travel to the Island and recharge the pinned down teams. Being young and eager to serve, Casara and a third Expeditionary team rushed to the Island ahead of the re-enforcing battle group, but these actions proved to be a grave mistake on the part of the Crystalorb Leadership. By not informing the Intrepid of the developments with the Island the Council of Elders was hoping to keep the attention of the crew firmly focused on the meeting being held with the South African Government. The Crystalorb Leadership believed that the Island situation was an attempt by the HOD to lure the Intrepid away from the city, and this would allow the HOD to attack the meeting. The Crystalorb Leadership feared the Idea of the President being assassinated in the presence of Crystalorb forces. The Hodians were acting according to a pre-planned script, and they were executing it with precision. As soon as they saw Casara''s Red Crystal Armour they immediately assumed that it was the Red Guardian, and this activated the second phase of their plans. The HOD quickly brought in the 4 hiding Grandlords and their re-enforcing battle group to challenge what they thought was the Red Guardian. The 4 Grandlords were making short work of the 3 Vanguard teams, and the Crystalorb forces found themselves surrounded and with no way out. It was then that the Viceroy Lord Tsela decided to show himself. When the units on the ground reported the presence of Lord Tsela to the Crystalorb Command Centre it became clear that this was another trap that the HOD had set for Crystalorb''s Crystal Armoured warriors. - - - As all this was going on Enala and Naole were having a mini-crisis of their own, and it was centred around Enala''s insistence that they keep their relationship a secret. Naole felt that Enala was ashamed of him, and that she didn''t want people to know that she was with him. A few weeks into their relationship the two young lovers found themselves at a crossroads and the decisions they took would determine weather they stay together or are driven apart. As Enala and Naole argued at their secret location in the hydroponics centre they were completely unaware that they were being watched by Casara''s rival Amun. Because of the positions of their families in Crystalorb Amun had always felt that Casara was taking a place that would otherwise be his. Amun felt that the Red Chest Crystal gave Casara an unfair advantage and thus her use of the Red Chest Crystal was tantamount to cheating. Since Amun disliked Casara, his animosity extended to Naole, and during Naole''s early years he made a deliberate effort to ridicule Naole at every opportunity. But since the death of Amun''s father Kolen, Amun stopped his attacks on both Casara and Naole. However from his actions it was clear that Amun still harboured great animosity for Casara, and by extension Naole. Enala and Naole continued their heated discussion. Naole : " I wont be hidden away like some hideous monster!" Enala : " That''s not what I''m saying" Naole : " How I feel about you is like a light in my heart, and that light must be free to shine! Love is like a tree Enala, no tree grows in darkness!" Enala : " It won''t be forever!" Naole : " You would have me lie and deceive those in my life! You want me to pretend to be something I''m not! I wont apologise for who I am Enala!" Enala : " Try and understand my position, there''s more at stake than just you and me! I have to consider my father''s reputation!" Naole : " So you do think that being involved with a freak like me would ruin your family''s precious reputation and status" Enala : " I don''t think you''re a freak" Naole : " I love you Enala! But know this, I''m not ashamed of who I am, and I can''t tell you how disappointed I am that you want to hide me away! It''s sink or swim Enala! So acknowledge me or lose me!" Because Enala pauses and does not immediately respond Naole takes it as a bad sign and begins to walk away. Enala : " Wait! Naole!...Naole!" As Naole vanishes behind a door Enala bursts into tears. Amun : " He''s very angry with you!" Enala : " Amun; What are you doing here? How did you..?" Before she could finish. Amun : " Don''t worry; I wont tell anyone! Although it looks like there is nothing to tell!" Enala : " He just needs time to cool down" Amun : " No man wants to hear from his girlfriend or the woman he loves that he''s not good enough for her" Enala : " That''s not what I meant" Amun : " It''s not that he does not want to see the difficulty of your position, it''s that he can''t understand! You''re the daughter of an Elder, and he''s the son of warrior elites! Night and day I tell you! I''ve tried and failed" Enala : " What do you mean?" Amun : " Naole''s parents raised him to be calm, clear and precise the attributes of great warriors. He knows what he wants and does not allow anything to detract him from that. You on the other hand have witnessed your parents minister to the public''s aspiration, they manage peoples'' hope, and their ability to do so is very dependent on the people''s faith. Consequently you are constantly aware of how your actions affect your parents, but Naole''s parents have always encouraged him to walk his own path regardless of the consequences, and this is why he is amongst the smartest people in Crystalorb." Enala : " Naole''s parents taught him to make his own decisions" Amun : " And just like a true warrior he''s not afraid to act" Enala : " Even if it cost him the woman he loves" Then Enala breaks down further and becomes distort, and Amun offers her a shoulder to cry on. Amun : " I didn''t think you were the overly emotional type" Enala : " I''m not!" Amun : " Then what do you call this?" Enala : " I don''t know what''s wrong with me lately" Amun : " Dont worry; Everything will be fine" Enala and Amun continued to talk in that secluded area. Enala was unaware of what Amun was doing, and when he offered her alcohol she readily accepted it thinking that it would help her forget her heartache. As Enala became intoxicated she became more responsive to Amun''s sexual advances, and without fully understanding what she was doing she ended up sleeping with Amun at the very place that was supposed to be special to her and Naole. Enala was completely unaware of what was happening in Crystalorb, she could not have known what was happening. After Naole left the hydroponics centre he quickly became aware of the developing military situation. Naole rushed to his home and put on his Crystal Armour so that he could use the Crystal Armour''s communications system to gain access to the Crystalorb Command Centre''s Joint Communications Channel. - - - Naole stared listening just as the Crystalorb Command Centre was informing Esara and Nalen of the situation. Anun : " When we reassigned the two teams they were already at 50% energy, and once they came under attack we were concerned that they would not have enough energy to hold on until the reinforcing group could arrive. So we asked ..." Esara interrupts Anun. Esara : " No! Please tell me you didn''t! Please no!" Nalen : " What have you done?" Anun : " We couldn''t have known that it was a trap!" Esara : " Then we must set course for the Island immediately" Anun : " I''m sorry Esara! But the Crystalorb Leadership has decided that the Intrepid should stay to protect Cyris and President Mbuto." Gaurdius : " A reinforcing group will arrive there shortly, but we can''t afford for President Mbuto to be killed in our presence" Nalen : " You send my daughter into a Hodian trap, and now you are trying to prevent us from helping her" Esara : " Is she still alive?" with anger in her voice "Is my baby still alive?"" Lesego : " Our sensors indicate that there are only five of our people still alive" Anun : " And she is one of them! They are taking shelter in a cave" Nalen : " That''s it! I''m going! The Crystalorb Leadership can stop the Intrepid going, but I''m free to go there" Esara : " Let''s do it!" Gaurdius : " Wait! Our analysis indicates that the trap was set for the Red Guardian, and they mistook Casara for you Esara" Nalen : " Then they made a grave mistake, because they will now have to face two Red Guardians" Esara : " If they harm my child there will be extreme consequences for all the Hodians" Nalen : " They will pay through the nose!" As Nalen and Esara rapidly fly towards the Island the Crystalorb Command Centre noticed someone in Crystal Armour leave Crystalorb without permission. Lesego : " Who is that?" Anun : " It''s Naole" Lesego : " When did he receive Guardian Crystal Armour?" Anun : " It was done in secret a several weeks ago" After a brief pause "He''s fast! Very fast!" Lumen : " It''s the power of Naole''s Blue Guardian Crystal Armour!" Gaurdius : " If that girl dies those two will hunt down the HOD Leadership where ever they are." Isis : " And in their quest for vengeance they could plunge the world into Chaos" Lumen : " We must give them more Guardian support" Anun : " And send more Guardians into what is clearly a trap?" Gaurdius : " The HOD is up to something! We must not act impulsively" Isis : " If we don''t do something the Red Guardians could be killed" Anun : " There are greater concerns than the fate of one girl" Gaurdius : " Experience tells us that the HOD have something big in the works" Isis : " May our people forgive us" As the reinforcing Crystalorb BattleGroup approached the Island Anun ordered them to conduct high altitude raids on the HOD forces and prevent them from taking the cave where the remaining Expeditionary units were hiding. This was clearly a cautious approach on the part of the Crystalorb Command, and it was designed to limit the risk of the Crystalorb battle group. Esara and Nalen who were listening to the Crystalorb Joint Communications realised that fear had paralyzed the Crystalorb Leadership. The Crystalorb Leadership was afraid of being drawn into a large confrontation like the one in the Central African Republic. The Crystalorb Leadership knew that even four years later they still had no answer for Lord Tsela''s Metallic Golden Crystalline Form. Consequently they resolved to just buy time for Esara and Nalen to arrive even though they knew that Lord Tsela was still more powerful than the Red Guardians. - - - - - - Chapter 19: The Quest for Revenge. - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 2: Restoration of Hope - - - Chapter 19: The Quest for Revenge. - - - The Red Guardians were moving faster than anyone had predicted the new Crystal Armour was capable of, and because they reached speeds in excess of mach 18 at Hypersonic altitude they were rapidly approaching the Island. But Naole was moving much slower because he had not had much experience with Hypersonic altitude manoeuvring. Esara and Nalen knew that they were walking into a trap, and Nalen could not repeat the attack he used on the HOD in the Central African Republic without risking Casara''s life. Esara and Nalen knew that this was going to be a hand to hand confrontation, and they would match the power of the Crystal Lance against the power of the Manacle of Destiny. Esara and Nalen realised that in the fight to come the balance of power would be determined by the upgrades Nalen had introduced to the Crystal Armour, and as the Red Guardians made their final approach they began to finalize their battle strategies. The Red Guardians were using the Crystal Armour''s internal Communications Channel to speak directly to each other. Nalen : " Switching Armour power to Maximum" Esara : " Likewise! Charging Crystal Lance" Nalen : " You take the Viceroy! I''ll deal with the Grandlords" Esara : " Those are pretty bad odds Babe!" Nalen : " Yeah! The fools don''t stand a chance" Esara : " I love you Nalen!" Nalen : " I love you too Esara!" Coming in at high speed Esara and Nalen launched their attack on the Hodian elite resulting in debris flying all over the place because of the large electrical discharge. Esara once again took on the ultimate power of Lord Tsela''s Metallic Golden Crystalline Form while Nalen engaged no less than 4 fully powered Grandlords. The assaults by the Red Guardians managed to separate the Viceroy from his Grandlords and thus prevented them from forming a combined front. - - - Esara was using her new and improved Crystal Armour to successfully deflect Tsela''s plasma energy attacks, and the faster flight manoeuvrability was allowing her to successfully evade Tsela''s physical attacks. The Grandlords had never faced Nalen in battle, so they could never had foreseen just how powerful he was, and with the enhancements caused by the Blue Crystals he received when he experimented on himself to develop a cure for his son Naole he was in a league of his own. Esara and Nalen had developed a technique where they threw the Crystal Lance at high velocity, then they attached an energy field around the Crystal Lance which then allowed them to control the Crystal Lance like a guided bullet. The purpose of the method was to catch their opponents off guard. Nalen was using the technique with great effect by physically attacking one Grandlord while attacking another using the Crystal Lance. Esara was using another technique to great effect; she was using the Communications Crystal on her helmet to generate multiple holographic images of herself, and in the confusion of combat Tsela could not determine which of the fast moving images was the real Esara. Esara''s technique left Tsela vulnerable to Esara''s attacks, and for a while the cards seemed to be in Esara''s favour despite Tsela''s incredible strength and power. Nalen quickly realised he could not indefinitely sustain an attack on the 4 Grandlords. Nalen decided that to win he would have to reduce their numbers, and so Nalen devised a plan to cut down the number of his opponents. Nalen pretended not to notice that two of the Grandlords were trying to sneak behind him while he was engaged in energy attacks with the other 2 Grandlords. Nalen then allowed the 2 Grandlords to each grab one of his arms at the shoulder and elbow. The two Grandlords grabbed Naole from behind because they thought that they would be safe from Nalen''s Armour Chest Energy Crystal, but the Grandlords never thought to consider Nalen''s energy field, and Nalen had compressed his energy Field shield so that it was just a few millimetres from the surface of the Crystal Armour. So when the 2 Grandlords touched Nalen''s energy Field shield he was able to attach an energy field around the two Grandlords. Nalen then quickly flew 200 meters into the air and started rapidly spinning his now expanded energy shield along with the 2 Grandlords, and when Nalen released the two Grandlords they went flying through the air and landed in the ocean some 2 km away from the battle zone. With two Grandlords temporarily away from the fight Nalen decided it was time to launch his ultimate attack; the Red Wave. Using both his hands to generate Electromagnetic Radiation ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts Energy attacks combined with a maximum power Red ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Ball from the Armour''s Chest Energy Crystal Nalen attacked one of the 2 remaining Grandlords instantly killing him when the Red Wave made contact with his head. In an instant Nalen then focused on the other Grandlord, and by a combined attack using ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts Energy attack from Armour''s Chest Energy Crystal and high velocity Crystal Lance on the same spot on the Grandlord''s chest Nalen was able to penetrate his Metallic Crystalline Skin and thus destroy his central nervous system with the energy contained in the Crystal Lance. Since the central nervous system was destroyed the Grandlord could not regenerate, and the energy from the Crystal Lance killed him. Even though Esara had the technical upper hand the Viceroy was still more than capable of gaining the upper hand should Esara make a mistake. So Esaras movements were planned, careful and precise, and although she had grown stronger and faster over the years, Tsela had also grown stronger and was more dangerous than ever. As their battle continued the shockwaves from the impact of their blows could be felt by the Crystalorb reinforcing battle group that was engaged with Enforcers, Under-Lords and Overlords who were keeping Casara and 4 others trapped in a small cave. When the 2 Grandlords who were thrown into the ocean 5 minutes earlier returned to once again battle Nalen they realised that 2 of their associates were dead. The 2 Grandlords quickly realised that they were up against it, and as they prepared to simultaneously attack Nalen one of the Grandlords found himself under sustained ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts Energy attack. When the Grandlord turned to see who was attacking him Nalen took the opportunity to single out the other Grandlord for a Red Wave attack. Naole had arrived on the battle field, and even though he was no match for a Grandlord his attack on one of the Grandlord gave Nalen the 10 second window he needed to gather the energy required for a Red Wave attack. As Naole continued his attacks on one of the Grandlords the other took his attention off Nalen and launched a stream of plasma attacks on Naole forcing Naole to the ground. But before the two Grandlords realised what had happened one of them was hit by Nalen''s Red Wave attack and instantly killed. Nalen then rushed to Naole''s side to see to his status and was pleased to find that Naole was unharmed. Naole : " That was a fantastic attack father!" Nalen : " I can take it from here son! Go help your sister" Naole : " Yes father!" - - - As Nalen turns his attention to the remaining Grandlord Naole takes off in Casara''s direction. Nalen is confident that the HOD forces on the ground would not be able to stand in the way of the young Blue Guardian, and for the first time all of Crystalorb is witness to young Naole''s true power. Naole has shown all of Crystalorb that he is just as fierce as the other members of his family, and that he wields the same great powers that flows through Esara and Nalen''s veins. Being young, eager and overly enthusiastic Naole chose to make a direct attack on the HOD forces gathered near the entrance to the cave that Casara was taking shelter in, and as Naole was descending into the middle of the HOD group he launched a multiple ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts attack on the group using his Armour''s Chest and left hand Energy Crystals, and since he was holding his Crystal Lance with his right hand he used it to produce lightning bursts that he aimed at anyone he focused on. Naole was also using his Crystal Lance to deflect the plasma energy attacks that were fired at him back into the HOD group. When Casara realised that the HOD group were no longer focused at the cave entrance she went outside to find Naole engaged with multiple targets in a massive cloud of fire and lightning. Casara engaged in support of Naole, and once the others in the cave were safely out of the cave Casara and Naole took to the sky and continued their assaults from the air. - - - Meanwhile the remaining Grandlord realised that he could not hope to withstand the power of the Red Guardian, but he was trapped with no hope of escape, and Nalen was in no mood to be forgiving. So the Grandlord decided to stand firm, and so he harnessed his power, raising his energy level as he prepared to make his final stand. Nalen was eager to end it quickly so that he could assist Esara, but he knew from the look in the Grandlord''s eyes that it would be a fight. The results of their clash was always inevitable, and all it took was a slight mistake from the Grandlord and it was over. Nalen used the systems of his Crystal Armour to locate Esara''s position and then quickly moved in to assist her. Esara and Nalen coordinated their efforts and launched a joint assaults on the Viceroy. Tsela found himself fighting against two of the most powerful Crystalan warriors. Nalen''s arrival intensified the fight, but even with Nalen''s presence Tsela was still able to hold his own, and time was on his side. Tsela knew that he could sustain his power ten times longer than the Red Guardians, and so all he had to do was hold on long enough for the Red Guardians to run out of power, but he also knew that it would not be easy. As the Red Guardians intensified their attack on him it became clear to Tsela that he may have underestimated the power of the Red Guardians. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. At the same time, and with the help of the Crystalorb reinforcing battle group Casara and Naole had the HOD forces on the run so Casara decided to disengage from the Crystalorb reinforcing battle group Casara : " Naole, let the Crystalorb reinforcing battle group deal with the HOD forces! Lets go help Mama and Father" Naole : " Lets do it!" When Casara and Naole arrived at the battle field they found their parents heavily engaged with the Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny (HOD) in a spectacular mix of electrical and plasma energy. Casara and Naole wasted no time and quickly attacked Lord Tsela with ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts. Lord Tsela was boxed in as all 4 attacked simultaneously, and it began to look like the end for Lord Tsela. As Lord Tsela fell to his knees the 4 stopped their attack. Viceroy Tsela : " For a moment there it looked like I had the upper hand, but In my calculations I missed two important components. My spies did not tell me you had such powerful children!" Esara : " Taking my child was a grave mistake Viceroy!" Viceroy Tsela : " I suppose it Ends here Like it was always meant to!" As Lord Tsela speaks he takes off both the his family Manacle of Destiny and the Leadership Manacle of Destiny commonly referred Manacle of Leadership, and this causes his body to return to normal. Once both Manacles are off Lord Tsela throws the two Manacles into a 15 meter deep hole in the ground that was created by one of his plasma energy blasts. Viceroy Tsela : " I''m ready now!" Using internal Joint Communications Channel Nalen : " Do we end it?" Esara : " Yes! It will End with his Death" Before Esara and Nalen could launch their final attack Anun interrupts from the Crystalorb Command Centre. Anun : " No! The Crystalorb Leadership needs him alive! We can use him to negotiate a permanent and lasting peace with the HOD" At this point Esara and Nalen were 2 meters above the ground and about six meters from Lord Tsela, and Casara and Naole were 125 meters behind Esara and Nalen at 75 metres above the ground. Esara : " What?" responding to Anun Viceroy Tsela : " Like I said it ends here!" Lord Tsela then proceeded to press a button on a pendent hanging around his neck, and that activated the 3 megaton nuclear bomb that was secretly placed 50 meters behind where Tsela was standing. Esara and Nalen realised that they could not escape the blast, and in a final act of love Esara and Nalen quickly used their energy field to rapidly push Casara and Naole from the blast area. - - - After the explosion the dust was thick and those in the air could not see what was happening on the ground. The Crystalorb Command Centre ordered the Intrepid to the skies above the area to help search for survivors. Some of the Crystalorb reinforcing group had been caught in the shockwave caused by the nuclear blast, and the Crystalorb Leadership was eager to recover all the bodies of the fallen Crystalans. It was 2 hours later when the Intrepid finally arrived in the skies above the Island, and as soon as the ship arrived all those who were part of the Crystalorb forces engaged with the HOD were taken onboard the Intrepid for debriefing and medical care. The Crystalorb Command Centre had ordered Nasan to assume command of the Intrepid, and when all the remaining Expeditionary units were recovered Nasan ordered the crew of Intrepid to begin ground recovery operations. The recovery operations meant that the Intrepid would conduct a detailed search for the remains of all the yet undiscovered fallen Crystalans. There were 9 Vanguards and 4 Vangleads who were officially presumed dead, but Esara, Nalen, Casara and Naole were officially declared as missing. As the Intrepid used its powerful sensors to search the Island the search teams began to detect trace Electromagnetic Radiation given out by the Crystal Armour. By following the Electromagnetic Radiation signal the recovery teams were able to locate and recover the bodies of the 9 Vanguards and 4 Vangleads. For the next 2 hours the Intrepid searched for Esara, Nalen, Casara and Naole. Just as the recovery teams were beginning to consider the prospect that the 4 may have been vaporised by the nuclear explosion the Intrepid found an Electromagnetic Radiation signal. When the recovery teams arrived at the location of the signal they found Casara and Naole, and to everyone''s surprise Casara was on her feet, relieved and unharmed, but Naole had suffered serious injuries and required immediate medical attention. Casara and Naole were rushed to the Intrepid''s Medical Centre. For the next two hours the Intrepid continued to look for Esara and Nalen without success. Nearly five hours after the explosion Naole begins to wake. He finds himself in the Intrepid''s Medical Centre with Casara by his side. Casara : " Doctor; I think he''s coming around" Dr Kanu (MD) : " Welcome back young man" Naole : " What happened? Where am I?" Casara : " I was afraid I''d lost you too!" Naole : " Mother and Father?" Casara : " They''re gone Naole; theyre gone Naole : " Why is my leg so painful?" Dr Kanu (MD) : " Your left leg was damaged beyond repair; we had to amputate below the knee. Your Crystal Armour was fused into your back we removed all the parts we could, but the skin on your back is almost entirely Crystal." Casara : " They are still looking for the remains of our parents, but there is little hope! Mother and Father used you as a shield to protect me when they pushed us away from the blast area." Naole : " Because they knew that my Blue Guardian Crystal Armour could take much more damage than yours" Casara : " Now all we have is each other!" Naole : " I can still sense their Chest Crystals; If you concentrate you could sense it too! Find them! Find them Casara!" Naole once again drifted into sleep Dr Kanu (MD) : " He''s been through a lot! He needs time to rest" Casara : " He''s right! I can sense them!" - - - A few minutes later Casara led the recovery teams to the location where Esara and Nalen were buried under Radioactive rubble. Fortunately the Crystal Armour protects Crystalans from deadly radiation, and so they were able to recover the remains of two of Crystalorb''s greatest warriors. There was strange silence on the Intrepid as the ship set course for the Crystal Valley autonomous region. Esara and Nalen were killed by the intense heat of the explosion, but the Crystal Armour and the Electromagnetic field shields was able to protect their Chest Crystals. The fact that their Chest Crystals were still alive meant that a part of Esara and Nalen would live forever as part of the Spirit Stone. The knowledge that Esara and Nalen would live on as part of the Spirit Stone gave Casara Comfort, despite the situation. When the Intrepid arrived in Crystalorb Casara and Naole insisted that their parents be committed to the Spirit Stone immediately. Casara and Naole also insisted on a private ceremony with only the three Elders; Lumen, Cyris and Isis there to oversee the commitment ceremony. The only other people present at the commitment ceremony were all of Esara and Nalen''s closest friends. And so the Elders began to expatiate the commitment ceremony. Isis : " Heart of our people! Heart of Crystalorb!" Cyris : " In the name of all Crystalans!" Lumen : " We beseech you!" Isis : " Awaken mighty Spirits!" Cyris : " And receive our fallen children amongst your order!" As the Spirit Stone activated Esara and Nalen''s Crystal Armoured bodies began to produce a red Aura, and since their bodies were fused to their Crystal Armours their Chest Crystals absorbed the fused bodies and Crystal Armours. Lumen : " We are born of the Light, we live in the light!" Isis : " And upon our death we return to the light!" Lumen : " With this in mind, we will now return Esara and Nalen to the light!" Speaking directly to Esara and Nalen''s bodies Cyris : " Esara, Nalen; Its time for you to return to the Source my friends!" Casara and Naole activated their Chest Crystals, generating beams of light aimed at the resultant fusion of Esara and Nalen''s bodies; Chest Crystal and Crystal Armour. The large hovering spheres began to generate a large Electromagnetic energy storm manifesting in light and electrical energy. The two large hovering spheres then fused with each other in a bright flash of Red Light Isis : " Mighty Spirit Stone! Accept your own into your home!" The sphere then joined with the Spirit Stone generating Electromagnetic light energy that could be observed from all over Crystalorb. Lumen : " Esara and Nalen are no longer with us, from here onwards they will forever be a part of the Spirit Stone" - - - Once the ceremony was concluded Naole was taken to the Crystalorb Medical Centre, and Casara returned to her home. For nearly 3 years the apartment had only been used for the period when the Intrepid was being serviced, but now that Naole was somewhat disabled Casara wondered if she could leave him alone. As Casara took both her and Naole''s Crystal Armour to the Armour Storage Centre for repairs she wondered if Naole would once again be able to operate his Crystal Armour. As the days passed Naole encouraged Casara not to give up on her hope to follow in their mother''s footsteps by becoming the Expeditionary Guardian. With the death of Esara the Intrepid was without a captain, so the Crystalorb Leadership elected to place the ship under the command of the Expeditionary Division and the captain of the Intrepid would from that day onwards be the Deputy Expeditionary Guardian also known as the Expeditionary Recognisance Commander. - - - - - - Chapter 20: The New Path. - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 20: The New Path. - - - At the Crystalorb Medical Centre Naole was refusing to be fitted with a prosthetic leg, but instead of that he wanted to use a crutch, and despite Casara''s best efforts he was still refusing a prosthetic. Naole : " No Casara! I wont walk around with a plastic foot" Casara : " Ok then!" Naole : " Thanks" Casara : " I''m here to take you home, and I have some good news" Naole : " What News? Casara : " Early this morning I was upgraded to Guardian Crystal Armour" Naole : " Don''t let those fools on the Council treat you like a weapon they can point at their enemies" Casara : " I won''t! Besides I have a score to settle with the HOD" Naole : " With luck the war ended with Lord Tsela" Casara : " Not likely!" - - - As they get out of the Crystalorb Medical Centre they find Enala waiting for them, and with Naole on crutches she helps with his bags. Enala is desperately hoping that she can keep what happened between her and Amun a secret form Naole, but because of the animosity between Amun and Casara she is afraid that the truth is bound to come out. Crystalan Teens are sexually promiscuous; in fact they are encouraged to be promiscuous because once they take the Vows of Honour promiscuity is frowned upon. Consequently Crystalan Teens (both male and female) practice a level of promiscuity that other human societies would never approve, but once Crystalan Teens take the Vows of Honour they become model Crystalan Citizens and forget the reckless frivolity of the past choosing instead to live a life characterized by a pursuit of Honour. As the three walk towards Naole and Casara''s home they run into Amun who had just received his Vanguard Crystal Armour, and was surrounded by his friends, but as Naole, Enala and Casara passed the group one of Amun''s friends says: "Freaks!" Casara : " What did you say?" Ntuno : " You Olen''s have finally got what you deserve" Casara : " How dare you!" Ntuno : " You walk around here like the rest of us should be grateful to be in your presence. Now with those 2 gone people will look to normal Crystalans for pride, not freakish aberrations" As Casara and Ntuno exchanged harsh words Naole noticed that Amun''s Vanguard Crystal Armour was amplifying the thoughts being broadcast by Amun''s Chest Crystal, and because Amun was looking at Enala, Naole was able to discover the truth about what happened between them. As Naole turned to look at Enala he could see the guilt written all over Enala''s face, and this enraged Naole, so he approached the Crystal Armoured Amun and spoke to him directly. Naole : " Pathetic that the Council of Elders would entrust Crystal Armour to a brute like you!" Amun : " What?" Naole : " Your father was a brute, and that''s why he was killed so easily! My parents were true warriors not like the brutish fools who run this place!" Amun : " Don''t you dare bring my Father into this!" Naole : " Why not? Your incompetent family is one of the reasons my parents are dead!" Enala : " Naole; Please!" Naole : " Stay out of this Enala!" Amun : " Let him have his say!" Naole : " What''s the matter, are you afraid of a man with one leg?" Amun : " I would be stupid to go up against Guardian Armour?" Naole : " Guardian Armour? I''m not wearing Guardian Armour" Amun : " I''m not going to fight a cripple" Naole : " You''re a coward! Just like your Father, Mother and Grandfather!" Amun : " What has my mother ever done to you?" Naole : " It was your mother who sent my sister into a trap, and your grandfather and his cronies on the Council who refused to send the Intrepid to the area for a more effective air support" Naole pushes Amun, and when Amun pushes him in retaliation Naole falls to the ground. Amun : " You need to stop before you get hurt!" As Naole struggled to stand on his one leg Enala tries to help him. Naole : " Don''t touch me! Get away from me! You have no Honour, Just like him!" Amun : " Hey! Leave her out of this" Naole : " Fine! I have no time for simpletons like the likes of her anyway!" Naole then activates his Chest Crystal and produces Repulsive Electromagnetic energy that then allows him to hover. Naole : " You see! Even without Crystal Armour I can still take the likes of you!" Naole then launches a fist attack against Amun, but Amun who was in Crystal Armour quickly counters Naole''s attack. Naole now even angrier resorts to energy attacks, and Amun finds himself having to defend himself against the extreme power of the energy attacks produced by Naole. At first Amun thought that he could just deflect Naole''s attacks but a series of ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts sent Amun flying to the ground. When Amun retaliated with ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts from his Vanguard Armour he was shocked that Naole was able to stop the immense energy contained in the ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts. Naole was warming up and his Chest Crystal was increasing in energy. The crowd that gathered to see what was going on were astonished at Naole''s power. Even though Amun was in Crystal Armour he was being overpowered by Naole who was not in Crystal Armour. The most astonishing thing to the crowd was that Naole could fly without Crystal Armour. As their fight continued Naole delivered a blow with his fist that sent Vanguard Armoured Amun crashing to the ground. Then Naole moved in to hover just above Amun. Naole : " What''s the matter? Not winning as easily as you thought? Pathetic! You lack the intellect and mental discipline to properly control the Crystal Armour!" Naole shakes his head "Just a Brute!" As Amun tries to get up Naole attacks with yet another stream of ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts, and this time Amun is knocked unconscious Naole : " Like I said; just a Brute!" Then 4 members of Crystalorb security forces rush in and found Naole hovering above the unconscious Amun, but when they tried to talk to Naole he remained uninterested. Naole : " Great! More Brutes!" Vanguard officer : " You are under arrest, and I must take you with me!" Naole : " You and what army? Brute!" Vanguard officer : " In the name of the Council of Elders I order you to submit!" Naole : " I don''t submit to those fools on the Council of Elders" Vanguard officer : " You can come quietly or we will take you by force!" Naole : " You''re welcome to try, Brute!" As the Vanguards approached Naole he prepared himself for a fight, but after Realising that he would be outnumbered in a fight Naole gathered all his energy and focused it into his entire body, and as the Crystals in his cells became energized they began to transform Naole''s skin to a deep Blue Crystalline form. Before Naole could engage the 4 Vanguard officers Casara decided that things had gone too far, and it was time for her to intervene. Casara : " Naole Stop!" With tears running down her face "Stop!" Naole : " Hey; they are the ones who want to use Violence against me!" Casara : " Stop! Naole please stop!" Naole : " Ok!" The transformed Naole returns to normal and descends to the ground, then two of the Crystalorb Vanguard guards take Naole into custody and escort him to the Crystalorb Detention Facility. Naole is then scheduled to appear before the Council of Elders, and also present are other interested parties. Naole is to answer to criminal charges that would then be formally brought against him. - - - 30 hours after the incident Naole is brought before the highest authority in Crystalorb to answer for his actions and Casara volunteers to defend Naole. Gaurdius : " Naole; You are accused of public Violence, The disregard of the rules of conduct, Starting a fight, Excessive use of force, Aggravated assault, disobeying a lawful order from a Crystalorb official and Contempt against the Council of Elders!" Jalen : " How do you plead?" Casara : " Honoured Leaders; Because Naole is not officially part of the Crystalorb forces he cannot be subject to the rules of conduct and Excessive use of force." Cyris : " Let it be known that those Charges are removed!" Lumen : " Then how do you plead?" Casara : " Again we object to the presence of Lord Gaurdius on the panel on the grounds that the presumed victim is Gaurdius''s grandson" Onala : " The tribunal hereby asks Gaurdius to withdraw himself from the proceedings" Gaurdius : " I agree to withdraw myself from this matter" Naole : " I refuse to recognise the authority of this tribunal on the grounds that the convening members are party to the incidents that led to the alleged events" Isis : " What arguments do you base this on?" Casara : " As soon as my brother learned that I was trapped on the Island he put on his Guardian Crystal Armour, and this gave him access to the classified Joint Communications Channel. It is therefore my understanding that the decision by the Council of Elders not to allow our parents the right to use the Intrepid during the Island confrontation directly resulted in the death of both Red Guardians. Furthermore it was the presumed victim''s mother who ordered me into a trap and must therefore share the responsibility for all subsequent Crystalan deaths" Lerata : " These charges are Fallacious" Tshego : " We wont stand for the Council''s name to be brought into disrepute by these scandalous statements" Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Lumen : " Nevertheless Casara has the right to make whatever statements she wishes" Casara continued her detailed legal assault on the integrity of the members of the panel. Then Casara pointed out all the mistakes that were made, and her strategy was to strip away their moral authority and hold them accountable for abandoning her parents on the battlefield in their time of need. For hours Casara argued her case with diligence, proving that her parents had prepared her for all manner of situations. Hamun : " Do you have anything to say before we hand down our judgement?" Naole : " My mother served Crystalorb with distinction; she was Crystalorb''s first knight! In the history of Crystalorb no warrior has ever been in this number of conflicts, and no warrior has ever produced this many victories. Every time the Crystalorb Leadership was looking for a champion she answered the call, every time you needed a hero she answered the call. My father was a great mind, a man of true intellect. My father gave Crystalorb the tools it needed to secure all its people, and without my father''s hard work Crystalorb would have already been lost. Yet despite all their exemplary service the Crystalorb Leadership also known as the so called social elite have always viewed my parents with suspicion. In spite of all that my parents had done for Crystalorb, the Leadership still hated my parents. The Crystalorb Leadership is a group of mediocre fools who secretly run the affairs of Crystalorb. Every one of the people on the Crystalorb Leadership proved themselves to be treacherous. In their greatest hour of need my parents looked to the Crystalorb Leadership for help and found nothing but scorn. It''s clear to me that the Crystalorb Leadership cares for no one but themselves, and I being of free mind and will shall never take instruction from such people!" Casara : " Having taken my Vows of Honour I will only obey those orders that I deem to be Honourable. The Crystalorb Leadership has lost its way, and from this day onwards they must look to others to do their dirty work. The days of the Red Guardians answering the call of the Crystalorb Leadership died with my parents!" After extended deliberations lasting 30 hours the tribunal returned with their decision. Cyris : " On the charge of public Violence; we find you Guilty. On the charge of Starting a fight; we find you Guilty! On the charge of Aggravated assault; we find you not Guilty! On the charge of disobeying a lawful order from a Crystalorb official; we find you Guilty! And on the charge of Contempt against the Council of Elders; we find you not Guilty! " Jalen : " We order that you be stripped of your Crystal Armour, and that you be held in solitude until you issue a public verbal apology for your actions" Naole : " I refuse to offer any such apology!" On the balance of things Casara had made a compelling case, and the sentence was lenient for the chaos that Naole had caused, but some of the members on the Council of Elders wanted Naole to admit that he was wrong as a kind of vindication of the position of the Council of Elders. Casara knew that Naole would see this as a test of his will, and therefore refuse to submit. Naole was taken into custody and locked in solitude, and his Crystal Armour was removed from the Armour Storage Centre and placed under Guard at a secret location. Casara pleaded with the Council of Elders to allow Naole to continue his university studies, and because the Council of Elders never expected Naole to stay in custody for more than a few weeks they agreed to allow Naole to continue his studies. Naole was given all his books, and the Council of Elders also allowed Naole the use of his computer which was not connected to any network. To many Crystalans Naole''s violent outburst came as a complete shock, and even though there were occasional physical confrontations between two or more individuals it never involved Crystal Armour or energy attacks. Common fights were generally restricted to fist fights or martial arts. - - - Two weeks after Naole was incarcerated Enala came to visit Casara, and the purpose of the visit was to explain why Naole was so angry with her. Enala told Casara everything, she did not try to manipulate the facts in her favour, she wanted to clear her conscience, and so confessed her part in the events that led to Naole''s actions. Enala believed that Casara had the right to know the truth without any attempt to clean it up. When Enala was finished talking she waited for Casara''s response. Casara : " Huh!" Enala : " I guess you probably don''t think much of me anymore? Why would you?" With tears in her eyes but please believe me, it was never my intent to hurt Naole!" Casara : " The intent is not as important as the result! But Amun?" shaking her head in disbelief "Of all people?" Enala : " When Naole said; Acknowledge me or loose me! I ...!" Casara : " I get it!" Casara interrupts "You thought the two of you broke up!" Enala : " I was never ashamed of him! Its the fact that he was younger than me that concerned me" Casara : " You thought it would focus negative attention on your family" Enala : " Amun pretended to be caring and understanding" After a Brief pause "Or maybe I allowed myself to be deceived" Casara : " How could you allow yourself to be manipulated like this?" Enala : " I was going through something that I never experienced before" Casara : " What?" Enala : " There was a change in my body that made me overly sensitive" Casara : " Change?" Enala : " My emotions were all over the place! I don''t want to make excuses for my actions; I just want to create clarity!" Casara : " What Change?" Enala : " At the time I didn''t understand what was happening to me, but now its all too obvious, and soon it will be clear for everyone to see, because I wont be able to hide it!" Casara : " You''re Pregnant!" Enala : " Yeah!" Casara : " And it''s Naole''s?" Enala : " Its almost three months now, so its definitely Naole''s" Casara : " Why havent you told him?" Enala : " I was going to ...!" she sighs "But then .. !" Casara : " If you told him he might!" Enala : " Would he?" Enala interrupts "Would he...?" Casara : " Not likely!" Casara interrupts "The problem with this situation is that you are just a tiny part of his rage. Naole is angry about more than just your relationship problems. If it had been someone other than Amun Naole would not have reacted like that." Enala : " Amun''s mother is the Deputy Guardian Commander and his grandfather Gaurdius is the oldest member of the Council of Elders, and that makes them key members of the Crystalorb Leadership" Casara : " The very group Naole and I hold responsible for the deaths of our Parents. He is angry! And he''s not likely to calm down" Enala : " I''m afraid if I tell him he would reject my child, and even if he accepts my child, would he be a stable influence in the baby''s life?" Casara : " I just don''t know!" Enala : " Perhaps if I had told him none of this would have happened" Casara : " In all likelihood Naole would have found another reason to start a confrontation with the Crystalorb Leadership" Enala : " You think so?" Casara : " Crystalan men can be Unforgiving! They should come with a warning! My mother always told me; Crystalan men may look indestructible, but they are in a lot of ways the most vulnerable men in the world, and they are required as a question of honour to wear their hearts on their sleeves, unable to hide away, unable to shield themselves from Crystalan women. Crystalan men don''t have the complex emotional skills that are available to Crystalan women! They are defenceless against us. Crystalan women must therefore always be gentle with them, careful with their feelings." Enala : " I wish I had known that before?" Casara : " I don''t think any woman can truly understand until she loves a Crystalan man. I didn''t fully understand until I fell in love with a Crystalan man, until I was loved by a Crystalan man, until a Crystalan man opened up to me and shared his Soul with me." Enala : " And if you break their Heart?" Casara : " They become like Naole! Unstable! Unpredictable!" Enala : " He can''t know! shaking her head At least not until he calms down! Ill just have to raise the child alone" Casara : " You wont be alone!" Taking Enala''s hand "Yes you''ve made bad choices, but I can still find a way to be your friend" Enala : " Thanks!" In a sign of great maturity Casara found a way to push aside her initial frustrations with Enala and focus on the more important things; Like the baby and her relationship with Enala''s brother Kato. Casara knew that if her relationship with Kato was to flourish she would need for Enala to be stable. Casara recognized that Enala had made a genuine mistake and was deeply regretful of it, and thus deserved an opportunity to make things right. Naole on the other hand was stubborn, with an unbreakable will. Naole was not the type to give in on a question of principle, and every day he spent in the detention facility was like throwing mud in the faces of the Crystalorb Leadership. Many people in Crystalorb began to wander why Naole did not just simply apologize, and as time passed it became clear to many Crystalans than Naole was very principled. Then the question began to arise If Naole is a person of such high principles, What kind of people are the ones who imprisoned Naole?". The Crystalorb Leadership was growing concerned with the situation, but they could not just simply release Naole, On the other hand Naole''s continued detention was wining him favour with those members of the Crystalorb population who were also unhappy with the Crystalorb Leadership. - - - - - - Chapter 21: Perspective - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 21: Perspective Casara called it "Stubbornness", but Naole preferred to call it "An insurmountable will power", and after almost three years of near absolute solitude Naole was still refusing to submit to the will of the Council of Elders. The only human contact permitted to Naole was on the occasion of his University Examinations, and that was because Casara had convinced the Council of Elders to allow Naole to continue his correspondence studies with the University of South Africa & the new Crystal Valley University. In the three years he was incarcerated Naole had completed his second Bsc, completed his BscHon in Applied Mathematics and his BscHon in Computer Science simultaneously, and was now working simultaneously on a Masters Degree in Applied Mathematics and a Masters Degree in Computer Science. Naole''s brilliant mind allowed him to focus despite his situation, and because of the massive knowledge contained in his Computer Naole was gaining the kind of knowledge that would rival that of even those on the Crystalorb Research Division. The abilities of his Deep Blue Chest Crystal were growing with every passing day, and he was developing the ability to interface with the computer wirelessly. Naole''s defiance of the Council of Elders and Crystalorb Leadership was ushering in a new era of challenge to the authority of the Crystalorb Leadership. Many of the Crystalans without Chest Crystals were beginning to see those with Chest Crystals as having too much power. Many felt that those with Chest Crystals were treated better than those without Chest Crystals, and there were consistent questions on why all the Sector Guardians were those with Chest Crystals. Crystalorb had changed, and those with Chest Crystals made up just 17% of the Crystalorb population, but the Crystalorb Leadership still reflected a situation before thousands of former Hodians ?HOD members? came to Crystalorb. Life in Crystalorb continued, and Enala gave birth to a daughter who she named Canala, and even though it was a great shame for the family they welcomed the child, but it may have been that Canala''s Red Chest Crystal brought the prospect of great hope for more Red Guardians. Casara also moved on, and after her 20th birthday she married Kato, and a few months later gave birth to a daughter who she named Nasara. Casara was promoted to second in command of the Expeditionary Recognisance, although she still held the rank of Vanglead, but she was hopeful. The Intrepid laid an egg, and the egg was being fed Spirit Stone energy to finalize its development, and upon hatching the baby Ship would be called Leba ?meaning Dove in Setlokwa?. Because of Casara''s special abilities the Expeditionary Guardian recommended Casara to take command of the Leba under the command of the Expeditionary Recognisance Commander Nasan who was also the Captain of the Intrepid. The Council of Elders was eager to resolve the situation with Naole, so they turned to Casara to come up with compromise terms that could be acceptable to both Naole and the Crystalorb Leadership. Casara knew her brother would never apologize, and she would not ask him to abandon his principles, but she also knew that Naole would grow tired of his captivity. As Crystalans got older, they become stronger, and for someone like Naole every day increased his power to new levels, and such power creates arrogance. Casara feared that Naole would over time achieve the kind of power that might allow him to find methods to escape from his imprisonment with deadly consequences for him and those who tried to stand in his way; however powerful Naole might become he was no match for an Armoured Vanglead, and less so for an Armoured Guardian. As Casara came before the Council of Elders she prepared herself to once again make the case for her brother''s justice. Gaurdius: " Casara; We are ready to hear your suggestion" Casara : " My mother once told me that Naole is a powerful and gentle force, but I fear that events have conspired to change him into a destructive force. I fear a time will come when even I would not be able to contain his rage, and his incarceration only serves to fuel his rage." Isis: " Then how do you propose we act?" Casara : " You have to release him" Jalen: " That''s just not possible! We wont allow him to defy our authority" Tshego: " Naole holds the keys to his freedom, and he knows what he has to do in order to regain his freedom" Cyris: " And what if he decides to seek his freedom by force" Lerata : " He wont succeed" Isis: " All I know for certain is that he has become the centre of the rallying call for change." Hamun: " And those who use his imprisonment for political gain are growing stronger." Casara : " By keeping him locked up you are fuelling his anger, you need to take away the fuel to extinguish the flame." Lumen: " But how do we do that without it being perceived as a victory for Naole and those who would seek to use him to weaken the authority of this Council?" Casara : " I share my brother''s disappointment with the Council of Elders, and I also have very little confidence in the Crystalorb Leadership, so I''m guided only by the principles contained in the Crystalorb Charter and Vows of Honour. By acknowledging that the Crystalorb Leadership will never control both Naole and I, the Crystalorb Leadership will have to put their faith in the Crystalorb Charter and the Vows of Honour. The Crystalorb Leadership will have to trust in our Honour." Gaurdius: " But how would we get Naole to submit to our laws?" Casara : " The short answer is that you can''t; Nothing you do will force Naole to do anything he does not want to do!" Isis: " Are you suggesting that we expel Naole from Crystalorb?" Casara : " I''m talking about giving him a Choice! Either he submits to the Laws or he leaves until such time that he is ready to submit to the Law." Cyris: " That seems a little Harsh!" Casara : " He is my brother, and I love him. I am perhaps the only person left in the world that truly loves him, and I''ve come to understand that in his grief he has allowed his rage to cloud his judgement. Naole needs to spend time in the world, and he needs to see for himself that the Council of Elders is just as flawed as other world authorities. Once he comes to understand that the Council of Elders is not that different from other forms of governance, he''ll be ready; when that happens he will be ready to come to terms with what happened to our parents." Lumen: " Now there is new impetus for Naole to be freed, many Crystalans are beginning to question the judgment of the Council of Elders. There''s even talk of a legislative body to rein in the powers of the Council of Elders." Lerata : " Many think that the time has come for lawmaking to shift to a more representative body" Jalen: " This whole business with Naole has eroded our peoples confidence in the Council of Elders." Isis: " Yes it has! And Crystalorb will never be the same again! The creation of the legislative body is inevitable, an unavoidable reality, and Naole was the catalyst." Cyris: " And what about his daughter?" Casara : " Naole is in no condition to be a father to Canala, and while we hope that when he finds out that he has a child he might calm down the contrary is also possible. Naole might decide that he won''t suffer his child to be oppressed by what he still feels are destructive influences of the Crystalorb Leadership. Kato and I will help to raise and guide this child to the best of our abilities, and when Naole is ready he will take his natural place in her life. But for now Canala will be like an older sister to my daughter Nasara." Gaurdius: " What will Enala and Cyris tell the child of her father?" Casara : " The Truth! We will just have to hope that in time she will come to understand that we made the only correct decision we could take under the circumstances." Isis: " We accept your recommendations, and we will implement them forthwith. I sincerely hope that Naole can find his way back to Crystalorb. We hope that he can find some peace." Cyris: " Indeed we hope that he can find peace" Casara : " So do I my Lord; So do I." Lumen: " Thank you Casara!" - - - As Casara left the Council Chambers she was hopeful that Naole would soon leave his solitude; the forced solace and once again rejoin the world. As preparations for Naole''s release got underway rumours began to spread that Naole was about to be released, and amongst the despondent Naole had become a symbol of resistance against the Crystalorb social elite, but there were some who were more apprehensive about Naole''s release. Many who had seen Naole''s power during his fight with Amun wondered if Naole could be controlled, and there was concern that Naole might turn his rage on the general populous. On the day of Naole''s release a large crowd gathered to see the infamous Naole. By then Naole had become the only Crystalan to defy the authority of the Crystalorb Leadership, and he was very popular amongst those who believed that the Council of Elders had become unresponsive to the aspirations of Crystalorb''s citizens. To everyone''s surprise Naole Had grown a little, and was now 1.8 meters tall, his body had become much more muscular, his hair was in dreadlocks, but he was still without a prosthetic leg though. Naole was quickly rushed to the Council Chambers where the Council of Elders was waiting for him. Naole was told of the compromise plan proposed by Casara, and after hearing all the terms and conditions Naole paused to consider his next move. Gaurdius: " Well? What is your answer?" Naole: " I don''t know!" Isis: " Naole; The Council of Elders has acknowledged that there were mistakes, and we now work to implement reforms that will hopefully prevent such errors in the future." Naole: " Mistakes? Their actions were malevolent!" Casara : " Naole please! Father and Mother would not have wanted this for you! Search your feelings; You know I''m right!" Naole: " Ok! I will do as you ask Casara. But there is a price to pay; I may not be here to help you when the Chaos returns." Isis: " Chaos?..." Cyris: " You understand the terms?" Naole: " Yes!" after a brief pause "I have just one condition; I would need to take my reserve energy sphere with me, without it I would be vulnerable to HOD and rogue Hybrid attacks." Lumen: " You can take it with you; we wont leave you unprotected, and for that reason you will be based at our Ship Building facilities on the western coast." - - - Moments later Naole took the Vows of Honour, and this process was witnessed by a large crowd. Naole retrieved his reserve energy sphere and as he was leaving the gates of Crystalorb he saw that Enala was waiting to talk to him. Naole: " What could you possibly want from me?" Enala: " I can''t help feeling responsible for what''s happened to you" Naole: " Believe me when I tell you that what has happened was the consequence of my decision to make a stand against the self indulgent whims of the Crystalorb Leadership." Enala: " Nevertheless I bear some responsibility" Naole: " The responsibility you bear is for the decisions you took; The choice to deceive, to betray, to mislead and to harm!" Enala: " Mislead?" Naole: " You had me convinced! But...!" Enala: " But?" Naole: " Even now; you would have me believe that you care? The bigger the lie and all that?" Enala: " What are you saying?" Naole: " I don''t believe this!" shaking his head "Haven''t you done enough? What else could you possibly take from me? Is my humiliation not enough for you?" Enala: " I never meant to Hurt you. I ..." Naole: " Stop!" Naole interrupts Enala "No more! Please; No more!" Enala: " Don''t let this change your Beautiful Heart." Now with tears running down her face "Remember who you are!" Naole: " Like you care?"Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Enala: " I just...!" Naole: " Enough!" Naole once again interrupts Enala "I know who I am!" Enala: " Do you?" Naole: " I''m a fool; for ever Loving you!" Enala: " Naole; I''m the fool." she takes deep breaths "I do love you; I will always love you." Naole: " Do you ever stop lying?" Enala: " I have always loved you; Naole! That has always been true!" Naole: " Love is more than what one feels; It''s what one does!" Naole then activates his Chest Crystal and produces Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy that then allows him to hover, and then Naole briefly looks Enala in the eyes and then rapidly accelerates into the sky vanishing into the darkness of the night. Enala stood there and watched Naole disappear into the sky, and a moment later Casara joined her to hear how things went between Enala and Naole. Casara : " How did it go?" Enala: " He''s still so angry" Casara : " Yes" Enala: " Such pain in his eyes; I will never forgive myself if he never recovers." Casara : " I talked to him earlier" Enala: " Yes?" Casara : " He asked me to never mention you or anything that has to do with you to him ever again Enala: " He''s not ready to be a father to our daughter" Casara : " Hopefully with time...!" Enala: " Hopefully" Casara : " He''s not likely to ever forgive you" Enala: " I know." The two then went back into Crystalorb. Naole was on his way to the ship building facility where he would be based for the foreseeable future. The Council of Elders was relieved to have resolved the situation, but momentum for legislative reforms was already advanced, and the process to change the way Crystalorb was governed would have to run its course. In the coming months the authority of the Council of Elders and that of the Guardian Council would be curtailed by a newly created legislative arm called the General Council. - - - The Crystalorb General Council would consist of Councilmen and Councilwomen who would serve a fixed elected 9 year term. The Councillors would not be allowed to run for consecutive terms of office, and to guarantee this there was a 9 year cooling off period between terms of office. Casara kept Naole informed of the developments in Crystalorb Via Holographic Communications, and during the times when her ship the Leba was in port Casara would travel to see her brother at the ship building facility. Naole had adapted well to his new environment, and he was working on his PhD in Applied Mathematics while also assisting in the construction of the new warships for the South African Navy. Since Naole was not allowed to take any Crystalorb technology when he left he used his own Brain tissue combined with Crystal fragments from his reserve energy sphere to construct his own Bio-Organic Crystal based computer. Naole then used his knowledge of Crystalorb technology to duplicate many of the Crystalorb technology he was familiar with. Because of Naole''s heritage the Council of Elders took a resolution to protect Naole at all times. The Council of Elders felt that being the son of two Red Guardians would make Naole a target for many Hodians who suffered a loss as a direct result of Esara and Nalen. So as part of Naole''s release conditions he received 24 hour protection from the Mobile Assets Defence Division. When the first two warship prototypes were finished with their testing faze they entered service on 20 April 2013, and the South African Government ordered 20 more ships to meet its maritime security needs at a projected cost of R6 Billion each. It was in that same year that 20 year old Naole Olen met 24 year old Tuo Lesedi of the Mobile Assets Defence Division. Tuo Lesedi; Born without a Chest Crystal, and with a keen interest in science. Lord Cyris requested that his niece Tuo be reassigned from the Mobile Assets Defence to Naole''s protection detail, and because Tuo was a marine biologist by profession she immediately formed a scientific connection with Naole. - - - With the death of their Viceroy the HOD was going through an Era of change, and the remaining members of the High Council of the HOD would have to conduct the search for the new Viceroy. HOD tradition demanded that the Viceroy be chosen by tournament, and anyone who participated had the possibility of becoming the new Viceroy. The process was difficult and took a long time to complete, and no weapons were permitted during the contest. HOD tradition indicated that the most capable warrior who emerged victorious without the aid of any weapon would be the new Viceroy. When Lord Tsela ascended to Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny the tournament lasted 7 months, and Once the Viceroy is determined he or she is in the position until death. Historically the strongest members of the HOD tended to come from the Hodian social elite. The HOD social elite are in many ways similar to Crystalan social elite, and that meant that they were some of the most direct descendents to Ralefa and Lesedi respectively. Since the HOD had many breeding programs over the previous Hundred years the main component of the HOD social elite came from descendents of Ralefa''s grandchildren. When Ralefa''s grandchildren intermarried they produced a DNA strain that was very similar to that of Ralefa himself, and that gave them a clear physical advantage over the others. The HOD social elite were stronger and faster than the other Hodians; they are stronger, faster and have more responsive regenerative capabilities. Like the Crystalans the HOD had a trust known as the Ralefa Trust that owned a company called the Ralefa Holdings. The HOD made great efforts to keep their individual identity hidden, but Ralefa Holdings was their primary investment vehicle, and Ralefa Holdings continued to have interests in every commercial and industrial sector. Many of the members of the Ralefa Trust used dividends from the Ralefa Holdings to establish their own personal companies, and for obvious reasons many chose the agricultural livestock so they could have an endless supply of life-force energy to improve the power of their Manacle of Destiny. The more energy the Manacle of Destiny absorbed the greater the power output, and this was how the Manacle of Destiny allowed the transformation to Grandlord. The Manacle of Destiny was increasing its power capacity as more life-force energy was fed into it, and because the Manacles could be passed on from one generation to another, the older the Manacle of Destiny the greater the power output. - - - Once ArmsCorp officially handed over the two warships to the South African Navy it immediately started construction of the rest of the fleet, and using advanced Crystalorb technology ArmsCorp designed and constructed advanced robotic manufacturing facilities that produced the main systems of the warships and the planes, but the hull and assembly work was done by Crystal Valley Industries at their ship building facility. Crystal Valley Industries was using advanced Crystalorb technology that included welding robots and other metal bonding techniques to produce 2 warships every 4 months, but integrating the rest of the systems from ArmsCorp took a further 10 months. Since the warships were operational when they left the Crystal Valley Industries construction facilities after 4 months they could be moved out of the build Dock and fitted with ArmsCorp systems at a port that was being expanded for these purposes. With a general election on the horizon the governing party wanted to show the nation that the decision to purchase these weapons was not a mistake, and they wanted to show the general public that their ArmsCorp partner Crystal Valley Industries was not a profit driven capitalist entity but an investment driver and an important social investor in the South African community. And so the government arranged a meeting with the Crystalorb Leadership to discuss future projects that could promote job creation. Once again Lord Cyris travelled to Pretoria to meet with the President of the Republic of South Africa at his official residence. They arranged the meeting to talk about some of the concerns of the African National Movement ?ANM?. - - - Lord Cyris awaits the arrival of the President, and stands up as the President enters the room. President Mbuto: " Thank you for coming Lord Cyris; It''s good to see you again" Cyris: " It''s good to see you Mr President" President Mbuto: " I hear that Lord Gaurdius is unwell; We wish him a speedy recovery" Cyris: " Thank you Mr President" President Mbuto: " I assume you read our brief?" Cyris: " Yes Mr President" President Mbuto: " Then you understand our concerns" Cyris: " Mr President I have to admit that many on the Crystalorb Leadership don''t quite understand why this is of such concern to the African National Movement." President Mbuto: " Crystalorb is a strategic partner and ally of the ANM, and our concern centres around the levels of the profits of your Crystal Valley Industries." Cyris: " But Mr President more profits means more taxes for the Government." President Mbuto: " Not that we don''t like receiving the increasing revenue, but in the last financial year you paid R54.7 Billion in taxes, and the government received a further a R8 Billion as dividends from our 10% holding of Crystal Valley Industries." Cyris: " Mr President now that our expansion projects are 40% complete our production has tripled" President Mbuto: " You are doing something completely unusual. While others refine crude oil you have found a way to refine sea water, and you are doing it more efficiently than anyone else." Cyris: " We thought you wanted us to earn more foreign currency to equalize the current account deficit?" President Mbuto: " We do; We do. But your rapid success has brought with it new challenges, and the tax revenue is creating all sorts of expectations from our people." Cyris: " Expectations?" President Mbuto: " From the tax we collect from your employees and corporate tax we have seen our budget increase by R88 Billion per year in the past 2 years and it is now expected to increase by another R110 Billion this year." Cyris: " Mr President; we still don''t see the problem?" President Mbuto: " Jobless growth! Your success is generating growth in the economy, and we welcome that growth, but the growth has come at great cost for the poorest segment of the population. Your manufacturing is automated and does not create many jobs, and all your other businesses don''t create many jobs because of your advanced technology, but the biggest problem has been the Crystal Valley Investment Bank." Cyris: " Why?" President Mbuto: " The Crystal Valley Investment Bank is holding some of the largest cash reserves in the country, and before long it will begin to rival even the largest banks in the world, but because Crystal Valley Investment Bank is an Investment Bank it tends to be primarily focused on Stock markets and therefore does not support many entrepreneurial projects. Most of the Crystal Valley Industries profits end up at the bank and that is what concerns us. From the tax that you pay it''s easy for anyone to see that you are making enormous profits, and our movement my be perceived as pro-capitalist if we continue to have such close relations with Crystal Valley Industries." Cyris: " Are you saying you want us to produce less?" President Mbuto: " Not at all; We just want you to generate less profits, and that means that we want the Crystal Valley Industries to invest more" Cyris: " Mr President; why is it that every time we meet you have something else that you want us to invest in?" President Mbuto: " I''m a politician Lord Cyris" Cyris: " You are indeed Mr President" There is some laughter. President Mbuto: " We want you to invest in underwater sea bed mining operations." Cyris: " What?" President Mbuto: " The way we see things; there are large mineral resources that lie outside the Economic Exclusion Zones of any nation, and many of these resources are beyond the technical capabilities of standard mining companies. We think that you might be up to the task of reaching these resources, and we also know that you need to excess large amounts of minerals for your Crystal manufacturing processes." Cyris: " But why would you want us to produce minerals that would result in no royalty for the South African Government?" President Mbuto: " We hope to benefit from the jobs resulting from the processing and trade of these minerals" Cyris: " The investment cost would be enormous, and the operating cost would be equivalently high" President Mbuto: " Are you saying that this would be beyond your capabilities?" Cyris: " Not at all." President Mbuto: " Let me explain why we want you to do this! There is another reason why we want you to get involved in the mining sector." Cyris: " What reason?" President Mbuto: " Having seen the collapse of the Zimbabwean Economy in the past, we have come to understand that the collapse of any economy is directly linked with the economy''s ability to generate foreign currency. We want to protect our economy from possible sabotage by hostile foreign powers, and we''ve come to understand that by just efficiently duplicating our currency our foes could permanently damage our economy. At our Party executive council we resolved to put in a protection against such problems." Cyris: " How?" President Mbuto: " We plan to introduce a parallel currency that would be impossible to duplicate." Cyris: " The minerals!" President Mbuto: " Yes!" after brief pause "We are introducing coins made from industrial minerals as legal tender. The value of the coins would be the value of the mineral plus the cost of producing the coin. This will guarantee that the value of the coins can only be changed by the value of the industrial mineral, and this will help us protect our economy from those who would wish to do us harm." Cyris: " When are you planning to rollout this plan?" President Mbuto: " In 7 days the South African Reserve Bank will make an announcement about this. The bank will transform all the gold, silver, bronze, chrome reserves into the coins of 2 centimetre diameter and 1.5 millimetre thickness. We want our public to get used to using the coins alongside the Rand. People will decide what their bank will hold their deposits in, and if the value of the rand changes in relation to that particular mineral they will either gain or loose depending on the change." Cyris: " I have to say Mr President, this is truly inspired, and the Crystalorb Leadership will be happy to support this plan" President Mbuto: " What is your international debt position?" Cyris: " We still have R189 Billion in debt, but because of increased production we are ahead of the curve with all our creditors, and they would be happy to lend the R300 Billion or so we would need to develop the sea bed mining technology that would reach the industrial minerals required. We did explore the sea mining possibilities some years back and that''s how Im able to generate the R300 Billion figure. Our main concept revolved around the use of large submarines that could operate in any sea weather." President Mbuto: " Submarines?" Cyris: " Yes Mr President! We built a small working prototype several years back, but because the technology was Crystal based we encountered problems adapting common industrial materials. However since the partnership with ArmsCorp we have developed some new fabrication techniques that would work." President Mbuto: " Understand we need this to be purely your operation" Cyris: " I understand" President Mbuto: " I have to inform you that in the near future we will have to consider selling our 10% stake in Crystal Valley Industries." Cyris: " Some in Crystalorb will be happy to hear that you would sell that back to us" President Mbuto: " The reason for this is that when you begin mining in international waters the South African Government cannot be directly associated with you without causing an international incident" Cyris: " You could in the meantime transfer the 10% ownership to ArmsCorp" President Mbuto: " Yes, but that would only be a temporary measure" Cyris: " The value of that equity has doubled since you acquired it and because of our expenditure in the operation we wont have the resources to buy the shares in the next 5 years" President Mbuto: " My people tell me that the 10% is worth more than R180 Billion, but because Crystal Valley Industries is not listed it''s difficult to get an accurate figure" Cyris: " In time we would be in a position to meet that price Mr President" President Mbuto: " I''m sure you will. Well; Thank you for coming Lord Cyris, and once again our talks have been fruitful." Cyris: " Good night Mr President" - - - When Cyris arrived back at Crystalorb he gave a full briefing to the Crystalorb Leadership, and the South African Government plan was welcomed. The plan brought the hope of much needed jobs for the country and Crystal Valley City. The Crystalorb Leadership knew that the submarines and mining operations would have to be staffed by the Crystalans and Hybrids because of their special abilities, and the minerals processing facilities would provide Hundreds of thousands of jobs to the larger South African public. The Council of Elders recognized that the security of Crystalorb was linked with the prosperity of the people of the Republic of South Africa. If the people of the country received better services, better education and lived more productive lives they are less likely to perceive the Crystalans as a possible threat but an asset. While the Crystalorb Leadership along with the newly formed General Council designed plans to meet the new objectives laid out by the South African Government Naole was making plans of his own. - - - - - - - - - Chapter 22: Criminality U󡾨U - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 22: Criminality - - - When Naole built his new Crystal based computer he tried to reproduce his fathers work; a Crystal computational device or machine that is a Bio-Organic Crystalline computational device. Naole designed the central processing unit with designs based on his own brain, almost entirely grown from Bio-Organic Crystalline cells he''d created by combining his brain tissue and Chest Crystal fragments. Naole created it by using his own brain tissue sample and then replicating it by combining it with reactive Blue Crystals to produce Bio-Organic Crystalline cells. As a consequence the new computer functioned more like his own brain. Using his Chest Crystal Naole changed the structure of his 60 centimetre diameter reserve energy sphere so that the sphere was fused with the artificial brain, making his reserve energy sphere a living Artificial Intelligence Organism. Because the reserve energy sphere was formed from fragments of his Chest Crystal, Naole could easily use his Chest Crystal to directly connect with the Artificial Intelligence Organism contained in his reserve energy sphere. As Naole continued to connect with this Artificial Intelligence Organism he discovered that over time his brain began to consider the computer an extension of itself, and with every connection the brain was reorganising the sphere to meet the needs of the brain. When Naole started collecting all the scientific knowledge available on the World Wide Web via the internet he began to realise that the Artificial Intelligence Organism was now in almost permanent contact with his brain via wireless connection to his Chest Crystal. Naole''s Artificial Intelligence Organism had become more than Naole had anticipated, and when Naole cut off the connection to his Chest Crystal the Artificial Intelligence Organism functioned like his unconscious mind, but when the link to his Chest Crystal was active it was as though the Artificial Intelligence Organism was part of his consciousness. When the link was active Naole had access to all the data contained in the Artificial Intelligence Organism, and the Artificial Intelligence Organism could make the kind of decisions that were beyond the rational of computational intelligence. Realizing what had happened Naole decided to give his Artificial Intelligence Organism a Name, and so he chose the name Indigo. With the link active Naole and Indigo were a single being operating in symbiotic unison. Naole took R10 million from his inheritance and invested it in global markets. In a few months and with the aid of Indigo Naole quickly became a brilliant trader. The link with Indigo gave Naole a clear advantage in determining the rise and fall of share prices, and Naole projected an annual increase of 30% to his portfolio. Because of his trading business success Naole started a company called Olen Industries owned by the Naole Olen Trust so that he could gain access to more capital. Naole found it difficult to convince investors to trust him with large amounts of money, and despite the fact that he was completing a PhD in Applied Mathematics many felt that at age 19 Naole was too young to be trusted with the kind of money Naole wanted. Naole decided to steal the money he needed, and because Naole took the Vows of Honour he could not steal from good people. Naole resolved that he''d take money back from criminals and use it for what he considered to be the grater good. To Naole this would be his contribution to creating a more just world. Naole used the power of his link with Indigo to search for the assets of organized crime from all over the world and confiscated them for himself, and his main focus was money laundering operations of drug cartels. In the period between 01-06-2012 and 01-04-2014 Naole recovered $9.864 Billion from the money laundering operations of organized crime. Naole used his computing power to gain access to their banking information through the use of spy software and small video cameras and transferred their money into his network of accounts and eventually into Olen Industries. Naole hired people from all over the world to steal their Cars, jewellery, paintings, gold etc to a further value of nearly $3 Billion in the same time period. By 01-07-2014 Naole had confiscated $12.864 Billion from operations of organized crime. Naole invested the money in the investment Funds of his Olen Industries, and because of his Illegal actions Naole had become the wealthiest Crystalan. Despite his selfishness Naole still saw himself as a vigilante, but unlike Robin Hood he did not give back to the poor because Naole felt that the poor needed to act against their governments to secure their future and not look to the sky for a hero to save them. U󡾨U Naole''s criminal actions had made him one of the wealthiest people in the world, and when Casara realised what Naole was doing she travelled to the west coast of the Northern Cape Province to confront him about his actions. Casara : " What the hell is wrong with you?" Naole: " Whatever do you mean?" Casara : " You are running around the world stealing?" Naole: " From criminals!" Casara : " What difference does it make?" Pointing her finger at Tuo " And you! You were suppose to protect him! Not support his criminal enterprise! Your Uncle will be so disappointed!" Tuo: " Please don''t tell Lord Cyris" Naole: " Lord Cyris is your uncle?" Tuo: " He''s my mother''s older brother" Casara : " What the hell were you thinking?" Tuo: " He''s destroying the Criminal enterprises that hurt people, and I thought that what he was doing was good" Casara : " Does this not violate the Vows of Honour?" Naole: " By taking their money the criminals are left vulnerable to law enforcement" Casara : " What about the resulting conflicts?" Naole: " When they lose their money they lose their power, and that is a good thing. I thought about giving most of the money to charity but that would be just a drop in the ocean. What I do with the money will yield greater good for the people in the long term because of the profits my company generates" Casara : " You have to stop stealing the money Naole, you have to stop!" Naole: " I will stop immediately; so dont get so angry." Casara : " Then I will not tell the Crystalorb Leadership. What I don''t understand is why Tuo never told her commanders about your activities? If I didn''t know better I would say that she protects you because she cares about your safety and not because it''s her duty" Tuo: " Naole is my friend, and this is what friends do for each other" Naole: " Outside of you Casara, Tuo is the only person I trust" Casara : " Keep him out of trouble Tuo!" Tuo: " I will" - - - In mid-July 2014 Naole''s analysis indicated that the oil price would rise by between $5 and $10 from $44.8 a barrel in the next six weeks, and so Naole shifted his commodities position by purchasing $8.5 Billion (1897321143 barrels) worth of oil in anticipation that the price of oil would rise and he would sell at a higher price. Naole could not have known that events were about to unfold that would change the world forever. On 10-08-2014 the Japanese oil facility in the East China Sea near a disputed ocean area of the Senkakus was attacked by an unknown Force. This action enraged pacifist Japan and triggered a series of events that would change the world forever. In the resulting panic the Nikkei plunged a record 45% in one week until Japan''s government indefinitely suspended trading on the exchange. The crush of the Nikkei resulted in a short lived global market crush as investors around the world sought to unload any stock that had Japanese links. As the global markets settled down the Government of Japan began to take steps to support their financial systems. Four weeks after the attack the markets had regained stability, and so the Government of Japan lifted the suspension of the trading on the exchange, and after the markets regained some stability the reconstruction of the offshore oil facilities got underway. Ken Taro the Prime Minister of Japan addressed parliament and introduced the Governments plan to address the crisis, but since they still did not know who had attacked them it did very little to calm the Japanese people. A few weeks later a public referendum approved the constitutional changes that would allow Japan to operate a blue water navy, and even though Japan still believed in their brand of pseudo-pacifism they undertook to protect their people by any means. The USA suspected North Korea to be responsible for the attack, but without proof there was nothing they could do about it, and because of Iraq they could not risk acting unilaterally. China became concerned that Japan would build a nuclear deterrence, and the constitutional amendments carried out by Japan was a clear indication that the Government of Japan would pursue any avenue that would secure their country, including nuclear weapons. The shock to the global markets created oil supply concerns, and led to the price of oil rising from $43.4 to $168 a barrel in just 7 weeks. Naole sold the oil he had acquired for an average price of $135 barrel, and the sale of the oil earned $25.62 Billion giving Naole a profit of $17.12 Billion on the oil deal. Because the global markets were still unsettled Naole moved 55% of Olen Industries capital into the newly created South African Industrial Minerals Coins. The uncertainties in the economic climate quickly made the Industrial Minerals Coins a safe haven for investors and Naole was no different, but since the price of oil retreated to $82 Naole decided to invest 20% of his holdings in Oil, the rest of the money was in stock markets. The South African Government had found something that works, and this saw massive amounts of money flowing into the Industrial Minerals Coins market. The capital inflows strengthened the Rand, and the Rand-Dollar exchange rate to R5.3 - $1. Nations around the world began to invest in their Naval assets, and this saw ArmsCorp receive new orders for their light aircraft carrier, but most of the orders went to NATO nations. The fear of being destabilized by a rival Country created global suspicion amongst nations, and a new global arms race began. With the new arms race underway many people on the internet began to spread rumours that implicated the arms Industry in the attack on Japan. Countries conducted naval operations to seek out possible threats to their offshore instillations, and the nations with Carrier capabilities found it easier to patrol their oceans. African countries found it extremely difficult to secure their oceans, and the rise in the price of commodities increased the cost of producing new naval vessels that could adequately protect against stealthy submarine attacks. African Governments called for a heads of state summit on 01-11-2015 in Addis Ababa to discuss the possibility of joint Security projects to help each other to protect their vulnerable African Countries. On the sidelines of the summit Abdul Abas the Arab League Secretary General held meetings with all the 15 heads of state of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) group during the African Union Summit. Newly elected President Mzuma of the Republic of South Africa later held bilateral talks with the President of Kenya, the President of Nigeria, the President of Ivory Coast, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the President of Cameroon. On the second day of the 2 day summit 30 sub-Saharan Heads of State fell ill from an unknown ailment and they were medically evacuated to hospitals. Initial suspicions were that the African leaders were poisoned, but when the general population of Ethiopias capital began to fall ill it became clear that this was a virus. Presidents and their staff were held in quarantine in the countries where they had been evacuated. The South African President was evacuated to a military hospital in Pretoria for treatment, and the world began to experience a state of panic as governments closed borders and shut down air, road and sea travel In 28 hours 30 sub-Saharan heads of state and government were killed by what was later determined to be a strain of the Ebola virus. As panic set in the streets of Addis Ababa many people were held in quarantine as the virus spread. In the aftermath nearly 1360000 people were killed by the virus, African leaders were dead, Global air travel was suspended, and there were mass riots on the streets of every city in sub-Saharan Africa. Preliminary investigations discovered evidence that showed Tamil Said; Yemens Foreign minister, and his aid Mahmoud Atef were the first to be killed by the disease, but since they were not part of the summit is was determined that the two must have spread the disease to someone else. As the virus timeline was studied it was learnt that Mahmoud Atef had links to terrorist organisations. Mahmoud Atef an aid to Tamil Said Yemens Foreign minister infected himself with the variant of the Ebola Virus. Mahmoud Atef quickly became infectious and then infected Tamil Said who the passed the virus to Arab League Secretary General Abdul Abas. Abdul Abas held meetings with all the 15 heads of state of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) group during the African Union Summit Joel Mabuza deputy President of the Republic of South Africa was taken to Crystalorb for security reasons, the South African Government was confident that Crystalans were best suited to protect him in the time of crisis. As acting President Joel Mabuza conducted a televised national address asking the nation to be calm, and not to panic, assuring them that their government was doing everything possible to keep them safe. When the Virus was contained the acting President Joel Mabuza emerged from Crystalorb to address a special sitting of parliament that was called to formally elect a new president. After Joel Mabuza was elected and sworn in as President of the Republic of South Africa he took the podium to address the public for the first time as President of the Republic of South Africa. President Mabuza : " These are dark days for our Country, dark days for freedom, liberty and peace, dark days for the whole world!" he takes a Pause "We did not seek, nor did we provoke this attack on our freedom and our way of life!" he takes a Pause "We did not expect, nor did we invite a confrontation with evil! What helped keep the cold war cold was a sense of moral restraint that the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) were too terrible to use, but that restraint doesn''t exist with Jihadist who strap bombs to their chests and blow up night clubs, buses and trains." he takes a Pause "There is evil in the world, and today the agents of evil are these Islamic Jihadist. We have seen with the attack on Japan that some governments think if they act secretly, or through other proxy forces there will be no real consequences, we cannot allow this notion to go unchallenged. Africa can no longer afford to be complacent in our response to the evil perpetrated by these Islamic Jihadist." he takes a Pause "It has been our experience that these evil doers don''t act alone, they are supported and protected by governments who hold the same ideology. These Governments refuse to stop harbouring the Islamic Jihadist, instead they actively aid and abed them, thus making themselves Accomplices to their Evil Crimes" The President takes a moment to drink water "2 hours ago 200 South African Air Force Aircraft took off from bases in Kenya, Comoros Islands, Uganda and Ethiopia! 30 minutes ago the Chief of the Air Force told me that our Aircraft were just minutes from the Yemen border and it was time to Confirm the attack order! I gave the order to fire! And moments ago the bombs started falling on all the facilities of Yemens Government." he takes a Pause "The bombs will continue to fall until there are no facilities left to destroy! We will destroy every building, every school, every hospital, every dam, every Police station, every Fire station, every government owned factory and all other government buildings! I know some people in Europe will think that this response is disproportionate, but we have to send a message to all governments who sponsor terror, and the message is; We will hold you responsible for the activities of your citizens!"The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. An hour later the Peoples Republic of China vetoed an emergency United Nations Security Council resolution that demanded that the Republic of South Africa and its Allies immediately stop their bombing operations. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia decided to send their air force to help Yemens Government and repel the raids of the South African Air Force, but the South African Naval Task Force was within range to provide air protection with their laser weapons. The South African Naval Task Force included 3 of the new ArmsCorp Cruiser class light carriers, 2 destroyers, 4 Frigates, 8 Corvettes and 15 attack vessels. When Saudi Arabia interfered in the military operations President Mabuza ordered the 3 Cruisers to use their long range weapon systems to attack Saudi frontline air bases, oil facilities and sea water desalination facilities. This action by the South African Naval Task Force angered the USA and its NATO allies, and the NATO council took a resolution to use force to end the fighting. The USA re-tasked its Carrier Battle group in the region supported by the British and Italian Carrier Battle groups to form the NATO taskforce and intercept the South African Naval Task Force. The South African Government knew that they were in trouble, so they made an urgent call to the Crystalorb Leadership for assistance. The Crystalorb Leadership was reluctant to get involved but they recognized that the security of Crystalorb was tied to the security of the Republic of South Africa. The South African Naval Task Force used the advanced Laser weapons systems of the 3 Cruisers to destroy NATO Aircraft and thus preventing long range air attacks, but the Americans deployed their laser weapons equipped stealth planes to get close enough to sink the 2 destroyers, a Frigate and 5 Corvettes. Because the 3 Cruisers of the South African Naval Task Force had used a majority of their long range bombs on the assault on Saudi Arabia they had fewer bombs to launch against the NATO Task Force. When the NATO Task Force deployed a stealthy submarine attack on the South African Naval Task Force the writing was on the wall for the South Africans, and a sustained torpedo assault was decimating the South African Naval Task Force. Before long all that was left of the South African Naval Task Force was the 3 new Cruisers, and they were being attacked by the submarine group, but then the Crystalorb airship the Intrepid arrived on the battlefield. The Crystalorb Leadership had finally agreed to come to the Aid of the South African Government in order to prevent an outright defeat of the South African allied Forces. Even though the NATO forces could not detect the Intrepid they could observe the atmospheric disturbance the Intrepid caused as it moved through the air, and so the NATO Task Force turned their laser weapons into the sky in an attempt to destroy the Intrepid. The Intrepid returned fire by launching a massive multiple ElectroLaser Lightning Bolt attack on all the surface vessels that were part of the NATO TaskForce. - - - Meanwhile at the joint forces command centre underneath the White House the President of the United States (Donald Newman) was being informed of the attack from a third element. The commander of the NATO Task Force US Navy Rear Admiral Paul Wright was relaying the situation to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President. US Marine Corps General James Harper (the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) was receiving communications. Admiral Wright: " We''ve come under attack from some kind of stealth plane, and it''s continuously firing electrical energy at our ships" General Harper: " What about a strategic withdrawal?" Admiral Wright: " I''m afraid that is not an option at this point sir! This thing is the kind of weapon system we never anticipated! We''ve thrown everything we have at this thing and still nothing!" General Harper: " What is the status of the Task Force?" Admiral Wright: " At this point we are looking at a total loss for the British and the Italians, and our Cruisers have been destroyed, our remaining three destroyers are on fire, the carrier is also on fire; I''ve ordered the crew to abandon ship!" President Newman:" General; How is any of this possible?" General Harper: " Someone is helping the Africans!" President Newman:" How do we stop them?" General Harper: " Mr President! The only option we have left at this point is an Atmospheric Nuc-Det." Admiral Wright: " Sir! I''m not sure that would work" President Newman:" What?" General Harper: " Why not?" Admiral Wright: " This thing moves very fast Mr President, and its possible that it could outrun any missile we through at it!" President Newman:" What do you mean by Fast?" Admiral Wright: " Speeds in excess of mach 5 Mr President!...." Admiral Wright''s communications line goes dead. President Newman:" What happened? Where did he go?" They look at the screens showing the satellite images. General Harper: " They are gone sir! The Task Force has been destroyed Mr President!" Then the screens went blank and started showing only static. President Newman:" What the hell is going on?" General Harper: " We''ve lost the satellite feed Mr President" President Newman:" Then get it back!" Then General Ben Doyle the Chief of the Air Force answers. General Doyle : " We can''t Mr President; The satellite has been destroyed" President Newman:" Who did this to us? Who is helping the Africans?" General Harper: " It could be Russia, China or even a yet unknown organisation Mr President!" General Doyle : " We don''t know Mr President! Nevertheless we have to prepare for the possibility of an attack on our forces anywhere including here" General Harper: " We must prepare to use our deterrence to force the South Africans to stand down." President Newman:" I won''t be party to a first strike policy" General Doyle : " We don''t know how many of those aircraft are out there." The communications officer indicates that there is a video call coming in from the President of the Republic of South Africa for the President of the United States. President Newman:" Put him on!" President Mabuza:" Good evening Mr President! I''m calling to tell you that I''ve ordered that our military stand down until further instructions, I''m hoping that you would do the same." President Newman:" Mr President; The attack on our peace keeping forces was totally uncalled for!" President Mabuza:" Mr President; NATO decided to take a partisan position in this matter, and we were merely asserting our right to self defence" President Newman:" There will be serious diplomatic consequences for your indiscriminate attacks on the peaceful nations of the gulf!" President Mabuza:" Mr President; These nations are neither peaceful nor innocent! Mr President; They continue to harbour, protect and aid the agents of evil!" President Newman:" You can''t punish an entire nation over the actions of a few people" President Mabuza:" Mr President; How do we know that these are the actions of the few? For all we know their Governments are involved!" President Newman:" Reason dictates that you must have proof!" President Mabuza : " We won''t negotiate with anyone who threatens us!" President Newman:" America does not threaten your country!" President Mabuza:" Yet our satellite images show that your Navy is mobilizing! Mr President; any act of violence will be met with fierce resistance, and will have disastrous consequences for the world" President Newman:" I will order our forces to stand down, but you must come to the UN to explain your actions to the world!" President Mabuza:" I will leave as soon as I have confirmation of a ceasefire with NATO" President Newman:" You will have it!" President Mabuza:" Thank you Mr President! We have no quarrel with the United States!" President Newman:" We do not wish to have a confrontation with your country Mr President!" Video call ended. General Harper: " Those guys have some nerve!" General Harper: " Bustards! Dammed Fuckers have some nerve calling us after what they did! The audacity!" President Newman:" At least we can be assured that they wont launch a surprise attack." General Doyle : " We can use the time to determine who is assisting the Africans." Admiral Wright: " This technology is undoubtedly linked to the Unexplained Arial Phenomenon." General Harper: " I thought we got all of their crashed UFOs." General Doyle : " That was the old ''Caucasian'' South African Government; They traded the vehicles for US and NATO political support and military assistance." Admiral Wright: " Because of our dealings with the Racist Apartheid Government the new Black Government refused to turnover the UFO drone that they apparently shot down in 1996 using some kind of Laser. But to think they UFO Reproduction Vehicles would be so advanced?" General Harper: " The thing that Attacked us never decreased speed below Mach 4 at any point during the encounter." General Doyle : " If this is an Alien Reproduction Vehicle then their understanding of the Technology is more than a few steps ahead of our own." Admiral Wright: " Correct; that thing had the Complete Strategic Initiative in combat. That means at the very least it possesses computational capabilities that are orders of magnitude beyond anything in our possession. It could read the flow of battle and predict and anticipate our actions." General Harper: " The other thing is the Shields they seem to possess are nothing like the ones on the UFOs and ARVs." General Doyle : " Then our Nuclear Deterrence is likely compromised." Admiral Wright: " ICBMs are useless, even MRBM can also be considered obsolete." General Harper: " Cruise missile should maintain limited effectiveness for now" General Doyle : " This is the first time we find ourselves at such a tactical disadvantage since 1980; we are at a dangerous precipitous moment." The room goes Silent. President Newman : " Find me the answers!" General Harper: " Yes sir; Mr President!" General Doyle : " Yes sir!" - - - The next morning the NATO Nations imposed economic sanctions on the Republic of South Africa, joining the NATO Nations in imposing sanctions was Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Arab League States, Turkey, Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other Islamic states. President Newman of the US announced in his television address that NATO had reached a Cease Fire with the African Forces. When questioned about the casualties suffered by the NATO Task Force President Newman told the world that Africans had military support from unknown third party Nations. President Newman indicated that these Nations provided submarines during the battle and it was these submarines that destroyed the NATO Task Force. The US President was pointing the finger at China, Russia and India. After President Newman finished his address President Mabuza of the RSA gave a speech at the union buildings in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of South Africans President Mabuza:" My fellow citizens! My countrymen! I come before you to ask that you understand our position in this matter. All we know for certain! All we know for sure is that the people who tried to destroy Africa are evil! We thought that this was the actions of a single rogue state, but now we are beginning to see the full picture. When we punished the evil doers their friends and accomplices came to their aid, and now it''s clear who our true enemies are. The evil doers murdered over a million people, but the NATO nations want us to do nothing! The evil doers try to spread fear and death, but the NATO nations again want us to do nothing! It''s time we ask ourselves what these so called moral nations are doing to the world. They pollute the air, the sea and even our lands with impunity! Why is it that only they have the right to self defence? NATO has lost its way, and instead of standing for justice they stand in support of tyranny! We see now all those who impose sanctions on our country in a mad attempt to break the will of our people. Granted our Navy has been largely destroyed, and our Air Force has been greatly diminished, but our army is still intact and capable. They claim that we had outside assistance, but these are lies, and everything we used came from within our borders." He takes a Pause "I take it they will need proof! Well here is your proof! Look up! Look up!" As President Mabuza looks up the Crowd also looks up to witness the 170 meter long Leba descend from high altitude to about 30 meters above the ground. The TV cameras were broadcasting the images of the Leba around the world, and no one could hide their complete surprise at the advanced technology that was now before them. President Mabuza:" Let them now try and claim that Haruans of Alkebulan are inferior! Let them now try and claim that our military lacks sophistication and skill! Let them now try and re-colonize Africa! I can tell you this; As long as we have hope in our hearts the sun will never set on our freedom! Tomorrow I will travel to the UN to answer for the actions of our Government, but what they don''t understand is that only the South African people can hold us accountable, and as a Democratic Nation our Government is the voice of the South African people! " He takes a Pause " The former colonial powers think that they can cripple our economy. The Rand reached an all time low of R13.92 against the US Dollar, and our analysis indicate that the Rand will fall even further, but what they don''t understand is that we foresaw this!" He takes a Pause "We knew that as long as our main currency remained liquid we were vulnerable, so we introduced the Industrial Mineral Coins. They can devalue the Rand, but they can never hope to control the prices of all the Industrial Minerals. We will do what is hard, to achieve what is great! The road ahead is long and difficult, and we will have to work harder to meet the needs of our people. I have absolute faith in the resolve of our people, and that faith is strong and steady. " He takes a Pause " To the NATO powers I say this; You could not break us with slavery! You could not break us with Colonialism! You could not break us with Apartheid! You could not break us with Imperialism! You will not break us with unilateral Sanctions!" The South African president deliberately used Alkebulan that ancient name of Africa and Haruans of Alkebulan for Africans as a Break form conventional reference choosing the link to the Egyptian God Haru son of the sun and thus Haruans for those loved by the Sun. - - - - - - Chapter 23: Power Politics U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 23: Power Politics - - - - - - At the White House the leaders of the most powerful nation on Earth were once again holding emergency discussions following President Mabuza''s unveiling of the Leba. General Harper: " Mr President; that ship is the very thing that destroyed our battle group" President Newman:" How did they get their hands on such a weapon?" General Doyle : " Mr President we''ve located someone who could provide us with valuable information, but he will only talk to you directly" General Harper: " Mr President he''s here and is waiting for you" President Newman:" Who is he?" General Harper: " His name is Tumo Ralefa" General Doyle : " He''s the CEO of Ralefa Holdings" President Newman:" Then bring him in!" Tumo is sent into the room where the meeting was being held. General Doyle : " Mr Ralefa; please tell us what you know!" Tumo: " First I want to tell you that I''m an African, and the information I give you is to give you an understanding of what you''re up against so that you don''t exacerbate the situation. We want to avoid further loss of African lives!" President Newman:" I understand!" Tumo: " The ship that destroyed your Task Force is one of 2 Crystalorb warships!" President Newman:" Crystalorb?" Tumo: " Let me start from the beginning!" after a brief pause "Over 150 years ago brothers Ralefa and Lesedi were infected by a Crystal of unknown origins. The Crystal mutated and transformed their bodies, and while it gave Ralefa great strength, speed and healing abilities it gave Lesedi an additional component; the Chest Crystal. There are 2 main groups of enhanced humans in the world; the descendants of Ralefa and the descendants of Lesedi. The descendants of Ralefa call themselves the Hand of Destiny (HOD or Hodian), and the descendants of Lesedi call themselves Crystalans. While we live in the world as part of the global community the Crystalans live in Crystalorb. Crystalorb stands for Crystal-Orb, and the structure is about a kilometre underground. Their technology is based on their Chest Crystals, and this Chest Crystal is the source of their power!" President Newman:" Why have they aligned themselves to the South African Government?" Tumo: " They dont trust people of European ancestry, and with good reason, even the HOD don''t trust them" General Harper: " You mean us?" President Newman:" Most likely." Tumo: " We have been in conflict with our cousins the Crystalans for decades now, and I can assure you that they are a power like no other." President Newman:" What do you mean?" Tumo: " Think of the incident in the Central African Republic several years ago?" General Harper: " That was you and them?" President Newman:" And the meteor?" Tumo: " Meteor! Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha!" after a brief pause as Tumo Continues to laugh "That was no Meteor! Believe me when I tell you that the impact was the result of one man taking a large rock to the edge of space and throwing it to the ground!" President Newman:" Are you saying they can fly?" Tumo: " They''ve built themselves these Suits of Crystal Armour that gives them flight capabilities!" General Doyle : " Now if we could get our hands on some of that tech" Tumo: " That''s impossible! Believe me; we have tried! Their technology is based on their Chest Crystal, and it can''t be duplicated. The Crystals are not manufactured but grown, their Chest Crystals are one of two sources of the energy required to grow the Crystals. They are determined to keep their technology from the evils of the world, and their cooperation with the South African Government is the reason the South African President is confident that they can meet any challenge!" General Harper: " Mr Ralefa what did you mean by one of two sources?" Tumo: " The only other object that can generate the type of energy required for Crystal growth is what the Crystalans call the Spirit Stone." President Newman:" Spirit Stone?" Tumo: " The Spirit Stone is the source of their power; an object of immense power! A Power beyond Comprehension; It has no Theoretical upper limit! The Spirit Stone is what created their home, and our spies tell us that the Spirit Stone is alive. The Spirit Stone is a large Crystal of about 5 meters in diameter that is said to contain the spirits of all the Crystalans with Chest Crystals who have died. When one of those with Chest Crystals dies their Chest Crystal absorbs the rest of their body and fuses with the Spirit Stone. They believe that a portion of their spirit remains with the Spirit Stone forever. The Spirit Stone is said to have the ability to replicate any device; any technology." President Newman:" What?" Tumo: " They probably developed many of their stealth technology from your designs! Theyre sneaky that way." General Harper: " What if you were to capture one of them and force him to grow the Crystals." President Newman:" Then we would have access to the technology" General Doyle : " What if you were to help us capture one of them and force him to grow the Crystals? We could even clone them!" Tumo: " Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha!" Tumo Continues to laugh You just don''t get it!" General Doyle : " What do you find so amusing?" Tumo: " You just don''t get it." Tumo Continues to laugh while shaking his head "Their abilities are hardwired into their DNA, into their Bodies! Including DNA based Neural pathways that require Specific energies in the womb to develop! It can''t be Cloned, Replicated, Absorbed or Duplicated! In any case, you can''t stop a Crystal Guardian." General Harper: " What''s a Crystal Guardian?" Tumo: " A Crystal Guardian is a Crystalorb Commander! Like an Admiral or General! Crystalorb''s warrior elite!" General Harper: " Some kind of Super Hybrid?" Tumo: " No-No-No. A true Power! No Hybrid can compare." General Doyle : " Our people are equal to any task." Tumo: " A single Armoured Crystal Guardian can level an entire City!" Tumo laughs while shaking his head "Only a pure-blood can stop a Crystal Guardian!" President Newman:" What''s a pure-blood?" Tumo: " A Hodian elite! The equal of a Crystal Guardian in Energy." President Newman:" Then there is an effective weapon?" Tumo: " Some things have proven more effective against them." General Doyle : " So they do have weaknesses?" Tumo: " Yes! However you need to understand that these are not comic book characters with obvious weaknesses, they''re Paragons of strength, speed and energy. Theyre super intelligent now! Whenever we expose a weakness they focus their considerable technical knowledge in negating that weakness, and that means that as a collective they grow stronger with every confrontation. Whatever technological advances you make eventually become their advances, and they don''t just incorporate the technology; they improve it, take it to levels you couldn''t reach." General Harper: " You make them sound indestructible." Tumo: " Without their Crystal Armour they are relatively easy to kill, but when Crystal Armoured their abilities increase exponentially, making them capable of extreme power, and that makes them virtually invulnerable to most weaponry." General Doyle : " Including lasers?" Tumo: " Lasers were effective for a while, but they''ve developed better shielding, and their stealth makes Lasers redundant." President Newman:" What about Hodian weaponry? Is your weapons technology the only effective weapons?" Tumo: " Mr President; you have to understand that the fact that we can match the Energy of a Crystal Guardian does not guarantee victory, they still have superior technology. General Harper: " But your people have been able to kill a Crystal Guardian?" Tumo: "Yes! It usually means that our people have to pay a terrible price, a price your country would never be able to accept" General Doyle : " What if you help us capture one of them?" Tumo: " Even if you could capture one of them they would never help you, and the Crystalans are fiercely protective of their own, they will destroy the world to recover one of their own. I know, we''ve tried!" after a brief pause "Mr President; the Crystalans would come after the people who gave the orders! They have no problems with the idea of killing a President. There is nowhere you could hide that they could not find you Mr President. There could be a Crystalan in this very room and none of you would be aware." President Newman:" Surely you must have technology comparable to theirs?" Tumo: " What you have to understand is that in their Crystal Armour they are all but indestructible. They have great strength, speed and healing abilities, but their Chest Crystals also means that they can generate energy fields that give them a whole range of abilities that are unique to them." General Doyle : " What about your technology? You are after all related to them" Tumo: " I''m sure you''ve sampled the Crystal batteries they''ve introduced for the ArmsCorp warships, and you''ve probably learnt that the primary component in the Crystal batteries is a synthetic element called Crystalium." General Doyle : " Crystalium?" Tumo: " Crystalium is a synthetic heavy element the Crystalans produced by an enrichment process that involves amongst other things Nuclear Fusion and particle acceleration, a process we have not been able to duplicate. This is the extent of their capabilities." President Newman:" Can you help us equalize?" Tumo: " We have already provided the world with the technology or ability to stand up to the Crystalans should the need ever arise" President Newman:" The Hybrid Phenomenon?" Tumo: " Yes!" President Newman:" Can you make more?" Tumo: " No; The Mutagenic recombinant RNA was cultured from a source that no longer exists, but we have developed weapons that have proven effective against their Crystal Armour." President Newman:" I see now why you are willing to share your information, and it has to do with the bottom line." Tumo: " Like the Crystalans we''ve developed technology that cannot be duplicated, but the difference is that we are willing to sell you weapons that could help to equalize the fight." President Newman:" What kind of technology?" Tumo: " As it turns out Crystalan and Hodian bone marrow makes minute amounts of Crystalium; some Kind of Neutron Capture mechanism. Our blood contains Metallic Crystals that can be used to produce all kinds of things with proper research, but one would need large amounts of blood to produce weapons that have military applications. The Metallic Crystals do not have as many properties as their Chest Crystal, but it''s the only thing that comes even close to the Chest Crystal. We have mastered the techniques required to manipulate the Metallic Crystals." President Newman:" I take it we will pay through the nose?" Tumo: " I''m afraid so Mr President." President Newman:" The Generals will iron out the details of the deal with your people. We look forward to doing business with Ralefa Holdings" Tumo: " Then I''ll be taking my leave Mr President" The HOD had quickly found a way to benefit from the conflict situation, but they were not the only one to see opportunity in the situation. - - - Following President Mabuza''s visit to the UN the South African economy came under increasing strain as the rise in the price of oil to $185 a barrel coupled with the Rand plummeting to R23.61 to the US Dollar created an inflationary situation in the South African economy and a massive current account deficit. The South African Government was in desperate need of cash to purchase equipment and to stimulate growth. Realising that the South African Government was desperate Naole approached the South African Government and offered to purchase their 10% stake in Crystal Valley Industries for $24.45 Billion in Industrial Minerals Coins. The South African Government agreed to sell. Soon after Gaurdius died, and Isis became the new Oldest Elder, Lenong was elected to the Council of Elders. The cash injection allowed the South African Government to settle their financial obligations and this restored market confidence in the South African Economy, the Rand stabilized at R15 to the US Dollar. The South African Government introduced a new policy that forced South African companies to not accept foreign currencies as payment for goods and services, but to insist on being paid in Industrial Minerals. The South African Reserve Bank then purchased the Industrial Minerals at market value for either Industrial Minerals Coins or Rands depending on what the company preferred. This new policy strengthen the Rand back to R5 to the dollar within 12 months, and because of the rapidly increasing exports of Crystal Valley Industries products the South African Economy was very quickly running a massive current account surplus. - - - 18 months after the conflict ArmsCorp received a list of new International orders for their ArmsCorp Cruiser class light carrier at R5.45 Billion, and they were; 25 for India, 15 for Japan, 10 for South Korea, 30 for China, 22 for Brazil, 5 for Argentina, 5 for Venezuela, 5 Nigeria, 8 for Angola, 6 for Kenya, 2 for Indonesia, 2 for Sri-lanka, 2 for Ghana, 1 for Namibia, 1 for Mozambique, 28 for Mexico, 2 for Madagascar and 7 for Cuba. That gave ArmsCorp a total of 171, and the estimated value of the contracts was R931.95 Billion. The ships were powered by a mix of technologies depending on the nation, but they all had the Crystal Valley Industries Crystal based batteries. For example the Chinese elected to install their own nuclear reactor to charge the Crystal based batteries, but many receiving nations chose to charge Crystal based batteries from their national electric grid and install a diesel generator as back up. ArmsCorp hoped to benefit from the continuous sale of their long range spherical projectiles so they accelerated ship production to 15 a year. The sale of the aircraft was not as successful as that of the ships because the Laser weapons made bomber aircraft less effective without expensive stealth technology that the South African Government was reluctant to sell to any nation. In the Republic of South Africa many regions and cities demanded to be awarded the same status as the Crystal Valley City, and then during municipal elections of 2017 the referendum was introduced as part of the voting process. With the approval of the referendum the Republic of South Africa was changed into the South African Federation of City States. All the City States were governed in the same way as Crystal Valley City, and The Federal parliament passed a law that gave all personal income tax and 50% of VAT in the particular city''s district to the cities, but all corporate tax went to the Federal Government. This law applied to all the cities including Crystal Valley City. The reforms had the effect of giving people a sense of ownership of their communities, and they took pride in knowing that their hard work was responsible for all they saw around them. - - - On 10-01-2018 Tuo accepted Naole''s marriage proposal and a month later they were married at a ceremony in Crystalorb. Naole was granted special permission to visit Crystalorb for his wedding ceremony, and because Naole had become the single largest share holder of Crystal Valley Industries his relations with the Council of Elders was improving.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Crystal Valley Industries began producing adapted Crystal based batteries for use by lights, torches, mobile phones, laptops, cameras, electric cars and other electrical devices. The production of Crystal based batteries quickly became one of Crystal Valley Industrys product line with the highest demand. Even the countries that had imposed Economic Sanctions on the South African Federation of City States began to import the Crystal based batteries through third party African countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and the Kingdom of Lesotho. Because of the Economic Sanctions imposed by some of the wealthiest nations the South African Federation of City States was forced to redirect its trade policy to those Nations that still enjoyed good relations with them. Crystal Valley Industries became instrumental in securing South Africa''s trading position in the world. The biggest beneficiaries to the South Africa''s new trading policies were South Africa''s neighbours who exported South African products to NATO countries. South Africa''s success came at a price for many African countries as many of their professionals left to make their home in the South African Federation of City States. The greatest toll was on South Africa''s neighbours who were reduced to a conduit for South African products, and their own manufacturing capabilities took a back seat to the lucrative deals they could secure for South African products. The influx of Africans rapidly increased the population of the South African Federation of City States, and by 2020 the census data indicated that the South African population had increased to 87 million including immigrants. Crystal Valley Industries had become the world''s largest producers of Industrial Minerals, and their sea bed mining technology gave them access to the largest mineral reserves without having to deal with governments. The Industrial Minerals produced by Crystal Valley Industries allowed the South African Reserve Bank to be the largest holder of Industrial Minerals reserve, and the bank held the stock in the form of Industrial Minerals Coins. The sub- Saharan African countries that were Allies of the South African Federation of City States formed the African Defence Alliance (ADA) as a way to rival NATO which was expanding to include Israel and some Caribbean Nations. - - - In 2020 Tuo gave birth to twin sons who she named Ralen and Raole. Having Children softened Naole''s resolve, and he did not complain when Tuo took the twins to spend long periods of time in Crystalorb with her family. On 10-01-2021 NATO officially changed the name of the organization to the Atlantic Treaty Organisation (ATO), and by removing the North from the name they could admit Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and other South American Nations. This action propelled other groups to form defence communities. China, North Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia formed the Asian Defence Consortium (ADC). India, Sri-lanka and the Maldives formed the Indian Ocean Alliance (IOA). The Islamic nations formed the Islamic Alliance. Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and the Philippines formed the Pacific Defence Group. Russia and some of the former soviet allies including Mongolia formed the Northern Alliance. As the world organised themselves into these groups the Demand for advanced weapons provided by HOD and Crystalan technology continued to increase. The Intrepid laid another egg, and while the egg was being fed Spirit Stone energy for its final faze of development the Council of Elders named the new ship Gaurdius after Lord Gaurdius. The Crystalorb General Council rejected a proposal for Crystal Valley Industries to produce a Crystal based computer for use by the general public, indicating that even the ArmsCorp warships and planes did not use Crystalorb''s Crystal based computer technology. The election of John Randall as the President of the United States brought new hope of better relations between different defence communities. Unlike republican Donald Newman, democratic President Randall was willing to talk to his opposite members in the other defence Alliances. In the eight years under the republican Donald Newman the conservatives had projected hostile policies to the defence groups that did not share their Ideological positions of the world. President Mabuza however remained unconvinced of President Randall''s overtures, and continued to believe that the ATO countries remained an Imperialist Empire. The double digit growth in the South African Economy allowed the South African President latitude to be unresponsive to American overtures, and the military security provided by advanced Crystalorb technology gave the South African President protection from the kind of military interventions that the Americans supported in the past against Governments they did not like. Because of President Mabuza''s activities Crystalorb provided him with 24 hour protection in the form of a Vanguard team. On 19-11-2021 ATO announced a plan to relax their sanctions against the South African Federation of City States and limit or narrow the sanctions to targeted sanctions on the South African Government personnel and the South African military. The announcement came a day before President Mabuza was due to address the United Nations during a UN sponsored energy summit. - - - President Mabuza felt that it would be prudent to give his response during his address President Mabuza : " Six years ago the enemies of freedom tried to destroy our people. Six years ago the enemies of freedom murdered our leaders. Six years ago the enemies of freedom tried to spread their chaos and fear! Six years ago the enemies of freedom Failed!" after a brief pause "Six years ago the enemies of freedom and their friends were punished. Six years ago the enemies of African freedom intervened to support the friends of the evil! Six years ago the enemies of African freedom tried to destroy our Economy. Six years ago the enemies of African freedom tried to coerce others to join them against us! Six years ago the enemies of African freedom roomed the world in their mighty warships threatening the peaceful nations of Africa! Six years ago the enemies of African freedom conducted a virtual oil blockade on our country. Six years ago the enemies of African freedom instituted policies aimed at crushing African aspirations. They failed!" after a brief pause "They failed! Not for lack of trying! Not for lack of military power! Not for lack of economic power! Not for lack of political will, power or support! But because of the resilience of the South African people!" after a brief pause "They failed because other nations of the world would not allow them to succeed! They failed because other nations of the world saw no reason in their purpose. They failed because other nations of the world refused to follow their misguided plans. And today they''ve acknowledged their error. We have to commend them for finally seeing the light, and that reason has finally prevailed. The economic sanctions forced the South African people to be creative and innovative. We were forced to be self reliant and progressive. In the end the sanctions helped us to finally rid ourselves of the colonial imperialist elements of our society, and today we are free of the imperial forces, free to chart our own destiny!" after a brief pause "The imperial forces thought that we needed them, but now it''s clear to all Africans that we don''t need them! Their authority and power is a legacy of the past, but as we look to the future we must reconcile the past to history. For the past six years they have been shining their light on the past, while the South African Federation of City States has been shining its bright light on the future. Over the past 4 years the South African Federation of City States has become a beacon of hope for the world. Our detractors are lost in the darkness of their delusions! As I prepare to leave office I''m comforted by the knowledge that South Africa has never been more secure, more peaceful and more prosperous. I want to thank in particular the Republic of India, the People''s Republic of China and the countries of African Defence Alliance. Your support has been invaluable to the South African people" At the time of the speech President Mabuza was due to leave office in 5 months, and would be replaced by Tau Molema who had previously been elected President of the governing African National Movement. - - - Before President Mabuza left office he observed as the South African Navy conducted test of the updated ArmsCorp Cruiser. In the test two of their latest Cruisers fired hundreds of inert munitions at each other to test the effectiveness of the Laser weapons systems in defending against projectile weapons. Because only a single projectile got through to one of the ships, the Navy declared the test to be a success, and ArmsCorp Cruiser was given an effectiveness rating of 90% in defending against projectile weapons. The updated ArmsCorp Cruiser also included the latest anti-submarine weapon systems, and this was in response to the purchase of 20 submarines by the Islamic Alliance Nations. Over the previous five years the African Defence Alliance (ADA) designated the Islamic Alliance as a strategic threat, and because of the oil reserves possessed by the Islamic Alliance countries the ADA was working tirelessly to find African sources of oil. The ADA was moving towards Electric powered cars, trucks and trains, and in the South African Federation of City States 70% of the vehicles had been fitted with an electric power assist motor developed by Crystal Valley Industries. - - - After President Tau Molema was inaugurated he scheduled a meeting with the Crystalorb Leadership to discuss matters that were of great concern to the nation. In the meeting President Molema indicated that he wished to resolve the stand off with the ATO countries, and encourage more productive relations with the most powerful nations of the world. The ATO nations contributed to 58% of the global GDP, and 30% of the global population. After his consultations with the Crystalorb Leadership, President Molema travelled to the UN to meet with ATO representatives as a first effort to find a lasting solution to their problems. The US President travelled to the UN headquarters in New York to hold a private meeting with President Molema. The South African Security structures were reluctant for President Molema to travel to the White House. President Molema arrived at the UN onboard an executive transport version of the ArmsCorp carrier based aircraft. The transport version of the ArmsCorp aircraft was 50% larger than the standard version, and was also equipped with stealth technology. The aircraft transporting President Molema immerged from the Intrepid and travelled to the UN building. Although the Americans had been informed of President Molema''s arrival, but the deliberate sudden appearance of his plane on the air traffic radar was a complete surprise. During his talks with the ATO Ambassadors to the UN President Molema indicated that the South African Federation of City States would only be returning one Ambassador to Europe and one Ambassador to the USA. Since the South American Ambassadors were not removed nothing would change. President Molema made it clear that he would move slowly in normalising relations with ATO countries that were part of the sanctions regime. - - - Later President Molema met with President Randall of the United States of America. President Randall : " Thank you for coming Mr President! You''ve had a long day and I''ve had an even longer 2 days, so lets not waist any time with veiled questions and coy answers! Your navy is conducting large naval exercises in the Persian Gulf. This action poses enormous problems for the region, for the world!" President Molema: " And for the US" President Randall : " Yes! It undercuts our military de-escalation policy, and forces ATO to respond" President Molema: " Is that why we are detecting your so called stealth subs near our battle group President Randall : " The Islamic Alliance is up in arms, and they are mobilizing their forces" President Molema: " The Islamic Alliance Nations are reckless and dangerous, and it''s only a matter of time before they do something to destabilize the world President Randall : " But did you have to conduct your exercises so close to their borders" President Molema: " Yes Mr President! We needed them to respond so that we could test our new anti-sub capabilities against their new European built sub fleet" President Randall : " They consider your actions to be a provocation" President Molema: " No Mr President! There is a difference between deterrence and provocation, and the fact that we were able to detect every one of their subs will deter them from using them to infiltrate ADA waters President Randall : " I''m sure you could find a better way to relate to them, a way that does not require military posturing!" President Molema: " I''m surprised that ATO is not more concerned about the Islamic Alliance, they''re just as much a threat to you as they are to us!" President Randall : " We enjoy good relation with nearly all the nations of the Islamic Alliance" President Molema: " But not with their people! Their people hate you because you support their oppressors"" President Randall : " And they hate you because you think their religion is barbaric" President Molema: " Actions speak louder than words Mr President! If they act barbaric?" President Randall : " Our countries used to have such good relations" President Molema: " You mean my country used to toe the line" President Randall : " Before the Addis Ababa incident your country was a respected member of the international community, but now it''s regarded as one of the more destructive elements" President Molema: " Incident? Is that what you call it? And they call us Destructive?" President Randall : " You continue to supply the world with your weapons, and this fuels the ongoing arms race" President Molema: " Strange! America is doing the same, and we take offence to being ladled as Destructive" President Randall : " At the very least your actions are Destructive" President Molema: " We are a democracy in the truest sense Mr President, and every year there are council elections in our Cities. We''ve instituted reforms that will see the Federal parliament become subject to the same rules, and very soon we will abandon the Presidency in favour of a Federal Executive Council similar to the City Executive Council. Our people will have the power to change their government annually" President Randall : " What about global security and stability? Your actions continue to ferment rivalries amongst nations" President Molema: " We have freed ourselves from dependence on Islamic Alliance oil, and the oil producing countries dislike the fact that we are offering the world new and advanced technology that will hopefully end the worlds toxic dependence on oil" President Randall : " You want the world to be dependent on your technology! This is technology we know nothing about!" President Molema: " As does America!" President Randall : " No! Other nation can''t produce or duplicate your Crystal based batteries, and there is no public research timeline of the development of this technology. Why is that Mr President?" President Molema: " We know you know why Mr President! We even know how you know why Mr President!" President Randall : " Who are these Crystalans? And how do you know you can trust them?" President Molema: " They are South African Citizens, and they are Africans" President Randall : " The HOD also consider themselves to be Africans" President Molema: " The HOD may be of African descent, but they''ve chosen not to align themselves to Africa. The HOD are dangerous Mr President! The leadership of the HOD might be African, but they have bread themselves into every racial group in the world, and their true intensions continues to escape even their cousins in Crystalorb" President Randall : " Unlike your friends, the HOD is willing to share their tech with the world and not just with one country" President Molema: " And that is what concerns you! The Crystalans have decided to share South Africa''s destiny, and their efforts are directed at ensuring that our shared future is prosperous. We don''t know what the true agenda of the HOD is!" President Randall : " We know that the Crystalans don''t get along with the HOD" President Molema: " Or perhaps the other way around" President Randall : " What''s their agenda?" President Molema: " President Stanley Carver knew about the existence of the Crystalans, but his final term of office was coming to an end, and Donald Newman was ahead in the polls. Carver believed that the bible thumping born again Donald Newman would probably overreact so he cleaned house and buried everything!" President Randall : " How do you know all this?" President Molema: " The Crystalans. They watch everything. They''re very good at watching." he smiles "They like to know what people in power are up to! You can''t really keep secrets from them!" Whispering gesture "As it turns out President Carver was right, Newman is a nut-job! And so was my predecessor. Crazy has a tendency to inspire crazy! Carver came to visit us a few years ago; before the Conflict! He wanted to make sure that he''d made the right decision, so we took him to visit Crystalorb. When Carver finally met the Crystalans, he came to the same conclusion that we did." President Randall : " Which is what?" President Molema: " People who create things as beautiful as what he saw in Crystalorb could not possibly be Evil." "They are Utopians you know. Perhaps the only part of the human civilisation that''s actually truly Utopian." President Randall : " Somehow I find that hard to believe! If they''re Utopian, then why do they need advanced weaponry?" President Molema: " They''re Utopian, not pacifists. Their blood feud with the HOD has been raging for a generation, and may continue for generations to come. They have the power to destroy the HOD, but they wont pursue that option because it would cost too many ordinary human lives. They built Crystal Valley City because we asked them, and they''ve designed advanced weapon systems for us because we asked them. The Crystalans are trying to help us; trying to help the rest of humanity become more like them." President Randall : " More like them? Now that I can believe! So that''s their agenda; remake the world in their image? Why haven''t they tried to make contact with us?" President Molema: " You Americans are so full of yourselves. You think they would want to talk to you just because youre a super-power? They are a real super-power, and their gentle nature is misleading. When we first found out about them we thought that we could force them to submit to our authority, but we quickly realized that they could wipe us out in less than an hour. They have the kind of power you can only imagine. Over the years that we''ve known them we''ve seen them grow stronger. It''s as if they are building up to something! They think that the HOD will throw the world into Chaos, and they must be ready to stop the HOD." President Randall : " I''ve talked to the HOD, and they don''t seem like the monsters the Crystalans describe! Have you met the HOD?" President Molema: " We have, and I must agree with you that they seem ordinary, but I must tell you that I found them disarming! I didn''t like that feeling. With the Crystalans you get the feeling that youre inferior, and the Crystalans are always trying to elevate you to their level, but the Hodians make you feel that they''re just like you, you think that they''re just ordinary humans." President Randall : " Yes." President Molema: " And that''s the trouble with the HOD! Wolves in sheep''s clothing! The Hodians are clearly very good at playing dumb, and if you know that they are as advanced as the Crystalans, you wonder why they arent more open? The Crystalans are open about who they are, the HOD on the other hand are very secretive about who they are. The Crystalans regard the HOD as lost and misguided, but the Hodians always try to make you suspicious about the Crystalans." President Randall : " So you are firmly on the side of the Crystalans?" President Molema: " They''ve been nothing but good to us, and that''s good enough for me." President Randall : " Mr President lets talk about your space program." President Molema: " What do you want to know Mr President?" President Randall : " Why are you placing weapons in space?" President Molema: " For the same reason America has placed Laser and plasma energy weapons in space." President Randall : " We need to know what your space plans are?" President Molema: " For the moment this is mainly responsive, and the space policy is still being formulated" President Randall : " We would be greatly concerned if you started to supply space weapons to your allies" President Molema: " We have no intension to sell these weapons" President Randall : " And what about your enrichment program?" President Molema: " The Crystalorb Nuclear Reactors require highly enriched uranium to function at optimal capacity" President Randall : " But you are enriching beyond the requirement for power stations" President Molema: " You have to understand that Crystalorb Nuclear Reactor (CNR) technology is unlike anything currently available in the world. The CNR are five times more efficient, and our small reactors that Crystal Valley Industries produces for our ships generate 4000 MW of electricity. As you probably know, we don''t sell the ships with CNR technology" President Randall : " Some say you could easily convert your enriched uranium for use in weapons" President Molema: " We could. But we won''t! And it''s because we don''t need nuclear bombs Mr President! And even though Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia have Nuclear weapons programs we have elected to go in a different direction." President Randall : " There is no proof that Saudi Arabia has Nuclear weapons" President Molema: " Once again you defend them, but it doesn''t matter to us, and their nuclear capabilities don''t change the balance of power. The fools don''t realise that they would never be able to deploy their missiles against us, and besides we have energy weapons that can generate the equivalent of a nuclear blast for less than 1% of the cost of a Nuclear Bomb. And now that ATO has relaxed your sanctions our exports can have direct access to ATO markets" President Randall : " What about lowering trade tariffs?" President Molema: " That measure will never pass the Federal Parliament, so thats highly unlikely President Randall : " Then ATO will maintain their tariffs" President Molema: " We supply 25% of the world''s Industrial Minerals, and we do so as Coins, our advanced technology produces 20% of the world''s food, the Crystal Based Batteries have cornered the world market. We are the 9th largest economy in the world, and we''ve had double digit growth for the last 3 financial years. Consequently we see no need to change what works" President Randall : " What about strengthening financial links with the world?" President Molema: " Mr President! Our technology is the driver of our growth, and that is the focus of our economic policies. We don''t want links with countries that may one day use their stronger financial markets to weaken our financial markets. The Federal Parliament recently passed a bill that will prevent Government spending from distorting the free market, and that means that Government procurement is only allowed to directly participate in the defence Sector. This law stops the South African Government at all levels from public private partnerships, and this means no more Government tenders. Now for us to have direct financial links with any nation, that particular nation would have to subscribe to the same ideological position that says; Government activity must not distort the free market! The Federal Parliament is hopeful that this will end large scale corruption, and because our defence needs are mostly met by ArmsCorp we''ve reduced the level of corruption in the defence industry. In the future all Government market activities will be limited to state owned enterprises" President Randall : " Those Socialist Policies have never been proven to be effective" President Molema: " But this isn''t a strictly Socialist type of policy, but a way to balance the free market and a Socialist policy" President Randall : " So what you are saying is that we have nothing to offer you" President Molema: " All we are saying is that it is in your own best interest to lower your tariffs on our products. As things stand you are paying 120% more for our products because you''ve been getting them from third parties. We won''t lower our tariffs, and that much I can assure you, but in time my people may be willing to reconsider" President Randall : " Congress will never agree to that, and the conservatives will run riot if my party tries to push it through" President Molema: " Then the status quo will probably remain" President Randall : " I suppose it will" President Molema: " Mr President thank you for the invite, our talks have certainly been enlightening" President Randall : " Lets continue to talk Mr President, and with time our peoples will develop a deeper understanding of each other" - - - When President Molema returned home he proudly declared to the world media that he had held productive talks with the American President, and that it a was crucial first step in normalising the relations between Africa and the ATO powers. President Molema indicated that he would consult the other African countries of the ADA and together they would come up with a common positions in their engagement with ATO Nations. Following President Molema''s return the South African Federal Parliament passed the Freedom of Movement Law. The Freedom of Movement Law gave Africans from the ADA countries free access to the South African Federation of City States. All those wishing to enter the South African Federation of City States would present themselves at the Embassy, Consulates and borders post where they would be fingerprinted, photographed, Iris scanned and a DNA sample collected, then they would be issued with an Identity card. The entire process took about 2 hours. By welcoming other Africans into the South African Federation of City States the Federal Government transformed South Africa into the centre of African commerce, arts and culture. The South African population was growing rapidly because of the ease of movement into South Africa, but the South African Government was unfazed by the influx of people. The South African Government wanted the population increase, and the because the City States regulated residential permits most of the unskilled immigrants ended up on Federal land. The Federal Government then had excess to massive amounts of cheep labour for their Infrastructure Development Projects. The Infrastructure Development Projects produced technically skilled people that could then be absorbed by the larger economy in the City States. The Federal Government and the City State Governments were barred from outsourcing any of their activities for fear of distorting the free market, so the major input to the market was largely restricted to education, training and labour. Neighbours of the South African Federation of City States began to complain that South Africa was stealing their highly skilled professionals, and since South Africa could now export directly to ATO countries their economies were under heavy strain. The South African Federal Government responded by offering the ADA countries massive loans to develop industries that the South Africa was not highly focussed in, and that meant more mining, Agriculture, bio-fuels and Tourism. - - - U󡾨U Chapter 24: The Pain of Loss U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 24: The Pain of Loss - - - - - - On 11-12-2022 the United States of America began construction of the Moon base as a first stage of the mission to Mars. The Metallic Crystals from Ralefa Holdings allowed the USA to Develop advanced computational capabilities and new plasma weapons based on HOD designs. The HOD gave the ATO nations access to military technology comparable to that supplied by ArmsCorp. It was this new technology that led to the kind of systems that gave NASA the prospect of a successful mission to Mars.The Metallic Crystals based computers is small enough to be fitted to mechanisms required for automated digging on the surface of the Moon. The plan was to build a the base on the Moon by using 30 small 20 kilogram mobile robots controlled and powered by a central unit that would itself receive energy from the sun. The small 20 kilogram mobile robots and the central unit used Crystal Valley Industries Crystal Based Batteries to store energy. The mobile robots would then dig a 2.2 meter diameter tunnel at 20 degrees to the ground until reaching a depth of 15 meters. The mobile robots would then construct the network of underground tunnels that would form the main facility. The mobile robots were built from the strongest Alloys available to NASA, and as the digging got underway the number of the mobile robots on the Moon increased to 150. The Crystalorb Leadership was observing the American developments with great interest, and with particular interest in the applications of the new robotics technology. The Crystalorb Research Division was looking for ways to adapt any new developments to their own robotics technology, and Crystal Valley Industries seabed mining operations were using advanced Crystal based robots to mine the seabed. The Intrepid laid a third Egg, and as the egg was being fed Spirit Stone to finalize its development the Council of Elders chose to name the new ship Jalen after Lord Jalen who had recently died from cancer. For Hodians, Crystalans and Hybrids cancer was the largest killer. These three groups were virtually invulnerable to infections, common injuries, bullets and even most human diseases, but cancer had become a death sentence for them. The cancerous cell were turning their regenerative capabilities against them, and as the cancer spread it became increasingly uncontrollable. Surgery became the only viable treatment for cancer in Hodians, Crystalans and Hybrids, but in the case of brain, blood and bone cancer surgical treatment had very limited effectiveness. When Tuo was diagnosed with a brain tumour the writing was on the wall, and she new that her time was running out. Tuo and Naole went to the Crystalorb Medical Centre for Tuo''s treatment. The doctors at the Crystalorb Medical Centre operated on Tuo and removed all the cancer they could find, and because of Tuo''s regenerative abilities her brain recovered from the damage to her brain. For a while it seemed like the storm had passed, they hoped for the best, but it was not meant to be, and fate would once again interfere with their chosen path; their chosen destiny. As Tuo''s brain cells regenerated the cancer cells also regenerated, and as the cancer cells returned they were more aggressive. - - - Then the doctors at the Crystalorb Medical Centre informed Tuo and Nalen of the fateful news. Dr Kanu?MD? : " I''m afraid the prognosis is not good." Tuo: " How long do I have?" Dr Kanu?MD? : " We can''t be certain, but 6 to 12 months." Naole: " No!" Dr Kanu?MD? : " The cancer has rapidly spread to nearly all parts of the brain, and we are now seeing hundreds of tiny tumours that are actively growing." Tuo: " Surgery is no longer an option?" Dr Kanu?MD? : " No; We''ve done all we can for you! I''m sorry." Naole: " This can''t be!" Dr Kanu?MD? : " I''m truly sorry." Tuo: " Naole; we have to be strong for the kids" Naole: " Ooh No! What are we going to tell our sons?" Tuo: " The truth!" Naole: " I don''t know; But I will do whatever you say." Tuo: " The boys will take their queue from your reaction, so if you are calm and accepting they will do the same." - - - Tuo, Naole and their two sons talked about their situation and the adults reached a decision on the familys next course of action. Tuo always wanted to travel the world, therefore for the next several months they travelled the world. Since Naole was a major shareholder in Crystal Valley Industries the South African Government gave Naole''s family official Government diplomatic travel documents. Everywhere Naole''s family landed they were received as officials of the Government of the South African Federation of City States. This afforded Naole''s family official protection wherever they travelled, and this was important in keeping the Hodians from attacking them. Even as they travelled Naole used Indigo to run simulations on a possible treatment for Tuo''s cancer. Naole was keenly aware of the genetic component in the development of cancer in Crystalan physiology, and that meant that Raole and Ralen were also at risk for developing cancer. With his father Nalen long gone Naole knew that the only proof of successful manipulation of Crystalan physiology was locked inside his own body, and therefore Naole would have to look inside his own body for the answers. Naole feared for his children, he had already accepted Tuo''s fate, but the death of his sons was something he was unwilling to contemplate. If he could not save his wife, then he would make sure that he saved their children. - - - After 8 months of travelling Tuo could no longer travel so they returned home to Crystal Valley City to make final preparations for her death. Over the years the Crystalorb Research Division had developed the technology that allowed the bodies of Crystalans without Chest Crystal to be absorbed by the Spirit Stone, and even though a portion of their Spirits would not form part of the Spirit Stone it still gave Crystalans comfort to know that their loved one''s final resting place was the Spirit Stone. After 11 months Naole was no closer to finding a workable therapy, and Tuo''s health had deteriorated even further. Tuo was on heavy medication at the Crystalorb Medical Centre, and because of this she was barely conscious for more than a few hours a day. The Council of Elders gave Naole special permission to stay in Crystalorb as a guest of the Council of Elders, and he was housed at the Executive Suite normally reserved for South African Government officials. Naole took the opportunity to teach 5 year old Raole and Ralen about Crystalorb, but throughout Naole''s stay in Crystalorb Enala made sure that her 15 year old daughter never came into contact with Naole. Enala knew that Naole would immediately recognise her energy signature as that of a Red Chest Crystal. However Canala wanted to meet her father, she wanted to know the man who had become a legend through his defiance of the Council of Elders. Canala also recognised that this was not an appropriate time for her to bring up these issues, she empathised with Raole and Ralen who were after all her brothers. When the twins came to visit their aunt Casara onboard the Leba Canala would take the opportunity to spend time with Raole and Ralen. And with Tuo being a cousin to Enala, and also with Tuo being aware that she was dying she encouraged Canala to form a closer relationship with Raole and Ralen. - - - Nearing death Tuo requested to see her sons so that she could say goodbye. As Naole brought them into the room the twins jumped onto the bed and laid by their mother''s side. Tuo spent precious time with her kids talking to them and listening to them. At about 10PM the twins fell asleep, and Naole took them to another room. When Naole returned to Tuo''s room he could see that Tuo was very tired. Naole held Tuo''s hand Naole: " You''ve had a long day my darling." Tuo: " I thought we would have more time, but fate has chosen differently" Naole: " Yeah." Tuo: " I love you Naole. I want you to remember that." Naole: " Always! And I love you Tuo!" Naole holds Tuo in his arms and they kiss. Tuo: " I can see behind the veil now! You will be the light Preserver; Symbol of Hope." Naole: " Preserver? Symbol?" Tuo: " Goodbye my Love; You''ve been the brightest light in my life." Naole: " Goodnight my Love; My true North! My Guiding Compass." tears running down Naole''s face "I would have been lost without you." Naole and Tuo embrace until Tuo falls asleep. This had been one of the more lucid days for Tuo, and she had been conscious for much longer than usual. Naole was delighted to have had the opportunity to share these precious moments with his wife, but he could not shake the feeling that Tuo would soon pass on, and that Tuo had taken the brief opportunity to say her final goodbyes. Tuo never regained consciousness, and 29 hours later she died in her sleep. After Tuo''s commitment ceremony Naole and his two young sons left Crystalorb for their home in Crystal Valley City, and even though they missed Tuo they found the strength to move on. Naole dealt with his grief by focusing on his scientific research, and after having spent time with the Crystalorb Research Division while they were preparing the baby ship Jalen for service he had an Idea. - - - Naole decided that he would build his own ship with Indigo at its heart. The dimensions that Naole was looking for were 250 meters in length and 150 meters wide. Since Naole could not build something of that size he resolved that he would reverse engineer his fathers designs. When Naole was in Crystalorb he came upon Nalen''s initial design for the Intrepid, and when he left Crystalorb Naole made copies of his father''s designs. In the years since leaving Crystalorb Naole had completed his PhD in Applied Mathematics, and then he furthered his studies by obtaining: a PhD in Computer Science, a Masters Degree in Physics and a PhD in Physics, a Masters Degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Chemistry, a Masters Degree in Operations Research and a PhD in Operations Research, a Masters Degree in Microbiology and a PhD in Microbiology. A total of 6 PhD''s. As Naole worked to build the 4 meter long ship around Indigo he realised that he would not be able to duplicate the small Crystalorb nuclear reactor, so Naole modified the designs to include a nuclear reactor of his own designs. In the end Naole made hundreds of modifications to the designs, and because of his link to Indigo his calculations were accurate, efficient and progressive. It took Naole 5 months to produce the 4 meter long and 2.5 meter wide ship that housed the Indigo. All that remained was for the ship to be grown, but without access to the energy of the Spirit Stone Naole would have to use the energy from the sun, and that would mean that it would take 10 years for the Bio-Crystals to reach the desired dimensions. The Crystalorb ships were periodically fed Spirit Stone energy to make them grow when they were in port. Naole knew that the answer to his energy problems was in his own ability to absorb the suns energy. As it was, Naole was absorbing the suns energy and then feeding it to Indigo for storage. Naole would then retrieve the energy and focus it through his Chest Crystal to stimulate growth in the Oval shaped ship called Indigo. Naole began to experiment with electrical energy, and it was this research into electrical energy that led Naole to the discovery about the true nature of his own body, his Chest Crystal and the modifications that his father Nalen had made when he was a child. Naole was used to wearing a plastic prosthetic leg, but Naole always hoped to somehow be able to use his regenerative abilities to re-grow his leg. Even though Hodians, Hybrids and Crystalans could regenerate they could not replace a torn limb. The regenerative abilities were mainly the result of a highly advanced human healing process, and since humans did not re-grow limbs neither didHodians, Crystalans and Hybrids. Naole built a new prosthetic leg using his deep Blue Bio-Crystal, and because the new leg was formed from Crystal fragments from his energy reserve sphere it could serve as an energy storage system. As Naole tried to permanently attach the Bio-Crystalline prosthetic leg to the bone tissue below his knee he noticed a strange reaction between his bone tissue and the Bio-Crystal resulting in other tissue forming around the prosthetic leg. Naole was conducting the surgery on himself through Indigo, and although the procedure was painful Naole found a way to anesthetise himself while remaining conscious. Because Naole''s cells recognized the Bio-Crystals in the prosthetic leg the Bio-Crystal began to be integrated into the body''s physiology. Skin and muscle began to grow around the prosthetic Bio-Crystalline leg. In a matter of days the prosthetic Bio-Crystalline leg was fully integrated into Naole''s body, and the mechanisms of the leg could be controlled through normal body movements. Naole''s new foot was now covered with skin and feeling had once again returned to his leg, but because the leg was still artificial it was capable of much more than an ordinary foot, and the range of movements of the leg went beyond that of his other foot. Naole could now store much more energy in his own body, and this could allow him to absorb sufficient energy from the sun which he would then feed to Indigo for storage. Naole would then retrieve the energy and focus it through his Chest Crystal to stimulate growth in the ship Indigo with the necessary materials harvested from the ocean floor. Before long the Indigo reached 350 meters in length and 210 meters wide. Naole began his vigorous training to prepare to defend his children from what he sensed was an imminent Hodian attack. - - - The promotion of Nasan from Deputy Expeditionary Guardian to Guardian of Sector 9 left her previous position vacant, therefore the Council of Elders decided to promote Guardian Armoured Casara to Deputy Expeditionary Guardian, and this meant that Casara would become; Commander of Expeditionary Recognisance and Captain of the Intrepid. When Lesego died from brain cancer Aman was promoted to Deputy Guardian Commander. It had been years since there was direct confrontations with the HOD, and the Council of Elders was beginning to once again believe in the prospect of peace with their Hodian counterparts, but events were unfolding that would test the true strength of all Crystalans. The forces of chaos were once again gathering and preparing to move against the order created by the presence of Crystalorb. Naole''s spirit could sense the advancing storm, and it was for this reason that he felt propelled to intensify his training. Casara also trained harder than usual because like Naole she could sense the advancing storm, and because she had the great responsibility of protecting Crystalorb she also prepared those under her command for possible attack. Many of the senior staff in Crystalorb disregarded Casara''s concerns, and dismissed them as no more than the concerns of an inexperienced young Guardian. - - -The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. However the events that would unleash the forces of Chaos had nothing to do with the Hodians, but were entirely of the worlds making. Events were once again conspiring to test humanities ability to survive nature''s cruel tendencies. Humanity''s own advances were being turned against them, and all human progress would have to stand against the unyielding power of nature. Survival of the fittest would once again make an unwelcome entrance into the balanced equation of modern human life. Incidentally the world was once again finding a new balance of power, and organised rivalries were being tempered by the benefits of trade and the proliferation of Ideas. It started like an ordinary outbreak of influenza, and the authorities in Gabon were assured that it would pass like many that came before it, but on closer examination it was learnt that this was no ordinary incidence of the influenza virus. The first disturbing detail was the virus''s incubation period. Three weeks was too long for an ordinary influenza virus, and the fact that the hosts became infectious before the full range symptoms set in was of great concern to medical professionals. When the first victims succumbed to the resulting fever the World Health Organisation ?WHO? was placed on high alert for a possible global influenza pandemic. But they were already too late! When the WHO issued the alert the influenza virus had already spread throughout the region, and from the region''s business centres the influenza virus made its way to the rest of the world. As was the case with previous outbreaks the region that was first to become affected would suffer the largest incidence, and in this case it was west Africa. In two weeks over 19 million people were infected in the region, and an estimated 67 million around the world fell victim to the influenza virus. By the time the influenza virus was finally contained 597 million people were infected around the world, and 197 million of the 597 million were in Africa. The influenza pandemic killed 20% of the Infected, 119.4 million people were killed, and 45 million were from African countries. In the days following the outbreak African Governments began to point the finger of blame towards the Islamic Alliance. The militaries of the African Defence Alliance ?ADA? were placed on high alert and the Islamic Alliance mobilized their forces for a possible confrontation with the ADA. The South African Government requested military support from Crystalorb. The South African Government wanted the Crystalorb ships to protect ADA countries from possible long range ballistic nuclear armed missile attacks on ADA cities. On 11-02-2026 the Crystalorb Leadership mobilised the ships Gaurdius, Leba, Jalen and Intrepid to strategic locations in preparation to shoot down any missile launched against ADA countries. At this time Vanglead Armoured Enala was conducting covert surveillance on an underground HOD facility as part of her duties in the Expeditionary Recognisance. Enala''s daughter Canala had recently received her Vanglead Armour and was being trained along with Nasara by Casara. With the Crystalorb forces deployed Enala''s extraction would have to wait, but Casara was concerned by the prospect of leaving her friend surrounded by enemies. Casara appealed to the Guardian Council for assistance in retrieving Enala from her precarious situation. The Guardian Council responded by assembling a team from the Mobile Assets Defence Division to conduct the extraction. Enala''s father Lord Cyris was unconvinced of the rescue plan, and sought a meeting with Naole to ask for Naole''s assistance. Casara was sure that Naole is likely to refuse to assist Lord Cyris, but she informed Lord Cyris that there was one possibility of forcing Naole to help, and that was Canala. Even though Guardian Armoured Kato had reservations about bringing Canala to the meeting he agreed, and he would also go along as part of the protection detail of the Elder Lord Cyris. Kato had recently been promoted to Deputy Guardian at the Crystalorb Command Centre, and this would be Kato''s first mission in Guardian Armour, and Lord Cyris chose to travel by air. The location chosen for the meeting was the top of one of the peaks of the Drakensburg Mountains. For the first time in many years Lord Cyris put on his Guardian Armour and travelled to the secret location for a meeting with Naole, and when Kato, Canala, Lord Cyris and the other members of the Elder escort group arrived the Indigo was already hovering just above the mountain peak. - - - When Lord Cyris landed the Indigo became visible long enough for Naole to disembark and fly to meet Lord Cyris on the mountain top Cyris: " Thank you for coming Naole. I''m Honoured that you should travel so far." Naole: " It is the least I could do for an old friend of my father." Kato: " Good to see you again Naole. The Indigo is an impressive vessel." Naole: " Thank you Kato. How are my sister and the kids in this time of crisis?" Kato: " They are safe and protected thankfully." Cyris: " Which is why we are here? Naole; we need your help." Lord Cyris hands Naole a data chip containing the details of Enala''s situation, and Naole inputs the data chip into a computer terminal on his hand that links to Indigo. Naole''s mental link to Indigo allows him to instantly know all the information contained in the data chip. Kato: " As you can see the rescue plan is inadequate. The nature of the underground complex makes it difficult for an air operation, but most of our forces are geared towards air operations." Cyris: " The Ilesian Guards will need help." Naole: " You want me to get involved?" Cyris: " I know you and my daughter had some difficulties in the past, but the past belongs in the past Naole." Naole: " Difficulties?" Cyris: " You are an adult now, and you must make adult decisions." Kato: " What ever went wrong between you and Enala must be relegated to youthful misadventure, but now she needs your help." Naole: " Kato; you must understand the difficulties of my position. Enala is your family and therefore your responsibility, not mine." Cyris: " Do it for us, not for her." Naole: " I can''t help you." Cyris: " Why not?" Naole: " Enala is neither a friend nor relative, and thus not my responsibility to protect." Kato: " Then why won''t you grant the request of a friend." Naole: " Because I have other responsibilities! My kids have only one parent left, and I have no right to risk them being orphans. In these situations only blood can compel me to act." Cyris: " Blood?" Naole: " Yes; blood; Only a blood relative can ask me to risk my life, and since my sister is not here I have to assume that she feels no reason to force my hand." Cyris: " Casara is involved in serious mission that could possibly change the fate of the entire world!" Naole: " Nevertheless she is not here to ask this of me, and I won''t do it for you Lord Cyris, or for you Kato." Canala had disengaged her Vanglead Armour because she wanted the first time she met her father to be without Crystal Armour, and she wanted him to see her. Canala was standing about 5 meters from Kato, Naole and Lord Cyris, and she could hear the discussions, as she approached the three turned their attention to her. Canala : " Would you consider doing it for me?" Naole: " And you are?" Cyris: " This is Canala; my granddaughter." Canala : " Would you do it for me Father?" Naole: " Father?" Young Canala then removes the scarf around her neck to reveal a Red Chest Crystal. Canala : " Would you do it for me Father? Would you do it for your daughter?" Naole is stunned and speechless. Cyris: " Naole; Canala is Enalas daughter, and also your daughter." Naole: " How?" Kato: " When you were locked up Enala was already pregnant." Cyris: " At the time we all agreed that you were in no state to be a father to Canala, your rage was out of control." Kato: " As time went on the decision on when to tell you became Canala''s." Naole: " Another betrayal." Canala : " Mother said you''d see it as a betrayal." Naole: " She once again chose to deceive me. She once again chose to deny me the right to know." Canala : " I''ve always known who my father is, and I''ve watched you from a distance. I know the kind of man you''ve become, and Im proud to be your daughter. To me knowing has been enough. I hope that with time you will get to know me and be a part of my life, but first you have to help me. Please Father!" Naole: " Ok Child; I''ll do it." Canala : " Thank you Father." Kato: " Then you will have to go immediately if you want to arrive there before the rescue team." Cyris: " If they start without you then all may be lost!" The Indigo once again becomes visible as Naole channels more energy from the ship to himself, and when Ralen and Raole see this they disembark to find out why their father is absorbing energy. Naole: " Don''t worry Lord Cyris. Enala won''t need a rescue team, I will see to that myself." Ralen: " Where are you going Father?" Raole: " What are you doing here Canala?" Naole: " You Boys know Canala?" Ralen: " She''s Nasara''s cousin." Raole: " We see her all the time when we visit aunt Casara." Cyris: " Tuo encouraged Canala to form a close relationship with the Boys." Naole: " Even Tuo knew?" Kato: " She was my cousin! The truth was obvious for anyone to see, but many of those who knew understood that the right to disclose to you belonged to Enala and Canala." Naole: " I''ve reached full power! It''s time for me to go!" A moment later Naole then activates his Chest Crystal and produces Repulsive Electromagnetic energy that then allows him to hover Kato: " It''s that focus you need now; That strength; The power of a Crystal Guardian!" Naole: " The Indigo will take all of you back to Crystalorb! I will be faster without it. Take care!" Canala : " Good luck Father!" Cyris: " May the Source guide your actions Naole!" Naole then disappears into the sky "No matter how many times I see it, I never get used to it!" A moment later Ralen: " Father is powering up." Canala : " Wow! I can feel fathers Energy. He must be as powerful as aunt Casara. Kato: "Your father is an incredible man Canala." Raole: " He can reach a power level thats a hundred times greater than this." Kato: "He''s more powerful than I remember." Canala : " Will he be OK?" Cyris: " Flying without Crystal Armour is only the beginning. Naole is a power like no other." Kato: " Quite possibly an Ascended Crystalan." - - - Naole then activates his Chest Crystal which generates a blue aura and produces Repulsive Electromagnetic energy that then allows him to fly rapidly towards his destination. As Naole approached the secretive Hodian facility in the kingdom of Swaziland he began to prepare himself for the battle ahead. Naole opened a Communications Channel with the rescue team from the Mobile Assets Defence Division that were also flying to the facility. Naole informed the rescue party that he would be the decoy, and by making a direct assault on the main compound he would draw the main forces away from the secondary facilities, this will allow Enala a window of opportunity to escape undetected. Naole informed the rescue team that they should not concern themselves with his fate, but to stand by and receive Enala once she escapes from the secondary underground compound. Naole blasted his way into the main shaft elevator and went 1.3 kilometres down to the bottom of the mining complex, and as the facilitys security personnel moved in to confront Naole the rapid movement of Enforcers to Naole''s position allowed Enala to move through the secondary shaft to the surface. Naole was masking his energy signature by disguising himself as a Hybrid, and he accomplished this by using his Chest Crystal to generate holographic projection of Hybrids in whatever area he was in. The Enforcers believed themselves to be under attack from a Hybrid contingent, and their response was in accordance with that analogy. The HOD new that Crystal Armoured Crystalans were vulnerable in such close proximity mle and that the Crystalans preferred to conduct operations from the air where they held the advantage. So naturally the HOD assumed that the Crystalans would not dare to launch a close proximity confrontation such as the one they were facing. - - - Meanwhile at the Crystalorb Command Centre the Crystalorb Commanders received an emergency Communiqu from the Intrepid. Intrepid: " Commander there''s been an explosion onboard the ship. The ship is going down. I repeat the ship is going down." The Crystalorb Command Centre receives emergency Communiqus from the Leba, the Gaurdius and the Jalen; also reporting explosions onboard. Anun and Aman are coordinating activities from the Crystalorb Command Centre Aman: " Sabotage?" Anun: " I''m officially ordering all Crystalorb Forces to high alert! We are under attack; I repeat; We are under attack." Aman: " Casara; Casara! Report status now!" Casara : " Commander; The bombs have cut off the ship''s energy supply! I''m powering the ship directly from my Armour, but it''s not enough we''re going to hit the ground hard! I''ve advised the other Captains to do the same. Commander; is Crystalorb secure?" Anun: " Crystalorb is on High alert, but we are secure; The Cannons ...!" BaBoooom! Before Commander Anun could finish the Joint Communications Channel goes silent BaBoooom! Boooom! Boooom! A massive series of explosions occur at the Crystalorb Gates, the Crystalorb Ventilation Centre, the Crystalorb holographic Broadcast Centre, the Crystalorb Medical Centre, the Crystalorb Research Centre, Armour Storage Centre and the Crystalorb Command Centre. The explosion at the Armour Storage Centre occurred as hundreds of people were collecting their Crystal Armours in response to the change in alert status. Struggling to control the Intrepid Casara tried to re-establish communications with Crystalorb Casara : " Crystalorb come in! Commander Anun come in!" Speaking to one of the ship''s officers "Did we loose external communications?" Coms-Officer: " No Captain; Crystalorb is off-line!" Casara : " What?" - - - The Indigo detects the seismic disturbance and unilaterally changes course for Naole''s position at Maximum velocity. At Crystalorb thousands of Enforcers pour into Crystalorb and begin a massive assault at the heart of Crystalorb. Any who stands in their way is killed, and the remaining Crystalorb forces find themselves having to defend Crystalorb against an endless number of enemies, but the greatest shock was when they discovered who was leading the Hodian invasion. One of Crystalorb''s own had turned against Crystalorb and joined the Hand of Destiny. A Guardian had betrayed his oath; abandoned his intended purpose. It was Amun; Guardian of Sector 11, Son of Kolen and Grandson of Gaurdius. Amun and others had defected to the Hand of Destiny, and then assisted the HOD by helping Hodian spies infiltrate the Crystalorb security forces. With Hodian help they smuggled explosives onboard the ships and at strategic centres in Crystalorb. Crystalorb''s Forces were preoccupied with the Enforcers, Under-Lord, Overlords and Grandlords, leaving Amun and his contingent free to attack the Spirit Stone. Hundreds of Hodian fired their weapons at the Spirit Stone, and this forced the Spirit Stone to take a defensive posture. The Spirit Stone generated a protective energy field shield around itself to protect itself against the Negative Psionic Energy contained in the Hodian energy attacks. Amun had anticipated the Spirit Stone''s response, and so the Hodians attached a newly developed Negative Psionic Energy storage device to Amun''s Guardian Crystal Armour. With increased Negative Psionic Energy Amun attached an energy field around the Spirit Stone and lifted it off its cavity on the pyramid and flew with it up the elevator shaft and through the Crystalorb Gates. Outside the Crystalorb Gates Amun''s accomplices who were equipped with the new Manacle of Destiny also attached a Negative Psionic Energy field around the Spirit Stone and helped Amun fly away with the Spirit Stone. - - - - - - U󡾨U Chapter 25: The Heart is Lost - - - U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 25: The Heart is Lost - - - - - - When Naole emerged from the underground facility he found Enala was already reunited with her loved ones onboard the Indigo, but there were more concerning events, and the Indigo reported to Naole all the activities and events it could detect. When the Intrepid hit the ground over Zambia it was quickly surrounded by a HOD contingent that consisted of; 3 Grandlords, 12 Overlords, 55 Under-Lord and 700 Enforcers. Many of the Intrepid''s Vanguards were injured by the crash and were in no condition to fight, and Casara had used most of her energy to power the Intrepid after the explosion. They were surrounded with no hope of escape, and Casara was using her remaining energy to power the Intrepid''s shields. The Hodian attack force was launching a massive assault on the downed Intrepid. The Hodian attack force was jamming the Intrepid''s Communications, and thus preventing Intrepid''s distress signal from reaching anyone that might be inclined to help. Naole could sense Casara''s distress even from such a great distance, their connection was still strong even though he could not communicate with her. - - - When Naole returned onboard the Indigo he found Kato and Lord Cyris desperately trying to re-establish communications with Crystalorb Kato: " Come in Crystalorb; Come in! There is no response It''s no use the line is dead" Cyris: " We must immediately set course for Crystalorb!" Naole: " With all due respect Lord Cyris; This is not a Crystalorb vessel. You can go to Crystalorb if you wish! But Indigo and I are going to Zambia." Kato: " Zambia?" Cyris: " But Crystalorb needs your help!" Naole: " Casara is in trouble; And Blood comes first Lord Cyris!" Naole then starts to recharge his energy. Kato: " The ship is slow, I''m going ahead!" Naole: " I''ll be off as soon as I''m fully charged!" Kato then leaves the Indigo. Cyris: " But Crystalorb might be under attack" Naole: " If Crystalorb is under attack, then Casara is the only one powerful enough to make a difference" Enala: " Naole is right Father; If Crystalorb is under attack Naole would be outnumbered and outgunned, even with all his power, this is a fight for Guardian Armour." Cyris: " I see." Naole: " Kato is almost there; I must get going." looking directly at Enala "Take care of the kids." Enala: " I will; Be careful." Naole: " Always!" After raising his energy level Naole left the Indigo for the location of the downed Intrepid. - - - When Kato arrived at the crash site he found Casara outside the Intrepid trying to draw fire away from the downed vessel. Casara was under considerable attack from three Grandlords who were wearing a second Manacle of Destiny that gave them flight capabilities. The new Hodian Manacle was similar to the modern Manacle of Ilesia. The HOD gained access to the designs of the Manacle of Ilesia with Amun''s help, they reverse engineered the Manacle of Ilesia handed to them by Amun and constructed their own version using Metallic Crystalline architecture. The Hodian Metallic Crystalline Manacle of Destiny was not nearly as capable as the Manacle of Ilesia, but combined with Hodian plasma technology they could achieve capabilities comparable to that of Crystalorb''s Manacle of Ilesia. The Hodian Metallic Crystalline Manacle of Destiny gave them flight, plasma weapons capabilities and limited energy field generation, but the Manacle of Ilesia was still superior to the new Hodian Manacle. Things had come full circle; the Manacle of Ilesia was developed by reverse engineering the Manacle of Destiny, and now the tables had been turned, and Crystalorb''s technology was now being used against Crystalorb. Casara and Kato fought side by side against insurmountable odds, they fought with conviction and purpose, but there was a chink in their Armour. Casara''s energy was nearly depleted, and the prolonged engagement with the Hodian attack force was draining her reserves. The remaining Vanguards onboard the Intrepid were working hard trying to reconnect the power supply that was damaged by the explosion. Casara''s shield was failing, and when she was hit by multiple plasma energy balls she was knocked to the ground. Kato: " Casara!" Casara : " I''m out of power; I''m sorry my Love. You have to fight alone now!" Then Casara passed out and became unconscious. Kato: " Casara; No!" With Casara down the Hodian attack force saw an opportunity to finish the two Guardians off. Kato extended his spinning energy field shield around Casara to protect her from the barrage of plasma attacks that they came under while he was trying to move them closer to the Intrepid for cover. It looked like the end for Kato and Casara, and the Hodian attack force was now emboldened by Casara''s collapse. When it seemed like all hope was lost for Kato and Casara a large blue holographic projection of the Egyptian Ankh appeared in the sky above the area. Then every one heard a loud voice; Naole''s Voice! Naole: " This I cannot Allow!" Then Naole launched hundreds of high energy ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts using his Chest Crystal, and this pushed the Hodian attack force into a defensive position. This created a lull in the fighting as the Hodian attack force reassessed their position. Naole took this opportunity to go to Casara and held her in his arms. Naole: " Ooh No!" With tears in his eyes "What have they done to you Casara?" Then Naole stood up and gathered all his energy and focused it into his entire body, and as the Crystals his cells became energized they began to transform Naole''s skin to a deep Blue Crystalline form. Naole then used his Crystalline skin to produce an aura that then created an energy field shield. Naole: " I call this Indigo Form! he looks at Kato Are you ready Kato?" Kato: " Lets do it!" Naole then used his Chest Crystal to produce a holographic projection that covered the area in darkness. The entire Hodian attack force was engulfed in darkness, and the Enforcers began to panic as Kato and Naole moved in and began killing the Hodians in the cover of darkness. The Hodian attack force began to scatter, and in their panic the Hodians began to fire at anything, even each other. Naole located one of the three Grandlords in the midst of the darkness and then took the opportunity to charge his Chest Crystal for his ultimate attack. That particular Grandlord saw a flash of light, and then ... Naole: " Blue Wave!" A combination of ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attacks and massive blue ElectroLaser Lightning Bolt from Naole''s Chest Crystal hit the Grandlord instantly killing him. Naole repeated the attack and killed another Grandlord. The remaining Grandlord decided that the advantage has been lost and it was time for him to make his exit, and with the Grandlord''s retreat the remaining Hodian forces also retreated. Naole then went into the Intrepid and began working on the Intrepid''s repairs. - - - When the Indigo arrived Casara was taken onboard for medical care and to recharge her Crystal Armour. Naole used the Indigo to transfer energy to the Intrepid''s systems, and with the Intrepid''s systems operational the Intrepid could begin automatic repairs. Naole took the opportunity to rest, recharge and rebuild his core body energies. As Naole was resting and recharging the others gathered around him. Canala : " You were amazing Father!" Naole: " I''m glad you approve." He said jokingly while Canala held his hand "Kato where are Nasara and Kalen?" Kato: " Fortunately Nasara has been on an extended trip to Crystal Valley City for her studies, she took Kalen with her." Just as Naole was about to fall asleep he felt a disturbance in the energy field, it was as though something very powerful was passing through the air. Naole was fully recharged, but he was still very tired Naole: " Can you feel it Lord Cyris?" Cyris: " Could it be another Ship?" Naole: " No my lord; It''s the Spirit Stone." Kato: " No! It can''t be?" Cyris: " By the Source!" Enala: " It''s not possible?" Naole: " Clearly the HOD has had inside assistance; Someone has betrayed Crystalorb!" Cyris: " Who would do such a thing? And Why?" Kato: " How?" Naole: " If that is the Spirit Stone, then Crystalorb is without power." Cyris: " Ventilation?" Naole: " I''m setting course for Crystalorb; the Indigo will help to supply energy for the mobile robots to conduct repairs until the Nuclear reactors come online. The Intrepid''s power supply repairs are nearly complete, and the crew can finish the job." Canala looks at Naole Canala; The Indigo will recognize your DNA and therefore will follow your orders in my absence." Canala : " Where are you going Father?" Naole: " I have to try and recover the Spirit Stone." Kato: " Then I will come with you." Naole: " No! Your Crystal Armour still needs to be recharged and my blue energy is not compatible to clear Crystal Armour. Canala needs time to recharge and return your Crystal Armour to full power. Time we do not have! For all we know Lord Cyris is the only Elder left, and should I fail Crystalorb will need him to recover the Spirit Stone" Naole looks Kato in the eyes "So you must protect him at all cost!" Kato: " Whatever the cost!" Naole then once again leaves the Indigo on a mission to intercept those transporting the Spirit Stone. Canala : " Is he strong enough to do this alone?" Kato: " No!" Enala: " Its very likely he goes to his death." Canala : " Then why did you let him go grandfather?" Cyris: " Because hes choosing this fate; Today your father has chosen to become a Crystal Guardian. In spite of all that Crystalorb has put him through hes chosen to fight for all Crystalans. Today we find out if Nalens prediction is true; he said that Naole would bring truth to impossibility." Enala: " The Ascended Crystalan prediction?" Canala : " Ascended Crystalan?" Cyris: " Nalen always thought of the Crystalline Form as a stepping stone to what he called the Permanent Powered State; the Ascended Crystalan. Nalen believed that to be truly Ascended the transformation must be permanent. Kato: " Do you think he can do it?" Enala: " I hope he can." Canala : " I know he can; he can do anything." Cyris: " I hope your right Canala; I hope your right." - - - As Naole raced to intercept the culprits who stole the Spirit Stone the Indigo was making its way to Crystalorb, and the crew of the Intrepid finished repairs to the power supply. With the power supply restored to the Intrepid''s systems the ship could get airborne, and the automatic repair systems of the Intrepid became operational as the ship tentatively made its way home to Crystalorb. As Naole neared the source of the energy signature he was detecting he discovered two Negative Psionic Energy Signatures directly on his path. Naole slowed down and prepared himself for possible confrontation with the two powerful forces that were in his way. Naole found himself face to face with the hovering Lerumo; the secretive new Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny in his Metallic Golden Crystalline Form. Naole sees the Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny. Lerumo: " It seems that rumours of your tenacity are not exaggerated." Naole: " You must be the secretive new Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny." Lerumo: " I am Indeed. I have to admit that I expected that it would be your sister that came after us, but my associate assured me that your sister would be in no position to derail our plans." Naole: " Associate?" Lerumo: " I believe you know my second in command." Amun then disengages his invisibility field. Naole: " By the Source!" Lerumo: " I hear that you and he have a history? He''s now the General of the HOD forces." Naole: " General?" Amun: " Yes" Naole: " You were the chosen of Lord Gaurdius; His heir apparent!" Amun: " But after what you did to me, I knew that I would never be elected to the Council of Elders. I became the butt of everyone''s jokes, and even though I trained harder than everyone else Casara''s success became a constant thorn on my side. I quickly realised that no amount of training on my part would equalize the difference between my power and Casara''s." Naole: " You would betray your people over this?" Amun: " You couldn''t possibly understand my predicament! I was raised to believe that I was special; Crystalan Elite; I was promised greatness, honour and dignity! I was the pride of my mother and father, the favoured of my Grandfather Gaurdius, but all that meant nothing in the face of the superior capabilities of the Olen family. Whether we like it or not the Crystalorb population always looks to your family for its warrior Elite. My family has been reduced to political Elite while your family is loved we are tolerated. You can Imagine my humiliation when in the same day my father is killed your mother easily prevails against the very force that overwhelmed my father, and your father rises from four years of sleep to rescue Crystalorb''s forces from my father''s mistakes. On that day I recognized the undeniable truth!" Naole: " What truth?" Amun: " That the Olen are the true power of Crystalorb; Your Family created the Crystal Armour, and your Father built Crystalorb''s ultimate weapons; the Airships. It became increasingly clear that my place was to live in an Olen''s shadow! But I refused to accept that fate. When you easily defeated me with the odds clearly in my favour the writing was on the wall. You had the power to defeat me when I was wearing Crystal Armour and you were not. On that day I learned a very important lesson, and that is; the powerful always win." Naole: " Power has nothing to do with it!" Amun removes his Crystal Armour''s face cover to reveal his Clear Crystalline Skin; a transformation induced by negative Hodian energy. Amun: " Power has everything to do with it!"Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Naole: " By the Source!" Amun: " While you were imprisoned I sought to regain my position amongst the Vanguards, but none of my accomplishments could measure up to those of Casara. So I took a different route; I used my societal connections to fast track my advancement through the ranks, and before long promotion followed promotion. When Casara rejected the promotion to Guardian of Sector 11 my uncle persuaded the Guardian Council to give me the post, and even though I was not physically ready for Guardian Armour I was given the rank of Guardian. Those with Chest Crystals preferred to serve under a Guardian Armoured Guardian, and so my Sector was filled with Ex Hodians. He sows a smirk "That''s when I got the Idea! he laughs maniacally "After prolonged talks with Ex Hodians I began to believe that the HOD might offer better prospects for someone like me. I knew that to gain influence with the HOD I had to have leverage, and I theorised that the answer might lie with the circumstances of the death of the last Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny. When I reviewed video footage of Tsela''s last moments I noticed something unusual, and I knew that neither you nor Casara would have reviewed the material because it also depicts the death of your parents." Naole: " What do you mean?" Amun: " Right before Tsela detonated the bomb, he took off both his Manacles. I wondered why he would do that? When I reviewed video footage from multiple directions the answer revealed itself. The reason Tsela did that was to protect the Manacles! He threw the Manacles into a ditch, and I believed that the Manacles were still intact. I secretly went to the location, recovered the Manacles, and hid them in a location that only I knew about. I knew that Tsela''s son Lerumo had ascended to Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny, so I made contact with him and made him an offer he could not refuse. In return for the Manacles the Hand of Destiny gave me authority, influence, pride and most importantly ultimate power. Now I have power that rivals even that of the Viceroy! The power of a Grandlord combined with the power of Guardian! Ultimate Power!" Naole: " Huh!" Naole yells out in pain as he begins to power up "Aaaaah!" By focusing his power Naole gathered all his energy and focused it into his entire body, and as the Crystals in his cells became energized they began to transform Naole''s skin to a deep Blue Crystalline form. Naole''s Indigo Form. Naole: " Indigo Form!" Lerumo: " The wolf reveals his true Form!" Naole: " Negative Psionic Energy is dangerous for Crystalans Amun!" Naole increases his energy output "It will drive you mad!" Amun: " I expected this power, but you still don''t stand a chance." As Naole activates his energy field he recognizes he can''t fight both Lerumo and Amun, and so he devices a strategy that would separate the two. Lerumo was limited in speed, his adapted Manacle could only reach speeds comparable to a jet fighter, and like the Ilesians maximum speed was a little over Mach 3.2. Amun on the other hand could reach speeds in excess of Mach 15, and Naole on the other hand could reach similar speeds without Crystal Armour. Naole: " It''s my duty as a Crystalan to recover the Spirit Stone." Amun: " You can try!" Naole Rapidly moved higher in altitude, higher than Lerumo could reach, and Amun followed Naole higher. When Naole tried to get passed Amun in the direction of those who were travelling with the Spirit Stone Amun blocked his movements by attacking him with ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls and ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts. Naole tried his best to dodge the attacks, but on the occasion that the attacks hit him he would be slightly injured. Naole realised that Amun''s attacks contained Negative Psionic Energy, and when the Negative Psionic Energy collided with his own energy there was an annihilation effect as the energies destroyed each other, this meant that the residual electrical and heat energy were able to get through Naole''s energy field shield. Naole and Amun quickly moved beyond Lerumo''s ability to detect them, so Lerumo decided to rejoin those who were transporting the Spirit Stone. As Naole and Amun continued to battle in the sky their attack charged the atmosphere creating streams of lightning. Naole knew that Amun''s Guardian Armour offered him additional protection, and so his objective was to exploit the weaknesses of Amun''s Guardian Armour, but the Guardian Armour has very little weaknesses. The amplified power of the Negative Psionic Energy ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts was taking their effect on Naole, and with every impact Naole grew weaker. Amun''s release a stream of ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts from his Armour''s Left Hand, Armour''s Right Hand and Armour''s Chest Crystal overwhelmed Naole''s shield and sent him crashing to the ground. The Blue Crystalline Skin and energised Crystals throughout his body protected his body from serious damage, and because Crystalans and Hodians could regenerate Naole''s body was already rapidly repairing any damage he suffered. Amun hovers just above Naole Amun: " You are much stronger than I expected" Naole: " As are you." Naole spoke as he stood up. Naole decided to keep talking in order give himself enough time to regenerate "You''ve been training." Amun: " I pushed myself to the edge of my limits and beyond, and I''ve mastered the shield techniques, but it was not until I received Hodian energy that I truly came into my own." Amun then charges his Crystal Lance in preparation for a hand to hand confrontation, and Naole increases the energy in his energy field in preparation to defend against a physical Crystal Lance assault. Amun: " Now the techniques developed by your parents will be your end!" When the fighting resumed the confrontation took a different form as Amun deployed the Crystal Lance; the chosen weapon of a Crystal Guardian. As Naole and Amun exchanged blows the ripples could be felt in the sky and on the ground. The force of their blows shook the ground and compressed the air into shock waves, and they created frequent sonic booms as they rapidly accelerated beyond supersonic speeds during their engagement. - - - Meanwhile as the Indigo neared Crystalorb air space the Hodian attack force detected its approach, and believing it to be one of the larger Crystalorb ships they decided to retreat. By the time the Indigo reached Crystalorb all the Hodians had left and the remaining Crystalorb Leadership was working profusely trying to restore ventilation systems to Crystalorb, and the evacuation of Crystalorb was underway. The Indigo immediately began pumping fresh air into Crystalorb as repair teams began work on restoring power to secondary ventilation systems. The Crystalorb Nuclear Reactors were not damaged, but since the power was supplied through the Spirit Stone there was no transformer to regulate the energy. Electrical Energy was fed directly to the Spirit Stone, and the Spirit Stone would then distribute the energy to the rest of Crystalorb. The Indigo transported a mobile transformer from the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex to Crystalorb and it was installed, this returned adequate lighting and ventilation to Crystalorb. The devastation in Crystalorb was unimaginable; there were thousands of bodies and even more wounded who could not receive medical care because the Crystalorb Medical Centre had been destroyed. Canala and Nasara began to recharge Crystal Armoured Crystalan capable of fighting that needed recharging. Enala began to search for her husband Kanalo, but sadly she found him amongst those killed by the Hodian invasion force. Crystalans were elated to see that at least one of the Council of Elders was still alive, and since the other Elders were dead Crystalans looked to Lord Cyris for guidance. Casara was still unconscious and recovering from her injuries, and when communications were restored it was discovered that the other ships crushed into the ocean and that the survivors were making their way to Crystalorb. The Navies of the ADA countries had moved quickly to secure the locations where the Crystalorb ships had crashed, and since the ships were largely intact Crystalorb could recover them once things settled down. The Intrepid was making its way to Crystalorb, and conducting automatic repairs on most of the ship''s critical systems. As Lord Cyris tried to determine the extent of the damage he quickly realized that only 7 Guardian Armoured Crystalans were still alive. They were; Aman the Deputy Guardian Commander, Nasan the Guardian of Sector 9,Isalo the Guardian of Sector 12, Casara the Captain of the Intrepid and the Deputy Expeditionary Guardian, Thato the Captain of the Leba and the Deputy Guardian of Sector 1, Kano the Captain of the Gaurdius and the Deputy Guardian of Sector 2 and Kato the Crystalorb Command Centre senior Officer. Palo the Captain of the Jalen and the Deputy Guardian of Sector 3 had the Rank of Deputy Guardian but was not yet ready for Guardian Armour. The Crystal Valley City Executive Council was concerned that the Hodian forces would return and target Crystal Valley City, but the Lord Cyris assured them that the Crystalorb defence systems were now back online and Crystalorb was watching the situation for further development. President Molema of the South African Federation of City States sent additional troops to the area to help secure Crystalorb. When Casara recovered she was told of Naole''s mission to recover the Spirit Stone. Casara used the energy of the Indigo to recharge her Guardian Crystal Armour in preparation to support Naole in his mission. Casara knew that even with his great power Naole was no real match for Guardian Armoured Amun and the Grandlords who were with him. Time was of the essence, and the longer Naole fought the weaker he became. - - - Naole on the other hand was fighting for his survival against an enemy who wielded absolute power. Amun''s introduction of the Crystal Lance changed the situation from a fight to a torture cession. Amun was intent on punishing Naole for all the pain Naole had caused him. Even though Naole still had plenty of power left it seemed to be of no use because Amun won every contest of strength, speed and power. Every exchange resulted in an injury for Naole, and Naole''s body was covered with wounds. As a testament to Amun''s absolute power his Crystal Lance easily pierced even Naole''s Blue Crystalline Skin. The force required to puncture Naole''s Blue Crystalline Skin was enormous, but Amun seemed to have the power in abundance. Amun had finally realised the true power of the Crystal Armour. And as Amun approached a Fallen, battered and beaten Naole it looked like it was all over, but when Naole staggered to his feet Amun was astounded by Naole''s unyielding spirit. Amun: " Even at the End, you wont give up, will you Naole?" Naole: " It''s not in my nature to surrender!" A gust of wind blows through the area and Naole activates his Chest Crystal, and the Chest Crystal begins to shine as Naole lifts slightly off the ground. Amun: " Over the years I came to understand what Crystal Armour truly is! It''s an ability amplifier, and once I understood that simple fact I could use it more effectively. Your father was right about the nature of control and with Hodian energy I was finally able to reach Crystalline Form. In my Crystalline Form I input enormous energy into the Crystal Armour, and the Armour multiplies the energy a hundred times over as energy attacks. If you still had your Crystal Armour you would have been more of a challenge, but in your current state you are just Pathetic." Naole: " Pathetic? I remember I once called you Pathetic!" Amun launched a massive assault on Naole with ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attacks, ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts, and then finishing the attack by stabbing Naole on the Chest with the Crystal Lance and releasing electrical energy directly into Naole''s body electrocuting Naole from the inside. Naole was laying motionless on the ground when Amun finally removed his Crystal Lance. When Amun removed the Crystal Lance from Naole''s chest Naole''s skin changed from deep Blue Crystalline to normal. Amun then hovered for about a minute , and then prepared to depart from the area. Amun: " And now our rivalry is finally over." As Amun was ascending into the sky he noticed something peculiar; the plants and vegetation in a radius of about a kilometre around Naole were rapidly dying. When Amun stopped to try and discover what was going on he saw a blue aura around Naole''s body, and as Amun descended to see what was going on he saw Naole move Naole: " Its not over!" Brief silence as Naole staggers to his feet. Amun: " How? You were dead!" Naole: " How? My Father!" Amun: " What does your Father have to do with anything?" Naole: " I didn''t fully understand the full extent of how my Father had altered my physiology until this very moment. Like everyone I assumed that my father mutated his heart cells with Blue, Red and clear Crystals to save me when I was a child, but the process was not a simple matter of a genetic alteration. My Father harnessed the reactive nature of the Blue and Red Crystals and stimulated a response." Amun: " None of this makes any sense to me?" Naole: " It wouldn''t; The Red and the Blue Chest Crystal were born as a reaction to some kind of crises, and my father harnessed that ability of the Crystals to react to crises, and used it to save me. Today my Fathers'' efforts have once again saved me, and you are the catalyst that accelerated the responsive nature of my Blue Chest Crystal." Amun: " That still will not save you!" As Amun once again charges his Crystal Lance Naole transforms to his Indigo Form. Naole: " You still don''t get it!" Amun: " What don''t I understand?" Naole: " Every injury you''ve caused today has triggered a response from my body, and every time my body repairs itself the cells used to repair me contain more Crystals, but the Crystals are denser with more energy." Amun launched a massive assault on Naole with ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attacks, ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts Energy attack, and the Crystal Lance, but when Amun tried to once again puncture Naole''s skin with his Crystal Lance he found that he could only just break the surface of the skin. Amun was Almost in complete shock. Amun: " I don''t believe it!" Naole: " The Light of Hope breaks Through the Darkness, This Form is my instrument; I am the Answer." Amun: " What?" Naole: " You should have defeated me when you had the chance!" Amun launched a massive assault on Naole with Electromagnetic Radiation ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts, ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attack and electrical energy from the Crystal Lance, but Naole counters with his maximum energy Blue Wave attack. The Blue Wave attack drains most of Naole''s energy, but when it''s over all that is left is Amun''s headless body falling from the sky. Amun''s head had been shattered by the Blue Wave attack. Naole had used Amun''s Negative Psionic Energy against him, and because Amun''s Crystal Armour was now powered by Negative Psionic Energy his shield collapsed under massive energy of the Blue Wave attack, energy that was of the opposite nature to that of Amun''s shield. Crystal Armour was not designed for Negative Psionic Energy, and if the shield collapsed the Negative Psionic Energy powered Crystal Armour revealed systematic vulnerabilities caused by the Negative Psionic Energy in the Crystal Armours energy systems. Exhausted, Naole Transforms back to normal and falls to his knees. Naole: " Now its over Amun." After a moments'' rest Naole stands and prepares to once again pursue the Spirit Stone, but as Naole gathered his energies he felt a strange and familiar disturbance in the surrounding areas energy field. Naole then focused his senses in order to determine the source of the Negative Psionic Energy, and as he looked up he saw a figure approaching from the east. From the reflective golden shimmer Naole quickly realised that it could only be Lerumo. Naole knew that he had two options; Run or Fight. The Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny would no doubt try and prevent Naole''s escape, and history had proved fatal for anyone running from a Viceroy. Lerumo: " Amun!" expressing surprise as he landed near Amun''s body "I warned him about the limitations of his power." he looks at Naole "But he should have been able to defeat you without a problem; you must be more powerful than we expected." Naole: " He had the advantage, but that''s not always enough; Crystal Armour was not designed for Negative Psionic Energy." Lerumo: " Clearly!" after a brief pause "Strange? A Crystalan was the one to revive Hodian power." Naole: " Hodian power?" Lerumo: " Following the death of my father we thought we had lost the Manacle of Leadership, but Amun found it and returned ultimate power to the HOD. With Amun''s help the HOD could once again challenge Crystalorb for the right to determine the world''s Destiny" after a brief pause "We could once again become the Hand of Fate." Naole: " Fate?" Lerumo: " Yes!" after a brief pause "For years the HOD had been on the defensive, and it was because Crystalorb Technology was more advanced than Hodian Technology. Advanced Crystalorb Technology gave you the advantage by allowing you to own the skies, and from the beginning we were on the losing side. You could reach any target anywhere in the world, and we were forced to construct our structures underground to better protect them against air raids, but with Amun''s help we''ve been able to equalise the fight." Naole: " By the Source!" Lerumo: " Today the HOD is once again the most powerful force on the planet; and with your precious Spirit Stone gone Crystalorb will never recover. The remaining Crystalans will have no choice but to submit to Hodian authority." Naole: " You are making the same mistake your father made; Purpose defeats Ambition every time!" Lerumo: " Unlike my father I understand the true nature of things. The Hodian and the Crystalans are two halves of the same coin; Diametric opposites, Opposing Polarities. You of all people should understand this!" Naole: " Why would I understand?" Lerumo: " On the day you were exiled from Crystalorb you agreed to the terms of the Council of Elders because your sister pleaded with you to accept, and you said; I will do as you ask Casara. But there is a prise to pay; I may not be here to help you when the Chaos returns." Naole: " How do you know about that?" Lerumo: " Your words were prophetic; You understand that Chaos is in a constant war with Order. The universe is constantly generating chaos in order to advance order. The two are mutually dependent. Its the nature of evolution. Life favours progress." Naole: " If I''m the agent for order, then does that make you the agent for Chaos?" Lerumo: " I''m the march of progress, and because I believe in being in control of my own destiny whatever the cost, it puts me at odds with Crystalan philosophy." Naole: " We can''t interfere with an individuals freedom!" Lerumo: " We believe that freedom is an illusion, and only those with the power to control their destiny have absolute freedom. The rights of those without power are naturally limited by their limitations." Then Lerumo Increases his energy level as he prepares to forcefully confront Naole, and Naole responds by transforming to his Indigo Form. Naole: " It doesn''t have to be this way?" Lerumo: " Yes, it does!" Naole then activated his Electromagnetic Energy Field Shield and prepared to defend against the assault of a Viceroy. As Naole defends against the first few plasma energy attacks of the Viceroy he quickly realised that Lerumo was operating at a completely different level of power, and the precision and skill with which the Viceroy executed his attacks was indicative of his extraordinary power. Naole knew that this was no contest between equals, but a fight for survival. Naole was facing an opponent with absolute power, with little or no real weaknesses. A great warrior who had been training for many years to perfect his techniques. The plasma energy balls from the Viceroy were unlike any attack Naole had ever faced before, and the combination of Negative Psionic Energy and hot plasma meant that the Viceroy''s attack had the potential to breach Naole''s Electromagnetic Energy Field Shield. To conserve energy Naole decided to turn the fight into a contest of physical attacks rather than that of energy attacks, and Naole knew that because his weapon is on his Chest while Lerumo''s were on his hands avoiding them was simple matter of keeping a close eye on Lerumo''s Hands. As the fight shifted to a hand to hand confrontation Naole realised that Lerumo was only about 20% stronger than himself, and this meant that Naole could block Lerumo''s blows, but Naole''s main problem was Lerumo''s speed. Naole''s Indigo Form was clearly no match for the Viceroy, and even though his strength had almost doubled during his fight with Amun it was still not enough. At most Naole could only try and anticipate Lerumo''s attacks, and in an instant Lerumo could channel the power of the Manacle of Leadership amplifying the power of his blows by introducing Negative Psionic Energy. This was the true power of the Manacle of Leadership, and as soon as Lerumo activated this ability Naole was defenceless against Lerumo''s blows. With Naole lying tattered on the ground and Lerumo approaching. Lerumo: " It''s a pity you don''t have Crystal Armour, I would have enjoyed fighting you at your best!" Naole: " I don''t have Crystal Armour anymore." Naole uses his Chest Crystal to produce Holographic Volumetric projections in an attempt to conceal his movements, but the Viceroy quickly finds him. Lerumo: " You can''t run from me Crystalan; I never quit!." Smiling at the sight of Naole "You cannot Hide!" Naole: " Yeah!" Lerumo: " You are probably the most powerful human on the planet; more powerful than any Hybrid, Guardian, or even Grandlord. All this power without any enhancements, without Crystal Armour." Naole: " I never claimed to be the most powerful" Lerumo: " But that is exactly what you are Naole; I would be no match for you without my two Manacles." Shaking his head "It''s a shame I have to kill you!" Naole: " The Guardians will never stop searching for the Spirit Stone; They will hunt down every Hodian if necessary." Lerumo: " You are assuming that there are any Guardians left" Naole: " The Red Guardian still lives" Lerumo: " So you arrived in time to save her. Huh? One Guardian wont make a difference, and without the Spirit Stone your numbers are in decline." Naole: " Your father made the same mistake." Lerumo: " What mistake?" Naole: " He underestimated Crystalorb''s resolve." Lerumo: " My father made many mistakes, and one of his greatest mistakes was his constant focus on his feud with the Red Guardians. I won''t make that same mistake, so I will end it here and now." Naole: " You''ve missed the point completely!" Lerumo: " What have I missed?" Naole: " The Intrepid is still operational, so tell me? Do you have a plan to stop the Intrepid when my sister uses it to come after you and every other Hodian?" Lerumo: " I will cross that bridge when I come to it." Lerumo fires plasma energy attacks at Naole Knocking him to the ground "Goodbye Naole." Just as Lerumo was about to finish Naole off he was hit by a Red Wave attack, and when he turned to see who had attacked him he was surprised to discover Casara in Guardian Crystal Armour. Casara : " Are you Ok!" Naole: " I will survive." Casara : " I''ll take it from here Naole." Naole: " Thanks for the assist, but this guy''s power is unreal, so be careful." Casara : " I''ve brought my reserve energy sphere; let me restore your Core energy." As Casara continues to restore Naole''s energy Lerumo takes the opportunity to allow his body to heal from Casara''s Red Wave energy attack. Lerumo was keenly aware that the Red Wave energy attack was the same attack that led to his father resorting to the drastic measures he took, and even though Lerumo did not wish to fight both a recovered Naole and a Crystal Armoured Red Guardian he had no choice. Lerumo''s one hope was that his body would regenerate before Casara recharges Naole to full power. Casara''s attack caught Lerumo unprepared, but he was confident that she would not get an opportunity to use the Red Wave energy attack again because of the time required to gather the energy. Fortunately luck was on Lerumo''s side, and he recovered before Naole could be fully recovered. Naole was at about 35% of his maximum potential, and his body was still badly injured from his confrontation with Lerumo, but when Casara realised that Lerumo was fully recovered she stopped supplying Naole with energy and prepared to confront the Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny. Casara had only been channelling energy from her reserve energy sphere, and that meant that her Crystal Armour was still at full power. Lerumo: " Pretty good try; But not good enough!" Casara : " It served its purpose!" Lerumo: " You won''t get an opportunity to repeat that attack." Casara : " I won''t need to." Lerumo: " You''re a confident one arent you?" Casara : " I''m a Guardian!" Lerumo: " That you are!" Nodding his head "That you are!" Casara : " Like my brother I can transform to what I call my Crimson Form, so I''m not intimidated by even the power of the Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny." Lerumo: " You have something your mother didn''t have when she faced my father! But will it be enough?" Casara : " The question you have to ask yourself is; do you have something that your father didn''t have?" Lerumo: " I do actually; Crystalan Technology!" Lerumo then activates his enhanced Manacles generating an energy field around his body, and that allowed him to activate the Manacle''s flight capabilities. When Casara saw this she harnessed her power and transformed to her Crimson Form, and Casara''s skin changed to a Red Crystalline form. Naole: " Wow Casara" Lerumo: " Indeed; Your energy level just increased ten fold! Interesting! This is going to be a real fight." Naole: " Be careful Casara; He can rapidly multiply the energy in his blows." Casara : " Don''t worry; My Crystal Armour will protect me! Naole find a way to recharge, I may need your help." Naole: " Ok!" Lerumo: " He''s not going Anywhere!" Casara : " Red Flash!" In a flash of light Casara generates a massive bright aura of light from her Crystal Armour, and the intensity of the light temporarily blinds Lerumo, and thus providing Naole an opportunity to leave the area. Naole used his power to climb to high altitude where the sun''s energy is most potent, and once he reached optimal altitude he gathered all his energy and focused it into his entire body, and as the Crystals in his cells became energized they began to transform Naole''s skin to a deep Blue Crystalline form, his Indigo Form. When the Red Flash diminished Lerumo realised that Casara had used her immense abilities to provide cover for Naole''s escape. Lerumo: " Clever;" Lerumo increases his energy level in preparation for attack "But it won''t save you." Casara : " I''m a Guardian." In an instant Lerumo launches a fierce attack on Casara and the sky is covered in fire and lightning, while debris of rock and dust rains on the ground. - - - - - - U󡾨U Chapter 26: Fire and Lightning - - - U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 26: Fire and Lightning - - - - - - Meanwhile Naole''s daughter Canala was using the Indigo to recover the other Crystalorb ships, and back at Crystalorb the recovery operations were well underway. The Nuclear reactors were operational and the repairs to the Intrepid were 75% complete. The Indigo''s arrival at the crash sites allowed the other ships to conduct preliminary repairs giving the ships enough power to rise from the ocean floors and make a tentative flight to Crystalorb. When the representatives of the South African Government arrived in Crystalorb they were shocked by the scale of the devastation, but the shock quickly turned to panic as they realised the implications of the loss of the Spirit Stone. With the Spirit Stone missing the production of the Crystalorb Crystals would be reduced to 20%, and that meant that Crystal Valley Industries ?CVI? would no longer be able to meet the international demand of their Crystal based batteries and Crystal based Energy weapon Systems. The primary concern for the officials was the looming rapid slowdown in the economy as a result of a decrease in CVI production. Lord Cyris Assured the Government officials that even though Crystal production would inevitably slowdown, gas and mineral production would continue as projected since the primary power sources are Crystalorb Nuclear Reactors that are still operational. Since most of the international community was unaware of the incidents at Crystalorb the slowdown in Crystal production was unlikely to cause panic on the financial markets. The officials accepted Lord Cyris'' reasoning on this issue, and they understood that there was nothing that Crystalorb could do to restore operations at that time. The only hope was that once recovery operations were complete the Crystalorb Leadership would be able to retrieve the Spirit Stone. Since the Communications Centre was destroyed by the bombs Crystalorb was unaware of the fight being waged by Casara and Naole for the return of the Spirit Stone. - - - Meanwhile the Fight between Casara and Lerumo raged on, and as they exchanged blows the ground shook because of the power of their blows. The two warriors paused their attacks as the dust settled and they reviewed strategies. Lerumo: " I have to admit that you are much stronger than I anticipated!" Casara : " Clearly you''ve learnt the delicate techniques required to control Crystalan Technology" Lerumo: " Yes! It wasn''t easy mind you, but I managed to acquire the skills of your Ilesians." Casara : " An Ilesian is no Crystal Guardian." Lerumo: " Indeed; I now understand why my father was so obsessed with the Red Guardians. He always told us that the Red Guardians were our equal and opposite." Casara : " Equal and Opposite?" Lerumo: " In that Red Guardian Armour you wield power that rivals even that of the Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny, but the question is; how long can you sustain that power? I can sustain this form for days, but you will eventually run out of energy. Your brother Naole had the same problem, and your fate will be no different." Casara : " My father recognized that problem, and accordingly he found a solution, which is why he built the Intrepid. I dont have to last for days, I only have to last long enough for one of the Crystalorb Ships to arrive." Lerumo: " Amun has seen to that particular problem, so I dont think they will be coming to your rescue." Casara : " Amun disabled the 4 Crystalorb warships, but he did not have the opportunity to deal with my brother''s ship, and because of this we were able to recover the Crystalorb Ships." Lerumo: " Youre bluffing!" Casara : " You don''t have to take my word; check for yourself!" Lerumo: " Ok!" Lerumo laughs while he establishes contact with his Generals to check the status of their operations. Lerumo: " What?" He is shocked to discover that the Hodian Forces retreated from Crystalorb to avoid direct confrontation with a Crystalorb warship. Lerumo: " So its true! Then I have no choice but to finish you off quickly!" Casara : " You have to know that you cannot win!" Lerumo: " Taking the Spirit Stone is the victory! Without it Crystalorb will eventually fall to the Hodian advance" Casara : " Return the Spirit Stone and we will grant you a lasting peace, and the goodwill of Crystalorb!" Lerumo: " No! We end this Now!" Casara : " As you wish!" The battle continued with new intensity, and Lerumo''s intent to end things quickly was made clear by the ultimate power he deployed against Casara, but Casara was not fazed by Lerumos attempts to end the fight quickly. Casara had the power and the will to fend off Lerumo''s assault, but she also understood that she could not operate at that extreme energy level for extended periods of time. Just as Naole had realised the meaning of Lerumos power Casara also understood that Lerumo was further down the path of Ascension that any Crystalan had ever reached. It was all to evident that Hodians would have an easier journey towards the Permanent Powered State. The size of the explosions emanating from Lerumo''s confrontation with Casara could be seen from 7 kilometres away, and local villagers could only conclude that a lightning storm had created a fire storm. Local officials began to institute emergency procedures, and an evacuation plan was already underway. Casara''s use of her Crystal Lance forced Lerumo to rely on energy attacks rather than physical attacks. Lerumo quickly realised that the Crystal Lance provided Casara with absolute defence against standard plasma energy attacks, and he recognized that to be victorious he would have to try something new. Lerumo decided that it was time to try his ultimate attack; The Plasma Wave attack. An attack he developed specifically for the Red Guardians. Lerumo knew that there were some risks in using the attack, but he understood that time was not on his side. The Plasma Wave was a continuous flow of plasma from both Manacles designed to overwhelm the spinning energy field shield, and the heat could in theory destroy even the most powerful of opponents, but to be effective both Manacles had to be used, and this left him vulnerable should there be another threat. Lerumo had to wait until his opponent took a defensive stance before he could employ his ultimate attack. A barrage of plasma energy balls from Lerumo forced Casara to take a defensive position; this was the opportunity Lerumo had been waiting for. Once Casara brought her Crystal Lance forward to defend against the barrage of plasma energy balls Lerumo deployed his Plasma Wave attack. As Lerumo gathered his energies the focused power and the intensity of the energy contained in his Plasma Wave attack increased exponentially. Casara was in trouble, and as she dropped to her knees under the strain of Lerumo''s attack it became clear that the end was near. Lerumo was emboldened by this; he would defeat the Red Guardian and restore his Family''s pride. Lerumo: " It ends here! Like it was always meant to!" Naole: " Blue Wave!" Once again Naole had sensed Casara''s distress, and once again he had come to her rescue, just as she did for him. Naole''s Blue Wave hit Lerumo''s right hand destroying the Manacle of Leadership, and without the Manacle of Leadership Lerumo could no longer sustain his ultimate form, his skin changed from Golden Metallic Crystalline to just Metallic Crystalline. Lerumo''s power level reduced to that of a Grandlord. Naole''s efforts came at a price! To summon enough energy to destroy the Manacle of Leadership he drained energy from nearly every cell of his body and because of this he had no energy to sustain his body. As Naole''s body shut down he fell from the sky, but Casara caught him just before he hit the ground. Casara could no longer sense Naole''s life force, and she could feel no pulse. As Casara wept Lerumo used his remaining energy to heal his arm, but without the Manacle of Leadership he stood no real chance against the Red Guardian. Lerumo: " One down! One to Go!" Casara stood up in a rage and attacked Lerumo using the Crystal Lance. Red Lightning, red light and fire covered the ground and the sky as the unyielding Lerumo clashed with a clearly superior Casara, but despite his best efforts Lerumo lacked the power to withstand the power of a Red Guardian. Before long Casara found an opening and stabbed Lerumo on the chest with her Crystal Lance. As Casara began to pump electrical energy through her Crystal Lance Lerumo was still defiant. Lerumo: " I still win; You''ll never find the stone!" Casara : " Huh!" Casara pulls the Crystal Lance from Lerumo''s Chest "Red Wave!" When Casara completes her Red Wave attack at close range all that is left of Lerumo is scattered and charred bone fragments. Casara then proceeds to destroy Amun''s headless body, Casara then carries Naole back to Crystalorb. Upon arrival at Crystalorb Naole is examined by Dr Nadu; one of the few remaining Crystalorb doctors. Canala raced to Crystalorb when she heard of Naole''s condition. Lerumo and Amun''s defeat brings little consolation as the Crystalans still have to wrestle with the loss of the Spirit Stone, but it brings confidence in the ability of the remaining 7 Guardian''s to protect Crystalorb. - - - 48 hours after the attacks on Crystalorb things have settled down and Crystalans with Chest Crystals are using their Chest Crystals to repair buildings and other structures that require Crystal re-growth. Hope is once again returning to Crystalorb, and slowly things are returning to normal in Crystalorb. The Intrepid and the other Crystalorb Ships provided the specific energy required to recharge all the Crystal Armours. Dr Nadu enters Casaras home to find that the inhabitants are in mourning, they are all trying to accept Naole''s death. Casara welcomes Dr Nadu into her home. Casara : " Come in Doctor." Dr Nadu?MD? : " I''m sorry for intruding in what is a private matter, but I must speak to you about a matter that requires your immediate attention" Casara : " What is it Doctor?" Dr Nadu?MD? : " I don''t know how to put this, or even if I should." Casara : " What is it?" Dr Nadu?MD? : " There is a problem with Naole. That is, there is a problem with Naole''s body." Casara : " What problem?" Young Canala overheard Dr Nadu and Casara''s conversation. Canala : " What''s wrong with my fathers body?" All the people in the room go silent Casara : " Canala let the doctor speak." Canala : " Naole was my father; I have a right to know." Casara : " I know dear; I know." Dr Nadu?MD? : " I''m afraid I can''t certify him as dead anymore." Casara : " Why not?" Dr Nadu?MD? : " When you brought him in he had no pulse and virtually no brain activity, so we presumed him dead, but over the past few hours we''ve noticed that his Chest Crystal was not absorbing the rest of his body like with other dead Crystalans with Chest Crystal. There are other developments that we are finding difficult to explain." Casara : " What exactly are you saying Doctor?" Canala : " I don''t believe this!" Casara : " Calm down Canala." Canala : " No...! I won''t calm down! I''ve lost two fathers in one day! First my step father, then my real father. I have a right to be upset! And now this one tells us that there are developments with my father''s body, and that he''s finding things difficult to explain?" Dr Nadu?MD? : " I''m afraid I have no real answers for you." Casara : " If he''s not dead then he must be alive." Dr Nadu?MD? : " Thats not necessarily true." Canala : " Stop talking in riddles!" Dr Nadu?MD? : " On closer observation it became clear that Naole''s heart had not stopped, but merely slowed down to one beat per minute, and although his blood circulation seemed to have stopped it was still operational." Casara : " What about his brain?" Dr Nadu?MD? : " We don''t know about that; Naole''s physiology is unique, we have no reference, and because of what Nalen changed to save him when Naole was a child, we have no idea what is normal for Naole. Naoles development was not natural. As far as Brain activity level we don''t know what is normal and what is below normal. Naole''s blue Crystals are extremely dense and this makes it difficult to determine whether he is brain dead. Furthermore the link between his Brain and his Chest Crystal contains 10 times more neural pathways than normal, and his brain cells contain an unusual amount of Crystals" Casara : " Is he alive or dead Doctor?" Dr Nadu?MD? : " We can''t tell; We don''t know." Canala : " The Indigo would know." Dr Nadu?MD? : " His ship? How?" Canala : " I saw him control the Indigo with just his mind." Casara : " Yes; Naole has some sort of mental link with the Indigo." Dr Nadu?MD? : " What do you propose we do?" Canala : " Take my father onboard the Indigo." Casara : " I agree; If Naole is still alive the Indigo can revive him" Dr Nadu?MD? : " Ok" - - - When they placed Naole on his Command Interface onboard the Indigo the ship immediately reacted to his presence, and the Indigo requested that they leave the ship. Once they left the Indigo it sealed itself and flew to high altitude taking Naole with it. Canala : " Where is it going?" Casara : " To high altitude where the blue light is most potent." Canala : " Why?" Casara : " Because that''s what Naole needs; His Blue Chest Crystal needs the Electromagnetic energy on the blue spectrum more than any other type." Canala : " Does this mean that my father is alive?" Casara : " I believe it does; I hope so." - - - A few days later Lord Cyris called a general meeting to speak to the Crystalans about the path ahead, and to discuss the circumstances of the attack on Crystalorb. When all the remaining Crystalans were gathered around the pyramid Lord Cyris began to speak. Cyris: " We are battered! Bruised! Wounded! But we are not broken! Our spirit cannot be broken!" The crowd cheers. Cyris: " They sought to destroy our spirit, but they failed. We were betrayed by one of our own. Sold out by a Crystal Guardian; The Son of two Guardians. Grandson of an Elder. Why?" The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. After a brief pause. Cyris: " That is the question on all our minds. Why would Amun do this? We will never know the full answer to that question, but we have learnt that pride was at the heart of his thinking. Our society has developed a hierarchy that is at the heart of what went wrong with Amun. He believed high office to be his birthright. There are those amongst us who still believe as he did. They talk of direct bloodlines and pureblood. These are the same individuals who would silence Nalen when he tried to point out the flaws in our security structures." After a brief pause. Cyris: " The time has come for all Crystalans to ask themselves what these social elite have contributed to Crystalorb as a whole. They are the ones who badmouth the true servants of Crystalorb. One family has been responsible for securing Crystalorb for generations, and is it really a coincidence that when we threw one of them out of Crystalorb that our security was greatly weakened. I can tell you with no fear of contradiction that were it not for Naole''s efforts Crystalorb would be defeated. His ship the Indigo forced the Hodian attack force to retreat, He saved the downed Intrepid from Hodian attack, he defeated Amun and together with Guardian Casara they defeated the Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny." After a brief pause. Cyris: " The Olen family has been at the heart of Crystalorb security for generations; Olen created the Crystal Armour, and his children developed the Crystal Armour based martial arts. Olen''s grandchildren Esara and Nalen were the greatest Guardians Crystalorb has ever seen. Nalen created the modern Crystal Armour, the Manacle of Ilesia and he built the Intrepid. And how have we repaid the Olen for their tireless service? We laugh at them and secretly gossip about them. And in the hour of their greatest need we abandoned them. Many years ago Naole was the first to point out that Amun had no Honour, but once again we ignored his warning, and instead we promoted Amun to Guardian! When we threw Naole out of Crystalorb he said this to Casara; I will do as you ask Casara! But there is a price to pay; I may not be here to help you when the Chaos returns! I''ve come to understand that while those on the Council of Elders are the chosen of the Crystalans, the Olen Family are the chosen of the Spirit Stone. Every one of them is destined to be a Guardian." After a brief pause. Cyris: " The HOD have made a grave mistake, and they will pay a terrible price for it. They must return the Spirit Stone or we will hunt down and kill every Hodian! I''ve sent them this message, and if they don''t respond positively I will order the remaining seven Guardians to put an end to the HOD" The people gasp in surprise. Cyris: " We had hope for the peace of the brave, but we will accept the peace of the grave." - - - Lord Cyris was in no mood to be forgiving, and in the weeks that followed Crystalorb began to unleash its anger upon the Hodian infrastructure. The Crystalorb warships targeted the agricultural infrastructure as a way of cutting the Hodian Negative Psionic Energy supply. To the public it seemed as though the livestock facilities were struck by lightning, but the true culprit was the Crystalorb warships. In a matter of weeks the Hodian livestock deaths rose to millions of animals. To avoid the appearance of suspicion the Crystalorb forces used the Crystal Armour''s invisibility to sneak into the Hodian livestock facilities and infect the Hodian livestock with infectious fatal animal diseases, and that forced the Hodians to destroy even more animals in an attempt to contain the spread of disease. Unfortunately the Crystalan campaign against the Hodian livestock had a negative impact on the global food supply. The deaths of these animals sent global agricultural markets into a panic, and certified disease free meat and animal product prices sky rocketed while feed producers saw the prices of their produce sink through the floor. Livestock diseases spread beyond Hodian livestock and into the other livestock producers, and this created a global crisis in the animal product trade the likes of which the world had never seen before. Nations that had large agricultural industries faced economic ruin, and recession was an inevitable result. The remaining Crystalorb Leadership was unmoved by the suffering of innocent lives around the world, instead they blamed the HOD for the global crisis. The absence of the Spirit Stone from Crystalorb was having a strange effect on the Crystalans, and it became clear that their link to the Spirit Stone was more than superficial. The High Council of the Hand of Destiny ?Hodian High Council? quickly noticed the change in the behaviour of the Crystalans. The Hodian High Council concluded that the Spirit Stone must have some sort of calming influence on the Crystalans, and without the presence of the Spirit Stone the Crystalans were becoming increasingly more aggressive. The Crystalans were unaware of the shift in their nature, and all they could focus on was the recovery of the Spirit Stone. The High Council of the Hand of Destiny decided that it was time to act, and the course of action they took was to arrange a meeting with the Crystalorb Leadership with the Federal Executive Council of the South African Federation as mediators. - - - The Hodian High Council representative Tumo Ralefa met with, Lord Cyris and the Federal Executive Council representative Tau Molema. Council Molema: " Thank you for coming Gentleman! Let''s hope we can find a clear path through this Quagmire that both your peoples have created for the world. I extend the goodwill of the South African Federation of City States in the hope that we can end this dispute that has plunged the world into deeper darkness!" Cyris: " With respect; There is only one way to end this problem peacefully" looking at Lord Tumo "You have to return the Spirit Stone." Tumo: " I already told you; We don''t have the Spirit Stone." Cyris: " You just don''t get it; You just don''t understand." Tumo: " Actually; For the first time in generations we understand. And having seen, we believe." Cyris: " Then you must return the Spirit Stone!" Tumo: " We don''t have the Spirit Stone." Tumo shakes his head "We don''t have it!" Cyris: " Then all hope is lost." Tumo: " On some level, you have to know that your actions will kill millions of people, you have to realise that you are destroying innocent lives. You have to stop." Cyris: " Stop? We can''t stop." Tumo: " What do you mean you can''t stop?" Council Molema: " You can order your Guardians to cease Fire." Cyris: " If only it were that simple." Tumo: " My sources tell me that you gave the order." Cyris: " I gave the order to fire! But the directive to end the HOD came from the Council of Elders." Tumo: " What does that mean?" Cyris: " As far as the Guardians are concerned; only the Council of Elders or the Spirit Stone can reverse an order given by the Council of Elders." Tumo: " What?" Council Molema: " Are you saying you''ve lost control?" Tumo: " But youre an Elder." Cyris: " I''m the last Elder; To reverse the order requires the approval of 5 Elders." Tumo: " Then it''s as bad as we feared!" Cyris: " How do you mean?" Tumo: " The Hodian High Council believes that the loss of the Spirit Stone has driven the Crystalans mad. We believe that your Chest Crystals are somehow connected to the Stone, and without it you are somehow unbalanced." Cyris: " The energy of the Spirit Stone does have an effect on our moods, but taking the Spirit Stone has opened Pandoras Box, and the situation is worse than you can imagine." Council Molema: " How so?" Cyris: " When a Crystalan with a Chest Crystal dies the Chest Crystal absorbs the rest of the body and grows into a large sphere. This sphere then combines with the Crystal Armour and then fuses with the Spirit Stone. Because the Spirit Stone is gone there are thousands of these spheres in Crystalorb waiting to return to the Crystal Source. The problem is that these spheres bring with them the presence of death, and the energy they put out is a function of the nature of their death." Tumo: " And because they died a violent death ...!" Cyris: " This energy that the spheres put out desensitizes Crystalans from the suffering of others, and it also feeds their rage." Council Molema: " My God!" Tumo: " Why can''t the Guardians stop themselves?" Council Molema: " Or why don''t you form a new Council of Elders?" Cyris: " It''s not that simple!" after a brief pause "Once a person is nominated for election to the Council of Elders their spirit must be judged by the Spirit Stone, and the Spirit Stone will determine whether that particular person is fit to be on the Council of Elders. The Spirit Stone searches the person''s mind and looks into the crevices of the person''s heart to determine if the particular person loves the people of Crystalorb. And before you ask; Yes! There have been people who were rejected by the Spirit Stone. To know why the Guardians can''t stop you have to ask a Guardian." Tumo: " Where would I find a Guardian?" Cyris: " Reveal yourself!" Casara : " As you wish!" Guardian Armoured Casara then removes her invisibility field to the surprise of everyone in the room. Tumo: " The Legendary Red Guardian!" Casara : " The legend belongs to my mother Esara." Tumo: " My ten year old grandson swears that you are the most powerful Red Guardian ever." Cyris: " She probably is" Tumo: " The thing I don''t get is; why is it always a woman Red Guardian that chooses the warrior path?" Casara : " The male Red Guardian have a particular pattern in the Visio-Spatial part of their brain that makes them develop acute intelligence, and therefore tend to choose a career in science and associated fields." Tumo: " Why I''m I not surprised that you know the answer to that question? But my real question is; why can''t the Guardians stop themselves?" Casara : " The simple answer is we don''t want to! The way we see it we have standing orders to end the HOD." Tumo: " But the people who gave orders are dead." Casara : " That makes following the Directive even more important" Tumo: " Directive?" Casara : " Directive 2597 of the Council of Elders states; This is the Final orders of this Council of Elders to the Guardians of Crystalorb, End the War, or Destroy the HOD, and recover the Spirit Stone." Tumo: " Crystalorb''s response has always been measured, and you were always careful not to endanger the innocent, but this current response is more than excessive, you''ve become worse than the HOD." Casara : " Please?" Tumo: " What if your actions risk hundreds of millions of lives?" Casara : " We would rather see the world descend into Chaos than retain the status quo; War calls for hard choices Lord Tumo, and the way we see it; It''s either the HOD or us?" Tumo: " My God! You have gone Mad!" Casara : " The HOD has driven us to this point; This war will end with this generation! One way or another!" Tumo: " What would we have to do to end the war peacefully?" Casara : " We would prefer an end that does not include the extinction of the HOD! To end the war peacefully, you need only do one thing!" after a brief pause "Return the Spirit Stone." Tumo: " We don''t have the Stone." Casara : " Then we will just have to kill you; Every last one of you." Tumo: " She says it so casually!" Cyris: " But she is deadly serious. We''ve had the power to destroy the HOD for a while now. But we were hoping to avoid making that decision. Now it might be too late for a peaceful end." Tumo: " Wait;" after a brief pause "We don''t know where the Stone is! But we do know what happened to the Stone." Cyris: " Then there might be hope." Tumo: " The Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny convinced the Americans that taking the Stone would permanently weaken the military power of the South African Federation" Council Molema: " So the Americans were involved?" Tumo: " Yes!" after brief pause "They gave Lerumo one of their older submarines that was due to be decommissioned, and then Amun and Lerumo modified the sub to specifications that remain unknown to us. The Stone was put into the sub at the ATO naval base in Diego Garcia." Casara : " Where did they take it?" Tumo: " We don''t Know! It''s said that the sub was put on auto pilot, and the only people who knew its final destination were Amun and Lerumo." Cyris: " I see!" Council Molema: " Shouldn''t you inform your people of this!" Cyris: " They already know!" Casara : " What are your orders Commander?" A Holographic Volumetric projection of Commander Aman appears from Casara''s Communications Crystal to allow Cyris to Communicate with Aman. Aman: " My Lord! I''ve ordered the Leba to Diego Garcia." The Joint Communications Channel is activated allowing Thato Lesedi the Captain of the Leba to join in. Cyris: " Thato please keep the civilian casualties low." Thato: " Will do My Lord!" Casara : " Thato I''ve ordered an Expeditionary Recognisance Battle Group to go on ahead and survey the disposition of their Forces. The Battle Group should arrive in about five minutes" Thato: " I''ll leave immediately and provide Guardian support; The Leba will be under my second in Command." Aman: " Satellite Recognisance indicate that there is a Hybrid contingent on the Island, and we think they are armed with the new Manacle of Destiny." Council Molema: " You gave the ATO the Manacle of Destiny?" Tumo: " That was part of the deal the Viceroy made with the Americans." Cyris: " How many are we talking about?" Council Molema: " Can ATO duplicate the Manacle''s technology?" Tumo: " A few hundred; There may be some of Lerumo''s elite Enforcers with them. They trained the Hybrids, and they are Lerumo loyalists. As for the duplication of the Manacle''s technology, we can assure you that it''s not possible." Cyris: " You got this Aman?" Aman: " Got it! If they get in our way...!" Cyris: " Some of Lerumo''s elite Enforcers may know the location of the Spirit Stone." Aman: " Understood!" Cyris: " We will suspend our assaults on Hodian infrastructure and focus our attention on recovering the Spirit Stone." Tumo: " With luck you will find your precious Stone, and the war will end." Cyris: " Then I''ll be taking my leave." Lord Cyris promised both Lord Tumo and Council Molema that he would keep them updated on developments at Diego Garcia and on the continuing search for the Spirit Stone. When Casara''s Expeditionary Recognisance Battle Group arrived at Diego Garcia they were met with fierce resistance from the Hybrid contingent supported by elite Hodian guards. As the fight started in became clear that despite their numbers the Hybrid contingent were simply no match for the Expeditionary Recognisance Battle Group. - - - When Thato arrived on the scene she struggled to explain to Lord Cyris the scale of the devastation caused by the Expeditionary Recognisance Battle Group.ATO personnel found themselves at the receiving end of Casara''s Expeditionary Recognisance Battle Group following the group''s confrontation with the Hybrid contingent. The Crystalans were becoming increasingly more violent, and the Vanglead in command of the 8 Expeditionary Vanguard teams John Lesedi was unmoved by the devastation. Thato: " What the hell happened here? You were supposed to survey the disposition of their Forces!" John: " These Hodian radicals started this skirmish." Thato: " Then why am I looking at complete destruction?" John: " The ATO people tried to help the Hodians; They left us no choice." Thato: " What about the civilians?" John: " With respect Captain! My orders were to knock out any resistance to the Leba''s mission, and in your absence I determined that the ATO personnel posed a clear and present danger to the mission. Crystalorb can no longer afford to be complacent, and as per standing orders of the Council of Elders; I must destroy the HOD." Thato: " I know that you''re angry, but that is no excuse to act in this fashion. You are a Battle Group commander, one of Crystalorb''s last, and you have a responsibility to honour that. On your orders the Battle Group has killed hundreds of innocent lives! That''s not how Crystalorb''s Crystal Armoured warriors conduct themselves! What happened to care and precision?" John: " With respect Guardian! It was Lord Cyris who said that the gloves come off; This is simply what that means. Those who for whatever reasons stand with our enemies must share their fate; There''s no other way." Thato: " Clearly you are in no condition to lead, and so I relieve you of the command of the seventh Battle Group pending the evaluation of your fitness to command." John: " You can''t do that? By what authority?" The Holographic Volumetric projection Joint Communications Channel is activated allowing Casara to join in. Casara : " John; By my authority as acting Expeditionary Guardian." John: " But I only did what was necessary!" Casara : " You are a warrior elite; and you''re destined for Guardian Armour, but to be a Guardian you must understand the source of a Guardian''s power. The power of a Guardian flows from the heart; From the heart John! A Guardian fights to protect; We are built to protect! A Guardian who''s purpose does not come from love would end up like Amun." John: " I understand what you mean Guardian! I will take some time off from my duties to re-examine my purpose, and once Im certain that my actions are driven by love I will return to resume my duties." Thato: " By the Source." As John left the area for Crystalorb the Leba arrived in the skies above Diego Garcia to begin the search for the energy signature of the Spirit Stone. The Leba used its powerful censors to locate anyone who might have been in the presence of the Spirit Stone. Thato was continuing to monitor the search being conducted from onboard the Leba. Thato: " Commander; We are picking up something." Aman: " What is it?" Thato: " A number of individuals are showing trace elements of Spirit Stone energy! I''m deploying 3 Expeditionary Recognisance teams to recover them for interrogation" Aman: " Tell them to avoid killing" At the Crystalorb recovery command centre Casara is listening to the communications, and decides to join in. Casara : " Tell my people that I said that there has been enough death for one day." Aman: " Information about the location of the Spirit Stone takes precedence." Thato: " On your Command." The communications Channel with Thato is suspended, and Lord Cyris walks in Cyris: " Commander; What progress can you report?" Aman: " My Lord the Leba has located a few individuals who have been in close proximity to the Spirit Stone, and Thato has deployed 3 Expeditionary Recognisance teams to recover them for interrogation." Cyris: " Anything else?" Aman: " That is all my Lord" Cyris: " Casara" Casara : " My Lord?" Cyris: " Any news of the fate of your brother?" Casara : " I''m afraid not! It has been more than two months now, but the silence continues. The family continues to send messages, but there is no response. Naole''s twin boys continue to wait for his return, and nothing anyone says will convince them that he''s not coming back. The twins are sure that their father is alive, and their certainty gives all of us hope that Naole will return." Cyris: " Do you know where the Indigo is?" Casara : " The Indigo''s stealth systems are active, and that makes it difficult to detect." Cyris: " On another matter; I want the Expeditionary Division to limit their operations to observation. I don''t want to hear about any direct confrontations with the HOD." Casara : " We will observe the cease fire" Cyris: " Carry on then." As Lord Cyris leaves the Crystalorb recovery command centre the Crystal Armoured Crystalans stand at attention until he exits, and then continue their observation of operations. - - - In an attempt to help the Crystalorb population recover the Crystalorb General Council begin a policy of implanting Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women for a fee. The Hybrid women were paid R1 million ($120000) for a successful pregnancy, and a further R1.2 million once the baby was delivered. All the Crystalan babies being born through this process had Chest Crystals, and to ensure that the foetus survived a Crystalan with a Chest Crystal was always on hand to supply the foetus with Chest Crystal energy which is also Spirit Stone energy. Crystalan foetuses need this energy throughout the pregnancy, and without it they would die. Once the baby is born they continue to need extensive amounts of Spirit Stone energy until they reach puberty, and without it they would fall ill and eventually die. Through this program Crystalorb would gain over 10000 babies at a cost of R22 Billion ($2.5 Billion). - - - - - - - - - U󡾨U Chapter 27: Rebuilding - - U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 27: Rebuilding - - - - - - When Casara is finished briefing the Expeditionary Division on the standing orders from the Crystalorb Command sanctioned by the reconstituted Crystalorb General Council and by Lord Cyris she went home to her now expanded family. Casara now had 4 Children to look after, and there was still no word on the fate of her brother Naole, though many believed that Naole was dead and his Ship the Indigo simply could not accept it. Naole''s twin boys were a welcome addition to Casara''s family, and Kato enjoyed the presence of the young boys in the house that was previously female dominated. Canala and Nasara had become very close over the years, and they were now more than cousins, but more like sisters. In the days that followed Canala went to see Casara as she was preparing the Intrepid for its next deployment. Canala : " Aunt Casara" She stands at the door to the Captain''s office onboard the fully repaired Intrepid "Captain can I come in?" Casara : " Come in Dear" Canala : " I hear that the Intrepid is leaving to join the search for the Spirit Stone?" Casara : " Yes" Canala : " Does that mean that your all leaving? I mean you, Nasara, Kalen, Ralen, Raole and uncle Kato?" Casara : " The Leba needs to return for re-supply, the Gaurdius and the Jalen are on permanent station in Crystalorb''s air space. The Intrepid has been ordered to join the search for the Spirit Stone, so we have to go." Canala : " Then can I come with?" Casara : " What did your mother say?" Canala : " She said that it''s up to the Captain of the Intrepid." Casara : " Then you can come, but you have to understand that the Intrepid is a warship, and like Nasara you will have real responsibilities like others with Crystal Armour. The Crystal Armour gives you great power, and that power must have purpose. The Vanglead Crystal Armour you wear isn''t just for show; it''s a powerful tool, and a weapon system that only a few have the energy and skill to operate. Everyone on this ship understands that, and they train hard to fulfil their duties." Canala : " I understand Aunt Casara." Casara : " Welcome aboard Vanguard trainee." Canala : " Thank you Guardian." Before the Intrepid could depart on its mission to search the world''s oceans for the Spirit Stone the families of the crew pack for the 9 week deployment, and say their goodbyes to friends. Canala is at her home preparing for her first deployment, and Enala gives her motherly advice at this critical point in her life. Enala is keenly aware that Canala''s abilities are developing faster than other girls, and the source of the rapid development is undoubtedly the Red Chest Crystal. Enala knew that Casara is the only person that could guide Canala through the next stage of her development, and as Canala prepares herself she takes some time to talk to her mother. Enala: " This is a very important time for you Canala, and you are already behind for someone with a Red Chest Crystal. By the time Casara was your age she was already a fully trained Vanguard, but I''m confident that you will do well. I suppose that I''ve held you back from what is undoubtedly your destiny! I was only looking for your best interest! Nasara is 18 months younger than you, but because of who her mother is she has become an amazing warrior." Canala : " Are you saying that I could have been as powerful as Nasara?" Enala: " I''m saying that you are as powerful as Nasara." Canala : " I am?" Enala: " Of course" Canala : " Sometimes I feel like I don''t measure up compared to Nasara, and everyone expects me to be as powerful as she is." Enala: " The only difference between you and Nasara is how you''ve been raised. Nasara is the daughter of two Guardians, she''s a warrior born. Nasara was carried by the womb of someone with the extreme power of the Red Chest Crystal, and so she has had an advantage from the beginning, but you have the same blood as Nasara, the same mix of bloodlines. You are powered by the same Red Chest Crystal that powers Nasara, and if you ever have any doubt your potential remember who your natural father is?" Canala : " I wish that you and Dad had prepared me more, I wish that I''d been trained harder, but I will try!" Enala: " Kanalo and I felt that it was important to let you find your own way, and not to push you into something you weren''t ready for! We''ve always known that you were meant for greatness, and when you were born I chose to give you your Natural father''s Surname even though I had every right to name you Lesedi. You are Canala Olen. The Red Chest Crystal is a clear evidence of that. Even Casara did not change her surname to Lesedi when she married Kato." Canala : " I will always remember Dad, and through my brother I will always be connected to him, but the time has come for me to reclaim my Identity" Enala: " That''s the way; Remember. The techniques we taught you are the same techniques you Natural father uses, and Kanalo learnt them from your grandfather Nalen. Kanalo being without a Chest Crystal trained alongside Naole in the advanced control techniques." Canala : " Dad trained with Father?" Enala: " Kanalo was older than Naole at the time, and Naole was just a boy, but Nalen trained anyone who wanted to learn." Canala : " Are these the same Techniques that allows Father to transform?" Enala: " Naole is one of the most powerful people on earth, and I don''t know the full extent of his abilities, but Casara could better explain Naole''s abilities." Canala : " Do you think that Father will return?" Enala: " I don''t know, but I do know this; Naole never gives up. If it''s within his power, Naole will find a way to return to his children." Canala : " What happens if we can''t find the Spirit Stone?" Enala: " The prospect is too hard to imagine. All I know for certain is that Crystalorb will never stop searching." Canala : " Without the Spirit Stone Nasara and I will never rise to the level of Red Guardian. We would never get the opportunity to reach the pinnacle of Crystalan power." Enala: " There is one important fact that you must never forget. Your Natural Father Naole was able to reach his full potential without Crystal Armour, and this means that there is another way to reach ultimate power." A few hours later the Intrepid departed on its mission to search the world''s oceans for the Spirit Stone. The Leba returned to Crystalorb and after a quick re-supply returned to the task of searching for the Spirit Stone. - - - Meanwhile the recovery operations continued and life was once again returning to normal in Crystalorb. The children went back to school and hovering spheres of the dead were removed and placed in a separate location along with all the other dead. As the global supply of the Crystal Based Batteries came under pressure, the price began to rise, and despite assurances by Crystal Valley Industries the markets continued to speculate that Crystal Valley Industries had reached its maximum production capabilities. The speculative environment only encouraged the rise in the price of the Crystal Based Batteries. Lord Cyris maintained constant contact with the Hodian High Council in an attempt to maintain the cease-fire between Crystalorb and the Hand of Destiny ?HOD?. After 8 weeks of searching the Atlantic oceans with no real results the Intrepid was preparing to return to Crystalorb for a quick re-supply operation. Crystalans were beginning to loose hope of ever recovering the Spirit Stone. The Crystalorb Command Centre received information from the Hodian High Council about some people in Mexico who were selling information about the whereabouts of the Spirit Stone. The new Hodian Viceroy Nato Ralefa was Lerumo''s cousin and part of the Hodian Elite. - - - The chairman of the Hodian High Council Tumo Ralefa and the new Viceroy Nato Ralefa opened communications with Crystalorb Command Centre to discuss their Intel with the Crystalorb Leadership. Cyris: " And these people are selling this information?" Tumo: " Yes" Aman: " But is their information reliable?" Nato : " We don''t know, but we thought it important to inform you. We could meet with them and determine the validity of their information? I could have a team in Mexico in a few hours?" Cyris: " Our people can get there quicker." Tumo: " We don''t know who these people are?" Nato : " The risk to your people could be significant." Aman: " We appreciate your concern, but we have things under control" Cyris: " Thanks for the Information." Tumo: " Good Luck!" Nato : " Good Luck!" Following the discussions Aman ordered the Intrepid to travel to Mexico and make contact with the people who had the information. The meeting was arranged to be held in a ocean front resort town hotel, and the Crystalans knew that this provided them easy excess by air. The informants who identified themselves as the commission insisted that they only meet with one person, and that person must be unarmed. - - - Casara was apprehensive about sending any of her people alone and she was in a heated discussion with the Crystalorb Leadership about how to proceed Casara : " I''m sorry My Lord! I cannot agree to a course of action that would put my people in danger." Cyris: " The commission could have crucial information." Casara : " Could? That''s not good enough." Nasan: " I understand your position Casara! But we need to investigate every possible avenue." Aman: " Someone has to meet the Commission" Casara : " Someone?" Aman: " Yes! There''s no other way" Casara : " Then I will go" Aman: " No! You''re a Guardian, and we can''t put you at risk" Casara : " Don''t you see?" Casara lets out a sigh "I''m the only one that can go." Cyris: " What do you mean you''re the only one that can go?" Nasan: " She means that she is always armed" Casara : " With my Crimson Form I can handle anything that comes up until my people can arrive" Aman: " Then It''s decided" Cyris: " Casara; Be careful." Casara : " On your Command!" And so with the approval of the Crystalorb Leadership Casara left the Intrepid and travelled to the hotel to meet with the Commission. - - - As Casara entered the 6th floor room she found 5 men and 2 women waiting for her. Casara''s Chest Crystal immediately detected the presence of the energy signatures similar to that of powerful Hybrids. Casara prepared herself for a possible confrontation. One of the 2 women proceeded to search Casara for weapons and once she was satisfied Casara was invited to sit down. The man speaking for the group was sitting down Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Jack: " Please sit" Casara : " I''d rather stand" Jack: " My name is Jack Spencer; I represent the commission in these dealings. And you are?" Casara : " I''m the person authorised to make you very rich should your information be valuable." Jack: " But what is your name?" Casara : " I''m not authorised to give you my name." Jack: " Who do you represent?" Casara : " That''s not important. Let''s get down to business; How much?" Jack: " $25 million." Casara : " We can meet that" Jack: " Then how do we do this? Do you pay us first, or do we .." Casara : " We are true to our word! Tell us what you know and if you are not lying we will pay!" Then the other people draw their weapons and move to quickly surround Casara, and it became clear that the meeting was some kind of trap Jack: " We are the National Security Commission! We''ve been authorised by the President of the United States to take you into US custody" As the National Security Commission agents move closer to Casara she quickly transforms to her Crimson Form. They open fire with their manacles, but they''re unable to harm Casara, and they try to grab her. Then Casara used ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts to knock down those who were approaching her Jack: " Impressive; That''s incredible energy. But by showing me your power you''ve given me the power to defeat you. I will absorb your power and make it my own." Casara : " Fool; You''re an energy mimic! It''s a rare ability, but I''m afraid that won''t work on me." Jack: " Shit!" realising that he can''t mimic Casara''s energy "You must be Hodian!" Casara then opened fire on Jack with a combination of ElectroLaser Lightning Bolts and ElectroLaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball sending him flying across the room; leaving him seemingly lifeless. Then Casara noticed that one of Jack''s associates was still moving, and she turned her attention to her, but as Casara approaches the Hybrid woman produces an energy field and tries to push Casara away. Casara produces an energy field that negates the agent''s energy field Sarah: " What?" Casara : " Telekinesis; Impressive! But you probably don''t even know what that is? You produce energy fields, and that''s how you are able to move objects. In my normal state I can produce energy fields that are more than 100 times more powerful than yours; In this Form it''s about 10000 times. You are out of your league!" Sarah: " I see" Casara : " And what''s your name Hybrid?" Sarah: " Sarah" Casara : " Our power can not be absorbed by a Hybrid trick; Our power is hardwired into our DNA, into our Bodies. Including DNA based Neural pathways that require Specific energies to develop. It can''t be Cloned, Replicated, Absorbed or Duplicated by the abilities of an energy mimic!" shaking her head "You have to be born with Our abilities." Sarah: " I''m just following Orders!" The two women are interrupted by the re-emergence of Special agent Jack Spencer. Jack: " Im not like the other Hybrids!" Casara : " Clearly! Your energy is different; Evil!" Jack: " Im an empowered Hybrid!" Then agent Jack launches an attack on Casara; landing two punches to Casaras face. But Casara blocks the third punch by grabbing Jacks fist with her left hand Casara : " Im a Crystalan dammit!" Jack: " Let me go!" Agent Jack struggles; trying to free himself from Casaras grip. Casara then grabs him on his head. Casara : " Now lets see" She looks into his mind So they Drained the life force of a hundred Hybrids into you? Jack: " Get out of my head!" Casara : " They murdered a hundred people in a mad quest for power? So this is what they have planned for all Hybrids! This is grave indeed!" Jack: " Whats happening? suddenly feeling weaker What are you doing to me?" Casara : " Im draining the Negative Energy out of you and into the atmosphere. Crystalans are Energy absorbers, but we can also manipulate energies." Jack: " Youre not supposed to be able to do that?" Casara : " The Hodians dont know the full extant of our capabilities" Jack: " How can you be this strong?" Casara : " I honestly dont know." With most of Jacks energy depleted Casara produces a high energy Chest Crystal ElectroLaser Lightning Bolt that virtually vaporizes Jacks head; killing him. At that moment Kato Crushed through the concrete wall to find that Casara had everything under control. Kato: " Are you OK?" Casara : " As if there was ever any doubt." Sarah: " Crystal Guardian!" Casara : " So you''ve heard about us? I take it that you Volunteered for the Military advanced soldier program?" Sarah: " The power stone belongs to you?" Casara : " Tell your Government that things can get very bad if they continue down this road!" Kato: " Protocol 16!" The Armoured Crystal Guardian turns to face Sarah. Casara : " Every Crystal Guardian carries a message from Crystalorbs Council of Elders!" Kato: " Intended for circumstances where we make unintended contact with government officials of sovereign states." Casara : " A type of First Contact Protocol meant for all humans." Kato: " This is a message from Crystalorbs Council of Elders." The Armoured Crystal Guardian produces a holographic Video Image of the 9 members of the Crystalorb Council of Elders. Gaurdius : " From the Council of Elders gathered in this time of crisis and confusion, Crystalorb here reaches out to humanity." Isis: " We are born of the Light." Cyris: " We live in the light." Lumen: " We stand down the road waiting for you." As Kato and Casara left the Hotel Sarah followed them outside, and at that moment the Intrepid opened Fire on the Hotel killing more than 200 people. The Hotel was reduced to rubble, but Sarah survived the blast. Casara felt that the attack was unnecessary, and the loss of life completely uncalled for. When Casara arrived onboard the Intrepid she immediately summoned her second in command senior Vanglead Seko Lesedi Casara : " Who gave you authorization to fire?" Seko : " Commander Aman ordered the attack on the Hotel" Casara : " I''m the Captain of this ship! You take orders from me!" Seko : " But!" Casara : " No Buts! You of all people should know that! You''re relieved of your position on this vessel! Furthermore I''m transferring you from the Expeditionary Division to Crystalorb Command!" Seko : " As you wish!" A moment later Casara opened a communication channel with Crystalorb Command Centre to discuss the situation Casara : " Why would you do this Aman?" Aman: " We are at War! Casara : " This War is no excuse to...!" Aman: " War calls for hard choices Guardian!" Casara : " I''m in command of this vessel Commander; I decide when and how this ship employs its weapons!" Aman: " We had to send a message to the Americans!" Casara : " And what kind of message is the killing of innocent lives?" Aman: " They must understand that we won''t stand for their interference. If this truce with the HOD does not hold then the war will intensify, and we cannot afford these delays." Casara : " You make it sound as though you expect the truce to fail?" Aman: " We must recover the Spirit Stone before the HOD decides to resume their War against us. Every moment we delay will be equalled in the blood of our people!" It soon becomes clear to Casara that the Guardians in Crystalorb are still suffering from the effects of the absence of the Spirit Stone, and despite the recent ceasefire with the HOD war was still a real option for the Guardians. Being away from Crystalorb had a calming influence on both Kato and Casara, and the drums of war seemed to beat less forcefully. - - - Casara was in command of the only fully operational contingent, and because of this she resisted any attempt to drag her people into wider conflict. The Expeditionary Division only suffered 30% casualties to its force during the Hodian attack, and the Expeditionary Recognisance in particular had only 12% casualties to its component. The primary reason for such numbers is the fact that many of those in the Expeditionary Division were deployed away from Crystalorb, and another component is the fact that the Expeditionary Division receives superior training. The first Expeditionary Guardian Esara instituted an advanced training regiment for those under her command, and at the moment of truth her methods were vindicated. During the Hodian invasion of Crystalorb the Expeditionary Units proved their mantle, and the advanced techniques taught by Esara and Nalen proved very effective against the enormous numbers of the Hodian attack force. In the hour of Crystalorb''s greatest need the Expeditionary Units lived true the Vanguard Oath. They were the light on the hill, the line on the sand, and denied the Hodian further movement. The Expeditionary Units held back the Hodian advance until Naole''s ship the Indigo arrived and drove the Hodian forces away. Because of the success of the Expeditionary Units the Crystalorb General Council decided that Esara and Nalen''s training methods be the standard training methods for all units. The Crystalorb General Council recognized another important thing about the Crystalorb forces, and that was normal human aspirations. The Crystalorb General Council pointed out that the presence of the Olen family in the Crystalorb forces posed unusual leadership challenges. Because of their special abilities the Olen family did not follow the normal career path that other professional warriors followed. The Olen''s were stronger and faster than the other warriors and that had the propensity to create animosity towards the Olen''s. Following Amun''s betrayal the Crystalorb General Council decided to restrict the 12 Sectors to those with clear Chest Crystal, and those without Chest Crystal would go to the Mobile Assets Defence Division, leaving those with any other colour Chest Crystal restricted to the Expeditionary Division and the Research Division. The Crystalorb General Council noted that there was another factor that would always be of critical concern for Crystalorb security. The fact that Amun was able to reach Crystalline Form with the aid of Hodian Energy would always be of interest to Crystalans seeking power, and the possibility of desertion amongst the Crystalorb warrior elite would become a consideration when the time came for promotion to Guardian. Casara grudgingly agreed to the new rules with the hope that it would reduce the propensity for future conflicts amongst Crystalans. Casara felt that Aman''s actions were undermining her authority, and she wondered if it had anything to do with him wanting to prove that he can control a Red Guardian.The Intrepid was scheduled to search an area of the South Atlantic Ocean on its root home and was 2 days from expected arrival in port. - - - Later that day Sarah arrived back in Washington and met with Mike Trotman the Director of the National Security Commission. Sarah was understandably upset that they were sent to confront a Crystal Guardian Mike: " Good to have you back Lieutenant." Sarah: " Good to be back Sir." Mike: " You''re the first to survive a confrontation with Crystalans." Sarah: " They let me live Sir! They wanted me to deliver a message" Mike: " What message?" Sarah: " Don''t fuck with them!" Mike: " I doubt the Crystalans would use such language, they would consider it beneath them." Sarah: " They were very polite, but the message was clear Sir." Mike: " After the incident on Diego Garcia we need to know everything we can about these Crystal Guardians." Sarah: " The Hodians we right Sir." taking a deep breath No Hybrid can defeat a Crystal Guardian!" Mike: " Yes; That much is clear." brief pause as Mike takes a drag from his cigar "Jack was one of the most powerful Hybrids on record." Sarah: " She wasn''t even wearing Crystal Armour Sir! She took us apart like we were nothing; its like we were nothing more than insects to her. I got the feeling that the one who was wearing Crystal Armour could destroy buildings with ease; he could level entire cities." Mike: " Did he destroy the Hotel?" Sarah: " Don''t know Sir!" Mike: " This could be a problem." Sarah: " They had another message Sir." Mike: " Another message?" Sarah: " Their Council of Elders said; We are born of the Light, We live in the light, We stand down the road waiting for you!" Mike: " Born of the Light?" Sarah: " The holographic message said that Crystalorb is reaching out to humanity. Mike: " They Stand down the road waiting for humanity? Sounds like they telling us that they are more than human!" Sarah: " They are definitely more than Human. However they seem to want to help Humanity!" Mike: " Were you able to measure the energy output of the Crystal Guardian?" Sarah: " Its off the charts Sir; Over 20 Gigajoules/sec Sir. But I get the feeling that there''s more below the surface." Mike: " My God." Sarah: " We are out of our depth Sir." Mike: " The Crystalans are more dangerous than you know." Sarah: " Dangerous Sir?" Mike: " A small contingent of Crystalans destroyed our forward base on Diego Garcia! The Naval base on Diego Garcia was one of the most heavily defended bases in the world, with the latest in our state of the art weaponry, but the Crystal Armoured Crystalans destroyed the base with absolute ease. The President has designated the Crystalans as a strategic threat to the national security of the United States, and that means that they are our number one defence risk. After the attack on Diego Garcia Everyone is on edge. We are on a hair trigger, and information about the Crystalans has been classified beyond top secret." Sarah: " What do we do Sir?" Mike: " Nothing; Clearly this isn''t the time to piss them off! With their Power Stone gone they are vulnerable, and that makes them more dangerous. If they think that we are taking sides in their war with the HOD they will attack us directly; plunging the world into the deepest crisis since World War 2. The President has ordered that we cease all operations aimed at the Crystalans. Apparently the Crystalans and Hodians have reached some sort of cease fire, and the President does not want us doing anything that could be perceived as hostile. Lets hope we haven''t ruined everything." Sarah: " If the peace fails?" Mike: " Then God help us all!" letting out a sigh "For the moment we can only hope." taking a drag from the cigar "Take 2 weeks R&R; Then we will be sending you to Hybrid city." Sarah: " Crystal Valley City Sir?" Mike: " If this thing goes hot we need to have people in place for counterattack! Understand that if they attack we have the elements in place to blow up the whole valley" Sarah: " Understood Sir." Director Mike Trotman knew that their nuclear missiles would not be able to break through the Black Crystal that covered Crystalorb, but they were desperate, and having SLBM aimed at Crystal Valley City gave the US leverage with the South African Government. - - - U󡾨U - - - - - - Chapter 28: The Nature of Crystalan - - - U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 28: The Nature of Crystalan - - - - - - - - - As Sarah leaves Mikes office she runs into Linda Mathews; her colleague and close friend. Linda: " How did it go?" Sarah: 2 weeks R&R. Linda: " I could use a little of that." Sarah: Hes worried. Linda: " Were all scared; I never imagined they could be so deadly; ordinarily they are so gentle and peaceful." Sarah: Right; Your one of the few people whos had genuine contact with them? Do you think they knew that Im friends with you? Linda: " Without a doubt; thats probably why youre still alive. They have some sort of Telepathy or Technopathy; either way they share thoughts and feelings." Sarah: Tell me about them? Linda: " I took 2 semesters at Crystal Valley University; they have the finest Medical School in the world you know. I was partnered with a Glazed Amazon; 6 feet tall, perfect skin and muscles everywhere. Now when I say muscles everywhere I dont mean like bodybuilders, I mean more like an athlete; a lean muscular physique. Her name is Ridan Lesedi, and at the time she like me was studying to be a doctor, but the difference is she was also simultaneously studying to be a biochemist and a geneticist" Sarah: She was that smart? Linda: " Theyre all that smart Now." Sarah: The University allowed her to take that many courses? Linda: " They own the University. Anyway; initially I thought she was a Hybrid like me, and for all intensive purposes she let me believe that she was a hybrid. But then I started to notice some things." Sarah: What sort of things? Linda: " Hybrids trade on their Power; its sort of like our handle. Hi; Im Linda; Telepath / Psionic! Ridan didnt trade on her power; she seemed unimpressed by even the most impressive Hybrids. Crystal Valley is the hybrid Capital; a place where Hybrids use their Powers openly and publicly. Somehow Ridan didnt fit in with other Hybrids; it was like she didnt belong somehow." Sarah: She didnt belong even then? Linda begins to project her memories into Sarahs mind. It is the moment when Linda first met Ridan. Linda: " Hi; Im Linda; Telepath/Psionic." Ridan: Ridan Lesedi. Linda: " So Ridan; what do you do?" Ridan: I study. Linda: " I mean whats your Power?" Ridan: Im strong; amongst other things. Linda: " What sorts of things? Linda tries to look inside Ridans mind but shes rebuffed by extremely powerful Psionic Energy Wow!" Ridan: Dont do that! Linda: " Im sorry." Ridan: I know Telepaths are curious, but Invading someones mind is extremely impolite. Linda: " I promise; it wont happen again." Ridan: Good; Telepaths are very rare; especially amongst Hybrids Linda: " As opposed to what? Crystalans and Hodians?" Ridan: Well; Yeah! Linda: " Oh my God; youre a Paragon arent you?" Ridan: Paragon? Linda: " Like in the comic books; multiple Powers." Ridan: I know what you mean; I suppose I am. Linda: " Crystalan or Hodian?" Ridan: You shouldnt ask such a question; they could throw you out. Linda: " Throw me out of the University for asking a simple question?" Ridan: Throw you out of the University? No; the City. This place is crawling with spies from all over the world. Linda: " I see." Ridan: Youre bold; I like you. Ill teach you a few things; see how far your telepathy can extend. Linda: " What do you mean by extend?" Ridan: On a scale of 1 to 10 your Telepathy is about a 2, but I come from a place where everyone is a 10. Memory projection pauses. Sarah: All of them? Linda: " Yes; they practice their abilities from childhood well into their adulthood! Anyway; over the following three months she taught me powerful empathic Telepathic techniques that changed me into an Empathic Telepath. I could read people without entering their minds; merely reading the energy wake they leave behind. It was at that time that I got the first confirmation that Ridan was in fact a Crystalan." Sarah: What happened? Linda: " Ridans brother Disan visited her while I was at her place. Theyre all wealthy you know, and they live like it." Sarah: What was he like? Linda: " Crystalan women are Glazed Amazons, but Crystalan men are perfectly beautiful; perfect skin, lean muscular physic and they ooze the feel good stuff!" Sarah: Whats the feel good stuff? Linda: " Their energy is so potent you could climax from a simple hug!" Memory projection continues. Disan steps into the room and Ridan rushes over and Hugs him for a full minute. As Brother and Sister embrace Linda detects a powerful energy exchange between them; in particular massive amounts of Psionic energy transferring from Disan to Ridan. Ridan: You have no Idea how good it feels to see you little brother. Disan: I think I get the gist. Ridan: Oh; this is my friend Linda. Disan: Id shake your hand but Im not very good at containing my Aura, and telepaths can have a bad reaction to a Crystalan Touch. Ridan: Tell the whole world why dont you? Disan: Oh she knows now; you just couldnt wait to suck the life right out of me. Ridan: Im sorry; I was just so hungry. Disan: Dont I know it. Linda: " Thats why you like the sun so much; you feed on energy." Ridan: As a Clear Crystalan I need Equal Amounts of Various forms of energy. I generate Psionic Energy, but away from home I use significant amounts to shield, cloak and protect me from prying eyes; so every now and then I need a top-up. Disan: Relatives or Intimate partners are useful in this regard! Which reminds me; Raneo is away on Crystalan business, and so he sent me to help you out. Linda: " Raneo?" Disan: Her Boyfriend! Ridan: My Fianc! Linda: " Congrats!" Ridan: Thank you. Disan and Ridan leave for lunch, and a few hours later Ridan returns alone. Linda: " Thanks for letting me stay; your place is so much nicer to study in." Ridan: Oh I wish you could see Crystalorb; its feel good all the time. Linda: " Your brother is adorable." Ridan: What ever you do, dont fall for him. Linda: " Is he a player?" Ridan: Crystalan men dont do that; theyre far more dangerous to none Crystalans. Linda: " Dangerous; how?" Ridan: He cant see you Honey; not in the way you would want him to! She opens her blouse to reveal her Clear Chest Crystal 90% of Crystalan Vision comes through the Chest Crystal; to Disan you have the Aura of an Infant. You cant give him what he needs. Linda: " But it felt like he might be interested." Ridan: It always feels like that Honey; Crystalan men cant help being what they are. By normal standards youre a very attractive woman, but Crystalan men are difficult to attract, and even more difficult to keep. Even if by some miracle you got together with him it would only break your heart. Women outside Crystalorb are not properly socialized to deal with Crystalan men. Memory projection pauses. Sarah: Sounds like she didnt think you were good enough for her brother? Linda: " She was right." Sarah: Really? Linda: " Yeah; She once told me that Crystalan men are all expert lovers; something to do with their precise muscular control." Sarah: I dont get it? Linda: " They can vibrate their Penis." Sarah: All of them? Linda: " All of them." Memory projection continues. Linda: " What do you mean by; properly socialized?" Ridan: Ive Had 20 sexual partners; about average for Crystalans. Linda: " 20?" The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Ridan: Youd think Crystalan men would have a problem with that, but they dont care how many partners youve had; they only care about how you treated the men who came before them. Linda: " What? They care about how you treated the men who came before them?" Ridan: Strange Right? Linda: " Very Strange." Ridan: What you must understand is that theyre all very Good; Attentive, Considerate, Polite, Passionate, Honest, Loyal and Faithful! Linda: " All of them?" Ridan: All of them! Linda: " You Crystalan women have it made." Ridan: Youd think that! My first Boyfriend was a total sweetheart; one problem; I was sort of interested in this other guy, and so when he finds out that I sort of like this other guy he panics and bails on me. After a few Tries I manage to get together with my second Boyfriend a year later at 17 years old, but when he finds out what happened with my first Boyfriend he freaks out and runs for the hills. The Third Boyfriend also leaves because of what I supposedly did to the first Guy. The Fourth Boyfriend can make peace with what I did to the first guy, but he cant be with me because I was with the second Boyfriend and they dont get along. The Fifth Boyfriend tries to get past the issue with the first guy, but eventually decides that its too much for him. The Sixth Boyfriend managed to get passed all the issues, and we were together for 2 years, but when he finds out that I slept with some random guy he doesnt like the whole thing falls apart. After that I decided to be alone, partnering casually with women for the next 3 years until I made a friend in Raneo. Events conspired to bring Raneo and me together, but as much as he loved me even he wavered about staying with me, thankfully he decided I was worth the risk, and believed me when I told him that I loved him. Linda: " My God; They are infuriating!" Ridan: There is a price to pay for all that Honour. Linda: " I cant Imagine what its like to be a Crystalan woman." Ridan: This is why you have to be properly prepared. Crystalan men arent like the sex obsessed Neanderthals that populate the world; they are much more evolved. Crystalan men only ask once. Women around the world have men practically beg them for a date, but Crystalan men don''t beg. Ooh no; that would violate their sense of honour! Crystalan men can be Unforgiving! If you say no to a Crystalan man you have to understand that your decision is final. He won''t ever ask again; And that door may be closed forever! Many Crystalan women have lived to regret their choices. Crystalan men may look indestructible, but they are in a lot of ways the most vulnerable men in the world. They are required as a question of honour to wear their hearts on their sleeves, unable to hide away, unable to shield themselves from Crystalan women. They are in some ways defenceless against the women they love. Crystalan women must therefore always be gentle with them; careful with their feelings. Any Crystalan woman who shows even the slightest tendency to disregard a Crystalan mans feelings will have an extremely difficult time trying to find a husband. Linda: " Crystalan men sort of trust each others judgement dont they?" Ridan: We are a warrior culture; we are so highly trained that we learn to trust the judgements of others. On the battlefield we fight as one; mind, body and soul. Linda: " Even you? A doctor to be?" Ridan: We are all warriors! Fighting is one of the first things we learn to do; a requirement of Crystalan Adulthood. Linda: " Amazing! So thats why youre so well toned." Ridan: Actually thats all genetics. We are warrior born all of us; and the oldest are the strongest! Memory projection Ends. Sarah: If we had Known about their warrior culture perhaps we wouldnt have taken sides. Linda: " Are you kidding me? They knew that the Crystalans were extremely powerful but they joined with the Hodians anyway! The average Crystalans Adult is 1.8 metres tall, over 850 Pounds in weight; that tells you something about their Physiological Density and the possible extent of their Powers. All our so called leaders could see was what the Hodians were offering, and they werent interested in the potential consequences of such an alliance" Sarah: And look where we are now! Do you think Ridan survived the attack? Linda: " God I hope shes still alive! Its people like her who can help calm things down." Sarah: Maybe we should reach out to them? Can you contact her? Linda: " We tried; But its too late now; they dont trust anything that comes out of our mouths now." Sarah: I cant really blame them; They are such fascinating creatures. Linda: " You have no Idea; Crystalan men actually help to breastfeed their Children!" Sarah: What? Crystalan men have lactating breasts? Linda: " Apparently the breasts of a Crystalan man produce a highly nutritious nectar necessary for Crystalan child development. It turns out that Crystalan Children breastfeed from both parents for 3 to 4 years." Sarah: I cant quite imagine a Crystal Guardian breastfeeding an Infant! Linda: " Those whove been to Crystalorb say that in their Natural environment Crystalans are somewhat docile!" Sarah: Thats hard to believe. Linda: " The Hodians have confirmed this; We can only hope to see that side of them one day." - - - Director Mike Trotman briefs President Randall and heads of all security agencies on the Crystalan Threat. General Parker of the NSA was not particularly impressed with Director Mike Trotmans recommendations, and Admiral Daniels of the Joint Chiefs of Staff agreed with General Parkers views. The intelligence services on the other hand understood that Crystalorb was perhaps the most dangerous adversary the United States had ever faced. Director John Mulligan of the CIA and Director Ben Bruner of the FBI had both been briefed by the Hodians on the possible capabilities of Crystalorb. Mike: " Mr President; the Crystalans have sent us a message!" President Randall : " I read that in the report Director; We must be very careful when dealing with them, and any further mistakes could be disastrous!" Mike: " The Crystalans seem interested in having wider relations with the rest of humanity, but for now theyve allied themselves with the South Africans, and that should be our starting point." President Randall : " The United States does not have any significant Ideological difference of opinion with South Africa. By normalizing our relations with the South Africans we could end any possible hostilities with the Crystalans. But we must never relinquish control of the destiny of the world to this shadowy organization." Mike: " Mr President; we cannot oppose Crystalorb openly; And with the Hodians making peace with Crystalorb we may soon find ourselves alone against an enemy of incomparable power." President Randall : " Were not alone; India and China are also weary of Crystalorb and the advanced technology transferred to Africans." Mike: " The Islamic world has unfortunately been thrust into the middle of things." President Randall : " Thats unfortunate, but as long as the Africans have squabbles with the Islamic world they wont be positioning themselves against ATO." Gen Parker:" So the director of The NSC wants to just give up?" Mike: " Thats not what Im saying." Dir Bruner:" The NSC is right to be cautious." Dir Mulligan:" Weve seen what these Crystalans are capable of, and our assessment is inline with that of the NSC." Admr Daniels :"Backing down from a challenge is simply un-American!" Dir Mulligan: " This Crystalorb or their Crystalans pose the most significant threat; they are extremely dangerous. We are not talking about NAZI Germany or Soviet Russia? The Crystalans are on a whole new level! Their Technology is so advanced we cannot hope to close the gap in a hundred years." Mike: " I dont know if we can ever close the Technological chasm." Gen Parker:" Unlike you I have faith in American ingenuity." Mike: " This isnt a question of faith." Gen Parker:" Faith is at the heart of everything!" Mike: " Let me show you something." A display of a Hodian facility in Northern Canada appears on the screens. Gen Parker:" What are we looking at?" Mike: " Video from two weeks ago; This was a Hodian facility in Northern Canada; supposedly one of their secure manufacturing sites. We deployed Titan and Omega to protect the Grandlord stationed there; empowered Hybrids." On the screens two Armoured Crystal Guardians appear at the Hodian facility. Almost immediately they tear into the Hodian contingent; ripping them apart. It is obvious that Nasan and Thato are Guardians by the ease with which they demolish Hodian lines; tossing aside enforcers like they are insects. Then the Grandlord Boyd and the empowered Hybrids Titan and Omega join the fight; thats when Vanguard Teams arrived to assist the Guardians with the enforcers. Thato: " Ill take the Grandlord; you get the Hybrids." Nasan: " I wanted the Grandlord!" Thato: " Called dibs!" Thato faces of against Grandlord Boyd as Titan and Omega move to challenge Nasan. Titan: " They dont look so tough." Omega: " Im going to squish her like a bug." Boyd: " Whatever you do; dont let her separate you." Guardian Thato begins to casually walk towards Boyd. Thato: " You will pay for your Crimes Hodian!" Boyd: " Easier said than done Crystalan!" Thato and Boyd begin their colossal battle. Titan flies towards Nasan and then blasts her with energy generated from His hands; while shes distracted Omega punches her and that sends her flying through the air and crushing into buildings hundreds of meters away. The blow from the 4.6m tall ?15 feet? behemoth was enough to move even an Armoured Guardian. Titan: " I didnt think shed go down that easily." Omega: " Im Omega; they always go down." Then Titan and Omega hear rumble then a sonic boom and in a flash Nasan is standing right in front of them. Nasan: " Empowered Hybrids right? They drain a hundred Hybrids to make one of you; they could drain a thousand Hybrids and it wouldnt make a difference." Titan: " Why is that?" Nasan: " Because you lack the Fundamental tools to confront a Crystal Guardian." Impatient; Omega attacks and tries to once again punch Nasan, but Nasans spinning shields causes the punches to veer to the side.Titan tries an energy blast but it meets the same result as Omegas attacks. Then Nasan generates a Lightning Plasma Ball that sends Titan Flying several kilometres away, then She attaches a spherical energy field around Omega; locking him in a sphere hovering 2m above the ground. Omega: " You cant contain me." Nasan: " I dont need to!" the sphere containing Omega begins to rotate at high speed while also tilting in the other axis The energy within you is evil; it has no place in this world. Omega could not regain his footing, and without leverage his strength was useless, but more importantly the sphere was draining the energy out of Omega and into the atmosphere. Very quickly Omega was depleted, and an ElectroLaser from Nasan Vaporized him. Titan returns to the battlefield to find that Omega has been destroyed. Titan: " You killed him?" Nasan: " I thought that was the Idea." Titan: " Well I wont be despatched so easily; Im Super-Fast, Super-Strong and Invulnerable. Not even a Crystalan can Destroy me!" Nasan: " Is that what they told you? Yeah! You really have no idea what youre up against; Were energy Elementals" Titan: " You threats hold no meaning for me!" Nasan: " I am sick of Empowered Hybrids claiming that theyre somehow the equal of a Crystalan! Im going to settle this once and for all" she opens her face cover and lowers her shields The last thing we ever wanted to be was killers of Hybrids; we never wanted this for you, for any of you. I will give you three free hits; all you have to do is make me bleed. If you make me bleed Ill let you live; you can walk away from this. Titan: " As you wish!" And so Titan attacks punching Nasan on the face with his maximum power punch; However Titans attack seems to have little or no effect. Nasan: " Not good enough." Titan: " What?" Now Titan tries his maximum power energy blast aimed at Nasans face, but that too has no effect. Nasan: " Youre going to need a lot more power than that!" This time Titan combines his maximum power energy blast with his maximum power punch aimed at Nasans face, and this time the attack has the effect of Knocking Nasan to the ground. Titan: " That should do it." But as Nasan stands up it is clear that while the attack had the force to knock her down, it did not have sufficient power to injure her. Nasan: " The figure youre looking for is ten thousand." Titan: " Ten thousand what?" The confused Titan could now see ass Nasan Transformed to her Crystalline form, and there is a massive increase in the energy shes generating. Nasan: " An Empowered Hybrid with the power of ten thousand Hybrids would give you a fighting chance against a Crystal Guardian, but in your current state youre all but insignificant; youd barely require the attention of our Junior Vanguards." Titan: " Im still Invulnerable!" Guardian Nasan charges her Crystal Lance. Nasan: " Invulnerability is relative. Lightning Flash!" Titan: " Ah!" Before Titan could react Nasan plunged the Crystal Lance into His Chest and then proceeded to cut Titan into two pieces; slicing him from the head through to the pelvis. Nasan: " So much for Invulnerable!" The screens in the briefing room go dark but nothing could remove the look of sheer horror now plastered on the faces of everyone in the room. Admr Daniels :"Titan was the Strongest there is!" Dir Mulligan: "Clearly not the Strongest!" Dir Bruner:" Titan was the Strongest we had!" Gen Parker:" She vaporized Omega?" Dir Mulligan: "And shes not even the strongest they have." Dir Bruner:" They could kill us all!" Mike: " Not if we dont provoke them." Gen Parker:" Thats your great plan? Dont piss-off the ten thousand pound gorilla in the room?" Dir Mulligan:" I dont see that we have any other choice. We need to tread very carefully with these guys." Admr Daniels :"America does not lie down for anyone!" Mike: " But we will lie down for these guys; one way or the other." President Randall : " Lets hear from the Hodian liaison." A Video link is established and Seleta Ralefa the designated Hodian liaison comes on the screens. Seleta : " The Hodian High Council has gone through your report on the interactions with Crystalans; we therefore recommend that you heed Crystalorbs warning. Do nothing to antagonize them or you will pay a terrible price! Crystalorb doesnt make empty threats, and they are in no mood to be forgiving." Dir Bruner:" Is there no other way?" Seleta : " Hodians have access to technology you cant even begin to Imagine; However we are still forced to capitulate to Crystalan demands." Admr Daniels :"You have to have some sort of contingency plans." Seleta : " We do; But its a terrible prospect. Weve lost the power of the Viceroy; we dont have anything that can stop a Red Guardian. The HOD came close to defeating the Crystalans forever, but our inability to complete their destruction has left us with an enormous predicament. Crystalans have gone insane and unless we find a way to make peace with them they will continue their rampage of destruction. Some Hodian analysts believe that we stand at the twilight of the human race. They believe that the only way to save the world is for the HOD to surrender to Crystalorb." Gen Parker:" Is that what its come to? Are these Crystal Guardians really that powerful? And why do you Fear this Red Guardian?" Seleta : " There are only 2 known ways of killing a Red Guardian; the first is the Golden Metallic form of a Viceroy and the second way is with a 3 Megaton Nuclear Warhead. Were not even sure that a 3 Megaton Nuclear Warhead will be enough because this particular Red Guardian is quite possibly an Ascended Crystal Guardian. And an ascended Crystal Guardian is supposedly several times stronger and faster than a Normal Crystal Guardian; Crystalorb has been investigating Ascendance for decades now. Some believe that the ascended Crystal Guardian would be fast enough to be able to escape a Nuclear Blast." Admr Daniels :"What? Are you saying that this woman is the most powerful being in the world?" Seleta : " Without a doubt! The Crystal Guardians are going through some sort of Guardian rage, and some Hodians believe that the absence of the Spirit Stone has left Crystalans unbalanced; resulting in them unable to control their negative emotions. The Crystalans are intrinsically connected to their Spirit Stone, and without it they are more dangerous than any of us expected. We think that its only a matter of time before the Crystalans conclude that the rest of the humans are nothing more than a nuisance that must be extinguished." Mike: " Genocide?" Gen Parker:" There are over 7 Billion people on this planet; how would they complete such a task?" Seleta : " It would be surprisingly easy. Their Chest Crystals allow them to absorb the energy of plants; they could destroy the worlds crops within months." Gen Parker:" They are monstrous!" Seleta : " With their Spirit Stone in their possession they become benevolent and understanding, but without it they will inevitably destroy the world as we know it. Hodians understand that we created this crisis, and weve accepted that we bare the responsibility to bring this to a peaceful resolution. We must make the necessary sacrifices to guarantee the survival of the normal humans." President Randall : " We will heed your warning! Its up to you then!" The meeting continues, and they move on to other security concerns - - - U󡾨U - - - - - - Chapter 29: The Honourable Path U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 29: The Honourable Path - - - The Crystalorb Leadership was in heated discussions about the incident in Mexico, and some were implicating the HOD in the attempt by the Americans to capture a Crystalan. The 48 Grandlords that formed the High Council of the Hand of Destiny also met to discuss their next course of action, and there were rumours that the war was about to resume. Many on the Hodian High Council were eager to hear the new Viceroy''s proposal on the matter. After long and heated discussions the Chairman of the Hodian High Council Tumo Ralefa brought the meeting to order in preparation for the Viceroy''s address. Tumo : " Thank you everyone! This has been an important year in the history of our people, and the war with our opposite numbers in Crystalorb has escalated to incomparable limits! But we have pulled back from the brink! We have stayed the hand of Fate! Allowed cooler heads to prevail! When Lerumo came to me with a proposal for a direct assault on Crystalorb I thought that the time had come for the Hodian people to finally end the war. I believed we could win! For the first time we had the support of one of Crystalorb''s own, a Crystal Guardian had joined our side, but it wasn''t enough, and once again our efforts were thwarted by the Olen family. The son of the legendary Red Guardian came to Crystalorb''s rescue. The Olen family bloodline has been a constant thorn in our side, and one we have not been able to remove. We left Crystalorb in ruins, and we took their precious Spirit Stone. Our Intel indicated that without their Spirit Stone the Crystalans would grow weak and we would finally be able to control them. Our forces killed 60% of their population, and most of their forces were in disarray, but somehow they found the strength to fight back. They fought back with even greater tenacity! Over the next few months we noticed something disturbing in their behaviour. For the first time in their history the Crystalans were showing a complete disregard for human life! They seemed intent on destroying us, and were no longer mindful of the consequences to the wider world! It was at this point that our new Viceroy brought to my attention the Crystalorb war strategy; Viceroy!" Nato Ralefa the new Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny took the podium to address the Hodian High Council. Nato : " Thank you Chairman! Good Evening! We are a great people! We''ve earned a pivotal place in the world! We are respected by great people and Great Nations" He pauses for Applause "The Chairman has already given an outline of the events that have brought us to this moment. When I evaluated the battle strategy of the Crystalans I notice a disturbing pattern. The first thing you notice is the way they attack. First they attack from the air with their ship, and then they send in their Vanguards to finish the job. In the past the Crystalans only targeted structures and not people, but they had changed, and they were now targeting people. They weren''t just targeting our Enforcers, but they were also targeting the civilians who worked for us. Within a few weeks the civilian death toll reached thousands, and this did not go unnoticed by the Governments. The Crystalorb strategy was to cut off our energy supply, and to that end they wiped out 70% of our livestock holdings. The damage has been unimaginable to the global livestock industry, and millions of people have lost their livelihood, the world milk prices have hit the roof, but worse than this has been the food shortages that have resulted from this. As you know we source the feed for our animals from all over the world, and because we no longer require the quantity we used to consume grain prices have been depressed. Most farmers have stopped planting grain in favour of other more lucrative crops, and this has resulted in food shortages in some areas of the world. With grain so cheap exporters see no value in shipping such a product, and the result has been food shortages. Our forecasts of the situation indicated that the world will face at least 2 years of grain supply constraints and 5 years of high meat product prices. In the past the Crystalans were always careful not to destabilize global food prices, but that view seems to have fallen by the wayside. The Crystalans seemed to have gone mad, and it became clear that this was more than just rage. The answer laid in their complex relationship with their Spirit Stone. Their Spirit Stone is more than just a power source, it has an effect on their mood, and without the Spirit Stone the Crystalans had lost control. We always thought that the Crystalans were unnaturally benevolent, and now its clear that the reason they were so considerate had to do with the Spiritual force contained in their Spirit Stone. Because of the presence of the Spirit Stone the Crystalans can''t help being good. It''s not a matter of choice for them." after a brief pause "Without their Spirit Stone the Crystalans went into an uncontrollable rage that only found expression in their war against us. Soon it became clear that the Crystalans would plunge the world into chaos, and there was very little we could do to stop them. Lord Tumo met with them, and he found them to be reasonable and good mannered, but that does not change their deadly intent. When Lord Tumo met with their Red Guardian she expressed an intent to end the war one way or another. To them ending the war and ending the HOD is the same thing at this moment. Thankfully there is something they want more than our destruction; The Spirit Stone. My Analyst tell me that it would take a million Enforcer army to take mount Crystalorb. We almost succeeded with 20 thousand Enforcers, but that was because we had the help of a Sector Guardian. We would need a million Enforcer army to march on Crystalorb, but the Analyst also point out that the Crystalans will never allow us to raise such an army. I''m assured that the Crystalans will erase entire cities to stop such a force from gathering. The best we can hope for is a stalemate, but even with their forces at 40% they have enough power to destroy us. We are outgunned people, and it''s time we faced the facts! Crystalorb has had the power to destroy us for decades now, but for years now they''ve chosen not to use it. Do any of you know why?" He takes a long pause "Does any of you here know why the Crystalans have for years chosen not to destroy us? Anyone? Lord Tumo?" Lord Tumo stands to answer Tumo : " Because they held out hope that we would see the error of our ways and join them in their quest to make the world a better place for all mankind!" Nato : " Exactly! The Crystalans considered us their lost brothers. They used to see us as lost and misguided! But after the assault on Crystalorb they think of us a menace, and they intend to purge the world of us. Unless we do something drastic we will soon find ourselves extinct! They are no longer welcoming defectors into Crystalorb. This means that we no longer have eyes and ears inside Crystalorb. They no longer interact with the citizens of Crystal Valley City, and this means that we don''t have the opportunity to convert any of them to our side. I''m assured by Hodian analysts that we have no viable military options! If the ceasefire fails the war will continue to its inevitable conclusion. If any of you still questions this analysis ask yourself this question; Why are there only 48 Grandlords? There used to be more of us, and every moment this war continues is paid for with the blood of our people! Yes we will fight to the very end! But the point is that the end will come! "after a brief pause "What do we do then? How do we save our children from this impending doom?" after a long pause "We have to make peace with Crystalans! There''s no other way! It''s either that or death! In their current state of being the Crystalans are unlikely to believe us when we offer them peace, and they''ve told us that only their Council of Elders can declare peace with the Hand of Destiny, but as you all know we killed 8 of the 9 members of the Council of Elders. They tell us that once someone is officially nominated for election to the Council of Elders their soul has to be judged by the Spirit Stone to determine whether they are worthy to be a member of the Council of Elders. Without the Spirit Stone they cannot reconstitute the Council of Elders. Which brings us to my proposal! The Crystalans will need proof that we won''t attack them while they continue to search for their stone! How do we prove to them that we are serious about peace! How do we show them that this is not a trick! We have to make a gesture of faith, and it has to give the Crystalans confidence in our efforts. To that end I propose that the entire High Council of the Hand of Destiny surrender themselves into the custody of Crystalorb until the Spirit Stone is recovered!" The Grandlords voice their displeasure at Lord Nato''s proposal. Nato : " I tried to make contact with the Crystalans but I was told that they are not taking any calls! The clock is ticking people! After the incident in Cancun Mexico the Crystalans will surely re-evaluate the ceasefire! It may take years for them to find the Spirit Stone! We may have to spend the rest of our natural live in their custody! But at least it will insure the survival of our children! This is the moment of truth people! Do we choose life or do we choose Death! Let''s put this to a vote" - - - The High Council of the Hand of Destiny voted 31 to 18 in support of Lord Nato''s proposal. The Viceroy and the 48 Grandlords travelled to Crystal Valley City as a first stop on the path to Mount Crystalorb. The flight capabilities of their new Manacle of Destiny allowed them to fly into the city undetected by the City security officials, and with the Spirit Stone gone Crystalorb could not detect their Hodian energy. The Grandlords travelled in small groups to avoid raising suspicion. At about midday the 49 members of the Hodian High Council gathered on the outskirts of Crystal Valley City, they then transformed to their Metallic Crystalline Form and began walking up the hills in the direction of Mount Crystalorb. At the same time as all this was happening, the Intrepid was making its final approach into Crystalorb Air space. Over the years the Crystalorb air ships had realised that high speeds at low altitudes created havoc for residents of the City, and therefore official protocol mandated that the ships conduct slow descent from high altitude when operating in populated areas. As the Intrepid was making its slow descent from high altitude the Jalen detected the approach of the Grandlord formation, and this sent Crystalorb into high alert. The Joint Communications Channel was activated, and the Crystalorb Forces prepared for battle while the Gaurdius and the Jalen prepared to attack the Grandlord formation. The Crystalorb Defence Cannons targeted the Grandlord formation and prepared to fire. Onboard the Intrepid the crew also prepared themselves to join the battle, and on the bridge the senior staff was searching the area for additional Hodian movement, but they couldn''t find any, and this present challenges of its own.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. At the Crystalorb Command Centre Aman was in communication with all the defence assets, and the senior officers were awaiting his orders Aman : " On my order open fire, but not before!" Casara : " Wait!" Aman : " This isn''t the time for you to question my orders Casara!" Casara : " Commander; None of this makes any sense!" Aman : " Nothing they do ever makes any sense!" Casara : " The last time they attack they were 20000 strong! They have millions under their command! But today I''m only counting 49!" Kano : " The 49 could be some sort of diversion for a larger contingent!" Aman : " When they reach designation 201 I want everyone to open fire, is that Understood!" Palo : " Designation 201! Got it Commander!" Casara : " Palo; You will stand down until I give the authorization to Fire!" Aman : " What? I''m in Command here!" Casara : " And I''m in command of the Expeditionary Division! That means all the ships take their orders from me!" Aman : " This is insane! We have a Hodian attack force at our gates and Casara decides that this is the time to disobey orders." Casara : " All I''m saying is that we make a proper assessment of the situation!" Aman : " When they reach designation 201 the Crystalorb Defence Cannons will take them out, so you have just under a minute to make your assessment!" Casara then turns to the officers responsible for Navigation ?i.e. Directional movements of the Aircraft? Casara : " Shield to Maximum! Disregard speed protocol! Put us between the Crystalorb Defence Cannons and the Hodians!" The Intrepid rapidly manoeuvres to shield the Hodian formation from the powerful Crystalorb Defence Cannons Aman : " What the hell are you doing Casara?" Casara : " Making a proper assessment Commander!" Nasan : " This is highly irregular Casara!" Crystal Armoured Casara stands from the Captains chair and proceeds to the ship''s Vanguard launch bay, Kato is with her, and the Joint Communications Channel is still active Casara : " I''m going out there!" Kato : " What?" Casara : " I''m going to talk to them!" Kato : " Have you lost your dammed mind! There are 49 Grandlords out there! Not even you could stand up to that!" Casara : " Someone has to talk to them" Kato : " Then I''m coming with you" Casara : " No! I have to go alone!" Aman : " I knew it! She''s lost her mind!" Casara : " When have you ever seen so many Grandlords without escort? For some strange reason the Hodian Grandlords have chosen to expose themselves, I must do the same!" The Crystal Armoured Casara leaves the Intrepid, and as she lands in front of the Grandlord Formation she transforms to her Crimson Form. Lord Nato steps forward to meet Casara Nato : " The Legendary Red Guardian; It''s an Honour to meet you! I''m Nato Ralefa; Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny!" In an act never seen before from a Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny, Nato disengages his primary Manacle of Destiny and transforms from the Metallic Crystalline Form to normal, he then extends his hand to greet Casara Casara : " That''s different!" Casara then also transforms from the Crimson Form to normal, and then she goes further by removing her Red Guardian Crystal Armour and locking it in its sphere Nato : " Wow!" Casara then walks up to Lord Nato and shakes his hand, and as she shakes his hand all the other Grandlords disengage their primary Manacles of Destiny and transform from the Metallic Crystalline Form to normal Casara : " I''m Casara Olen; Acting Expeditionary Guardian; And Captain of the Intrepid." Nato : " Pleased to meet you Casara." Casara : " Strange. Likewise." At the Crystalorb Command Centre the Guardians are in complete shock, and no one is more surprised than Aman. Aman : " By the Source!" Nasan : " Could it be...?" Aman : " I don''t believe it?" Isalo : " The Light of Hope." Cyris : " Finally; Something New." Aman : " What do we do?" Cyris : " They''ve travelled all this way, the least we could do is meet them." Aman : " Meet them?" Cyris : " Yes." As Lord Cyris, Aman, Isalo and Nasan make their way out of Crystalorb, Casara talks to Lord Nato. Nato : " That is an impressive Vessel." Casara : " That it is Lord Nato. We are very proud of the Intrepid! It''s Crystalorb''s flagship! My Father told me that he built it to protect the future." Nato : " I read about your Father. What did they call him? Genius; Warrior. Amongst other things he''s referred to as a master weapons designer; I''m Inclined to believe that he was a man of peace." Casara : " Yeah; Most people never got that about him." Nato : " I thought that was obvious! Anyone who builds a ship like the Intrepid is undoubtedly a creative spirit! When you see the Intrepid for the first the thing time that strikes you is how beautiful it is; A thing of beauty. Like a work art. However its beauty is only equalled by its power." Casara : " My father built it to protect. Not to destroy! But over the past few months it has become something else. My father knew that he would not always be around to protect Crystalorb, and so he built something that would. Because of its reproductive capabilities there would always be Ships to protect Crystalorb." Nato : " We can only Hope that your father''s creation can return to its true purpose of protecting the people of Crystalorb." Casara : " My father recognized a simple truth." Nato : " What truth?" Casara : " The differences between Crystalans and Hodians are Ideological; The truth being that; Crystalans are also descendents of Ralefa!" Nato : " An important fact that weve all forgotten over the past decades." Casara : " The issues that separate us are Ideological, but we are in fact the same people." Nato : " Its strange to hear a high ranking Crystalan say that." Casara : " It sound radical, but it is an inviolable Truth." Nato : " With luck...?" The arrival of Lord Cyris interrupts the conversation between Casara and Lord Nato. The Joint Communications Channel is activated to allow all of Crystalorb to hear and see the conversation between Lord Nato and Lord Cyrus. Lord Cyris is accompanied by a large contingent from the Expeditionary Division Cyris : " This is an unexpected surprise!" Nato : " We tried to call but no one would take our calls." Cyris : " We''ve been in extended talks." Nato : " I had a feeling that you might be in talks. What I have to say may have a bearing on the outcomes of those talks" Cyris : " Were it not for Casara''s insistence, we would have attacked." Nato : " Insistence?" Cyris : " She used the Intrepid to shield you from the Crystalorb Defence Cannons! Preventing us from attacking you." Nato : " Why would she take such a risk?" Cyris : " Crystalans with a Chest Crystal are very intuitive, and the Olen''s come from an extremely intuitive bloodline. The intuition derives its power from the Chest Crystal, and the more effective the Chest Crystal the clearer the third sight. We had no Idea that Casara''s abilities had reached that level. Esara was a little older when she started showing such profound abilities." Nato : " She must have seen what I''ve seen. If the war between our peoples resumes hundreds of millions of innocent people will die. The entire High Council of the Hand of Destiny has come to mount Crystalorb because we wish to prevent that. We have come to Crystalorb to offer a lasting and true peace." Cyris : " I''m not authorised to negotiate for Crystalorb." Nato : " We are not here to negotiate; We are here to end the war." Cyris : " What?" Nato : " After the incident in Mexico we feared that Crystalans would think this to be another Hodian trick, and since you were not taking our calls we concluded that you would no longer trust our word, so we took a decision to make a bold gesture of faith." Cyris : " A gesture of faith?" Nato : " We have noticed a shift in the character of Crystalans. Crystalans no longer believe in the values that are enshrined in the Crystalorb Charter, and your recent actions are proof of that. The shift to the extreme on your part has had the effect of pushing the HOD to what were traditionally Crystalan positions. We''ve come to see the value of Crystalorb''s true message to the world. You may no longer believe in yourselves, but we believe in you." Cyris : " What? You believe in us?" Nato : " We do what we do because we always knew that the Crystalans would be there to pick up the pieces of the chaos that we cause, but without your counterforce the chaos will spin out of control, and the world will destroy itself. Our differences can be resolved peacefully; This ideological war has gone on long enough! It''s time to walk a different road." shaking his head As Casara put it; The issues that separate us are Ideological, but we are in fact the same people. Cyris : " A different road?" Nato : " We recognized that you would need proof of our sincerity; A guarantee. This war began with us, and it must therefore end with us. To that end; We the High Council of the Hand of Destiny surrender ourselves into Crystalorb''s custody until the Spirit Stone is recovered." Cyris : " What if it takes 50 years? 100 years?" Nato : " However long it takes! If we die in your custody then you will just have to hold our bodies in custody" Cyris : " We would have to take your Manacles into our custody until you are released." Nato : " We expected as much. We brought them with us in part because we knew that it would ease your minds to know that the Manacles were in your custody." Cyris : " In the absence of the full Council of Elders the Crystalorb General Council will have to make a decision on this." Nato : " How long will it take?" Cyris : " They are in deliberations as we speak." Nato : " In the mean time?" Cyris : " We wait?" Nato : " Ok." An hour later the Crystalorb General Council concluded their deliberations. The Crystalorb General Council agreed to accept the Hodian offer and took the entire High Council of the Hand of Destiny into custody. - - - For the duration of their stay in Crystalorb each of the Hodians would be accompanied at all times by one of the Crystalorb Guards. The Hodians would sleep at the Crystalorb Detention Facility, but would be allowed to move freely under Crystalorb Guard escort in Crystalorb''s non restricted areas. The Crystalorb General Council felt that without their Manacles the Hodians posed little threat, and because they were constantly monitored there would be no possibility for them to cause chaos. The Hodian Manacles were kept in a secure location under the guard of 3 Vanguard teams, and that included 3 Vangleads. The ceasefire was now permanent, and the Hodian Overlords assumed command of the Hand of Destiny. The Crystalorb Forces continued to observe the Hodian activities, but they were under strict orders not to interfere with the Hodian activities. A great majority of Crystalorb''s resources were focused on the recovery of the Spirit Stone. Crystalorb''s ships searched the world''s oceans, but found little success. The world was too big for even those with Crystalorb''s advanced technology. The sea water was making it difficult to detect the Spirit Stone''s energy signature. The water was dissipating the energy trail and this posed an enormous challenge to the searching ships. The Crystalans resolved to search the ocean floor inch by inch. They would deploy advanced robots to search every square meter of the Earth''s oceans, but Casara amongst others knew that even this would not guarantee positive results. Casara and others recognized that the ocean floors were full of caves and crevasses that the submarine containing the Spirit Stone could have been hidden in, and the ocean floors were constantly shifting and changing. That meant that the submarine containing the Spirit Stone may be berried under mountains of rubble. Casara and others believed that the best they could hope for was that the Negative Psionic Energy containment field used to trap the Spirit Stone would eventually fail. The hope was that once the Negative Psionic Energy containment field failed the Spirit Stone could then free itself and return to Crystalorb. To the Crystalorb General Council this was too much to hope for, they preferred to actively seek and search for the Spirit Stone. Half of all Crystalorb Forces were deployed to assist in the search for the Spirit Stone. The search became the primary focus of all Crystalorb''s activities. After 18 months of searching with no tangible progress the Vanguards were beginning to feel the strain of their endless search. Many Vanguards were beginning to wonder if the search was pointless, and the popular view was that the Spirit Stone would return when the Negative Psionic Energy containment field used to trap the Spirit Stone eventually fails. The warriors of Crystalorb were beginning to accept the situation, but the Crystalorb General Council was not prepared to end the search. When the Leba laid its first egg it became clear that the future of Crystalorb was on hold until the return of the Spirit Stone. A few months after the Leba laid its first egg the Intrepid laid its fourth egg, and this added further proof that the Spirit Stone was crucial to Crystalorb. The eggs needed to be fed Spirit Stone energy to finalize their development and with the aid of Spirit Stone energy the eggs would hatch and become baby ships. The eggs were kept inside Crystalorb for security reasons, and they were kept under strict guard. Crystalans were keenly aware that the ships were the only thing that kept the wolves outside the gates and without them the Hodian High Council would have never considered making peace with Crystalorb. The Crystalorb General Council decided to change the command structure of the Crystalorb ships, and they decided to split the ship command in half. The Intrepid, the Jalen and all their future offspring would remain with the Expeditionary Division. The Leba, Gaurdius and all their future offspring would be directly under Crystalorb Command. This was done to avoid situations where the Expeditionary Command refused to follow Crystalorb Command Centre Orders. All this arose from the constant clash between Casara and Aman. The Crystalans with Chest Crystal seemed to have more duties than those without Chest Crystals. The Crystalans with Chest Crystal were required to use their Chest Crystal to grow the Crystals required for the production of Crystal Based Batteries for Crystal Valley Industries, and because of this the Crystalorb General Council required that Crystal Valley Industries pay the Crystalans with Chest Crystal the equivalent of 200 times the South African Government recommended minimum wage calculated daily. This meant that the Crystalans with Chest Crystal received two hundred times the minimum wage for each day they worked to grow Crystals. Though there were concerns that their payment would create an uneven wealth situation in Crystalorb the Crystalorb General Council felt that it would have been unfair to ask the Crystalans with Chest Crystal to work for Crystal Valley Industries without payment. The Crystalans with Chest Crystal were also responsible for most of the repair work required to rebuild Crystalorb to its former glory. - - - Chapter 30: The Path Home U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 30: The Path Home - - - It had been 25 months since the attack on Crystalorb, and 18 months since the Hodian High Council handed themselves over, 24 months of searching for the Spirit Stone, but still no sign of the whereabouts of the Spirit Stone. For all intensive purposes life had returned to normal, and the people of Crystalorb were once again rediscovering the simple joys that life offered with relative security. The threat from the HOD had diminished and the hope of prosperity was returning to Crystalorb. However the new found peace between the HOD and Crystalorb could not halt the rising tensions between major global powers. The worlds major alliances were in a global arms race fuelled by the emergence of Crystalorb and Hodian technology. The war between the HOD and Crystalorb had spilled over into the world, and the damage could not be undone. The US military was hard at work trying to reverse engineer the technology of the Manacle of Destiny from the Manacles they received from Lerumo. They were looking to duplicate the flight capabilities of the Manacle, flight capabilities that had their origins in Crystalorb technology. The Crystalorb Research Division were confident that the US would not be able to reproduce the Manacle of Destiny, but the Crystalorb Research Division calculated that the US would eventually be able to duplicate the Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy propulsion system also known as Spatial Compression Technology or Spatial Warping Technology. The Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy was at the heart of Crystalorb technology, and the Crystalorb Research Division was concerned about the prospect of this technology falling in the wrong hands. The HOD had stolen and duplicated the Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy technology, but it was not as efficient as Crystalorb technology, and they could only manage maximum flight speeds of Mach 3.2 The Crystalorb Research Division knew that the US would need to develop an adequate power source before they could develop airborne warships. However the Crystalorb Research Division recognized that it was only a matter of time before the US is equipped with a fleet of airborne warships that are armed with Hodian made plasma Cannons and field shields. The Crystalorb Research Division calculated that the US was some 30-60 years away from the development of airborne warships. The Crystalorb General Council concluded that there was a need to develop an ArmsCorp Airship along the line of the ArmsCorp Cruiser. The main Idea was to develop the airborne warships in a similar way to the process that led to the production of the ArmsCorp Cruiser. The projected timeline was 15 years to produce a prototype using high strength composite materials with Crystalorb materials only used for Crystal Based Batteries, Crystal based Energy Weapon Systems, Energy Field Shields and Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion Systems. The Crystalorb Research Division projected unit costs of the ArmsCorp airborne Cruiser was estimated at R40 Billion ?$7.55 Billion? and this was less than the projected cost of the US estimated R50.35 Billion ?$9.5 Billion?. The primary motivation for Ralefa Holdings and Crystal Valley Industries was undoubtedly the profit, but the Crystal Valley Industries was insistent that the ArmsCorp airborne Cruiser would only be available to the ADA countries and their allies that had a democratic system of governance. Both types of airborne warships would have several variants, but the projected price was determined for the most expensive. The Crystalorb General Council and the Government of the South African Federation of City States signed an agreement to exclude non-Democratic countries from any further access to South African and ArmsCorp weapon systems. This meant that China, Vietnam, and other members of the Asian Defence Consortium would no longer have access to the South African weapons Technology. Ralefa Holdings and Crystal Valley Industries understood that the raging global arms race offered great profit opportunities, and they positioned themselves for maximum benefits. Ralefa Holdings had plans to assist the Asian Defence Consortium, the Northern Alliance and the Islamic Alliance with the development of their own airborne warships by supplying them with Hodian made plasma Cannons, Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System and field shields. Over the previous 20 years Ralefa Holdings and Crystal Valley Industries had become the two largest privately held corporations in the world. Their estimate value could only be measured by their revenue, and that was on par with the top 10 largest listed corporations. Both corporations were owned by trusts with Thousands of members, and this helped to keep the wealth of the Hodians and Crystalans secret from the general population. The South African Government welcomed the peace between Crystalorb and the HOD. This meant that Ralefa Holdings could once again openly participate in the South African economy, bringing with them their considerable resources. The global head office of Ralefa Holdings was in New York, but following the peace Ralefa Holdings opened a new regional office in Crystal Valley City because of its proximity to the location of the Hodian High Council. From a revenue perspective Ralefa Holdings was about 10% larger than Crystal Valley Industries, and with its vast agricultural enterprises Ralefa Holdings was a massive global player, but Crystal Valley Industries had traditionally focused on the market sectors where it was an industry leader. Crystal Valley Industries was steadily making inroads into the agricultural sector using their Crystalorb developed hydroponics technology. Incidentally the new regional offices of Ralefa Holdings were just down the street of Crystal Valley Industries global head office. The stage was set for a new kind of rivalry between the HOD and Crystalorb, but this time there would be no need for violence, and the competition would only be Isolated to financial matters. There was no love loss between Crystalans and Hodians, and the relationship would always have some elements of animosity, but their leadership would guard against violent tendencies. For the foreseeable future Crystalorb would view the HOD with a level of suspicion and the Hodians would respond in kind, but coexistence was the order of the day, and the true beneficiaries would be the Hybrids. The poor Hybrids had been trapped between the feuding powers, and for the first time they could plot their own path without the HOD or Crystalorb trying to dictate the terms. It had been more than two and a half years since the attack on Crystalorb, two and a half years since the Indigo took Naole to the stratosphere, two and a half years without a word on Naole''s fate. Even Casara began to think that Naole was dead, and his Children had almost forgotten him, they went about their lives like all other Crystalans. Canala had become a young woman, and after taking her Vows of Honour she was now fully integrated into the Expeditionary Division. Casara had trained Canala and Nasara side by side and they were now very capable warriors, and because Canala was older than Nasara once she completed her preliminary Vanguard training she formally became an Expeditionary Vanguard. It was clear to everyone that Canala had the talent; a natural warrior instinct. Canala chose the Expeditionary Recognisance because she wanted to earn the respect of the other Expeditionary Vanguards by serving at the front line of the Crystalorb Forces. Nasara on the other hand had not yet taken her Vows of Honour, and was still shadowing her mother Casara. Nasara still had 3 months to go until she could take her Vows of Honour, but it was clear to everyone that Nasara was a legend in the making, she had been born with an indomitable warrior spirit. Despite the relative peace, the Crystalorb forces trained even harder, they would never again be caught unprepared. Crystalorb''s 12 sectors periodically conducted security drills in which attack simulations were conducted to test the preparedness of the sectors to defend against attack. During one of Crystalorb''s night time security drills the rebuilt Crystalorb Command Centre received an urgent Communiqu that required Guardian Commander Authorisation. Many at the Crystalorb Command Centre wondered what kind of Communications Channel would require Guardian Commander Authorisation. Commander Aman was slightly annoyed at being called back from outside Crystalorb where he had been observing the simulation, and as he entered the Crystalorb Command Centre Nasan the acting deputy Guardian Commander could sense Aman''s mood Aman : " Why can''t you deal with it?" Nasan : " The system doesn''t officially recognize my Armour''s key as that of the deputy Guardian Commander" Aman : " We have to do something about that? Mine still says I''m the deputy Guardian Commander" Nasan : " Either we find the Spirit Stone or we change the system!" Commander Aman authorises the Communiqu and opens the Communications Channel Naole : " Crystalorb this is the Indigo; Requesting permission to enter Crystalorb air space!" Nasan : " What?" Aman : " Is this a joke?" Naole : " I repeat! Crystalorb this is the Indigo; Requesting permission to enter Crystalorb air space!" Aman : " Who is this?" Deputy Commander Nasan checks on the system Nasan : " Voice analysis confirms that it''s Naole! Communications Signal check confirms that it''s the Indigo!" Naole : " Crystalorb?" Aman : " This is Commander Aman! Your entry has been authorised! Take heading 240; I''m sending two Sector 8 Vanguards to guide you in!" Naole : " Will do Commander! Indigo out!" The Communications Channel between Crystalorb and the Indigo is then closedUnauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Nasan : " What do we do now?" Aman : " I will inform Lord Cyris and the Crystalorb General Council; You inform Casara!" Nasan : " On your Command!" Fortunately Casara was in Crystalorb when she received the message of Naole''s return, and she took all the family to meet him. Lord Cyris and the entire Crystalorb General Council went outside to meet the man who almost sacrificed himself to save Crystalorb. Canala was not there to receive her father but the twins Ralen and Raole were there with Casara, Kato, Nasara and Casara''s 6 year old son Kalen. Everyone was surprised at how large the Indigo had become; it was almost as large as the Intrepid and the Leba. When the doors opened Naole was lowered to the ground by an energy field to an awaiting crowd. As Naole''s feet touched the ground Ralen and Raole rushed to greet him, and as they jumped on him all three fell to the ground Naole : " Hold on there boys, your old Dad isn''t as strong as he used to be." Ralen : " Youre not Old." Raole : " You haven''t changed a bit." Naole : " And How''ve you been?" Ralen : " We''ve been training with Aunt Casara." Raole : " On her ship." Ralen : " She''s the captain of the Intrepid you know?" Raole : " Yeah! We''ve been travelling the world searching for the Spirit Stone." Naole : " I''m sorry I''ve been away for so long." Raole : " They said you were Dead, but then they said you came back to life." Ralen : " Good to have you back Father." Naole : " Good to be back." Raole : " What was it like being Dead?" Ralen : " We missed you Dad!" Naole : " I''ve missed you boys." Naole hugs the twins "I love you guys very much." The other people continued to stand aside in order to allow Naole a brief moment to catch up with his sons. The boys had a lot of questions for their father, and they also gave Naole a brief description of the events that occurred in the couple of years his been away. As Naole approached the group that had been waiting for him Casara stepped forward and hugged her brother. Casara : " I was afraid I wouldn''t get to hug you again little brother. I''ve missed you Naole." Naole : " I''ve missed you Casara." After a few moments Lord Cyris and Chancellor Kasun Lesedi ?The speaker of the Crystalorb General Council? step forward to greet Naole Cyris : " You had us all worried." Kasun : " Good to see you again Naole." Naole : " Good to be seen my Lord." Cyris : " How''ve you been son?" Naole : " I''ve only been awake for 5 hours." Kasun : " You''ve been unconscious all this time?" Naole : " I can''t quite explain what''s happened to me. But my body feels different." Cyris : " Different how?" Naole : " I don''t know yet. But I just don''t feel like my old self." Kasun : " Then you must go to the Crystalorb Medical Centre and have our doctors have a look at you." Naole : " I will." Cyris : " A lot has changed since you''ve been gone." Naole : " I''ve heard." Kasun : " We made peace with the HOD." Cyris : " Thanks to Casara." Naole : " My boys think the world of their aunt." after a brief pause "Peace; I never thought it possible." Kasun : " Neither did I; Yet somehow it has Happened." Cyris : " And the worlds better off for it." Naole : " Indeed!" Cyris : " What happened to your ship? Its much larger than it used to be!" Naole : " While I was in my deep sleep the Indigo collected minerals from underwater seabed Volcanoes and combined with Electromagnetic Radiation on the blue spectrum the Indigo was able to grow using me as an energy modulator." Kasun : " But who gave the ship the orders if you were asleep?" Naole : " I think I did; My connection to indigo has gone beyond anything I thought possible." Cyris : " Your connection?" Naole : " The Indigo isn''t like the other Crystalorb Ships. The Artificial Intelligence Organism at the heart of the Ship is a living Organism which I named Indigo, and when I built it I modelled it on my brain, but because of the fact that the Artificial Intelligence Organism was built from my own Brain cells and Chest Crystal it grew beyond the original design purpose. The first thing that happened was that I was able to make a direct connection to the Indigo through my Chest Crystal. Over time the Indigo began to share my consciousness, and as you can imagine the potential is limitless. Now I can''t seem to separate myself from the Indigo, and it may be that we are permanently fused." Cyris : " Amazing!" Naole : " That it is!" Kasun : " On behalf of the Crystalorb General Council and by extension all Crystalans I formally welcome you back to Crystalorb without any reservation. The Crystalorb General Council has declared that your actions during the attack on Crystalorb have proved your allegiance to Crystalorb. Therefore by special order of the Crystalorb General Council we repeal your expulsion and end your exile from Crystalorb!" Chancellor Kasun raises his hands "Welcome Home Naole Olen." Naole : " Thank you Chancellor Kasun, Lord Cyris; And my thanks to the people of Crystalorb." Cyris : " We thank you for your service during our greatest hour of need." Naole then shook the hands of many of those who had come to meet him, and then he was taken to the Crystalorb Medical Centre for a medical assessment. Dr Nadu was one of the few Crystalorb doctors to treat Nalen, and as such he had some knowledge of Naole''s biochemistry. Naole''s daughter Canala was made aware that her natural father had returned, but since she was on a surveillance operation she could not be released from her duties in order for her to return to Crystalorb. The Medical examination of Naole continued for hours, and because of the complexities involved other doctors were called in to help with Naole''s assessment. Naole was then released from the Crystalorb Medical Centre while the doctors reviewed the information and determined a prognosis. When Naole was released he took a tour of Crystalorb and surveyed the repair work that was almost complete. Many Crystalans were happy to have Naole back amongst them, and they were wondering where he had been, but many were wondering how he came back from the dead. After his tour of Crystalorb Naole went to Casara''s home to spend time with his family. Canala had been given an apartment with enough room to accommodate a large family, but the twins Ralen and Raole were in the custody of Casara even though they spent large amounts of time with their sister Canala. The next morning Naole held a meeting with Tumi Ralefa the CEO of the Crystal Valley Industries and the Deputy Mobile Assets Defence Guardian. Naole had previously formed the Naole Olen Trust which owned 10% of Crystal Valley Industries and 100% Olen Industries. The meeting involved talks about the sale of the assets of Olen Industries to Crystal Valley Industries leaving the Naole Olen Trust with just 10% of Crystal Valley Industries. Naole Agreed and thereby Olen Industries was dissolved and its asset and staff transferred to Crystal Valley Industries for total sum of $12.6 Billion. Naole did not mind losing his company, and the reason he agreed to this is because he did not want to be in direct competition with Crystal Valley Investment Bank which is a division of Crystal Valley Industries. Naole then took the $12.6 Billion and invested it with Crystal Valley Investment Bank. The dividends the Naole Olen Trust received from the 10% ownership of Crystal Valley Industries gave Naole more than enough resources to support his lifestyle. Naole had become accustomed to an opulent lifestyle that is uncharacteristic of Crystalans, and the costs of running his lifestyle were enormous. The airship Indigo alone had an annual running cost of R200 million in; electricity, rare minerals, maintenance and other requirements. After the meetings with the executives of Crystal Valley Industries Naole briefly went to his home in Crystal Valley City and then returned to hear the results of his medical examination. When Naole arrived back at the Crystalorb Medical Centre he found that his twin sons, Kato, Casara, Lord Cyris, Enala and Canala were waiting for him. Canala had just returned from her deployment after completing her mission. As Naole walks in Canala embraces him and they talk and catch up while they wait for the doctor to arrive, and when Dr Nadu entered the room everyone stood up to hear what he had to say Dr Nadu ?MD? : " Sorry to keep you waiting. My lord; I didn''t mean to keep you waiting." Cyris : " It''s quite all right Doctor! I''m sure it could not be helped." Naole : " How does it look?" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " After a thorough review by our Medical panel we''ve reached the following conclusions." Naole : " Yes?" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " The First thing we noticed is that you have a Crystal protrusion at the top of your head." Naole : " What? I thought that was just scar tissue from my injuries." Dr Nadu ?MD? : " Its not; The Crystal protrusion at the top of your head is identical in its make up to the Communications Crystal on the helmets of Guardian Crystal Armour, and furthermore it links directly into your brain." Naole : " That''s not possible!" Naole sits down "How?" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " This forced us to examine your brain, and what we found confounded even the best of us; It defies logic. We think that when you collapsed during the battle with Lerumo your brain tissue began to die, and in response your mutated Blue Crystals rebuilt the neural pathways with the aid of an external template." Naole : " Indigo!" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " From the information we''ve gathered about your relationship with that Artificial Intelligence Organism we concluded that Indigo was the most likely source. Since it could not rebuild the parts of your brain to the way they were it duplicated itself in your head. I''m sure you''ve noticed that your computational abilities have increased exponentially." Naole : " Am I still human? I mean; am I man or machine?" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " The technical description for what you''ve become is Cyborg, but then again many Crystalans are far from being normal human beings" jokingly "What has happened to you is irreversible, and to some extent has been a part of you since Nalen altered your Biochemistry. You could say that it was always your fate." Naole : " Will it get worse? Will I loose my ability to feel?" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " You have always seen your condition as a curse while everyone else sees it as a gift." after a brief pause "I suppose it''s different when you are the object of focus. We don''t know how far this development will extend, but we do know that its method seems to be to enhance and not replace. You may possess the ability to reformat all the Crystals in your body to incorporate technological and Evolutionary progress. For all intensive purposes you are becoming a better you." Naole : " So it''s not all bad?" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " I won''t lie to you; there are some concerns about your ability to live a normal Crystalan life. The main problem is your weight." Naole : " My weight? There''s nothing wrong with my weight." Dr Nadu ?MD? : " You look normal, but there is nothing normal about your weight. You weigh a ton Naole. We have measured your weight at 1008 kg." Cyris : " What?" Casara : " How is that even possible?" Naole : " But I don''t feel that heavy?" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " That''s because your body has somehow compensated for the increased weight. Your Blue Crystal is denser and Heavier than other Crystals, and all your bones have been transformed to Blue Crystals, your muscles and other tissue have 10 times the normal Crystal component. Your eyes are almost entirely Crystal; probably capable of full spectrum vision. All this accounts for the increased weight. We think that perhaps for a brief moment your Chest Crystal may have assumed you dead and began the absorption process, and that usually starts with the bones, but when you came back to life the bones had been changed and so your body repaired them with the Blue Crystals. We can''t really know what happened, but our analysis indicates that the changes that were made by Nalen are probably the only reason you are still alive. Which brings us to the next point?" Naole : " There''s more?" Dr Nadu ?MD? : " Because so much of you is Blue Crystals, and by that I mean bones, organs, nerves and even blood we don''t think you will age like other Crystalans. Not even Casara. We live to be 150 years these days, and Casara is expected to live to be a little over 200 years old. You all know that the Chest Crystal does not die as long as it receives energy, and in the body that energy comes mainly from the skin and food. Our skins absorb 80% of the energy we need for the Chest Crystals, and here in Crystalorb that energy is supplied by the Illuminating Crystals." the doctor points up "This is something that was first discovered by Nalen. Because the Chest Crystals does not Die, but grows denser and more powerful, and so much of Naole is Crystals we don''t know how he will age. The aging process is governed by the copying mistakes during cellular replacement in tissue. In Naole however we''ve noticed continuous improvement and not replacement or regeneration, and the responsive nature of his blue Crystals make it difficult to determine how he ages, or if at all?" Cyris : " By the Source!" Naole : " What are you saying doctor?" Casara : " I think he''s saying that youre Immortal." Dr Nadu ?MD? : " Immortal? Not exactly. But all indications are that you may never age. You will in all likelihood not be able to have more children, and this is because of the extreme energy contained in every cell of your body, including your sperm. No egg would be able to withstand such power. Like all Crystalans the older you get the heavier youll become, and your weight could reach 5000 kg in a Hundred years. From what we''ve learned from your body we will be able to focus our Medical research into this particular field, and with time we will be able to extend all human life by hundreds of years. Don''t worry Naole; In the end everyone won''t age. You won''t be alone forever. It may take us hundreds of years to develop the Medical technology, but every step forward will save millions of lives." As they walked out on the Crystalorb Medical Centre Naole did his best to put up a brave front, but nothing could hide the utter despair he felt deep in his core. Naole''s shock was only eclipsed by that of his companions, and they knew that this was the dawn of new age; the age of the immortals. If Dr Nadu and his team were right their research would change human kind forever. As Casara and the others continue to talk they were approached by Lord Tumo and Lord Nato of the Hand of Destiny, and Lord Nato was eager to talk to the Crystalorb Leadership Nato : " May I have a word Lord Cyris?" Cyris : " Of course; But first." Lord Cyris begins to introduce Naole to Lord Nato "Naole this is Lord Nato, Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny. And Lord Nato this is Dr Naole Olen PhD." Nato : " Nalen''s Son?" taking Naole''s hand "Pleased to finally meet you." Naole : " Likewise" Cyris : " What can I do for you Lord Nato?" Nato : " I request an opportunity to speak to Crystalorb Leadership about a matter of critical importance" Cyris : " The Crystalorb General Council is in session as we speak, Lets go see them." - - - When Lord Cyris arrived at the Chambers Crystalorb General Council he made a special request to allow Lord Nato to address the Council on an urgent basis. The speaker of the Crystalorb General Council agreed to allow the Council to hear from Lord Nato. Then Lord Nato steps on the podium and addresses the Crystalorb General Council. Nato : " I Thank you all for this unprecedented opportunity. I believe that there might be a way for you to recover your Spirit Stone. There is an ancient ritual that has been passed from generation to generation of HOD, but the origin of the ritual is what is of critical importance to you. As the eldest son the ritual was passed to Ralefa by his father Kanao. The ritual has been used by the HOD in the past during the time of Ralefa and I''m sure it could work for you, but the ritual has not been attempted since Ralefas passing. The ritual speaks about the requirements to summon the spirits of the dead to the land of the living. Most of the HOD did not see the need to speak to the dead directly, they preferred to use divination. To cause the physical manifestation of the dead you need the power of nine powerful spirits; In a strange way it correlates with the fact that you had 9 members of the Council of Elders and the Spirit Stone contains the spirits of the dead. The 9 powerful spirits focus their minds and energies in the remembrance of those close to them that had passed. Their combined energy will give the dead enough energy to manifest in the land of the living. One of the reasons the HOD don''t practice this ritual is because the ritual can be dangerous if the energy is insufficient." Lord Kasun Rises to ask a question Kasun : " You want us to risk 9 Crystalans to attempt a ritual no one has tried in over a hundred years?" Cyris : " By summoning the dead who are also part of the Spirit Stone we would in actual fact be summoning the Spirit Stone, at the very least they would be able to give us the precise location of the Spirit Stone." Nato : " The way I understand it the power of the Stone is not infinite. The longer it stays underwater the more energy it loses, and we don''t know how long the containment field will last, it could be hundreds of years. This may be the last hope. And as for the risk, your Guardians are more powerful than any of those who performed the ritual in the past." Kasun : " We only have 7 Guardian Armoured personnel; Seven Guardians! There isn''t enough to perform this ritual of yours!" Cyris : " Technically speaking there are 9 Guardian Armoured people currently in Crystalorb." Kasun : " 9? Where did you get the other 2?" Cyris : " I''m Guardian Armoured. And Naole is also Guardian Armoured." Nato : " Naole''s return is what gave me the Idea of the ritual, I knew that he would be the ninth powerful spirit, but I didn''t know he was still Guardian Armoured. Our reports say that his Guardian Crystal Armour was returned to the Stone." Kasun : " Naole? Didn''t you strip him of his Guardian Armour?" Cyris : " We did; But we never destroyed his Guardian Armour, we just locked it away. Its an insurance." Kasun : " Then you have your nine." Cyris : " Lets put the matter to a vote for approval" Kasun : " Ok!" The Crystalorb General Council votes to authorise the ritual and Lord Cyris informs the other Guardian Armoured Crystalans about the ritual and they decide to meet the next day at the top of the pyramid where the Spirit Stone used to be. That night Naole returned to his ship where he recharged his energies for the task ahead. The indigo flew to high altitude were the sun''s blue radiation was most potent and absorbed energy. - - - - - - Chapter 31: Giver of Light U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 31: Giver of Light - - - The next morning 8 of the Guardian Armoured arrived at the top of the pyramid, and Naole was the last to arrive. Nearly all of Crystalorb had come to witness the ritual with only security personnel absent. When Naole arrived he found the other eight already wearing their Crystal Armours, and on the ground was his old Crystal Armour. Cyris : " Good; Everyone is here, we can begin." Everyone looks at Naole, and Naole looks at his old Crystal Armour Naole : " Haven''t seen this in years!" Isalo : " That thing is an Antique" The other Guardians laugh "An Antique I tell you!" Kano : " Does it even work?" Cyris : " The question is whether it''s still compatible with Naole?" after a brief pause "Activate Naole!" As Naole touches the Crystal Armour sphere it does not react Naole : " Whats going on?" Cyris : " The Crystal Armour may not recognize you in your current form. Use your Chest Crystal." With a burst of Light energy from Naole''s Chest Crystal the Crystal Armour sphere springs back to life and waits for Naole to say his Oath. Naole places his right hand on the Crystal Armour sphere and begins to speak. Naole : " I am the light on the hill!" The Guardian Armour sphere begins to open "The line in the sand!" Light energy increases, making it hard to see Naole "Here and no further!" The sealed Crystal Armour sphere opens and automatic assembly begins, and in a moment Naole is clad in his Blue Guardian Armour Naole : " It''s as if I never left." Cyris : " Lets begin; Remember that you need to focus your energy! Link your power to your mind! Remember the ones you love! Make sure that the person you remember has a portion of their spirit in the Spirit Stone. Aman will Begin." The 9 Guardian Armoured stood in a circle and activated their Chest Crystal and thus releasing a ball of energy at the centre of the circle Aman : " I remember Lenao; Healer, Doctor, Mother to my children, Wife, Friend and Keeper of my Heart!`" Nasan : " I remember Reabo; Friend, Father, my Husband and my Lover!" Thato : " I remember Pule; Guardian, Father, Friend and my Husband!" Isalo : " I remember Ocyris; Scientist, Guardian and my Husband!" Kano : " I remember Anang! Warrior, Mother, Friend and my Wife!" Kato : " I remember Inala; My Mother and my constant Friend!" Casara : " I remember Esara; Guardian, Warrior, my Mother, my Teacher and my Friend!" Naole : " I remember Nalen; The knowing mind, Guardian, my Father, my Teacher, my Friend, Legend Of Heart!" Cyris : " And I remember Lesedi; Giver of Light!" Aman : " Giver of Light!" Nasan : " Giver of Light!" Thato : " Giver of Light!" Isalo : " Giver of Light!" Kano : " Giver of Light!" Kato : " Giver of Light!" Naole : " Giver of Light!" Casara : " Giver of Light!" Cyris : " Giver of Light!" When they had all chanted the mantra "Giver of Light" an orb of light began to form where their energies were focused and it became too bright to look at. Then a figure began to emerge cloaked in an aura of light, and as light diminished everyone in Crystalorb immediately recognized who it was. Even the security personnel and ship personnel abandoned their post to see this figure. Lesedi : " Greetings from beyond the Vail!" Everyone in Crystalorb immediately fell to their knees except for the members of the Hodian High Council Cyris : " By the ...!" Lesedi : " I''m Honoured that you remember me after all this time. On your feet Cyris; There is much work to be done. Like I told Gaurdius, you would not have lost the Spirit Stone had you not expanded the tunnel into Crystalorb." Cyris : " My Lord we...." Lesedi : " I know; Progress!" Lord Lesedi looks at Naole "Well Naole?" Naole : " My Lord?" Lesedi : " You see Nalen; I told you he would not remember!" Cyris : " Nalen?" Naole : " Father?" Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. The spirit of Lesedi began to separate and thereby releasing the 8 other Spirits, and they were Esara, Nalen, Inala, Ocyris, Anang, Pule, Lenao and Reabo. Lesedi : " I told you that they could not remember once they returned." Naole : " Returned my Lord?" Nalen : " You crossed over Son." Esara : " You were briefly with us on the other side." Casara : " Father! Mother!" Naole : " So I did Die?" Esara : " Hey guys!" As each of the spirits spends a few moments with their loved ones who had summoned them Lord Lesedi teleports himself to the people at the bottom of the Pyramid and interacts with them. Lesedi teleports himself from group to group, and because he knows everyones life history he knows everyone by name, he''s like a Grandfather to every Crystalan. At the top of the pyramid Naole asks his parents about his late wife Tuo and he''s happy to hear that she sends her love to him and the twin boys. When Lesedi teleports himself back to the top of the pyramid the others know that its time to get back to work. Lesedi : " To summon the Spirit Stone we will need all the energy you can master! Direct your energy at me in whatever form youre most comfortable with" Nalen : " We need maximum power; Naole?" Naole : " Indigo Form!" Naole Begins his powerful transformation to his ultimate form. Esara : " You too Casara." Casara : " Crimson Form!" Casara also transforms Then Lord Cyris asks all the Crystalans with Chest Crystal to send their energy to the top of the pyramid. Cyris : " Everyone is ready!" Lesedi : " Then lets begin!" The 8 other Spirits then once again fuse with the spirit of Lesedi. Then Lesedi gives them the signal and the Crystalans direct their energy at him in the form of light and electricity resulting in a massive energy display at the top of the pyramid. Lesedi : " Just a little more!" Casara : " Red Wave!" Naole : " Blue Wave!" Lesedi : " That''s the way." Naole : " Heart of the planet; I hear you!" The energy output became so intense that it threw the 9 Guardian Armoured off the top of the pyramid and onto the ground. As the energy subsided the spirit of Lesedi was standing at the top of the pyramid. The 9 Guardian Armoured flew back to the top of the pyramid Lesedi : " It''s done; The Spirit Stone is freeing Itself as we speak." Once again the spirit of Lesedi began to separate and thereby releasing the 8 other Spirits, and they were Esara, Nalen, Inala, Ocyris, Anang, Pule, Lenao and Reabo. This allowed them to say their goodbye''s before they have to return to the next realm. Esara and Nalen were talking to their Son and daughter Nalen : " We are very proud of both of you." Esara : " We love you two very much. Remember that." Casara : " I will!" Naole : " All my life!" Lord Lesedi approaches Naole, and Lord Cyris follows him. Lesedi : " Naole; try and remember this time. When you returned to the land of the living we made you our Envoy of the Forbidden; A symbol of Hope." brief pause "Not all my Children are here. Others have chosen to follow the example of Amun. There are dark days ahead for not just Crystalans." Esara : " And in the immediate future the greatest source of pain for the world will have its origins in Crystalorb." Nalen : " The power of Crystalorb must not be used to destroy! Events are already conspiring to bring forth the age of Chaos." Nalen pauses to look Naole in the eyes "Stand firm my son; you are the Light of Hope!" Lesedi : " Unfortunately Naole is the only one who can keep a constant watch." he looks Naole in the eyes "Such is your fate son; Remember your mission! Eternal Vigilance is the price of Honour. Though your soul seems somehow much older." Naole : " I will remember my Lord!" Cyris : " Envoy of the Forbidden?" Lord Lesedi speaks to all of Crystalorb Lesedi : " The ritual you performed to summon us has unintended consequences. When the dead manifest they bring with them Spirit Energy from beyond the Vail, and it takes over 200 years for the Sun to remove the Spirit Energy from earth. Spirit Energy is deadly for normal humans, and millions of people could die if you repeat the ritual within the next 200 years. Spirit Energy is Forbidden! Crystalans must not carry the weight of that Karma. However Crystalans and Hodians are protected from Spirit Energy as a result of an accidental gift from the Phaylon and the Elder Dragons. The energies that flow through your bodies provide a natural shield to Spirit Energy. For this reason our visit must be short. This ritual uses extraordinary Energy, and it should be revered; not for the ease of its method, but for the Dream of never having to Use it!" brief pause "Remember that Life favours progress! Love is the answer! Be good my Children!" A moment later the 8 other Spirits then once again fuse with the spirit of Lesedi, and then in a flash of light they vanish. Many would later ask themselves what Lesedi meant by "accidental gift from the Phaylon and the Elder Dragons, and who are the Phaylon? And who are the Elder Dragons? At the same time the Spirit Stone which had been trapped in a deep underwater cave which had been collapsed by torpedo explosions received the additional energy from Crystalorb along with instructions on how to free itself. With powerful bursts of energy the Spirit Stone destroyed the Negative Psionic Energy containment field and freed itself. From the depths of the Antarctic Ocean the Spirit Stone broke through the Ice and headed for the stratosphere at incredible speed. When the Spirit Stone reached low Earth orbit it began to plot a direct path straight for Crystalorb. - - - It had been about an hour since Lesedi and the others left and all the security personnel had returned to their posts. The Four Crystalorb ships and the Indigo were hovering in the skies above Crystalorb. The Jalen was the first to detect a disturbance in the atmosphere and Captain Palo of the Jalen reported the disturbance to the Crystalorb Command Centre Palo : " Commander; I''m picking up something!" Aman : " Come again Jalen?" Palo : " I''m picking up something! It''s moving faster than anything I''ve ever seen!" The Joint Communications Channel is activated. Aman : " All ships investigate approaching object!" Thato : " Will do Commander!" Kano : " On my way!" Casara : " Acknowledged Commander!" Palo : " On your Command!" After a brief moment of silence as a message comes into the Crystalorb Command Centre from the Intrepid Casara : " The object is moving at speeds in excess of Mach 70! It must be the Spirit Stone!" Aman : " We don''t know that Captain! For all we know it could be a missile!" Palo : " Commander! Making contact in 5, 4, 3, 2, ...!" The Joint Communications Channel goes silent. Aman : " Come in! What the hell happened? Palo come in? All ships report! Anyone?" Casara : " I''m on internal Armour Communications! Our ships have been shut down! Something has taken control of the ships! Hold on! Its ...!" Cyris : " What happened?" Aman : " The signal is being Jammed!" Cyris : " What?" Aman : " Lets ask Naole to go and investigate" A Communications Channel is opened with the Indigo Cyris : " Youre aware of the situation?" Naole : " Yes!" Cyris : " Can you go there and take a look?" Naole : " Ok!" Aman : " Don''t get too close!" A few moments later the Indigo arrived near the area where the 4 ships were stationed Naole : " Crystalorb; I can see them! They are moving around a Spherical object! Sensors indicate that it is the Spirit Stone. But its larger than it used to be, about 8 meters in diameter. The Spirit Stone seems to be doing something to the ships." Aman : " What is it doing to them?" Cyris : " Naole; Don''t interfere." Naole : " I don''t know, but there is electrical energy between the Spirit Stone and the ships. The energy readings are off the charts! Hold on." Aman : " What is it?" Naole : " I''m being pulled in! Wait? Thrusters wont respond! That''s not right! My ship is responding to my energy signal, but from an external source! I ... !" Aman : " We''ve lost communications with Naole!" Nasan : " What the hell is going on?" Cyris : " Maybe the Spirit Stone is getting reacquainted with its people. Looking for information about the past two years. The Spirit Stone never had an opportunity to interact with the Ships directly, and we know that the Spirit Stone has always had an ability to interact with Crystalorb technology." Nasan : " What do we do?" Cyris : " We let it happen. Inform our people to gather at the pyramid, every Crystalan must be here when the Spirit Stone arrives!" Aman : " What about the Hodians?" Cyris : " Lock them up!" Nasan : " If the Spirit Stone is 8 meters in Diameter then how will it fit in the 5.5 meter diameter Tunnel?" Cyris : " Don''t worry, it will fit. Tell the guards at the Crystalorb Gates to open the Gates!" About an hour later the Spirit Stone arrived at the Crystalorb Gates, the Spirit Stone then separated into one 4 meter diameter sphere and 8 smaller spheres. The smaller spheres followed the larger sphere into Crystalorb, and when the spheres reached the top of the pyramid they re-fused to form the 8 meter Diameter sphere. After the Spirit Stone rested in its original place it began to automatically reconnect with Crystalorb''s systems. The Spirit Stone had released the 5 ships, and their crew were now returning to Crystalorb leaving ships hovering with no crew. The Spirit Stone had changed all the ships, and even the Indigo had been altered. When the Spirit Stone reached orbit it absorbed solar radiation, and rebuilt its energies. The Spirit Stone then used some of that energy to enhance the 5 ships, making the skin of the ships twice as strong as before, and the Spirit Stone also activated the dormant reproduction system in the Indigo. Naole had copied the reproduction system from Nalen''s designs but was never able to activate it. The ships were also infused with full spectrum Spirit Stone energy that has been lacking for over 2 years. This new energy Allowed the ships to reach their full potential, and that energized each Ship''s Energy Crystals making them denser and more powerful. Because of Naole''s connection to the Indigo his body was also infused with Spirit Stone energy causing his Chest Crystal to become denser, and all the Crystal in his body were energized allowing them to become more efficient. Before the elections of the new members of the now enlarged Council of Elders could be carried out the Spirits of the nominated people would be judged by the Spirit Stone, and an Elder would have to commune with the Spirit Stone and ask it to search their Souls for the qualities necessary to be on the Council of Elders. The primary requirement to be on the Council of Elders was always love; Love for Crystalans and Love for Sentient-Sapient Life. When all the nominated people arrived at the top of the pyramid Lord Cyris approached the Spirit Stone and touched it Cyris : " With the Crystal fragment on my Chest I unlock the Seal!" An aura appears around the Spirit Stone as it activates "Mighty spirits awaken and hear the call of your children!" Lord Cyris then instructed the 25 Candidates to touch the Spirit Stone "Heart of Crystalorb! Search their Souls!" As the 27 Candidates touched the Spirit Stone 13 were immediately rejected by the Spirit Stone, Leaving only 14 Candidates eligible to be elected to the Council of Elders. From the 14 Candidates Saman Kanu, Letlapa Lesedi, Molau Lesedi, Mohau Naxe, Khutso Lesedi, Galo Lesedi, Mano Lesedi, Pao Naxe, Isalo Lesedi and Nasan Lesedi were elected to Council of Elders. Five of the 10 newly elected Elders had Chest Crystal. With the Council of Elders reconstituted the balance of power once again shifted to the Council of Elders, and their first order of business was to approve the promotion of 17 individuals to the rank of Guardian. The 12 sector Guardians had already been selected and all that was left was the endorsement by the Council of Elders. Casara and Naole were given the official rank of Guardian, with; Casara formally becoming the Expeditionary Guardian, and Naole becoming the Deputy Research Guardian. Next to follow was the Guardian Armour upgrade ceremony, and in this ceremony all those who had been promoted received their Guardian Armour. All Crystal Armour was also updated to include recent technological developments. Naole''s Guardian Armour was now compatible with his Chest Crystal. Enala was formally promoted to Guardian of Sector 5. When all upgrades were concluded the Council of Elders turned their attention to the Hodian High Council. Lord Cyris then ordered that the Hodians be released and brought before the Pyramid, and since the Spirit Stone would not allow them to enter the Pyramid the Council of Elders would meet them outside the Pyramid. The Hodian High Council were brought before the pyramid in order for the Council of Elders to formally release them from Crystalorb''s custody, and to release them from their obligations. Lord Tumo and Lord Nato step forward to greet the Council of Elders Nato : " Wow! It''s larger than I expected. No Hodian Viceroy has ever been in the peaceful presence of the Spirit Stone." Cyris : " Having fulfilled your promise and held true to your word we release the Hodian High Council from their obligations. Crystalorb hereby grants a permanent truce, and a lasting peace." Nato : " In the Name of the Hand of Destiny I hereby grant Crystalorb a permanent and lasting peace with the Hand of Destiny." Cyris : " Your Manacles will be returned to you at the Crystalorb Gates!" Nato : " Thanks!" Cyris : " After you leave Crystalorb will institute a Zero Hodian energy policy, and that means that no one who has had contact with Hodian energy will be allowed into Crystalorb. No Hodian will ever be allowed into Crystalorb!" Nato : " Not even defectors?" Cyris : " No! After our experience with Spies, we''ve concluded that defectors can stay in Crystal Valley City under our protection, but Crystalorb is from now onwards strictly for Crystalans. No others will be able to take up residence in Crystalorb." As the High Council of the Hand of Destiny leaves Crystalorb they are given back their Manacles at the Crystalorb Gates. The hope for Crystalorb was that they would never again be required to face the power contained in those Manacles. Once the Hodians had left the Crystalans began to once again focus on more social things, and Naole was taken on a tour of facilities of the Crystalorb Research Division by Janu Lesedi the Research Guardian. Part of the conditions of the peace agreement was that Crystalorb would participate in a Hodian tournament held every five years. Five Hodians, Five ex-Hodians, Five Crystalans, and Five Hybrids, would battle each other without Transformations, Armour or Weapons to determine the most skilled warrior in the world. The tournament would provide a safe environment to test each others strengths. - - - Chapter 32: A new Dawn U󡾨U - - - - - - Crystal Guardian Arc 3: Perversion of the Light - - - Chapter 32: A new Dawn - - - Canala and her mother Enala spend some time at Enala''s Command Centre, and as the newly Armoured Guardian of Sector 5 Enala would have to work hard to perfect he use of the Guardian Crystal Armour. Canala was eager to hear her mother''s analysis and perception of the extreme power of the Guardian Crystal Armour. Canala knew that it would not be long until she is ready to wear the Guardian Crystal Armour. Naole on the other hand was worried that he would not live up to the expectations; that he would not live up to the legend of his Father. Nalen was by far Crystalorb''s greatest scientist, and his son Naole had just stepped into his shoes. Since many of the senior scientists were killed during the Hodian attack on Crystalorb Naole was the only one qualified to fill the position of Deputy Research Guardian. As Enala and Canala walked out of the Sector 5 Command Centre Canala''s thoughts turned to her father, and Enala could see that there was something troubling her daughter Enala : " What''s wrong?" Canala : " I''m worried about Father. Will he be able to fit in here?" Enala : " He grew up here. Crystalorb is his natural home." Canala : " Yes but he didn''t fit in before. Now he''s changed so much." Enala : " Naole will be fine Canala; He''s more capable than you think." Canala : " But he''s alone. I mean he has no one outside the family, no friends. The people of Crystalorb don''t understand him! How could they?" Enala : " Unfortunately it was always like that, before Tuo, Casara and I were his only friends. Naole is unique, the only one of his kind, and in some way he will always be on the outside." Canala : " There must be something I can do; Or maybe ...?" Enala : " No! Please don''t ask that of me; I can''t do it!!" Canala : " But...!" Enala : " Imagine meeting your perfect other. Imagine falling in-love with a man to whom no other man can compare, that no other man can ever measure up against. Then imagine making a mistake that causes you to loose this man. Imagine knowing that the man you love sees you as being devoid of honour." She pauses as a tear runs down her face "I loved my husband, but what I had with Naole was magic; I wasn''t ready for it. I can''t risk being close to him; I can''t be just friends with him. I would always hope to be more; Crystalan men aren''t known for being Forgiving." Canala : " What do you mean?" Enala : " Crystalan women are lucky; Crystalan men see us as equals, and they always have. I''m sure you''ve noticed that Crystalan women are built differently; we are almost as tall as our men, and we have the same lean muscular physique. It''s part of our genetics. The men are slightly larger, but we''re generally significantly more muscular than other women. It''s almost as though we were built for war. Other women are weak thin and not athletic. Our men want us to be as strong as they are; This is a blessing and a curse. Crystalans have an obsession with honour, and this is why you hardly ever hear of anyone being unfaithful in their marriage. Once we take the Vows of Honour we live by them. You''ve seen how other women are dominated and beaten. As women we have it relatively good. But that has come at some price." Canala : " What price?" Enala : " Crystalan men only ask once. Women around the world have men practically beg them for a date, but Crystalan men don''t beg. That would violate their sense of honour. If you say no to a Crystalan man you have to understand that your decision is final; He won''t ever ask again. And that door may be closed forever. Crystalan men don''t frequently give second chances; a second chance with them is an extraordinarily rare thing. If a particular Crystalan man does not like another man, and you date the man he doesn''t like, you can forget about him ever asking you out; even if it breaks their hearts to do so. Many Crystalan women have lived to regret their choices." Canala : " Do you regret your choices?" Enala : " Yeah! I love Naole; I always have. Time has changed nothing. My actions as a teenager have left me with a lifetime of regret." Canala : " Do you think father also has regrets?" While the two were talking they did not see Naole approach from above them. Naole : " We all have regrets Canala. It''s a human condition; A consequence of Choice." Enala : " Naole!" Naole : " Didn''t mean to intrude." Canala : " Not at all Father." Naole : " I sometimes wonder if I contributed to Amun''s betrayal? At what point does my choice end and his begin? Or was it all the fault of those who chose to ignore his flaws, those who protected and promoted him?" Canala : " What are you saying?" Naole : " One can only be responsible for one''s actions. Therefore shared actions require shared regret. But regret must never be assigned or associated to another person''s choice." Enala : " One''s choice is one''s choice alone." Naole : " I can guarantee you that you will make mistakes Canala. For that matter I will in future make mistakes. When that happens One must examine One''s intent." Canala : " If the Intent was good, then one won''t find regret in one''s heart." Naole : " Exactly! Well at least that''s how I do things." Canala : " I get it!" After a shared smile between Canala and Naole, Naole''s attention turns to Enala. Naole : " So; Guardian?" Enala : " Yes!" Naole : " Clearly the Spirit Stone approves." Enala : " After what happened with Amun? The Spirit Stone now checks to determine if one is worthy of Guardian Crystal Armour." Naole : " Maybe I was wrong about you." Enala : " You weren''t; A long time ago I made a genuine mistake. But then I made things worse by withholding the truth. My deception has tainted my Image. The fact that I had not taken my Vows of Honour has allowed me to hide my shame. But I know who I was; I know who I am today." Naole : " The Spirit Stone has determined that who you are today is Honourable, that is enough to earn my respect! In the past I lost control, and were it not for Casara a lot of people would have been hurt. We are fallible creatures after all. It took the actions of someone else to soften my heart, and bring me back from my spiral into chaos. Tuo gave me hope. I''ve found life lessons there. Because of that, I was able to take a second look at Crystalorb. Some Crystalans remain unsure about me, but they''ve welcomed me back to Crystalorb. I was never the most popular Crystalan, and as the children of two Red Guardians Casara and I are the apex of Crystal power. Casara''s Red Chest Crystal is unique and perfectly balanced, but my Chest Crystal is in its early stage of its development, and the fact that none of my children inherited it points to that. Yet I can sense the power of the Blue Chest Crystal deep inside Canala, Ralen and Raole. Together with Casara''s kids they will watch over the people of Crystalorb." Canala : " You can?" Enala : " And what about you?" Naole : " Crystalans imagine the Olen''s to be the Warrior Elite. But my father always told me that greater than the Red Chest Crystal''s power to destroy is its power to create. The power also energises the brain, and that gives us an efficient brain, resulting in a very creative mind. I''ve stepped into my father''s shoes, and I must focus my energies on creating new technologies that will help Crystalorb live out its true meaning." Enala : " What technology?"Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Canala : " Some say that we''ve reached the limit of technical developments, and that the new frontier will be within our bodies." Naole : " The Evolution of Crystalorb Technology requires new forms of energy, and more advanced power sources. The Spirit Stone draws its power from the Sun, and the energy is in the form of Solar Radiation. All life on Earth draws its energy from the Sun in some way. We are all a product of Solar Radiation; Our future is Solar Radiation. But to meet the needs of our development we have to learn how to duplicate Solar Radiation." Canala : " Are you talking about Nuclear Fusion?" Enala : " Crystalorb Scientists have been talking about Nuclear Fusion for decades, but the research has been disappointing." Casara, Nasara and Kalen approach the conversing Naole, Enala and Canala. Kalen runs to his uncle and jumps onto Naole''s back. Naole : " Hey Kid!" Casara then sends the disruptive Kalen to find Ralen and Raole who are still training at the training centre as part of their education Canala : " Father was telling us about Nuclear Fusion." Casara : " He''s been working on Nuclear Fusion since we were kids!" Casara looks Naole in the eyes "You''ve come up with a new approach?" Naole : " Actually; I have. smiling I think I know where Crystalorb Scientists have been going wrong. Until this point we''ve been trying to create a miniature Sun, and the research has been long and spectacular, but that is only matched by the enormity of our failure. The combination of Inertial confinement and Magnetic confinement fusion has proved difficult to master. The size of the miniature Sun is at the heart of the problem. We''ve avoided making the miniature Sun too large for fear that we may loose control. The risk to the population of Earth is too great. The other problem has been our inability to contain the Electromagnetic and Thermal Radiation of Nuclear Fusion. We can''t efficiently sustain Nuclear Fusion if we don''t have adequate containment of Thermal Radiation. But I think that in order to learn how to build small we must build a Nuclear Fusion Reactor that works." Casara : " You want to build a larger Nuclear Fusion Reactor? The Council of Elders is unlikely to support such a measure." Naole : " Because of the risk associated with testing on Earth I intend testing in space where the coldness of space can provide cooling in the event of containment breach. First we must learn how to contain the massive Electromagnetic Radiation associated with Nuclear Fusion, once we''ve understood all the variables involved we can then make the Nuclear Fusion Reactor small enough to be placed on the Crystalorb Ships. Traditionally Crystalorb Scientist have used Electromagnetic forces to compress the Nuclear Fusion Fuel and the subsequent Nuclear Fusion Reaction. At the moment we are at an energy increase or gain of about 10% of energy expended into the Fusion process. Part of the problem is our inability to sustain the Fusion process. At the moment the miniature Sun has a diameter of 10 millimetres, but I believe that the diameter of the miniature Sun should be increased to 500 millimetres, and the other components that I want to introduce are metals with high melting point. Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Helium, Thorium, Tungsten, Deuterium, Tritium and Hydrogen enriched Palladium would be the preferred initial inputs." Casara : " The way I understand it; The Sun has a gas plasma core, and that has been the basis for the Fusion research. Why do you want to have a solid core? And what would constitute this core?" Janu approaches the group. Naole : " Palladium would form the primary core component, but I want to experiment with other materials including radioactive Isotopes. The reason I want to introduce the concept of metals in the miniature Sun has to do with the fact that I want to develop a rapidly spinning miniature Sun. I believe that rapid rotation at high pressure will help to contain Thermal Radiation in the plasma and thus sustaining the Fusion reaction." Casara : " I can barely understand what Naole is talking about; Do you know what Naole means Janu?" Janu : " He told me about the research area he intends to focus on. As you know we lost most of our senior staff during the attack on Crystalorb. We have very few Nuclear scientists in Crystalorb, and all of them are focused on the development of the advanced Fission Reactor. We only had two PhD''s working on the Fusion Reactor program, but since their death our Fusion Reactor program has had a staff complement of one Graduate student, and so we welcome Naole''s decision to work on the Fusion Reactor research. As you know 10 years ago we founded the Crystal Valley City University in order to provide a nearby learning institution for Crystalans, and we have a pipeline of students who will in due course fill all the Positions in Crystalorb. Nuclear science is a highly specialized field, and there isn''t much glory, but the benefits to the population is beyond measure. Throughout the world there are thousands of Scientists trying to advance nuclear science, and our scientists have drawn from that global resource to build the most advanced Nuclear Fission Reactor in the world using a Thorium fuel cycle. Each of the 2 Crystalorb Nuclear Fission Reactor produces 40 Gigajoules per second ?GJ/s or Gigawatts with symbol GW?, and we get another 60GJ/s from Solar radiation through the Black Crystals. Crystalorb needs 40 GJ/s and Crystal Valley City along with Crystal Valley Industries uses 45GJ/s. We store the Remainder in half of the second level of the 650m diameter Hemispheres. As it stands our energy needs are growing, and the costs are enormous. The Nuclear Fission Reactors on the ships can supply 15GJ/s, and Naole''s ship has a slightly larger Reactor giving it 20GJ/s. We''ve started construction on the next generation Crystalorb Nuclear Fission Reactor on the third level of the 850m diameter Hemispheres that will produce 60GJ/s. Our reactors are more efficient because we dont need to use steam or gas to turn turbines. Our Black Crystal technology allows us to absorb the Radiation directly and transform it into any type of energy we require. We think that Hodian researchers are adapting their plasma weapons technology into fusion research with the intent to dominate the energy supply industry, and combined with the Crystalorb technology they stole from us they are making good progress in that regard. Naole brings with him fresh Ideas that may help us regain the advantage. If the Hodian researchers perfect Fusion before us the balance of power will once again shift to the HOD, and they may go back to their old ways. Fortunately our analysis indicates that they are still far behind our Fusion Reactor technology, but the fact they have made such quick progress is enough to raise concern. There are others in the world who have made significant progress in the area of Nuclear Fusion; the Asian Defence Consortium, Pacific Defence Group, Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the USA and EU independently. The Atlantic Treaty Organisation''s research prototype has shown a 50% gain in energy, and that has been deemed enough for them to build a commercial prototype that would show an energy gain in excess of 90%, but large scale production at this point seems unlikely because the projected costs in excess of $100 billion per power station are prohibitive. Our prototype Nuclear Fusion Reactor is much smaller, and at about 2% the size of their Fusion Reactors we are taking a different approach. While applying their knowledge to our technology there have been some technology integration problems, and we don''t have as many minds working on this. With Naole joining the search for answers we hope that his unique mind can help answer some of the problems we''ve encountered through the years." Casara : " What''s your target energy production level?" Janu : " We are looking for a medium term Crystalorb energy output of about 900GJ/s, and the main intension is that we want to be the largest energy supplier in the world. Most Crystalans don''t get this; But there is an energy cost associated with the daily activities of Crystalans. Every time one of us opens a door, switches on a light, activates Crystal Armour, watches television, uses a computer, etc. People pay directly for the energy they use, but Crystalans don''t pay for anything they use in Crystalorb, and because of this we''re clueless about the cost of energy. We are the most technically advance people on Earth, but we''ve also become the most energy wasteful people on Earth; With no Idea of the monetary cost of energy. And why would we? We are an Egalitarian Community. We believe in shared costs and shared responsibility. Each of us uses about ten thousand times more energy than the average people in the rest of the world. Wealth is essentially meaningless to Crystalans, and that is because in Crystalorb money can''t buy you a better life since all Crystalans get free access to the latest Crystalorb technology. Whenever there is a breakthrough in technology or a revolutionary design anywhere in the world; we buy a sample and bring it before the Spirit Stone and we can easily duplicate it. We have 3 year old children in Crystalorb who run around with Diamond necklaces because the Spirit Stone can easily produce the Diamond. The minerals required to produce a single Vanguard Crystal Armour are worth $250 million on the open market." Enala : " What?" Naole : " He''s right; I''ve been on the outside. Running the Indigo used to cost an extraordinary amount of money." Canala : " But how can Crystalorb afford to build so many Crystal Armours?" Janu : " We don''t buy minerals on the open market. We mine the minerals ourselves and that reduces the cost by 90%. As you know there are two new baby ships, and that means that we will have to spend Billions of Rands mining minerals for their growth. Nuclear Fusion would help us generate more revenue for Crystal Valley Industries, which means more resources for us to collect or mine more materials, which means we can build new things. There are plans to increase the size of our ships by 30%, and the reason for that is that we believe that the increased space would give us the room we need to refit the ships with Electromagnets for the generation of artificial gravity, that means space operations. Ever since Nalen developed Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation Energy Propulsion Systems we''ve been able to operate in space, but we''ve limited our operations to Earth orbit. As we develop as a people we will begin to explore the solar system and we believe that our ships are the most logical way for us to do this. As it stands the ships are the largest and heaviest things to ever fly, and they''ve guaranteed the security of Crystalorb. The hope is that they can take us into space; To do this we need enormous amounts of energy. Ordinarily for the ship to hover at 100 meters above ground the energy requirement is 9.81 GJ, but because of the Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System the energy required is 0.8 GJ. However in space there is no magnetic field to provide additional lift, therefore the energy requirements increase, and for the ship to move one meter at 350m/s we would need 612.5 GJ to overcome inertia and accelerate to that speed, and we would need an equal amount of energy to stop. Operating in space is not as simple as they make it out to be in the movies, there''s very little room for error, therefore our calculations have to be precise. Naole''s unique physical condition makes him the perfect candidate to test long term operations in space." Naole : " He means I have all the time in the world." Casara : " Because you don''t age the way we do?" Naole : " Yes!" Casara : " What''s your timeline?" Naole : " It will take about 18 months to build the prototype reactor" Janu : " It''s been my experience that one builds many prototypes." Enala : " Let''s hope Naole is as smart as his father; Otherwise we will hardly see him." Naole : " I can promise that you''ll see lots of me." Smiling "That much I can guarantee!" As Janu and Naole continue to explain the cost of energy more Crystalans gather to hear about the amazing research Naole was about to take. When Ralen and Raole realized that their father was still engaged in this discussion they decided to go onboard the Indigo, and as they explored the altered ship they accidentally stepped into the Indigo''s reproductive chamber which started the reproductive process. The Indigo''s reproductive system was different from that of the other Crystalorb ships, and it was based on an external DNA fertilizing agent. The Indigo''s reproductive system had deemed Naole''s DNA to be unacceptable because it was Identical to its own DNA based Crystals. The Indigo''s reproductive system ruled out Casara and other Crystalans with Clear Chest Crystal as incompatible, but there was something that it found familiar in Ralen and Raole. Ralen and Raole had the requisite trace amounts of Blue Crystal in their Biochemistry combined with a compatible DNA that allowed the Indigo''s reproductive system to determine them to be an acceptable DNA fertilizing agent. The Chamber collected a sample of their Blood, Bone tissue and Chest Crystal. Once all the samples were collected they were used to fertilize the ovum and the egg production began. Once Naole received information from Indigo about what was happening he rushed to the ship to find the twins outside the Indigo''s reproductive chamber. The Indigo had an independent biological machine and even though Naole could control it with his mind it didnt ask permission for every process, and it behaved instinctively. The Indigo''s level of consciousness was estimated to be comparable to that of Hump Back Whale, and that of the other Crystalorb ships was estimated at that of dolphins. Once the biological process started it could not be stopped, and the Indigo began to produce the egg. The egg would be carried onboard the ship for 10 years as the embryo develops into a baby ship. The Indigo would supply all the energy the embryo needed to develop and once the egg hatched it would be released from the Indigo. Unlike the other baby ships which are born completely independent of the parents the Indigo''s offspring would continue to be dependent on the Indigo for an additional period of 2 years, and the Indigo''s offspring would during that period be allowed to re-enter the Indigo. This was possible because the estimated size of the Indigo''s offspring was 3 meters in length and 2 meters in width. This was much smaller than the other Crystalorb baby ships, and like the Indigo they had accommodation for a limited number of individuals. It was expected that Raole and Ralen would have a similar relationship with Indigo''s offspring to that between Naole and Indigo before Naole''s brain was transformed. To some in Crystalorb the emergence of this new class of vessels was further proof that the Olen Family was branching out in a different direction from other Crystalans, and to these people the Idea of ships that were linked to particular individuals was strange. Naole was unshaken by his detractors and continued to advance his research. Crystalorb designated the Indigo and its offspring as Indigo Class Ships. At the urging of Janu the Guardian Council approved Naole''s research proposal and authorised funding for him to build his first Nuclear Fusion Reactor prototype. Even as the peace between the Hodians and Crystalans began to take root the forces of Chaos were already planting the seeds of conflict. The absence of the Spirit Stone had left a vacuum in the spiritual orientation of Crystalans, and some Crystalans had embraced the violent tendencies more readily than others. In fact there were those who loved the fighting, those who enjoyed the killing, welcomed the chaos. By embracing the violent tendencies they unwittingly opened their hearts to Negative Psionic Energy, and this created a thirst for power, which inevitably creates more chaos. This small group of Crystalans did not want to stop the war with the HOD, and when Crystalorb and the HOD reached a ceasefire 9 Vangleads, 13 Vanguards and their 28 Children secretly left Crystalorb to pursue what they were convinced was their rightful vengeance on the HOD. Once the 11 couples and their 28 Children left Crystalorb they called themselves The Circle, with individuals being called Circleans, and because the Circle freed themselves from the obligations of the Crystalorb Charter they were now like the HOD free to do as they pleased. The 9 Vangleads formed the Inner Circle, the next level would consist of 18 members, the next level would consist of 36 members, and the next level would consist of twice the members of the previous level. Each level would vote on which of their members advanced to the next level. The highest authority of the Circle would be the Inner Circle. The Circle did not have any set of rules from the start, but they hoped to develop their rules in due course. The Circle was born out of an intense hatred for the HOD, but as is always the case with negativity the hatred would eventually extend to the rest of the human race. It started with a strong dislike for normal humans who worked for the HOD, but soon the Circle began to see themselves as more than human, and therefore justified in their dislike for what they call primitive humans. The Circleans saw themselves as post-humans, equalled only by other Crystalans, and even though they had left Crystalorb they maintained their Crystalan identity. At the Chambers of the Council of Elders Naole was completing his presentation to the Council of Elders as all of Crystalorb planned for the days to come, chart a path through the mind-storm of possibilities Naole: " Honoured Councils; Let me conclude by reading from the Crystalorb Charter and it says; Life Favours Progress!" After a brief pause to reflect Naole continues "The survival of the Human race demands that the Human race makes progress, and any Crystalan progress is Human progress. We will help the Human Race reach its full potential. The ultimate Destiny of the Human Race is to go to the Stars!" U󡾨U In the Spiritual Realm Created by the Spirit Stone. Lesedi : " Im sure you noticed by now that Naoles soul has changed; its older than it Should be." Nalen : " .What could have caused such a change?" Esara : " What happened to him?" Lesedi : " .The reason we are in this Realm is to find out; because once we return to the higher plane we will be limited." Nalen : " You have an Idea of what might have happened?" Lesedi : " Because I was the first of our kind I was received by a Transcendent. Some of the Older Transcendents became able to fracture their consciousnesses in order to affect the timeline." Esara : " Are you saying that Naole became a Transcendent?" Lesedi : " Transcendents fracture their consciousnesses and send a piece of themselves into the past or the future. Naole seems to have fractured his soul; this is something incredibly risky and smells of desperation." Nalen : " So something in the future is so bad that our son risks his own afterlife?" Lesedi : " It looks that way." Esara : " What could be so Bad?" Lesedi : " Perhaps the capture of the Spirit Stone by someone capable of consuming it." Nalen : " Is such a thing even possible." Lesedi : " Supreme Intelligences." Esara : " By the Source!" Nalen : " But the Will of the Source forbids Supreme Intelligences from consuming Souls?" Lesedi : " We cant claim to understand the Will of the Source." END - - - Crystal Guardian 【Vision of an Alternate Future】 Forward This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it The Ascendance Arc of Crystal Guardian explores the prospect of Humanity''s survival in a Chaotic Galaxy. The rise of Crystalorb''s power increases tensions with the rest of Humanity, but friction with humanity also helps Crystalans discover their own weaknesses. This Story explores the weaknesses of Human Nature and the effects of Crystalorb''s influence over the Human Civilisation. The Ascendance Arc of Crystal Guardian explores the weaknesses of Crystalans. Explores the weaknesses of Crystalorb''s ideology. Explores the weaknesses of Human Nature and the effects of Crystalorb''s influence over the Human Civilisation. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 1 ─ Prologue - Being Part of a Greater Good - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 1 Prologue Being Part of a Greater Good ?~? Lesedi : " What Happened to you Naole? The Will of the Source protects Souls; not even Supreme Intelligences could claim your Soul. So why Fracture your Soul?" Earth date November-7-2287, and the Nations of Earth have finally achieved a modicum of peace amongst Earth''s people. The past 30 years has been the longest period of peace amongst the remaining nations of Earth, it has been the longest period without Earth Nations having some sort of military confrontations amongst each other, and there is new hope that humanity will finally live up the its ideals. As Earth is five days from being formally accepted into the Galactic Alliance, students from around the world gather at London School of Economics to celebrate 30 years of Interstellar peace. Professor John Maxwell prepares to conduct his annual interactive lecture on the links between Economics and Strategic Military security, and as the international students continue to enter his lecture hall he wonders if these young people truly understand the gravity of three decades of peace. Around the world nations and on the colonies people are celebrating 30 years of peace, and the acceptance of the 5 Human Governments into the Galactic Alliance. Earth''s joining of the Galactic Alliance had been an aspiration of all 5 Human Governments for 60 years, and the hope of security was finally within the reach of all humankind. Twenty years of negotiations had been concluded and all the earth leaders had signed all the necessary documentations, and all that remained was for the acceptance ceremony. After all the students took their seats Dr John Maxwell a Professor of inter-planetary trade activated the Holographic Volumetric Displays and began to speak. Prof Maxwell : " I have the results of the student survey that no doubt all of you participated in, and the results are not a surprise to me." As the Professor was speaking the Displays were being fed to personal devices held by the students through wireless networks, and all the students received the results of the global student survey. Prof Maxwell : " As you can see many of you think that the turning point that resulted in current economic theory was the terrorist attack in Addis Ababa the Capital of the then Ethiopian Republic, but I beg to differ. There is a different school of thought that believes that there is an incident that preceded the Addis Ababa incident that may have even indirectly created the environment where the Addis Ababa attack could occur" Since students sat where they chose they were only Identified by their communication ?Com? link Number i.e. Com No. 0001. When Professor John Maxwell switched on the green light on the display the students were free to use their Com Link to ask questions. The first student to activate the Com Link would get to ask the question. Com No. 0357 : " James Black from New York University. Professor there has been countless historical research that plot the Addis Ababa incident as the single most destabilizing incident in modern global relations since the second world war. The fallout from that attack resulted in longest period of global military tension in human history." Prof Maxwell : " All that is true! But what you have to ask yourselves is why did a single incident result in the breakdown of global relationships along ethnic and racial lines? Was it really the Hakum attack that united Humans?" Com No. 0955 : " Thato Modise from the University of Cape Town. This was not some small incident. This was the mass murder of 30 African heads of state, and not to mention that hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians were also killed by this deliberate act of Violence. And in the aftermath of the attack millions of Africans died as a result of the collapse of African economies" Prof Maxwell : " And that is my point exactly. More people died from the resulting economic collapse than from the terrorist attack itself. On 10-08-2014, 16 months before the attack on Addis Ababa the Japanese oil facility in the East China Sea was attacked by an unknown Force, and to this day we still don''t know who attacked the facility? Why? All we know is that it gave rise to suspicion between governments, and trust was broken." Prof Maxwell then switches on a documentary program that details events around the attack on the Japanese oil facility. In 2009 a Japanese oil company discovered massive oil reserves in the East China sea near a disputed ocean area of the Senkakus. The Value of the Brent crude grade oil in the area was estimated 34 billion barrels at $40 a barrel or about $1350 billion ?USD?, and because of the advances in technology in the position of the State owned Japanese company Energy Tech the Government of Japan moved to quickly extract all the oil from that area before the other governments in the region could act. The rapid introduction of 8 million barrels of Brent crude oil a day into the market caused the Oil price to drop by 40% to just above $40 a barrel, but it also helped to rejuvenate the Economy of Japan, and the availability of cheap fuel for cars accelerated Japanese auto manufacturing as oil revenue from Energy Tech flooded the Japanese Stock Market looking for high yield projects and organisation. As companies from all over the world rushed to list on Japan''s Securities exchange Japan quickly became the centre for Asian commerce. Japan''s Banks and Brokerages were flooded with money from around the world as investors rushed to be part of the Japanese Securities exchange Market Boom. In two years the value of the Nikkei increased by 190%, and Japanese banks were buying banks from all over the world. Japan was quickly becoming the centre for global banking and by 2013 20% of the banks of world were owned by Japanese banks. For the fist time Japan was seeing double digit growth as advances in robotics allowed Japanese manufacturing to be the most efficient form around the world. Japan''s manufacturing success came at the expense to cheap labour based economies from the other Asian countries, and this served to raise tensions with China and India because they could no longer compete with the technology based manufacturing of Japan. On 10-02-2014 the main ocean based oil pumping facility was attacked by a series of 27 torpedoes. The oil pumping facility was completely destroyed, and millions of litres of oil were released into the ocean resulting in the largest man made ecological disaster the world had ever seen. The attack itself resulted in the death of over 1800 oil workers, but the resulting disaster killed all the fish and other marine species in the area. In the days after the attack panic began to run rampant as global markets began to calculate the true cost of the attack. While the Japanese economy was not oil based people began to think that the resulting ecological catastrophe would destroy the fishing industry and related industries. In the resulting panic the Nikkei plunged a record 45% in one week until Japan''s government indefinitely suspended trading on the exchange. The crush of the Nikkei resulted in a short lived global market crush as investors around the world sought to unload any stock that had Japanese links. As the global markets settled down the Government of Japan began to take steps to support their financial systems. The Government of Japan used the government owned post office based bank to extend long term low interest loans to most of Japan''s financial institutions. Four weeks after the attack the markets had regained stability, and so the Government of Japan lifted the suspension of the trading on the exchange. After the markets regained some stability and the reconstruction of the offshore oil facilities were underway Ken Taro the Prime Minister addressed parliament to give a progress report on the activities of the Government of Japan and the resulting investigations into who had attacked Japan. Ken Taro : " Its been 5 weeks since our people were savagely and mercilessly attacked by cruel and murderous forces. 5 weeks since our country was destabilized, 5 weeks since our Economy was sabotaged, 5 weeks since our territory was invaded by hostile forces, and we still don''t know Who attacked us! What we know is that this attack was carried out by a country with advanced Naval and submarine capabilities! What we know is that Japan can no longer be complacent, we can no longer ignore Countries that pose a clear, present and growing danger to the national security of our country. These countries don''t recognize the rights of our people to peace, and consequently we can''t continue to hope that those who have an entrenched hatred for the Japanese can ever see the benefits of peace. Therefore we have to be able to defend ourselves by any means necessary. What the Japanese people need to understand is that this attack may only be the beginning. What would stop our attackers from launching a stealth submarine missile attack on Tokyo. In the end all that will stand in the way of enemy Nuclear first strike is an assured second strike capability and that means submarines armed with Nuclear missiles. I know that the idea of Japan armed with Nuclear weapons has for a long time seemed morally repugnant to many Japanese people, and even to me. But we simply have no choice! No security system is perfect, No military can assure complete security, and thus we have no choice but to resort to deterrence like all other major nations of the world. We fear that the world is entering another dark age as fear and suspicion are about to become the order of the day. We don''t know who attacked us, and for all we know this could be the work of a distant and non-regional power who''s only interest in attacking us was to stir up trouble in the region for reasons they alone understand. Our allies in the USA and Europe have not been able to ascertain who the culprits are, and thus the whole world remains in the dark as to the perpetrators of this evil act. I know that the Japanese people are afraid and there is a lot of speculation about who actually attacked us, and The Japanese Government apologises for not being able to provide the Japanese people with answers. The Government of Japan therefore undertakes to rapidly increase the defence capabilities of the Japanese self defence forces to put up the in par with other major powers, and that means that the Japanese parliament must agree to amend the constitution by public referendum allowing for adequate defence of the Japanese people." The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Following the speech of Prime Minister Ken Taro the Japanese parliament approved the legislation that formally called for a public referendum on the constitutional amendments that would change the peace constitution and put it in line with other major global governments. Within two weeks the referendum was held and the Japanese public approved the constitutional changes, and this triggered an immediate expansion of Japan''s military industrial complex as the Japanese Government created a state owned defence company that would build 15 light aircraft carriers, 2 super-carriers, Submarines, Destroyers and Cruisers. The Defence company was also tasked with developing a carrier based aircraft similar to the British harrier and the US JSF to operate on their carriers. This construction multiplied the Japanese defence budget by 5 in just one year, and this brought Japanese defence spending to over $270 billion ?USD? with projected increases to $350 billion ?USD? in the coming 2 years. As expected China, South Korea, Russia, Vietnam, Australia, India and Taiwan also increased their defence spending in an attempt to keep their military comparatively capable. After the documentary was finished the lecture continued. Com No. 0322 : " David Aviv from the University of Jerusalem. But Professor there were hostilities but no further attacks took place, and further more the situation was mostly a regional problem, it did not polarise the world, if anything the increased investment in military technology by the regional Governments created a new era of technological developments which resulted in massive investments in science and related industries." Prof Maxwell : " Unfortunately there were some benefits to technological developments which is why people tend to ignore the negative aspects of what happened. All you have to do is look at the intelligence and surveillance budgets of the time to see just how chaotic the environment became after the secret attack on the Japanese Facilities. Nations once again started to heavily spending money on spying on each other, and that created a climate of suspicion not seen since the end of the cold war. It was only a matter of time before the new cold war expanded itself in a proxy war of some sort." Com No. 0677 : " Lola Mendez from the University of Mexico. Professor are you saying that the attack on Addis Ababa may have been one of the proxy wars?" Prof Maxwell : " The Africans refused to accept that the attack was simply the work of an Islamic Terrorist Organisation. The Africans believed that the attack was part of a global conspiracy to destabilize African Governments in an attempt to take control of African mineral resources." Com No. 1135 : " Wang Tao from Hong Kong University. Professor the Africans to this day believe that this was just another attempt to re-colonise Africa, and many in the African Federation still dont trust the rest of the human governments because of the stance taken by European and American Nations during the war that followed. Can you explain why the Africans lost trust in many Asian nations of the time?" Prof Maxwell : " The short answer is oil. I''ve prepared a second documentary to further explain the situation at the time." The displays were once again activated and a second documentary began to play detailing the events of that occurred in Addis Ababa On 01-11-2015 Mahmoud Atef an aid to Tamil Said Yemens Foreign minister infected himself with the Ebola Virus. Mahmoud Atef quickly became infectious and then infected Tamil Said who the passed the virus to Arab League Secretary General Abdul Abas. Abdul Abas held meetings with all the 15 heads of state of the Southern African Development Community ?SADC? group during the African Union Summit. In the meeting with the SADC group the virus was passed to all the heads of state and the ante rage, and President Mzuma of the Republic of South Africa later held bilateral talks with the President of Kenya, the President of Nigeria, the President of Ivory Coast, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the President of Cameroon passing the virus to them. When the leaders of Africa began to fall ill it was discovered that Tamil Said Yemens Foreign minister and his aid Mahmoud Atef had already been killed by the disease. In 28 hours 30 sub-Saharan heads of state and governments were killed by what was determined to be a strain of the Ebola virus. As panic set in on the streets of Addis Ababa many people were held in quarantine as the virus spread. In the aftermath nearly 900000 people were killed by the virus, African leaders were dead, Global air travel was suspended, and there were mass riots on the streets of every city in sub-Saharan Africa. Once the Virus was contained the Joel Mabuza deputy President of the Republic of South Africa emerged from a secret location to address parliament as a special sitting of parliament was called to formally elect a new president. After Joel Mabuza was elected and sworn as President of the Republic of South Africa he took the podium to address the public for the first time as President of the Republic of South Africa. President Mabuza : " These are dark days for our Country, dark days for freedom, liberty and peace, dark days for the whole world!" he takes a Pause "We did not seek, nor did we provoke this attack on our freedom and our way of life!" he takes a Pause "We did not expect, nor did we invite a confrontation with evil! What helped keep the cold war cold was a sense of moral restraint that the Weapons of Mass Destruction ?WMD? were too terrible to use, but that restraint doesn''t exist with Jihadist who strap bombs to their chests and blow up night clubs, buses and trains." he takes a Pause "There is evil in the world, and today the agents of evil are these Islamic Jihadist. We have seen with the attack on Japan that some governments think if they act secretly, or through other proxy forces there will be no real consequences, we cannot allow this notion to go unchallenged. Africa can no longer afford to be complacent in our response to the evil perpetrated by these Islamic Jihadist." he takes a Pause "It has been our experience that these evil doers don''t act alone, they are supported and protected by governments who hold the same ideology. These Governments refuse to stop harbouring the Islamic Jihadist, instead they actively aid and abed them, thus making themselves Accomplices to their Evil Crimes" The President takes a moment to drink water "2 hours ago 200 South African Air Force Aircraft took off from bases in Kenya, Comoros Islands, Uganda and Ethiopia. 30 minutes ago the Chief of the Air Force told me that our Aircraft were just minutes from the Yemen border and it was time to Confirm the attack order. I gave the order to fire! And moments ago the bombs started falling on all the facilities of Yemens Government." he takes a Pause "The bombs will continue to fall until there are no facilities left to destroy! We will destroy every building, every school, every hospital, every dam, every Police station, every Fire station, every government owned factory and all other government buildings. I know some people in Europe will think that this response is disproportionate, but we have to send a message to all governments who sponsor terror, and the message is; We will hold you responsible for the activities of your citizens!" Prof Maxwell : " That was a major turning point in history, and from that moment onwards countries were held responsible for the activities of their citizens. Nations could no longer claim that individuals acted alone, and the responsibility of confronting each Nation''s extremist groups was firmly placed with that particular Nation." Com No. 0723 : " Jason Duncan from Oxford University. But Professor the Republic of South Africa was stopped from carrying out the near complete destruction of Yemen, and despite the president that was set the world government reached agreements on rules of blame where foreign nationals were involved." Prof Maxwell : " Yes! But the Africans never agreed to those rules, and that made the rules inadequate because the world governments knew that if the Africans were once again attacked by an extremist group it would start a war. The intervention of the then NATO taskforce to stop the Republic of South Africa convinced the Africans that Europe was somehow involved in the attack on Africa. The destruction of the South African Air Force in the gulf region galvanized Sub-Saharan Africa to the support of the Republic of South Africa and resulted in a military stand off that threatened to plunge the world into chaos" Com No. 0117 : " Leigh Rochelle from the University of Berlin. Professor, Historically speaking? Did the Africans have the necessary military capabilities to engage in a sustained confrontation with the NATO countries?" Prof Maxwell : " Because of the South African Diamond industry the South Africans developed advanced Laser based Diamond Cutting systems which they then secretly weaponized. When they applied the Laser weapon systems during the conflict they decimated the Air power in the gulf region, and this left the American led Carrier Battle Groups that formed the NATO taskforce vulnerable to attacks by the remaining African Aircraft. The Crystalorb Elite Guard proved to be an important component in the brief conflict. NATO lost 3 carriers that day, and that included a US super-carrier. I think that even though the South African Navy was completely destroyed the NATO countries were unsettled at the prospect of more naval losses at the hands of advanced Laser weapons technology, and that brief delay when the NATO were deciding weather to launch an all out war on the South African Allied African countries over something that was started by Islamic Jihadists extremist allowed cooler heads to prevail and a cease fire to be reached. However the US Military was mobilizing for all out war in the event that the cease fire did not hold. The influenza outbreak of 2029 and the subsequent African wars led to the Sub-Saharan African Countries being united into the African Federation Of City States. Some say that the formations of the African Federation was the birth of a knew age, and the end of the African dark ages. Following the birth of the African Federation Of City States there was a population boom, and the African population soared to 3.3 billion. There was a fundamental shift in the world, the African prosperity convinced the world that they are stronger together, and that the ethnic differences are superficial. Today the African Federation of City States is the second most powerful of the 5 Earth Federations or Alliances. The Africans have made incredible progress, and their technology is second to none. At a population of 8.8 Billion people the Africans have the largest National population amongst the 5 Earth Nations. That is 22.411% of the total human population. African poverty levels are the lowest of the 5 Earth Nations, and their Economy remains largely insulated from the turmoils of the international stock markets. For over 150 years the Africans have resisted attempts to integrate their financial institutions into the Interstellar market, and they continue to stubbornly use their Industrial Minerals Coins as legal tender." The lecture continues as the students from all over the world including Africa exchanged views on the links between National security and economic activity. Meanwhile in JoBurg the Capital City of the African Federation of City States the media was asking questions about the security status of the African Federation, and with a newly elected member of the Federal Executive Council en-route to Andronus many were wondering if the Federal Executive Council could take command decisions without its full nine members. Edoi Manawi the Spokesperson for the Federal Executive Council tries to assure the African public that their security and the safety of the African Federation will not be affected by the absence of a member of the Federal Executive Council. Edoi : " I can assure you that the Federal Executive Council is still in Command, and because of subspace communications our Forces are in constant communications with the 9th member of the Federal Executive Council. There are 5 BattleGroups escorting the BattleCruiser AFS JoBurg. That''s 5 BattleCruisers and 50 Destroyers. We are confident that nothing will happen to the member of the Federal Executive Council." Journalist 1: " With all due respect, the enemies of the Galactic Alliance are very powerful, with technology that is far more advanced than Earth technology. You expect us to believe that 5 BattleGroups could stop multiple Hakum attack groups?" Journalist 2: " The last time a Asian Consortium BattleGroup faced a Hakum attack group 3 Asian Consortium Destroyers were destroyed, and the Hakum walked away without any significant damage." Edoi : " You have to understand there is a vast difference between our ships and those of the other Earth Nations. We operate an 11 ship BattleGroup format, and there is a distinction in the way they define the class of their warships; Our Frigate class warships are 20% larger than that of any other Earth Nations, and our Destroyers are similarly larger than that of other Earth Nations, and our BattleCruisers are only equalled by the Crystalorb StarShips." Journalist 4: " Speaking of Crystalorb! Have the Crystal Guardians sent any of their ships to support the escort battle groups?" Edoi : " As you know the Crystal Guardians don''t like to make the movements of their Ships public knowledge, and for security reasons I can''t confirm the presence of any Crystalorb ship amongst the escort taskforce. But people there are nearly 300 Other ships from Earth; Lets not try and scare people over nothing!" Journalist 5: " But you are not denying the possibility of a Crystalorb presence?" Edoi : " Crystalorb is an integral part the African Federation, it falls within the jurisdiction of the Constitutional amendments that prescribe its role in the African Federation, and as such is subject to those laws. Therefore by law all African Federation registered Ships are for their own security purposes armed, and the Crystalorb Ships are no different. All Crystalorb ships are by African Federation Federal law considered African Federation Warships. The constitution gives Crystalorb the same powers as the African Federal Security Forces with the distinction that they do not fall under Federal Executive Command. Crystalorb has a Constitutional mandate to protect the Constitution of the African Federation of City States, and to protect the citizens of the African Federation of City States. However in the past they have responded positively to our requests for assistance. The Crystal Guardians have proven to be very effective against our enemies, and if their presence offers our forces a strategic advantage we will no doubt call on them. Thank you!" Earth was desperate to be part of the larger Union, and until this point they had been one of the developing worlds on the outskirts of the Galactic Alliance. The Hakum had become a constant threat to the Interests of the 5 Earth Nations, and the hope was that once Earth joined the Galactic Alliance they would receive advanced military support from the Older Nations of the Galaxy. Earthans or Humans were of one of the youngest races to ever be invited to join the Galactic Alliance, and it was a great vote of confidence that Humans were invited despite not having a single Government. The other developing worlds were invited to join the Galactic Alliance for strategic and military reasons, either they were located in a strategic location or they were near valuable mineral resources, but earth did not hold any strategic or resource value. Earth''s only claim to glory was that Humans were the only developing race in the past 300 Earth years to survive an assault by a Hakum attack group. The Hakum had for the past 100000 Earth years been the foot soldiers of the Migon Federation, and they were known throughout the Galaxy as the Galactic Raiders. In the Hakum the Migon had found a mirrored reflection of themselves. Other than the citizens of the Migon Federation the Hakum were the only other advanced Sentient-Sapient race of a reptilian physiology in the Galaxy. Predatory in nature, the average Hakum is; about 2.4 meters tall, a biped with a 1.3 meters long tail, a muscular body encased in reptilian skin covered in scaly bone armour, two hands equipped with razor sharp claws designed to cut through flesh and the mouth covered with razor sharp teeth along with a bite force capable of crashing bone. The only Earthly comparison would have been a small dinosaur, and in the galaxy there was only one race that had a similar appearance to the Migon. The Migon features looked similar to the Hakum but with very distinct differences; The average Migon is about 4 meters tall with 9 limbs, and that''s 4 legs, 4 arms and a massive Tail. Two of the Migon''s arms are much larger than the other pair, and the larger pair is webbed like a bat. When the Human race first saw an image of the Migon one word Came to mind "Dragon". To humans the Migon were highly evolved dragons, and it came as no surprise that the Migon were a ravenous and destructive race. The major races of the Galaxy believed that the Hakum may have been the result of Migon genetic manipulation, and that the Hakum were created to be a servant race that held the same beliefs as the Migon. - - - Vision of an Alternate Future 【VAF】Chapter║: 2 ─ Chronology - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 2 Chronology ?~? By 11-10-2028 there had been more than 3 years of peace between the HOD and Crystalorb, and the peace was holding. Crystalans and Hodians were working together to maintain the peace, and there was new hope that the two most powerful factions of super-powered humans would no longer destabilize the world with their conflicts. The term Hybrid Human was use to refer to all super-powered humans, but Crystalans and Hodians didn''t consider themselves Hybrids. The end of the war between Crystalans and Hodians allowed Hybrids the freedom to determine their own destiny, and they would no longer have to walk a tight rope between the two powers. For the first time Hybrids could freely associate with Crystalans or Hodians without fear of a violent retribution from the other. However the Hybrids still faced financial or economic consequences for their association with Crystalans or Hodians. Even as the peace between the Hodians and Crystalans began to take root the forces of Chaos were already planting the seeds of conflict. The absence of the Spirit Stone had left a vacuum in the spiritual orientation of Crystalans, and some Crystalans had embraced the violent tendencies more readily than others. In fact there were those who loved the fighting, those who enjoyed the killing, welcomed the chaos. By embracing the violent tendencies they unwittingly opened their hearts to Negative Psionic Energy, and this created a thirst for power, which inevitably creates more chaos. This small group of Crystalans did not want to stop the war with the HOD, and when Crystalorb and the HOD reached a ceasefire 9 Vangleads, 13 Vanguards and their 28 Children secretly left Crystalorb to pursue what they were convinced was their rightful vengeance on the HOD. Once the 11 couples and their 28 Children left Crystalorb they called themselves The Circle, with individuals being called Circleans, and because the Circle freed themselves from the obligations of the Crystalorb Charter they were now like the HOD free to do as they pleased. The 9 Vangleads formed the Inner Circle, the next level would consist of 18 members, the next level would consist of 36 members, and the next level would consist of twice the members of the previous level. Each level would vote on which of their members advanced to the next level. The highest authority of the Circle would be the Inner Circle. Members of the Inner Circle are called Eldons, and the next level of Circlean Authority are the Centinels. The Circlean Centinels are the opposite of Crystalorb''s Crystal Guardians, and they are the most powerful warriors of The Circle. The Centurions form the next levels of Circleans, and they take their instructions from Circlean Centinels; the Centinels take their instructions from Eldons. The Circle did not have any set of rules from the start, but they hoped to develop their rules in due course. The Circle was born out of an intense hatred for the HOD, but as is always the case with negativity the hatred would eventually extends to the rest of the human race. It started with a strong dislike for normal humans who worked for the HOD, but soon the Circle began to see themselves as more than human, and therefore justified in their dislike for what they call primitive humans. The Circleans saw themselves as post-humans, equalled only by other Crystalans, and even though they had left Crystalorb they maintained their Crystalan identity. On 22-12-2029 a second outbreak of the deadly influenza virus occurred, but this time the outbreak was isolated to ADA countries. It was this outbreak of influenza that sparked what would later be referred to as "The Third African Dark Age". The first casualties were recorded in the DRC, and it was later determined that the DRC was the likely candidate for the source of the outbreak. Truck drivers transporting minerals from the DRC carried the virus to the rest of the ADA countries. Before long the entire continent was facing a massive pandemic with hundreds of millions infected. African governments had not learned the lessons from the last outbreak; consequently they were once again caught unprepared. As their defence budgets ballooned their health infrastructure was slowly deteriorating. When the death toll reached 100 million Governments began to collapse. The first to fall was the Government of Cameroon, and when other Governments saw the collapse the of Cameroon authority they began to think of ways to shift the blame for the disaster. The finger of blame began to shift outwards, but because they desperately needed medical supplies from the rest of the world so they did not wish to anger external nations therefore the finger of blame found other Africans a more plausible target. Tensions between neighbouring African Nations began to rise, and quickly accusations were followed by counter-accusations. Soon threats were uttered by Presidents, and their opposite numbers on the other side of the border responded in kind. Escalation led to the pointing of guns, and that was soon replaced by the pointing of long range assault weapons that had previously been supplied by the South African Federation of City States. The United Nations worked tirelessly to calm the tensions as African Nations began to form power blocks against each other, but there were some on the United Nations security Council who were content to let the African Nations fight it out, to that end the powerful interests on the United Nations security Council blocked every attempt by the United Nations to have a meaningful intervention in the developing Africa crises. The South African population was putting pressure on the South African Government to intervene before it was too late, and there were daily protests demanding that the South African Government send a peace keeping force to prevent the influenza devastated African Countries from adding more carnage by starting a senseless war. However the South African Government promptly declared that they had insufficient capacity to meet the demands of the protestors. The South African Government was keenly aware that the posturing African Nations were armed to the teeth with some of the most advance weaponry on Earth. The South African Federal Executive Council was not about to be drawn into ethnic and historical squabbles that had no end in sight. Self preservation became the main concern, and the fact that the African Nations were heavily armed prevented other Defence Alliances from intervening. All the players knew that any peace keeping force would likely suffer heavy casualties in the event of an all out war. Crystalorb expressed its firm support for the South African Federation of City States and assured the South African Government of Crystalorb''s assistance in the event of an attack on the country, but Crystalorb also expressed reservations about getting involved in a wider conflict stating that "There is no peace to keep!". The South African Government and Crystalorb decided to activate the 12 member rescue teams to protect civilians in the expected wars. The new Gallant 12 or G12 teams consisted of: 3 Hybrids, 3 Hodians, 3 Crystalans and 3 Hybrids from the South African Military super soldier program. The team was nothing more than a token, a way for the four parties to absolve themselves of responsibility, a way for them to say that they tried. A small scale skirmish quickly escalated into all out war. The dogs of war were let loose, and as Nations fought their populations continued to be ravaged by the influenza pandemic. Continental hopelessness fuelled the war, and soon people believed that they only had two choices; die from the influenza or die by the gun. Many reached the logical conclusion that if they were going to die anyway, they might as well take their enemies with them. The South African Government had contained the influenza pandemic and the casualties were minimal compared to other African Countries, but the Government was growing increasingly concerned about the number of refugees that were pouring into South African borders. The global community was vocal in blaming South Africa for the wars in Africa. The global community condemned the South African Federation of City States for supplying unstable regions with advanced weaponry. The global community had found their villain in the situation, and it was the South African Federation of City States. Once again the South African Government faced Isolation on a global scale, and were it not for the fact that the South African economy was so critical to the global economy the South African Government would have surely faced economic sanctions. However the world needed the South Africans to continue to produce refined metals, advanced robotics, Super computers, Industrial gases, Crystal Based Betteries and other Crystal Based Technological products. After five years of fighting there was no end in sight, no clear victor and the combined death toll from the influenza pandemic and the subsequent wars had risen to 275 million. International pressure was mounting for the South African Government to take action, and with more than 30 million refugees within South African borders internal pressure was also increasing, the South African Government was becoming nervous. The South African Federal Parliament passed resolution 2197 Authorizing the Federal Executive Council to use section 215 of the Federal Constitution of the South African Federation of City States, and under the Federal Security act of 2024 that allowed the South African Federation to use the Federal Security Forces to intervene in a war that involved any nation that had a mutual defence treaty with the South African Federation. The South African Government secured a United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing South African intervention. The Generals and Admirals of the South African Federal Security Forces immediately told the Federal Executive Council that they would need the new ArmsCorp Airborne Cruiser to support any operations the country undertook. At the time there were only 5 ArmsCorp Airborne Cruisers, and their battle readiness was not optimal. It would take 6 months before the ArmsCorp Airborne Cruisers would be ready for battle. The Federal Executive Council requested for Crystalorb ships to escort the ArmsCorp Airborne Cruiser because their crews had such little training. Crystalorb agreed to send the Gaurdius and the Jalen as the lead ships in the two BattleGroup formations. The Federal Executive Council decided to start their peacekeeping campaign with a bold gesture as a show of force, and that meant attacking the most powerful of the feuding groups. Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Gabon, Liberia and Ivory Coast had formed a power block, and they were the most capable. The South African Federal Security Forces attacked just after 01H00 and by 21H00 nearly all the Nigerian military instillations had been destroyed. In the next weeks the BattleGroups proceeded to all advanced military instillations of the feuding nations, and once the technical infrastructure was destroyed the leaders were ready to start talking. Crystalorb began to notice a paradigm in the South African Governments approach. What was once a peace keeping mission was now evolving into something else, and it seemed as if the South African Military objectives had changed. The South African Government demanded that the other African Countries surrender to South African Authority, but this was not in line with original Military objectives. The South African Federal Security Forces prepared a 1.5 million man occupation force that would enforce the terms of surrender. When the Crystalorb Expeditionary Recognisance took a closer look at the occupation force they realised that the force was supported by a 200000 strong Hodian contingent that had been sent in advance to pacify the population in the target countries. The Hodians were sent to squash any resistance to South African occupation. Hodian methods were not exactly passive, and they had a habit of knocking aside any opposition by violent means. The South African Government was working with both the HOD and the Crystalans. Crystalorb authorities were enraged to discover that they had been part of a Hodian conspiracy to unite Africa under one government. When the Crystalorb Leadership met with the Hodian Leadership they were amazed to discover that the South African Government were the ones who approached the HOD for assistance. Crystalorb responded by selling CVI''s 50% holding in ArmsCorp back to the South African Government at 20% below market value thereby ending their direct military association with the South African Government. From then onwards the South African Government would no longer get direct access to Crystalorb technology, and the Crystalorb Leadership would determine any technology transfers that takes place. The South African Government knew that Crystalorb would never be part of any campaign to violently bring Africa under one Government, and so the hawkish South African Government turned to the HOD for assistance. The Hodian High Council agreed to give the South African Government ground support, and that meant that the HOD would go in and remove any opposition to South African Government objectives. Following the occupation of the Countries the South African Government hastily arranged for national referendums in the occupied countries, and the populous were given a simple choice "Join a single African Government? Yes or No" The opposition did not have time to mobilize their opinion, and the general population agreed to the measure without knowing about the alternatives. The International community declared the Vote to be fundamentally flawed, and therefore refused to recognize the results as legitimate, but the South African Government was unfazed by their critics, and the South African Federal Parliament quickly passed legislation changing the country''s name to African Federation of City States. It then became clear to everyone that they intended to integrate the other countries by absorbing them into the African Federation of City States. The people of Africa quickly found themselves under one Government, and because the countries were absorbed City by City people flocked to cities to be part of the new African project, but there were still those who longed for proper discussions about integration. The Federal Executive Council borrowed heavily to finance the reconstruction of the Continent, and it was this massive spending that convinced many that a united Government was best for everyone. With Hodian assistance the Federal Executive Council secured $3 Trillion in reconstruction loans, but they could not build fast enough, and so once again the Federal Executive Council turned to Crystalorb for help. The Federal Parliament passed legislation that authorized a 10 year suspension of the bill that prevented Government spending from distorting the free market; the bill that limited Government procurement to only directly participate in the defence Sector. Crystalorb agreed to help, and for the first time in generations Crystalorb advanced technology was used openly to speed up service delivery. Crystalorb''s advanced robotics was used to build Schools, Roads, Houses, Hospitals, Police Stations, etc. Crystal Valley Industries had a clear advantage over other bidders, and because of their advanced technology they could build ten times faster at 60% the cost of their closest competitor. Crystal Valley Industries received Hundreds of Billions of Rands from Government construction contracts and that seemed to be enough to repair the Government''s relationship with Crystalorb. With time Crystalorb got used to the fact the Government had a right to a relationship with the HOD. The Government had found a gentle balance between the two and it was working. By the time Government procurement was once again limited Crystal Valley Industries was ready to revolutionise the world and provide the cheapest energy the world had ever seen. Naole''s 112th design had finally produced a working Nuclear Fusion Reactor. The first generation Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor could produce 150 Gigajoules per second. The Crystalorb Council of Elders named the Reactor the Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor ?OCNR?. In the Nuclear Fusion Reactor Crystalorb had found all the energy they would ever need. Crystalorb could now conduct research in fields that were once thought as unfeasible. At the heart of Crystalorb''s progress was the unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and through the Gallant 12 or G12 Crystalorb would continue to intervene where necessary, but the ultimate objectives of Crystalorb became to spread the light of knowledge. The hope was that knowledge would change the world for the better, and that humanity would one day learn how to be a positive force in the Universe. Even as Crystalorb made technological and social progress there was a storm brewing, and in the aftermath of the wars that were referred to as The Third African Dark Age another force was rising from the Valley of Death. From the chaos of war and death a new power was rising to Challenge the Hybrids, Crystalans and Hodians for dominance in the world. This new power was preparing themselves to change the world forever. While Hybrids and Hodians were unaware of the danger posed by the rising power Crystalans were very aware of the existence of The Circle, and even though the Crystalans could not find the Circleans they knew that The Circle was out there, watching, waiting, planning. Crystalorb assumed that Circlean activity would be focused against the HOD, and since there was very little information about Circleans plans Crystalorb had little to go on. The tensions with the African Federal Government had blinded the Crystalans, and because Circleans are Crystalans they knew how to shield themselves from the power of the Spirit Stone. Negative Psionic Energy is the only way to shield Circleans from the power of the Spirit Stone, and to acquire the Negative Psionic Energy the Circleans needed Hodian allies., but since the initial plan was to destroy the HOD there weren''t that many Hodians willing to ally themselves with Circleans. However Circleans found a few disgruntled Hodians who had reason to hate the Hodian leadership, and with their aid the Circleans were able to access Negative Psionic Energy. By embracing Negative Psionic Energy the Circleans embraced the energy of Chaos, which inevitably creates more Chaos. The Circleans quickly started feeling a thirst for power, and that led to an increase in violent tendencies. The original 9 Vangleads, 13 Vanguards, their 28 Children and their new Hodian allies were convinced of their rightful vengeance on the HOD. Having left Crystalorb they became the new Circleans, freed from the obligations of the Crystalorb Charter they were now like the HOD, and free to do as they pleased. The addictive nature of Negative Psionic Energy caught Circleans by surprise, and once they tasted Negative Psionic Energy they wanted more. The addiction to Negative Psionic Energy propelled Circleans into behaviours they had never considered before, and that led to a change in their objectives, a change that they could have never foreseen. The Circleans began to review their original intensions, and take a new direction, a direction that would put them in direct conflict with Crystalorb. Prolonged contact with Negative Psionic Energy was changing the Circleans, and in particular their Chest Crystals. The once Clear Chest Crystals were slowly turning Grey, and this signified the birth of the Grey Chest Crystal. The birth of the Grey Chest Crystal brought with it the emergence of the birth of the Grey Crystal Armour, and the prospect of the Grey Guardian Armour. However since none of the Circleans had come from the Crystalorb Research Division they lacked the technical know-how to develop the Grey Guardian Armour. To solve their technological problems Circleans decided to recruit one of Crystalorb''s Research Scientists, and by recruit the Circleans meant that they would expose a Crystalan to large amounts of Negative Psionic Energy, thus turning a Crystalan into a Circlean. At some point the Circleans began to see normal humans as obsolete, and the Crystalan respect for sapient life was replaced by a desire to assert dominance on what the Circleans saw as inferior beings. As the Circleans capabilities grew they began to eliminate individuals who pose a threat to what they perceived as the eventual Rise of the Circleans. Crystalan Ideology had been perverted, and the Circleans new emulated the very Hodians the sought to destroy. As Circlean killings escalated it brought them into conflict with Crystalorb and the HOD. The skirmishes quickly escalated into all out war as the Circleans unleashed their bloody campaign against normal humans. The Circleans destabilized entire nations, caused mass starvation in world regions, assassinated leaders and mass murders. The battles that ensued would be known as the Circlean Wars. Following the development of the Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor ?OCNR?, on 02-12-2039 the first generation Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor went online producing 150 Gigajoules per second; Crystal Valley Industries requested the development of a larger Fusion Reactor. Crystal Valley Industries had been expanding their gas producing capacity in anticipation of a breakthrough in Fusion Reactor technology and 150 Gigajoules per second was inadequate to meet the projected demand. The Council of Elders responded by requesting the Spirit Stone to create the 990 meter diameter fourth and fifth level of Hemispheres to accommodate the Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor ?OCNR? under development by the Crystalorb Research Division. The Spirit Stone also built the housing for the large Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor in 18 of the new 990 meter diameter fourth and fifth level of Hemispheres. Because the designs of the new reactor were not complete the Spirit Stone simply produced a larger version of the operational Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor, but because the reactors were larger than they were designed for, the fusion could not be sustained in the large reactors. However the Crystalorb Research Division was already developing solutions for the 18 Large or Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor. On 03-05-2043 the first of the 18 Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors became operational producing 8000 Gigajoules per second, and because the Crystalorb Research Division continued to modify the other Advanced Fusion Reactors they reached 25000 Gigajoules per second by 18-09-2045 when the last of the 18 Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor came online. By 02-12-2049 Crystalorb was producing 450000 Gigajoules/sec from the 18 Fusion Reactors and the 2 Nuclear Fission Reactors had been decommissioned and replaced by the Next generation Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion housed in a 1.15 km diameter sixth level of Hemispheres and the first of the next generation came online on 22-12-2049. Each of the next generation Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors produced 50000 Gigajoules/sec ?50Terajoules/sec?. The energy produced by Crystalorb made Crystal Valley Industries the largest supplier of energy in the world, and the hydrogen produced by Crystal Valley Industries powered 25% of the worlds cars, that was 68% of the world''s Fuel cell car market. The rest of the hydrogen went into the production of electricity, and as Crystalorb increased its energy output it lowered the cost of energy in the international markets. In the aftermath of the Circlean Wars Crystal Valley Industries became the world''s largest producer of food; producing some 30% of the world''s food. About 42% of the energy available to Crystal Valley Industries from Crystalorb was dedicated to the production of food through advanced Hydroponics and farming ?Including fish and marine farming?. The rapidly increasing population of the African Federation of City States meant that Crystal Valley Industries was under enormous pressure to produce more food more cheaply. On 04-04-2055 the first commercial US Nuclear Fusion Reactor came online producing 700 Gigajoules/sec of electricity using advanced Hodian plasma technology. Crystal Valley Industries knew that it was only a matter of time before they faced immense competition in the energy sector, but the Crystalorb Leadership also knew that it would be decades before anyone in the world could build a Fusion Reactor capable of producing the energy levels that Crystalorb Fusion Reactors were producing. While the world worked on improving their Fusion Reactor technology Crystalorb increased the energy output of the Fusion Reactors on the Crystalorb ships to 25000 Gigajoules/sec, but because of the size of the miniaturized ship based Fusion Reactors the size of the ships had to be increased to 1800 meters in length and 1000 meters maximum width. The increase in size was to accommodate the Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor. The Crystalorb Ships were designed to require Crystal Armoured individuals as keys to the weapon systems, and without Crystal Armour the Crystalorb Ship can not Fire. The ship based Fusion Reactors were specifically designed for the Crystalorb''s Ships, but the technology learnt was later applied to the other Crystalorb Fusion Reactors and the result was 18 Medium Reactors producing 75000 Gigajoules/sec each, and 20 Large Reactors producing 95000 Gigajoules/sec. The total energy output had reached 3250000 Gigajoules/sec ?3250Terajoules/sec?. This production of massive amounts of energy fuelled the worlds hunger for energy, and the demand for Crystal Based Betteries increased in correlation to the corresponding increases in energy use. Following the space shuttle Colombia''s November 9th 2047 Manned landing on Mars NASA was once again at the heart of space technological development. The Colombia II was the first of the next generation of space Ships, and was powered by a 9 Gigawatts Advanced Nuclear Fission Reactor. NASA was on a roll, and advances in global technology were energizing the development of new space technology. On 09-07-2057 and American unmanned ship the Jupiter 7 on a mission to Ganymede collided with an object as it decelerated to enter orbit around Jupiter. The Jupiter 7 was the first NASA space vessel to incorporate Hodian built Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System also known as Spatial Compression Technology or Spatial warping Technology ?Built for NASA by Ralefa Holdings?.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Because of its size the impact did not destroy Jupiter 7, but merely crippled it, leaving only one of the five engines operational. Through careful manoeuvring Jupiter 7 was guided back to earth orbit, and on 14-09-2058 the NASA space shuttle Truman recovered the damaged Jupiter 7 and returned it to earth. The NASA scientists were eager to study the Jupiter 7 in an effort to build better ships capable of withstanding solar particle impacts. When the NASA scientist examined Jupiter 7 they found that the 50cm diameter spherical object that impacted it was still imbedded in it, and upon closer examination the NASA scientists discovered that the object was not a meteor as had previously been thought, but was in fact a forged or artificial material. The US president quickly Classified all the relevant information associated with the object and the international media was told that the object that collided with the Jupiter 7 was a meteor and had been destroyed by the impact with Jupiter 7. NASA quickly put together a large team of its best minds, drawing in people from American Universities, the American Military, American Industry and the best Research Scientists from the American Division of Ralefa Holdings. The purpose of the team was to study and analyse the artefact. The team included Mathematicians, Physicist, Astrologists, Cosmologists, Computer scientists, archaeologists, linguists, etc. When they removed the object from Jupiter 7 they collected a sample from the object and dated the object to a little over 1200 years old. Further examination showed that the object encased another object inside it. When the Scientists tried to remove the outer shell they discovered the alloy was the hardest material on record, 100 times harder than the best human alloy, and the only thing that compared was Crystalorb''s Crystal Armour Crystals. Using advanced Hodian particle beams the Scientists were able to cut into the outer shell, and when the outer shell was cut an inorganic fluid of unknown origin sprayed out of the object indicating that it had been kept at high pressure. With the fluid out of the object the Scientists proceeded to remove the rest of the outer shell to reveal a spherical Crystal. The Hodians who were part of the team immediately recognized the spherical Crystal because it looked a lot like a Crystalorb Crystal. Closer examination revealed that the spherical Crystal was similar to Crystalorb data storage Crystals, and so the Research Scientists concluded that the spherical Crystal was an organic Crystal hard drive and that the object was now decidedly dead, but they also concluded that the information contained in the spherical Crystal was still intact. Efforts to read or connect the spherical Crystal to their computers failed, and the Research Scientists estimated that it could take up to 100 years to develop the technology to interface with the spherical Crystal. The 2000 Research Scientists gathered at the underground research facility in New Mexico to discuss their progress. Also present was the Hodian head of Research Dr James Ralefa PhD; a particle Physicist by training. The Head of the research project Dr Daniel Brooks ?Nickname Dan? chaired the council of 2000 Research Scientists as they discussed the next step in their attempt to discover the vast knowledge contained in the spherical Crystal. After long and heated discussions there were still no answers forthcoming, and the Research Scientists had hit a wall. The Hodians had already begun to speculate that there was a link between Hodian and Crystalan Crystals and the spherical Crystal object from space. The Hodians believed that after two years of zero progress perhaps it was time to bring in the Crystalans. Dr James Ralefa addresses the gathered project council of 2000 Research Scientists of 17-03-2060 James : " We''ve been at this for 18 months now, and we''ve made very little progress! Now we can continue to thump our heads against the wall or we can ask for help!" Dan : " What are you talking about?" James : " This technology is way too advanced for any of us! We need access to the best minds and the best technology on the planet, and that means Crystalorb." Dan : " This is an American Project! Funded by the office of the President of the United States! The President has made it clear that this must be exclusively American!" James : " The only people who use the Crystal technology that is even remotely similar to the spherical Crystal object from space are the Crystalans. That is an undeniable fact! They may be the only ones who can unlock the secrets of the artefact!" James notices a look of disapproval on Dan''s face "The Crystalans produce 10% of the worlds energy, thats 16530Terajoules/sec! At 0.95 on the Interpolated and Extrapolated Kardashev Scale Humanity is on the eve of becoming a Type 1 Civilisation. We are 200000 years old and the ascendance to a Type 1 Civilisation will be the crowning achievement of our species, and a large component of the energy we consume to reach that status is produced by Crystalorb. They operate Nuclear Fusion Reactors that are fifty times more efficient than the most advanced Hodian Nuclear Fusion Reactors. The world thinks that the Hodian Nuclear Fusion Reactors are the most advanced, they are clueless to the Crystalorb''s potential. The Crystalans are technology assimilators; they can produce a Crystal Based replica of almost any product provided they have the requisite materials. Their Crystal Based technology makes them the perfect people to unlock the spherical Crystal artefact." Dan : " It''s been our experience that the Crystalans are unpredictable. They answer to only themselves! And they are aligned to the African Federation! Because of ATO''s continuing military friction with the African Federation the president is unlikely to support any Crystalorb involvement." James : " Nevertheless we can''t proceed without them!" Dan : " What about a limited involvement?" James : " What do you mean?" Dan : " Suppose we took a small fragment of the spherical Crystal artefact, and allowed them to study it on the promise that they conduct the research at our facility and therefore giving us access to any data they discover." James : " They are unlikely to agree to work in your facility because of the secretive nature of their technology, but might be willing to work with the Hodian researchers at Hodian facilities in Africa like they did when we jointly developed a vaccine against the deadly Influenza Virus that plagued Africa." Dan : " I will take this proposal to the President." James : " And with luck we can get a positive result." Dan : " With luck." Following the conference Dr Dan Brooks took the proposal to the President of the United States, and fortunately the US Government was eager to develop advanced technology that could equal that of the African Federation. With US Government approval NASA collected a 100 cubic millimetre fragment of the spherical Crystal Artefact and handed it to the Hodians. The Hodians then contacted Crystalorb and told the Crystalans they may have found a fragment of the original Crystal that infected Ralefa and Lesedi. The Hodians invited the Crystalans to help examine the fragment and share in the research of the origins of both their peoples. Crystalorb jumped at the possibility of discovering the true source of their Chest Crystal, and to that end Crystalorb sent 2 Guardian Armoured Research Vangleads ?Dr Ralen Olen PhD and Dr Raole Olen PhD? along with the Indigo Class Ship the Crimson. The Crimson and its sister ships Tuo and Scarlet were all offspring of Indigo, but the Scarlet was seeded by Canala. The Crimson and the Tuo were already pregnant with the next generation of Indigo Class Ships after being seeded by Raole and Ralen''s children. When the Crystalorb Research Scientists arrived at the Hodian Research facility in Cape Town they immediately started work on the fragment of the spherical Crystal Artefact. The Hodians told the Crystalorb Research Scientists all that had been tried, and this saved time as the Crystalorb Scientists knew what was next. The Crystalorb Research Scientists took a different approach, and instead of trying to connect the artefact to a computer the Crystalorb Scientists decided to try and read the information directly from the artefact. In order to discover the information in the artefact Crystalorb Research Scientists used low energy Particle Beams and Photon Beams in a number of configurations in order to scan the artefact. Since the Crystalorb Research Scientists were already familiar with how information is stored on Crystals they knew where to look, and the powerful computational abilities of the Artificial Intelligence Organism on the ship they could then decipher the information. Once all the probable data configuration had been detected the Crystalorb Research Scientists then proceeded to try to organize and determine the nature of the information contained in the fragment of the spherical Crystal Artefact. The Crystalorb Research Scientists concluded that the fragment of the spherical Crystal Artefact contained 2 terabytes of data, but because the artefact was incomplete they could not decipher the language the information was stored in. However the Crystalorb Research Scientists pointed out to the Hodians that they were able to detect the language of mathematics in some of the data they recovered from the artefact Fragment. The Crystalorb Scientists neglected to inform the Hodians that part of information had to do with a Mathematical explanation of Quantum Field Theory. The Hodians were happy with the results, the Crystalans had shown them the way to unlock the secrets of the spherical Crystal Artefact, and when the Hodian Research Scientists returned to the USA they explained the methods to the rest of the top Secret NASA team. In the years that followed the NASA Research team made significant breakthroughs in understanding the massive information contained in the spherical Crystal Artefact. On 27-06-2063 the International Energy Agency ?IEA? proudly declared that Earth was now a Type 1 Civilisation. At slightly more than 175 Pettajoules/sec, Humans were generating more energy than that available on earth. To mark the occasion the President of the United States of America unveiled the 350 meter Javelin Class Destroyer; the first fully equipped American built Space Capable Airborne Warship to include a miniaturised 200 Gigajoules/sec Nuclear Fusion Reactor. The Javelin Class Destroyer was built along the line of the other Space capable ships in development, and that meant that the ship was built like a submarine. The Javelin Class Destroyer did not have windows like most Airships, and like submarines it was designed to be stealthy and lethal. To view outside the ship one had to rely on the ship''s electronics and periscopes. The Javelin incorporated advanced Hodian built weaponry, and it included the Hodian built Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System. The Javelin was comparable to the 300 meter African Federation ArmsCorp Airborne Cruiser, but went further because the ArmsCorp Airborne Cruiser had been in service for decades, proving itself in several African conflicts/wars of 2030. With the African Federal Security Force''s fleet of 25 ArmsCorp Airborne Cruisers aging ArmsCorp was developing a next generation Nuclear Fusion powered space capable ArmsCorp Airborne Cruiser. Budget concerns had delayed the full scale development of a technological equivalent of an Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactor, and Crystalorb was unwilling to sell Crystal Fusion Reactors to the Federal African Government. The Crystalorb General Council was adamant that because of the Federal Executive Council''s relationship with the HOD they could no longer be trusted with advanced Crystalorb technology. Of the 7 major Earth Alliances the African Federation of City States was the only one without a commercial Nuclear Fusion Reactor, and in their desperation they turned to Ralefa Holdings for help in the development of commercial Nuclear Fusion Reactors similar to those in the Asian Defence Consortium, the Pacific Defence Group, the Indian Ocean Alliance, the Northern Alliance, the Islamic Alliance and the Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Incidentally all those Fusion Reactors were based on Hodian technology, and each country paid a premium to gain access to Hodian Nuclear Fusion Reactor Technology. The actions of the Federal African Government further damaged relations with Crystalorb. The relations had previously been weakened by the Federal Executive Council''s cooperation with the HOD during the African wars of 2030, and since then Crystalorb had limited technology transfer to existing projects. The African Federal Security Forces could no longer draw on advanced Crystalorb technology for their military development. To the Crystalorb Leadership any technological involvement with the HOD held the risk of that technology ending up on global markets in the form of weapons. What the Crystalorb Leadership did not know was that they had given the HOD access to the most advanced technology on earth, and with advances the NASA Research team made in reading the spherical Crystal Artefact the HOD gained knowledge that Crystalorb did not possess. The spherical Crystal Artefact revealed a thousand year old secret about advanced communication methods that would change the world forever. Though most of the information in the spherical Crystal Artefact was encrypted and required a specific device to read it, the NASA Research team was able to read what they believed were personal journals of what was later determined to be a scientist. Using the latest supercomputer narrow AI the NASA Research team translated the journal, and the information led to the translation of star charts and other valuable communication information. Once the NASA Research team determined what a particular word meant they could then look for any reference to the word in the rest of the data. References to communications revealed what the Artefact described as Subspace Communications. An Artefact record search of the term Subspace Communications led to the discovery of the possibility of Faster that Light Interstellar Communications. Subsequent references pointed to a tunnel being forged through the fabric of space to what the spherical Crystal Artefact referred to as Nth Space ?Also known as Nth Dimensional Hyperspace?. The spherical Crystal Artefact described the process required to Forge a Tunnel through the fabric of space or Wormhole, and indicated that a message sent through two such tunnels would travel faster than through normal space over long distances. The spherical Crystal Artefact Indicated that to Forge a 1 nanometre diameter Tunnel through the fabric of space to Nth Space requires 1000 Petajoules of energy, and to sustain the 1 nanometre diameter Tunnel through the fabric of space to Nth Space requires 10000 joules/sec energy divided into 1? A Photon Particle Beam, 2? A Neutron Particle Beam, 3? A Proton Particle Beam, 4? An Electron Particle Beam, 5? A Negative Graviton Field and 6? A Positron Particle Beam and other Antiparticle Beams. The technology seemed far beyond the capabilities of the NASA Research team, and required the creation of Zero Mass Point, but fortunately the spherical Crystal Artefact contained information on how to build such devices. Since the schematics on the spherical Crystal Artefact were encrypted the NASA Research team had to design and build their own devices. However the NASA Research team was proving equal to the task, and their continuing progress was proving their resolve. On the other side of the world the Crystalorb Research Division were also working in the area of Quantum Field Theory, but the Crystalans were finding the Research work more difficult than they expected. The Crystalorb Research Division was not exactly a home for Theoretical work, but an Engineering environment, and as such the Crystalorb Scientists were more concerned with Applied Sciences than Theoretical work. The information the Crystalorb Scientists recovered from the Crystal Artefact fragment had sparked an interest in Theoretical Physics, and so the Crystalorb Research Division sought the assistance of Crystal Valley City University. The Crystalorb Research Division drew on the Theoretical knowledge of the academics of Crystal Valley City University, and with their help they could make sense of the possible applications of the Theoretical work. The Crystalorb Research Division had been divided into six sub-Divisions, and each Sub-Division was headed by a Deputy Research Guardian. Naole had refused the position of Research Guardian, instead electing to actively continue his research into advanced Nuclear Fusion, particularly advanced CNO Reactors. The sub-Divisions of the Crystalorb Research Division were; 1? Biology and Medical Research, 2? Nuclear Research, 3? Weapons Development, 4? Product Development and Duplication, 5? Economic and Financial Research, 6? Advanced Sciences. It was the Advanced Sciences sub-Division that was responsible for understanding the information from the Crystal Fragment, but understanding incomplete data was proving difficult. In the end the Advanced Sciences concluded that trying to find the gravity force carrier was the wrong approach, and that they would focus the work on what was observable. Their simulations indicated that if two particles of substantial matter could be isolated and observed in a closed environment, the gravity observed between the object would indeed be the consequence of warping or curving of space-time as predicted by General Relativity. The advanced simulations pointed to how matter was curving space-time to produce gravity and its effects. The advanced simulations showed that Matter forced the P-Branes to stretch all around the Matter as the P-Branes are pulled apart, and this created potential energy in the P-Branes because they moved further from the Matter as they were being pushed together. This analogy reduced gravity to a simple concept of Push and Pull. Therefore they observed that when two objects in space are at a significant distance apart the effects of gravity were minimal because the effect of P-Brane compression and expansion is reduced by a distance factor. This served to confirm the results of the simulations, and the fact that the simulations indicated that gravitational attraction would be strongest between the centres of gravity of the two objects served to convince the Advanced Sciences sub-Division that they were on the right track. They deduced that like two spherical objects on a rubber sheet moving towards each other, Mass in vacuum space could be observed to behave in a way that could be defined by Newtons third law of motion. The simulations showed that it was the reaction of P-Branes to compression that resulted in a reactive force described as Gravity, and that the Classical description of Matter as having mass and occupying space was the key. The simulations showed that it wasn''t the geometric size of matter that was important, but the mass of the matter, and the mass determined how much P-Brane compression and expansion takes place. The simulations showed that it was the distribution of what could be described as the tension force in the P-Branes that pushed two objects together. They concluded that the gravity force carriers could be calculated in terms of energy transfers between P-Branes. When the Crystalans published their Ideas and findings with the Crystal Valley City University Science journal they were met with an onslaught of criticism from the Scientific community. Part of the problem was the fact that the research did not go into detail about the presence of Singularities like Black Holes. Some went as far as to call the Ideas "Amateurish" and "An over simplification of a fundamental scientific principle" Few Scientist bothered to examine the data claiming that "If the assumptions are wrong then the data is premised on the wrong concepts", and even fewer bothered to check whether there were any truths to the published findings, but some examined the data and saw the validity of the arguments. The young Scientists with no real entrenched scientific positions quickly realized that the simulations would have required massive computing power. The young Scientists knew that right or wrong the Findings were produced by a supercomputer more than ten times more capable than the fastest in the world. That became the basis for them taking a closer look at the data, and from the data they could extrapolate modelled solutions for the Singularities. This led to the development on an alternative theory for Gravitation, a theory that could perhaps be Extrapolated to fit in with other Quantum Field Theories. Over the next ten years new and fantastic Ideas were developed and experimented on, and with Crystal Valley Industries spending hundreds of billions of Rands in research the sky was the limit. On 17-03-2079 the NASA operated Explorer Class space ship USS Surveyor landed on Mars. The Explorer Class were the largest space vessels ever built by the USA, length at 450 meters and width at 300 meters and with its 500 staff complement it was the largest Earth made object to land on Mars. The Explorer Class ships were designed to be interplanetary exploration ships, and they carried with them teams of scientist that could determine the possibility of planetary colonization. Once they landed the five 9000 Gigajoules/sec Nuclear Fusion Reactor began to convert the underground polar ice caps into water. Then the water was combined with the nitrogen from the atmosphere, and along with other minerals produced perfect nutrients for plants and Algae could be created. The first generation of Explorer Class ships allowed the first Mars colony Named New Genesis to be formed. Later that year on 02-12-2079 the NASA Research team successfully Forged a 1 nanometre diameter Tunnel through the fabric of space to Nth Space, and although the world was to some extent aware of it, this was the beginning of a new Era for the people of Earth; the world would now be irreversibly changed. Within months the NASA Research team Forged a second Tunnel through the fabric of space to Nth Space and began experimenting with Subspace communications. NASA communications specialists developed a protocol for Subspace communications, and through this laid out the rules for advanced Subspace communications. It was learnt that they could send radio waves into Nth Space through one tunnel and detect them through the other tunnel. Calculations indicated that the Radio wave were travelling approximately p times faster than trough normal space, giving actual speed at pc ?c = 300000000m/sec and p is a factor correlated to the Hyperspace distance between two tunnels?. The Scientists concluded that Radio waves must also move at the Speed of light in Nth space. This seemed to suggest that the Speed of light ?c? was also a theoretical speed limit in Nth Space, and matter could in theory exist in Nth space. This implied that a message could in theory take approximately ?3.1536 X 10^12?/p seconds to cross the Galaxy. On 27-08-2081 NASA announced to the world that it had developed Faster than light Subspace communications. Once the technology was patented, NASA received licence fees amounting to hundreds of Billions of Dollars from communications companies eager to exploit this new technology. Ralefa Holdings received substantial discounts on licensing fees because of their contribution to the research. Ralefa Holdings was the first of the Global Corporations to build a working multi-Billion dollar Subspace communications network. This Network rendered communications satellites obsolete and allowed instant communications around the world. Communications companies connected to the Ralefa Holdings network for faster and cheaper communications services. The speed of download was only limited by the speed of an individual''s computer. The Boom in Communications led to an unprecedented growth in the global economy. Households purchased mini-Supercomppng AI to unpack all the information available on the internet. Some raised questions about the safety of the technology, but they were quickly dismissed as conspiracy theorists, and SETI ?Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence? declared that Subspace Communications offered the best possibility for making contact with ET. However SETI''s relatively simple Subspace signal went unanswered, and unbeknownst to SETI this was deliberate. The races of the Galaxy had learned not to answer calls from strangers, and many of the younger races of the Galaxy who had answered such calls for contact were now enslaved by the Hakum or their masters the Migon. Sci-Fi writers began to explore this as the reason why SETI was getting no response. Therefore it changed all its messages to include the fact that they did not require the respondents location, but the Hakum had also tried this and could track a responding continuous signal to its source from Nth Space. By 27-01-2105 the entire Earth civilization was Producing or Consuming 32000 Petajoules/sec largely from 3731 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. Ralefa Holdings supplied 7.2% and Crystal Valley Industries supplied 12.7% of the total global energy. Crystalorb was still unwilling to share its CNO cycle Helium-4 Nuclear Fusion Reactor Technology, but they had built several advanced Nuclear Fusion Reactors for Crystal Valley Industries. What the world did not know was that Crystalorb Consumed energy equal to 35% of the total energy consumed by the rest of the world. The Crystalorb Ships consumed 50% of the energy produced by Crystalorb, but this potential was only reached when the ships were operated at their full potential. Most of the time the ships were operated at 30% potential, and once the energy storage Crystals reached their maximum capacity the fusion process could be reduced to conserve fuel. The Crystalorb Ship''s Energy Crystals like the Chest Crystals can produce Gamma Radiation Photons and high energy Photons. This meant that the Crystals could produce Electrolaser Particle Beams using a wide range of materials including a combination of Neutrons, Protons, Antiparticles, Hydrogen atoms/Ions and Helium atoms/Ions for the resulting Particle Beams. Scientific progress had increased the range of Ions that could be used with Crystalorb''s Energy Crystals for Electrolaser Particle Beam weapons. All the 56 Adult Crystalorb Ships were fitted with Four Helium-4 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, and the 50 Juvenile ships ?Ships between 200m and 900m in length? had one Helium-4 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, however the next generation of ships were born with Four miniature Helium-4 Nuclear Fusion Reactors that would only become operational once they reach sufficient age and size. The power output of each of the 4 ship based Helium-4 Nuclear Fusion Reactor produced 25 Petajoules/sec. The Crystalans had formed an unhealthy addiction to Energy, and they were consuming an extraordinary amount of energy with no thought as to the cost. The rest of the population of Earth was no different, and the culture of consumption had reached its apex. Despite a few skirmishes between different military alliances there had been no major war on earth for almost 50 years, and military tensions were making way for economic concerns. The last major conflict was the 2058 brief war between the Pacific Defence Group and the Northern Alliance, and that particular conflict was sparked by high value minerals located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The Circlean Wars were the other critical period in Earth history. Subsequent conflicts had been low level skirmishes involving a handful of ships resulting in minimal loss of life. The reorganization needed for the United Nations Security Council to be more representative and the removal of the Vito power had increased confidence in the conflict resolution decisions of the Council. The 2035 United Nations Security Council resolution officially recognized each defence alliance as a power block, and this led to the distribution of United Nations Security Council seats in a more equitable manor. The Veto has been replaced by a proportional representation with each member of the United Nations Security Council given a voting value that is related to the population of the country. That is 1 for the first million, 0.5 for the next million, 0.25 for the million after that and so on and so on. This was done to make sure not just those countries with large populations would be heard, but that even the countries with small populations could be properly represented. The African Federation of City States was not recognized as a power block and therefore only given the recognition of a single Country. On 02-12-2109 at about 04H00 GMT a Spatial Singularity formed some 200000 km from Earth. Starting at about a micron, the Spatial Singularity quickly increased to a Diameter of about 3.5km, and from the Spatial Singularity a ship appeared; a Sai shaped 5km long and 3km wide. As soon as it emerged from Nth space ?Hyperspace? it began to attack the three orbiting space stations with high energy Particle Beams. Once the space stations were destroyed the ship then focused Plasma Ball attacks on the moon facilities reducing them to rubble. The ship then moved closer to Earth and began to destroy all military and energy instillations ?Power Plants?. The Plasma Ball impacts caused destruction equivalent to the explosion of a 20 megaton Nuclear Bomb. In just a few minutes the ship fired hundreds of these plasma blasts reducing buildings to rubble. The targeting of energy instillations reduced entire countries to darkness, and it seemed that this was the intent. The entire Earth was being attacked, and all the space capable ships of the Earth''s militaries mobilized and joined the fight. Asian Defence Consortium provided 171 Ships, Pacific Defence Group provided 81 Ships, Indian Ocean Alliance provided 125 Ships, Northern Alliance provided 97 Ships, Islamic Alliance provided 103 Ships, Atlantic Treaty Organisation 307 and the African Federation provided 194 Ships ?Including 50 Adult Crystalorb Ships?. Apart from the 1078 ships from the combined Earth forces the ground based weapon systems began to attack the unidentified ship, but the Attacking ship had very powerful shields. The 50 Crystalorb Ships being larger and faster were the first to engage the invading Ship, and because of their size in comparison to the other Earth ships they became an obvious target for the Sai shaped ship. When the Sai saw the rest of the Earth fleet approach it deployed 100 fighters of 30m length, the Crystalorb Ships responded by each deploying their 10 Vanguard team complement to support the Earth fleet. As the battle continued the Crystalorb Ship''s were quickly being overwhelmed by the enormous energy contained in the Sai''s Particle Beam attacks, with one ship moving in to shield another. When the Sai deployed its plasma Cannons the Earth fleet responded by deploying Nuclear missiles, and with Crystalorb ship support some of the 10 megaton missiles got through and impacted the Sai''s shields weakening them enough for secondary strikes to hit and eventually destroy the Sai. Crystalorb ships were not Nuclear armed but they had protected the first round of missiles giving them the best opportunity to reach their target, and the Crystalorb ship''s Electrolaser Lightning Bolts and Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attacks contained energy in the 0.5 Megaton range. When the dust settled the 2 hour battle had been devastating for Earth, and the level of destruction was beyond belief. Entire Countries were without power, hundreds of millions were dead, and the total Earth energy output had been reduced by about 70%. Crystalorb had lost 28 Ships including some of their oldest; the Leba, the Gaurdius, the Jalen and the Isis. Fortunately the Indigo Class Ships were on the outskirts of the Solar system conducting Research. 30% of the rest of Earth ships were destroyed and a further 23% were severely damaged, but fortunately the Crystalorb ships were on hand to conduct rapid repairs. Earth Governments feared that the Sai may have been just the first wave of a larger invasion force, and the Earth Governments were eager to be as prepared as possible for the next attack which they expected at any moment. Given this scenario the Earth Governments decided to place thousands of Nuclear Bombs in the space around earth like a mine field, and if another ship appeared they could remotely detonate the Bombs. Crystalorb deployed its 50 Juvenile Ships to help Earth Governments implement the Nuclear Bombs mine field. The 59 baby ships were being rapidly grown in an attempt to get them to at least a juvenile status. On the other hand the 63 Eggs were still in their development and this process had a fixed time of not less than 2 years. Almost exactly 21 hours after the first ship was destroyed a Spatial Singularity formed some 340000 km from Earth, and from the Spatial Singularity''s Event Horizon emerged 2 Sai''s and a 50% larger ?In Volume? ship that looked like a Sai with 4 curved prongs ?yoku?. On all the Sai''s the tips were plasma cannons, but only the plasma cannons on the prongs were multidirectional, and the multidirectional Particle Beams were located all over the ships. As soon as the first ship emerged from Nth space it began to attack, and when the other ships joined the assault the Earth fleet was being decimated, but when the Invading ship moved into maximum range of the Nuclear Bombs mine field the Nuclear Bombs in the sector were detonated. This actions crippled one of the smaller 2 ships but did almost nothing to the larger Sai formation group leader. Just 20 minutes into the fight 7 Crystalorb ships were destroyed, an ominous sign of things to come. As the battle continued Crystalorb deployed nearly all its ships and Crystal Armoured personnel to fight in the largest war the world had ever seen. Earth Governments launched their long range ballistic missiles against the Sai''s but their high energy Particle Beams destroyed the missiles before they could reach adequate range for detonation. Earth had thrown everything it had against the invaders, but they had a minimal effect on the approaching 2 ships, and the other Sai was only partially damaged. At close range the Nuclear Bombs would do more damage to the Earth ships than to the Sai ships, and clearly the commanders of the Sai ships knew that. The writing was on the wall for Earth, and with no way of escaping to another planet the Militaries of Earth prepared for a long possibly deadly war against an unknown enemy. The armies of Earth began to dig in for what they believed would be a survival struggle against a superior enemy. When all hope seemed lost another Spatial Singularity formed and from its Event Horizon emerged a ship shaped like a Polyhedron Tetrahedron with a 3.4km Polyhedron Sphere centred at the base of the Tetrahedron. As soon as the Tetrahedron Ship emerged out of the Spatial Singularity it opened fire on the larger of the three Sai''s while simultaneously deploying 150 Fighters which then began assaulting the damaged Sai ship. When the Earth fleet realised that they were getting assistance from the new ship they focused their efforts on the remaining smaller Sai. The larger Sai was being bombarded by plasma blasts from the Tetrahedron Ships 25 plasma cannon''s and 40 multidirectional Particle Beam turrets, but this did not stop the larger Sai from returning fire, The Tetrahedron Ship had caught the Sai''s by surprise, and this gave the Tetrahedron Ship an advantage. The battle seemed to quickly escalate to its apex, and just as quickly the larger Sai was in flames with subsequent internal explosions. The Tetrahedron Ship did not come out of the fight with the larger Sai unscathed, and although the damage was significant it turned its attention to the Sai that was engaged by the Earth Ships. Working together with Earth ships the Tetrahedron Ship destroyed the Sai. With the Two Sai ships destroyed the ship that had been damaged by multiple Nuclear Bombs was being subdued by the fighters deployed by the Tetrahedron Ship . The Tetrahedron Ship used its multidirectional Particle Beams to slice the Sai ship into several pieces, it soon became clear that the Tetrahedron Ship did not wish to destroy the Sai like it did the other two, but wanted to keep the superstructure sufficiently stable while killing the inhabitants. The Tetrahedron Ship was damaged, and a big hole could be seen on the surface of its Sphere, but it seem to still be operational. The remaining Earth fleet did not wish to disturb so they stood back and observed as the Tetrahedron Ship deployed repair robots to repair its external and internal structure while sending fighters and other vessels to search through the debris of the Sai it had cut into pieces. The Earth fleet was all but gone, from an original 1078 ships there were only 270 left. The Crystalorb Fleet was all but non existent, from the original 50 adult and 35 Juveniles ship all that was left was a heavily damaged adult and 5 Juveniles. The Intana was the only surviving Intrepid Class Crystalorb ship, and the only other large Crystalorb ships were the 6 Indigo Class Ships, but they were days away, moving at maximum speed towards Earth, and until they arrived the 59 baby ships would have to be pressed into service in the event of another attack When the Intana restored its Communications Systems it opened a communications channel with Crystalorb, Finding Pelao the Guardian Commander in complete disbelief Intana : " Crystalorb! Come in Crystalorb! Do you read? Do you receive?" Pelao : " We read you loud and clear Intana." Intana : " Crystalorb we are in recovery! There are heavy casualties!" explosions in the background "We''ve located Guardian Casara! She''s currently assisting with rescue and recovery operations. The ship is operational! Changing Designation to Zero Zero One! Confirm Crystalorb!" Pelao : " Acknowledge Intrepid!" Intrepid : " Intrepid Out!" The communications channel with Crystalorb is suspended By Changing Designation to 001 the Intana officially changes its name and becomes the Intrepid III. The Intrepid was the Flagship of the Crystalorb fleet, and by proclamation of the Council of Elders the Intrepid would always be the flagship of the Crystalorb Fleet. Therefore in the event of the Intrepid being destroyed the next surviving oldest ship would assume Designation to 001 and thus become the Intrepid and also Expeditionary Ship 001. Intrepid was more than the name of a ship, but a description of the Expeditionary Division. At the UN, analysis of the devastation estimated the death toll at around 879 million, and the reason for this was that when the original Sai ship targeted the power generation centres it destroyed large metropolitan areas in ATO countries and large parts of Asia. The African Federation had lower casualties because the power plants were located some distance away from the City States. This was a design intended to allow the City States enough room to grow. The largest casualties came from China, India and South America with the USA next followed by Europe and then the African Federation of City States. With deaths at ; 184 million, 171 million, 166 million, 109 million, 107 million and 95 million respectively. It was concluded that the death toll was higher in Asia because the attack happened during daytime and the cities were densely populated during the daytime. In less than 30 minutes the Sai ship had killed 7% of the world''s population, and the death toll was expected to rise due to lack of clean water because clean water was produced largely from energy intensive processes. The critical task for the UN was to co-ordinate global efforts to restore energy to critical centres like hospitals and water purification systems. Most of the citizens of earth were not convinced that the attack was over and there was mass panic with Governments struggling to maintain order. The US Government decided to show its citizens video images of the Tetrahedron Ship still in high orbit around Earth and this seemed to calm most people, so other governments followed the example of the US Government. The Government of the African Federation of City States went to Crystalorb to ask for help in restoring power to the rest of the African Federation. The Council of Elders knew that in order to accomplish this task they would have to put all the resources of Crystalorb at the disposal of the African Federation of City States. Crystalorb baby ships and Juvenile ships were collecting the debris of the destroyed Crystalorb Ships because they intended to use the minerals contained in the Crystals debris to grow the baby ships and eggs to sufficient size for security purposes should it be necessary. The Council of Elders decided recall all the ships with operational Nuclear Fusion Reactors and assign them to serve as temporary power stations for African City States. Meanwhile Crystal Valley Industries expanded its build program all over the world using advanced Crystalorb robotics technology to rapidly build underground Nuclear Fusion Reactors using what they called hybrid technologies ?Combination of Crystalorb technology and Standard technology?. This meant at the heart of the Nuclear Fusion Reactors were components that could only be produced by Crystalorb. Crystalorb decided to supply advance Electromagnets and Lasers to other energy companies through Crystal Valley Industries. In a matter of days earth was coming back to life, and with every passing day new hope returned to the people of earth. The people of earth knew that it would take decades for earth to return to its former glory, and the orbiting Tetrahedron StarShip allowed the people of Earth to feel safe. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 3 ─ Aftermath - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 3 Aftermath ?~? 43 days after the Attack on Earth Crystalorb''s 6 Indigo Class Ships finally arrived back in Earth orbit. The Indigo, the Crimson, the Scarlet, the Violet, the Esara and the Nalen were ordered to move in formation in case some of the Sai Fighters survived the previous battle. Naole led the formation from onboard the Indigo, and the Indigo was now the oldest Crystalorb ship. The Council of Elders ordered the Indigo to join the Intrepid in collecting the debris of destroyed ships. The other Indigo Class Ships were ordered to help with power supply. The Crimson landed on the outskirts of New York and plugged into the National grid supplying 90 Petajoules/sec to the Grid reserving 15 Petajoules/sec for its own systems. The Scarlet plugged into New Deli, the Violet plugged into Paris, the Esara plugged into Rio de Janeiro and the Nalen plugged into Shanghai. For the first time the people of Earth could see with their own eyes the largest ships ever built by humans. Crystalorb concluded that it was no longer necessary to stay hidden. 60 days after the attack 3 Spatial Singularity formed and from their Event Horizons emerged a 5 Ship Tetrahedron StarShip Formation with the StarShip in the middle being some 50% larger than the other four ships which were similar to the Tetrahedron StarShip that had been orbiting earth for 60 days. All the people of Earth turned to their screens as the broadcast networks received a broadcast message from the approaching BattleGroup. The media Division of Crystal Valley Industries ?CVI News or CVIN? was the first to broadcast images of the approaching StarShip BattleGroup, CVIN carried live the message from the approaching BattleGroup, and the message seemed to be some kind of computer or machine translation CVIN : " This is the Azleck Republic Warship Razari! I''m High Commander ?Equivalent to Admiral or General? Kizani of the 6th fleet! You have recently experienced a fraction of the power wielded by the greatest Evil in the Galaxy! Across the Galaxy they have committed unspeakable atrocities! Decimating world Upon World! And now they threaten Earth. We''ve come to offer our assistance in the coming Battles. We''ve been sent to Earth by the Parliament of Azleck Republic to make Contact with Earthans and establish diplomatic relations. I know many of you are afraid, and with good reason. However this is not the time to give into despair. We were once afraid and in panic we surrendered to despair. That cost us our home planet. We hope that you can avoid that Fate. You are already fortunate by being so far away from the heart of the Galactic war. As far as we''ve been able to determine about 2 million Earth Solar Cycles ago the Galaxy was visited by the only Intergalactic Civilization any of the current races can remember. When the Phaylon visited the galaxy they found 6 sufficiently evolved pre-civilization races; The Andronians, the Carmak, the Hildrano, the Folong, the Jiquam, the Migon. The Phaylon gave them what the Andronians call Phaylon Radiation. The Phaylon gave each of the 6 races a 470 centimetre diameter Crystal sphere that produced Radiation that could heal any ailment or disease. The Phaylon knew something the other races did not know at the time, and that''s that because of the Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Helium, and Hydrogen Fusion processes in the Solar Stars most life forms are based on these elements. These elements are the most abundant in the galaxy and perhaps the universe. From the information we''ve been able to gather the Crystal sphere had an internal atomic clock that was set to release information about Subspace Communications a million Earth Solar Cycles later, and as you will soon find out; the key to Interstellar travel is Subspace Communications. Incidentally a million Earth Solar Cycles is the average life of species, before it evolves to the next level of its evolutionary path. After a million Earth Solar Cycles the Crystal Sphere was Shattered into pieces by an internal mechanism and inside the sphere was information about how to build Subspace Communications systems. The archives of the older races show that about a hundred years after the Crystal spheres opened the Migon Homeworld Nipaklos experienced what you would call a Supervolcano/ Super-eruption. This plunged the planet into a deep Ice age. The Migon thought that their race would be extinct so they began to transmit their account of what happened to them using Subspace Communications in the hope that there might be some advanced race in space that could come to their Aid. The Migon are reptilian and the freezing of their world reduced the Migon population from about 3 Billion to just a few thousands in a matter of Earth years. For a million Earth years the Migon had lived a relatively simple existence; docile and peaceful. Despite being highly evolved the Migon had chosen a lifestyle that advocated a balance with nature, and over a million years evolution produced an extremely sophisticated reptilian life-form and one of the most advanced Nature Based Civilizations. The Migon were unprepared for what happened to their Homeworld and even though they had advanced Technical Knowledge they didnt have the infrastructure to prevent the catastrophe, and so they began to live under ground where the geothermal heat could sustain their Reptilian needs, but this was not enough; their reptilian biology required meat, and they could not just simply change their diet, and without large amounts of grass their agricultural meat production would not allow planetary repopulation. Their desperation drove them to do the unthinkable; they soon realized that there was an abundant frozen meat reserve all over their world. All the Migons who had frozen to death would now become a food source until the planet warmed up enough for large scale agricultural cultivation to resume. At First they processed the meet so that it did not resemble any of themselves, but once they crossed that line there was no going back. They began to cross other moral lines, and began to temper with their genetics to make themselves stronger and more resistant to the cold, they grew extra limbs and webbed wings so that they could search their entire world for food. Runaway genetic tempering resulted in a highly intelligent, aggressive and ravenous beast we know as the Migon. A hungry Migon is like a drug addict, and over the generations they''ve developed an addiction to hunting, killing and eating raw meat. With interstellar travel they began to expand their reach, consuming entire worlds. They had long lost respect for Sentient-Sapient life, and simply saw other races as food. They worship no Gods and answer to no one but their biological imperative to survive. Every world they conquer becomes another cog in their machine, a war machine they have perfected over a million Earth Solar Cycles. As a race gets older and its genealogy become extremely evolved, and they live longer and longer, Reproduction becomes a complicated Affair. The Migon soon realised that their pregnancies got longer and longer, and because they lived such long lives the next generation reached reproductive maturity only after hundreds of Earth Solar Cycles. This reproductive phenomenon affected all the older races. Where another race would slow down their expansion and reflect inwards the Migon decided to accelerate their expansion across the galaxy. Their intent seems to be to keep the younger races from developing beyond a certain point. Eliminate them from becoming a threat before they become sufficiently advanced. This process was putting strain on their fleet, and their slaves on a thousand worlds could not construct battle ships fast enough to meet the demand. 110000 Earth Solar Cycles ago the Migon recombined their DNA with that of another Reptilian species and produced the Hakum. The Hakum are the foot soldiers of the Migon, they roam the galaxy doing the Migon''s biding. The Hakum were created to do two things; 1? Secure rare and valuable minerals for the Migon 2? Keep the younger species from becoming advanced Civilizations. The Hakum are the ones that attacked your planet. 1256 Earth Solar Cycles ago ?853 Earth Standard Date; SED? the Hakum attacked Azleck, but we beat them back, and the only reason we were able to repel their attack is because we had been visited by a Civilization as old as the Migon; the Andronians from the planet Andros. When we defeated the Hakum their masters came to the Aid. After the Migon conquered our world they enslaved our people, and the Hakum began to attack nearby worlds. In one of their campaigns the Hakum stumbled onto an Andronian colony, this led to the Andronian involvement in the galactic wars. The Hakum also disturbed the Carmaks, the Hildrano, the Folong and the Jiquam. These 5 older races were relatively close to each other. It did not take long for Hakum raids to lead to all out war between the 5 older Civilizations and the Migon. An alliance of the Andronian, the Carmak, the Hildrano, the Folong and the Jiquam was able to halt the Migon advance. A thousand Earth Solar Cycles ago the Migon suffered their first major defeat at The Battle of Ten Thousand Ships. Following their defeat they were driven out of the sector, but every planet they left was found to be lifeless. When those of us who were on Azleck colonies went to investigate our Homeworld we found a lifeless desolate radioactive planet. What they could not have, they destroyed. So we moved to the other side of the Galaxy, far away from the madness of that sector. Our new home is called Arun and its just 800 LightYears from Earth. We chose it because it was similar in size to Azleck, and had sufficient water content for our Amphibious lifestyle. That is the reason we came to your defence when the Hakum attacked! Our security is linked to yours. We will supply you with advanced weapons technology that will allow you to better defend yourselves against the Hakum, and we will leave one of our Lishlam Class Warships; Equivalent to what you would call Destroyer Class. It will remain here to help with the defence of Earth. As you can Imagine these warships are extremely expensive and require a lot of resources to construct, and at Arun there is only two hundred million of us, we only have a few of these Galaxy class Warships. Fortunately the Hakum also understand the cost of this class of Warship, so they are unlikely to risk more of their ships attacking Earth. This Solar system and those surrounding it are not old enough to contain the heavy metals the Hakum and the Migon need to reinforce the hulls of their ships. However; The fact that a race so relatively limited in technological development was able to destroy a Hakum Sky Dagger ?Destroyer? is a credit to your kind. Very few Developing Planetary Civilisations have ever survived the Hakum, and it usually took a ship slightly smaller than the one that you destroyed! Many advanced races will come to Earth and try and find out what made the difference? Why did you succeed where so many had failed? How did a pre-Interstellar travel civilization destroy a highly advanced Galaxy Class Hakum Sky Dagger? Even the Galactic Alliance will take notice of you, and with time you might be invited to join the fight against the Migon Federation." After the global broadcast the Azleck Republic''s High Commander travelled to the United Nations headquarters in New York to meet with Earth leaders and discuss diplomatic relations. When Kizani''s Shuttle landed, a crowd of hundreds of thousands had gathered to catch a glimpse of the extraterrestrial who had come to Earth on a mission of peace. In a short space of time Earth had made contact with 2 extraterrestrials, one deadly or malevolent and the other friendly. What emerged out of the Azleck Shuttle was the quintessential LGM or Little Greenish Man. He was 1.5 meters tall, and was escorted by six other Azlecks who stood 2.5 meters tall in their Bio-Mechanical Armour. The Azleck Bio-Mechanical Armour came complete with Azleck weaponry and shields. Webbed hands and legs, large eyes on a proportionally large head, a small nose and teethed mouth made the Azlecks instantly recognizable as the quintessential LGM who had visited Earth before. In the series of meetings that followed the Kizani transferred plasma weapons design specifications to handheld computers carried by country representatives ?UN Ambassadors?. Kizani also gave them more design specifications for a Jump Drive that could form large Wormholes to Nth Space. Kizani revealed that the Sai''s were Hakum Sky Daggers ?Equivalent to a Destroyer? and the larger four pronged Sai was a Hakum Sky Sword ?Equivalent to a Cruiser or BattleCruiser?. Kizani also indicated that enhanced/advanced Particle Beams weapons required heavy metals that can only be found in Solar Systems that were more than 6 Billion years old, the result of Neutron capture, but since the Particle Beams were critical to plasma Cannon development the Azleck would supply Earth with the enrichment technology that would allow the production of heavy metals. Before Kizani could leave, the President of the United States gave him the spherical Crystal Artefact as a gift. Kizani immediately knew what it was, and he was very happy to receive it. The Americans had recently realized that the artefact was Azleck in origin, they realized this when they determined that the Hull of the Azleck ships was made of the same Alloy that had contained the spherical Crystal Artefact. The Azleck Republic''s High Commander also realized that the spherical Crystal Artefact was the source of Earth''s Subspace communications technology. Kizani knew that Azleck leaders would consider the spherical Crystal Artefact a treasure because it is one of the few surviving objects that were produced on Azleck using the original Crystal producing plant. This was specific Azleck organic technology they had lost because of the death of all life on Azleck. The Crystal technology they were currently using was from a hybrid of the original Crystal producing plant. The Azleck Republic''s High Commander and his battle group left Earth space taking with them the damaged Lishlam Class Warship but leaving another Lishlam Class Warship to help with the defence of Earth. After Kizani''s departure the United Nations held a series of meeting to discuss planetary security, and the United Nations Security Council adopted several resolutions towards common security. Soon after that the Scotland based Atlantic Treaty Organisation reached a decision to transform itself and form the United Atlantic Federation ?UAF? along the line of the European Union. This formula gave each state relative freedom to decide on domestic policies and laws along the UAF constitutional treaty. Along with this each State/Country harmonised their constitution to be in line with the constitution of United Atlantic Federation, and used the UAF currency the Atlantic Dollar. The Atlantic Dollar was introduced at a value of $1 ?Atlantic Dollar? = $100000 ?US Dollar?. The currency was introduced in response to the large numbers the United Atlantic Federation would have to deal with if they continued to use existing currencies, and it was hoped that the new currency would make it easier for financial markets to express the value of Assets, Liabilities. Profits, Costs, etc. The United Atlantic Federation was organized in such a way that it was a Federation of Countries rather than a singular Federal state like the African Federation of City States. This meant that Countries could join the UAF without loosing their National Identity or control of their borders. Each country contributed 5% of their GDP to the Budget of the UAF, and 80% of this went to the Atlantic Defence Force, with the rest going to other Operational needs. The member Countries of the United Atlantic Federation were allowed to continue operating their own military, and larger countries continued to operate substantial military forces. The United Atlantic Federation has a Judiciary, a legislative body called the Common Atlantic Senate and an Executive Council of 5 members that is elected by the Common Atlantic Senate for 18 month terms. Each country had 5 Senators, each elected to a 5 year term, but not in the same year. The Senators of the United Atlantic Federation were elected directly one after the other annually until there were 5 and each Senator has a vote Value equal to 20% of their home countries population. By 2115 the total Voting value of the Common Atlantic Senate was 3723685429 indicating a population of approximately 3.7237 Billion people. In just a matter of months after the formation of the United Atlantic Federation the organized reconstruction work led to the speedy recovery of the economies of the United Atlantic Federation countries. This convinced the Pacific Defence Group and the Northern Alliance to formally integrate into the structures of the United Atlantic Federation, and it didn''t matter to them that their Countries were not in the Atlantic Ocean region. The Countries that used to be with the Pacific Defence Group and the Northern Alliance wanted to benefit from the rapid reconstruction project that was being organized by the Engineering division of the Atlantic Defence Force. Because of similar democratic governance structures the integration of these countries was relatively simple and the end result began to resemble a single global Government. In response to the growth of the United Atlantic Federation and its dominance in Global politics other alliances began to reorganize themselves. This led the Islamic Alliance, the Asian Defence Consortium, and Indian Ocean Alliance to form; the Islamic Alliance ?IA?, the Asian Consortium ?AC?, and United Indian Federation ?UIF? respectively. Earth now had 5 Central governments, and all were governed by an Executive Council. This led to the United Nations Security Council to be reduced to 5 Seats. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Just as the Azlecks had predicted the Earth Civilisation had become a cosmic curiosity, and many advanced races began to run tours to visit the primitive Earthans who defeated a Hakum Galaxy Class Warship. This increased Earths interaction with advanced species, many of whom were members of the Galactic Alliance like the Azlecks. In the Galaxy the age of species were measured by two factors; the Evolutionary age and the age of the Civilisation. As a species the Evolutionary age of the Humans was 300000 Earth years and the age of the Humans Civilisation was 5100 Earth years. The advanced races had a Civilisation age of approximately 15000 Earth years and older. The more advance or Older Interstellar Civilisations like the Andronian, Carmak, Hildrano, Folong, Jiquam and the Migon were estimate to have a Civilisation age that is over a million Earth years. The Phaylon were estimate to have a Civilisation age that is over a hundred million Earth years. The development of Interstellar travel and the level of technological development seemed to be a key criterion for a Civilisation to be classified as Advanced Civilisation. One of the technological Characteristics of the Advanced Civilisations is their Nanotech which allowed them to build sophisticated devices that used micro circuitry that can only be built by molecular machines. For a period of five years after the Hakum attack Earth continued to rebuild while simultaneously developing advanced weapons technology to defend themselves against future attacks. There was a new era of global cooperation and the possibility of a global Government was increasingly becoming a realistic prospect. For the first time Governments were working together towards common security. The exposure to many Extraterrestrial races brought other opportunities, and even thought the Azlecks had given humans relatively simple designs for Jump Drives they were finding the development difficult. The Azlecks were forbidden by their own laws from handing over prototypes of what they considered military technology, and this prevented the Azlecks from giving the humans a working Jump Drive for the Humans to study. Many of the Advanced Civilisation had laws that protected their technology from other Alien races, but the Azlecks found a race that was willing to sell Earth a Jump Drive capable ship. On 21-01-2115 human negotiators met representatives from the Zlarfh Empire and after long discussions the humans agreed to buy 3 operational ships for the equivalent of 200000 metric tons of Gold paid for in several minerals the Zlarfh found useful. The Zlarfh would only agree to the sale of what they considered obsolete designs if the humans bought 3 vessels. 1? The United Atlantic Federation would pay for one ship, 2? The African Federation of City States and the United Indian Federation would jointly pay for the second ship and 3? The Asian Consortium and the Islamic Alliance would jointly pay for the third ship. As part of the deal the Zlarfh Empire would provide instructors to train the Humans in operating the Lack Class Warships. On 17-09-2115 the Three 460 year old Lack Class Warships arrived in Earth space escorted by a modern Zlarfh Praw Class Warships and a Zlarfh Cargo Freighter. Once the Cargo ship received the payment the Three refurbished Lack Class Warships were handed over to the humans. As per the sale agreement some of the Zlarfh remained on the ships to train the humans on the use of the Lack Class Warships. The Zlarfh Empire had only been an Interstellar Civilisation for a little over a thousand years, and as such were not as Advanced as the Azlecks. The United Atlantic Federation designated their Lack Class Warship UAS Atlantis Type X2115, and the Asian Consortium and the Islamic Alliance designated their Lack Class Warship AC-IA Type 2, while the African Federation of City States and the United Indian Federation designated their Lack Class Warship AF-UIF Blue Sky. The Lack Class Warships were 370 meters long and 190 meters wide with a 4 meter thick steel hull. The Lack Class Warships were the second generation Zlarfh Imperial Interstellar Warships, and they were the first to give the Zlarfh Empire effective Interstellar travel. The three ships had been fitted with third generation plasma weapons and fusion powered plasma propulsion in order to extend their service life, but the development of the fourth generation Galaxy Class Praw Class Warships had rendered them obsolete. After months of preparation and training the Human crews were ready to attempt their first wormhole jump to Nth space/Hyperspace. The Zlarfh instructors were aware of the limitations of the Lack Class Warships and to avoid possible problem they wanted all three ships to operate as a unit, and that meant that all three ships would jump into hyperspace together. The first jump would be from Earth to Mars and then back to Earth orbit. On 17-07-2116 at 13H00 GMT the UAS Atlantis X2115 activated its Jump drive opening a wormhole into Hyperspace/Nth space, the AC-IA Type 2 and the AF-UIF Blue Sky also opened two other wormholes into Hyperspace/Nth space. Once the wormholes were stable the three ships went into Hyperspace. The UAS Atlantis X2115 was the first to enter into Hyperspace, making its crew the first humans to travel into Hyperspace. Once in Hyperspace the ships used the Gravitational Spatial Warping to calculate the position of Mars and locked in Coordinates. The ships then opened another set of wormholes from Hyperspace that opened into Mars space, and by entering the wormholes the three ships emerged near Mars Orbit. The world''s media was there to witness what was undoubtedly the beginning of Earths Interstellar travel. On the trip back the three ships were welcomed back by a group of ships that were carrying Hundreds of journalists and the celebrations began. In the next weeks the ships conducted hundreds of Jumps to all the planets in the solar system setting a new milestone for Human space travel. After about a month of testing the United Atlantic Federation commissioned the Engineering Division of the UAF to begin the construction of the UAS Atlantis A2118 The designs for the UAS Atlantis A2118 had already been developed before the UAS Atlantis X2115 was acquired and all that remained was to begin construction. The UAS Atlantis A2118 would be the first to be built using the interlocking block construction method developed by Crystal Valley Industries ?CVI?, and therefore CVI supplied the tools necessary to use the interlocking block construction Method. CVI also supplied the components for Nuclear Fusion Reactors. The commissioned UAS Atlantis A2118 would be: 1? 2600 meters long, 2? 1600 meters wide at the back and 300 meters wide at the front, 3? 1500 meters High at the back and 250 meters High at the front, 4? Have 15 meter thick Hull, 5? Equipped with 12 Plasma Cannons and 25 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons, 6? 8 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 4 Gunships of 150 meter length, 8? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System, 9? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The designers of the UAS Atlantis A2118 had abandoned the Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System because of the high energy requirements of Spatial Compression Technology, and they chose the plasma propulsion System because it require 20% the energy of Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System, the other reason the technology was abandoned was that Spatial Compression Technology does not work in Hyperspace. Scientist also pointed out that Spatial Compression Technology posed a significant risk to smaller ships when moving in formation. Most Developing worlds progress slowly from 350 meter length Interstellar ships and over generations begin to build larger vessels as their Civilisation becomes more Advanced, but the humans were more ambitious than most Developing Civilisation, and their first Interstellar ships would be larger. The other Earth Federations/Unions also had plans for large scale Warships with: The Asian Consortium planning a 2.4km long Destroyer The Islamic Alliance planning a 2.1km long Destroyer The United Indian Federation planning a 2.2km long Destroyer The African Federation had plans for a 2.5km long Destroyer The African Federation had to shelf their Warship plans because of their deep 4 year recession. The Hakum attack had reduced global demand for African products, and the Federal African Government decision to institute a rapid rebuild program had resulted in massive capital expenditure that the Federal African Government financed through domestic borrowing. Weak global demand for African products led to lower mineral prices resulting in the Federal African Government being effectively bankrupt. With no prospect of a quick recovery in the Global economy the Federal African Government turned to Crystalorb for massive loans in the form of Industrial Minerals Coins. The loan from Crystalorb was used to prevent the Federal African Government defaulting on its payments since a default in payments to domestic creditors would have led to an Economic Crush. Consequently the African Federation simply did not have the financial resources to build any new ships for the foreseeable future. The economies of the other 4 nations weren''t so heavily dependent on the value of Minerals, and so unlike the Industrial Minerals Coins their currencies remained relatively stable throughout the recovery. To add to the problems of the Federal African Government, Crystalorb weapons technology had become suspect, the Crystalans themselves were calling into question their ship building methods. During the Hakum attack the Intrepid Class Crystalorb Ships provided cover for the Earth fleet, and they were the most effective against the Hakum destroyer, but the Hakum Sky Dagger exposed the weaknesses of Crystalorb''s Crystal Armour and Crystalorb''s energy shields. Hakum Particle Beams easily penetrated Crystalorb''s energy shields and cut through the 0.8 meter thick Ship''s Hull. The Crystalorb Research Division needed to redesign the Hull structure of their ships, but since the Intrepid Class Crystalorb Ships were living organisms this was not a simple matter of making the Ship''s Hull thicker. Crystal Armour was by design relatively light in weight, and this made them more energy efficient than any other Earth ship, but making the Ship''s Hull thicker would increase the weight of the ships meaning that they would require even more energy to operate the ships. The Crystalorb Research Division would have to stimulate an organic evolutionary response from the living ships, and then they would need to stimulate absorption of the design enhancements they introduce which meant that the ship would need to add new material to its DNA. This was a complicated exercise that took time, and this was time the Federal African Government did not have. The Federal African Government needed to show its people that it had the technology to defend its people against future Hakum attacks, but with the Crystalans struggling to develop a Warship that could match that being developed by the United Atlantic Federation everything was in flux. Construction of the UAS Atlantis A2118 was due to be completed by the end of 2018, and the Engineering Division of the UAF had been tooling the Moon based construction facility for years in preparation for large scale production. The Crystalorb Research Division had all sorts of problems in duplicating the Jump Drive Technology because they needed to adapt Azleck designs to Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology, and for the first time in over 200 years others were making faster progress in technological development than Crystalans. Sceptics began to emerge, and their common message was that Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology had reached its limits. The Crystalorb Research Division turned to Deputy Research Guardian Dr Naole Olen for answers, they tasked Naole with showing that Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology had not hit a wall, and that Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology could evolve and adapt to meet the security needs of not just Crystalorb, but that of the entire world. Naole needed to show that Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology was still relevant. To silence their critics the Crystalorb Leadership ordered the Crystalorb Research Division to put together 2 Research Teams of equal size and equal resources. The teams would be in direct competition with each other, and Naole''s team would build a Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology living Hull and Pelam''s team would build a non living Hull from any material they chose including non living or dead Crystals. After 12 months the two Hulls would be tested, and the Hull that absorbs the most energy will decide the course of Crystalorb''s Ship development. The target date was 01-09-2117, and on that day the winning hull design would become the preferred Crystalorb Hull construction method. This did not mean that if Naole lost the competition Crystalorb would abandoned Bio-genetic Organic Crystal Technology, but that they would change the hulls of the ships once they reached Adulthood. The purely Bio-genetic Organic Crystal ships would then be relegated to cargo Ships and research ships. The odds were clearly stacked against Naole, and Pelam could draw from the advance alloy technology being developed by Crystal Valley Industries for ArmsCorp''s third Generation BattleCruiser. The ArmsCorp BattleCruiser program was initiated 5 days after the Hakum attack, but economic concerns had led to the program being scaled down until financial resources were available. Crystal Valley Industries however continued developing the technology that would be required to build the ArmsCorp BattleCruiser in the future. The Interlocking block Hull construction method was a development by Crystal Valley Industries in anticipation of the production of the ArmsCorp BattleCruiser, and since CVI no longer held a stake in ArmsCorp CVI was free to supply the technology to other interested buyers. Crystal Valley Industries had developed other technologies like: Advanced Fusion Powered Plasma Propulsion Systems and Hull Shielded Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons. CVI had started the Advanced Fighter Development Program, and they were developing a 50 meter long fighter that would serve as a defensive weapon against enemy fighters. The Fighter would be equipped with 4 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and two plasma Cannons. Most of the Advanced Civilisations in the Galaxy used Advanced Fusion Powered Plasma Propulsion Systems, but the older and more Advanced Civilisation like the Migon, the Andronian and the other 4 used Nuclear Propulsion. They had developed the technology to conduct controlled Small Nuclear explosions which they then harnessed to produce High acceleration reaching speeds in access of 8000000 m/s. The Plasma Propulsion Systems and Spatial Compression Technology were only used for manoeuvring. As the global economy recovered the Federal Executive Council of the Federal African Government travelled to Crystalorb and met with the Crystalorb Leadership. In the meeting the Federal Executive Council appealed for the Crystalorb Leadership to share their technology for the security of the African Federation of City States, but the Crystalorb Leadership were unconvinced, and continued to insist that the Federal African Government could not be trusted with Advanced Crystalorb Technology. The Federal African Government did not have the money to pay for CVI equipment, and they had borrowed heavily from the Crystal Valley Investment Bank, but they needed to rebuild their Fleet. ArmsCorp did not have enough financial resources to complete the development of their advanced BattleCruiser, and so the Federal African Government tried to convince the Crystalans to simply hand over advanced technology as a matter of national interest. The Federal African Government hoped that the Crystalans would agree to this because the Crystalans were now operating openly for all the world to see although most people did not know the full extent of Crystalan activities or what Crystalorb is? To most people Crystalorb was just an organization of people who owned Crystal Valley Industries ?CVI?, and that it was CVI that built large ships. For 87 years Crystalorb had refused to transfer advanced technology to the Engineering department of the Federal African Government, and Hodian influence at all government levels was all too apparent. Hodian influence was even more transparent in the Federal Parliament, where elected officials openly declared their relationships with high ranking Hodians. The battle between Crystalorb and the HOD had taken a new form. Many Parliamentary officials had forgotten how the Crystalorb had helped defend the Country in its time of need, they had forgotten how the Crystalorb helped build the economy of the African Federation, and they had forgotten that it was Crystalorb technology that rebuilt the City States when the African Federation was formed. All that was forgotten, relegated to the past, and they saw Crystalorb as a resource they could exploit for political expediency. Some in the Federal Parliament began to view Crystalorb as a possible problem, and Crystalorb''s continued refusal to cooperate with the Federal African Government served to advance their rhetoric against Crystalorb. This feeling extended to the African Federal Security Forces, and the Admirals believed that the Crystalorb military assets should be brought under the command of the African Federal Security Forces. Crystalorb was aware of the growing animosity against Crystalorb''s very existence, and consequently began to plan for possible confrontation with the African Federal Security Forces, but some Crystalans were unconvinced by the planning. A few Guardians led by Casara felt that Crystalorb needed to have an Exit strategy. On 01-03-2117 the 125 year old Casara proposed to the Crystalorb General Council that Crystalorb develop an Exit Protocol, a strategy for Crystalans to temporarily abandon Crystalorb. The Crystalorb General Council did not see anything wrong with preparing for the worst, and understood Casara''s reasoning that Crystalans may not want to be part of a war that could kill hundreds of millions of Africans. The Council of Elders approved the creation of Protocol 911E which was the official Crystalorb Exit Protocol. To activate Protocol 911E the Crystalorb General Council would pass a resolution authorising the Council of Elders to activate Protocol 911E, and once the Council of Elders orders the activation of Protocol 911E a full scale evacuation of Crystalorb would begin. In the years since the Earth Nations received the three Lack Class Warships from the Zlarfh Empire humans had learnt about the complexities of Interstellar Travel. On the first visit to Alpha Centuari and Proxima Centuari it was realized that opening a wormhole from hyperspace to longer distances required much more energy than shorter distances. The surprising thing was the exponential rise in the energy required to open longer and longer distances. The exponential rise in energy requirement was governed by the factor J which was related by the equation J = {?V*M?/?R*W?} and the energy require would be E = B*?J*D?^?L/Q? where: B is the energy required to open a 1 Nanometre wormhole, D is the wormhole diameter in Nanometres, L is the distance in LightYears, Q is a wormhole spatial constant, V is the Volume of the StarShip in normal space, R is the Volume of the StarShip in Hyperspace, M is the mass of the StarShip in normal space and W is the mass of the StarShip in Hyperspace. The value of J must be such that : 1 < J < 2 The value of the wormhole spatial constant Q is different for 1? Wormholes from Normal Space to Nth Hyper-Space and 2? Wormholes from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space, with the value of Q for 1? > Q for 2?. To Forge a 1 nanometre diameter Tunnel through the fabric of space to Nth Space requires 1000 Petajoules of energy, and to sustain the 1 nanometre diameter Tunnel through the fabric of space to Nth Space requires 10000 joules/sec. Therefore because of the large amounts of energy involved a ship would have to be equipped with enormous energy reserve capability, this simple fact exposed the weaknesses of the Lack Class Warships. The Lack Class Warships had a reserve energy capacity that could give it a maximum wormhole length of 11 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space, and 2 LightYears from Normal Space to Nth Hyper-Space. However a Zero length wormhole from Normal Space to Nth Hyper-Space used the same energy as Zero length wormhole from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. To increase the length of the wormhole more energy storage capacity was required. StarShip''s Jump Drive This was the primary reason Advanced Civilisations built very large StarShips. The Advanced Civilisation built large energy storage capacities to enable them to jump very large distances, but the complications with larger diameter ships was that they required more energy to open large wormholes. It was not just the width of the Ships; the Volume and Mass of the ships were critical components. The other major concern was that navigation or movement in Nth Hyper-Space require ten times more energy than in Normal Space. The Developed Civilisations had an average range of 45 LightYears per jump, and any ship that could reach 30 LightYears per jump was classified as a Galaxy Class StarShips. The Older Civilisations could build StarShips with an average range of 100 LightYears per jump. The Azlecks operated StarShips capable of an average range of 48 LightYears per jump; this put them at a slight advantage, but less than the 50 LightYears per jump of Hakum StarShips. To travel very long distances StarShips would have to make multiple jumps of variable length. This made accurate Star Charts a critical component of Interstellar Travel, and establishing Interstellar Routes became very important to any Interstellar Civilisations. The Jump Drive of a StarShip had to be durable and capable of making multiple Interstellar Jumps without taking strain. Exploration of Hyperspace ?also referred to as Nth Dimensional Hyper-Space? revealed that it was Folded Compressions in the higher dimensions of P-Branes caused by the Big Bang, what some Scientist called a failed miniature parallel Universe that was still attached to our Universe. Astrophysicists theorized that there were many of these miniature Universes attached to our Universe, and they believed that these miniature universes didn''t contain enough exotic matter to expand away from our Universe. The shapes of the miniature parallel Universes was postulated to be a function of Gravitational Spatial Warping caused by planets, Stars, Black Holes, Galaxies, etc. Determining the size of these Universes was complicated by the fact there was very little matter in these Universes, therefore no stars could form, resulting in very little observable light. A Beam of light would go through multiple Spatial curvatures due to Gravitational Spatial Warping. The Gravitational Spatial Warping of Moons, Planets and Stars could be detected from Nth Hyper-Space, and if one knew the Mass of such objects one could determine their relative location from Nth Hyper-Space, then a wormhole could be opened joining Nth Hyper-Space and the selected objects, thus allowing instantaneous travel between the selected area and the corresponding or wormhole linked area in Nth Hyper-Space. An Interstellar StarShip would need to have advanced computational capabilities in order to plot the correct paths and avoid opening wormhole into the centres of planets or Stars. Humans were only beginning to understand the complexities of Nth Hyper-Space. Wormholes can be formed on from surface of planets to Nth Hyper-Space provided one could negate the effects of Gravitational Spatial Warping and a vacuum could be generated like in the case of communication systems. Wormholes from Nth Hyper-Space to a planet''s atmosphere is a completely different matter altogether, and the un-tethered or opposite end of the Wormhole would react to atmosphere which led to the instantaneous closure of the Wormhole. Even if the Wormhole could be sustained there were other problems to overcome, one of them being the fact that Hyperspace is empty and would suck the atmosphere into it creating subspace distortions. Interstellar Communications was a relatively simple affair since two very small and very long wormholes could target a very small area in Nth Hyper-Space. This allowed for fast Interstellar Communications because the distances covered were relatively small. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 4 ─ A Step Forward - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 4 A Step Forward ?~? On the morning of 01-09-2117, 12 months had passed, and the day when the Hulls would be tested had arrived. The Hull that absorbed the most energy will decide the course of Crystalorb''s Ship development. Naole''s team had built 1.5 meter thick Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology living Hull, and Pelam''s team had built a 9 meter thick composite non living Hull from 1? an experimental alloy called Varodium that was formulated from various materials 2? the Hull''s external top layer was Crystalorb''s Black Crystals. On the face of things Pelam''s team looked like they had the measure of Naole''s team, and the 9 meter thick composite Hull with Crystalorb''s Black Crystals was clearly superior to the Hulls of the Crystalorb ships that were currently operational. Even Naole seemed unsure of the performance of his 1.5 meter thick Bio-genetic Organic Crystal living Hull compared to Pelam''s team 9 meter thick Hull with composite Crystalorb''s Black Crystals. The testing procedure would start with each of the team leaders describing their product and explaining its attributes, and then 2 Particle Beams of Identical energy output would be fired at the two products with the energy of the Particle Beams increasing every 30 seconds until both products fail. Thousands of Crystalans had come to witness the big scientific showdown. Naole was feeling slightly intimidated, so he allowed Pelam to begin his presentation first. After Pelam was finished it was now Naole''s tern. Naole stepped onto the podium and began his presentation Naole : " That was inspired; Very nice Pelam." Pelam nods his head at Naole "Thank you Ladies and Gentleman. First I would like to thank the members of my team. To my 2 sons and my daughter, your dedication to this project has been exemplary. To my sister Casara, your knowledge and understanding of advance weaponry has been invaluable. Dr Kebu and Dr Pau your keen minds have been the driving force of this project." Naole pauses for Applause "As you can see most of the team came from the Olen family. Let me tell you that this was no accident. Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology was developed by our family, and its our family legacy. My 12 year old granddaughter went as far as to inform me that if I should fail, I must consider myself out of the family." Naole pauses for laughter " So you can understand that I''m in a precarious position" Naole pauses for laughter "With all that in mind Ladies and Gentleman I give you the RRBOCA" The 1.5 meter thick Bio-genetic Organic Crystal technology living Hull is unveiled for everyone to see "The Refractive-Reflective Bio-genetic Organic Crystalline Armour is the next evolutionary level in Crystal Armour Technology. This new development will revolutionize Crystal Armour Technology and usher in a new age of Reactive Armour Technology. As we all know the Chest Crystal is a living organ that is part of our bodies. No different from a hand, an eye, the liver or the heart. The Crystalorb ships were developed to be living organisms based on the Chest Crystal. The Energy/Weapons Crystals on the Crystal Armour and on the Ships were developed to have properties similar to those of the Chest Crystal. But the Chest Crystal is a complicated organ that we still do not fully understand. The skin of the Ships is an organ of the living ship, and to suggest that we could cover it up to fulfil our own purposes is just wrong. What I have done is try to help the skin develop better defensive techniques by stimulating an evolutionary response to energy attacks. Granted I did introduce new genetic material and new Crystalline compounds, but the purpose was to teach the skin how to better protect itself. To that end we grew a 3 layer skin, with each layer being 0.5 meters thick. The First layer was developed by encouraging the skin to absorb fragments of Energy/Weapons Crystals, and hope was that skin could develop some of the properties of the Energy/Weapons Crystals. Therefore by introducing Energy/Weapons Crystals into every skin cell with the Aid of Nano Bio-Machines we could alter the cell structure through cellular replication. We then fired into the skin and using sophisticated pattern recognition algorithms we could harness what I call the Refractive-Reflective nature of Energy/Weapons Crystals which incidentally is a property of the Chest Crystal. We realised that we could generate a Reflective Particle Beam in the direction of the original Particle Beam through a series of Refractions. This process virtually reduces the energy of the original Particle Beam by 80%. The process was difficult to control and manage. We calculated it could take years for the skin to learn how to do what we wanted it to do. So we moved our research to the Indigo, and on the Indigo I could link the Indigo''s Brain and connect to Indigo''s skin sample that was being worked on. This approach produced results much more quickly than we anticipated, and now that we could use the Refractive-Reflective process to reduce effectiveness of direct Particle Beams by 80% we moved to deal with the remaining 20%. We created the Second layer in the same way we created the first layer, except that this time we introduce Black Crystals instead of Energy/Weapons Crystals. We created a Bio-Organic Crystalline version of the Black Crystals. Now I''m not saying that it can absorb as much energy as the normal Black Crystals, but we estimate it to be about 75% as absorptive. The real breakthrough here is that we''ve created a Bio-Organic Crystalline Black Crystal that can repair itself, and the energy it absorbs is transformed and sent to the Third layer. On the Third layer we repeated the creation process of the First and Second layer, but this time we introduced Energy Storage Crystals. The Third layer will form part of the Ship''s Energy reserve system, and this new system will help us turn our enemy''s weapons against them." Naole ended his presentation. Tarun the oldest member of the Council of Elders gave the order for the testing to begin. The Particle Beam Energy/Weapons Crystals were activated and 2 Particle Beams of Identical energy output were fired at the two products starting at enough energy to cut through existing ship Hulls, and then the energy of the Particle Beams increased every 30 seconds. Many Crystalans had seen preliminary testing of the team Pelam''s Hull and were convinced that Pelam''s would win, and because Naole had been working in secret they only had appearances to judge Naole''s design. Naole''s presentation was scientific jargon to most Crystalans and they barely understood the implications of what Naole was talking about, and only those in the scientific community could comprehend the gravity of Naole''s work, but even they were unsure about which team would emerge Victorious. After 150 seconds the 9 meter thick composite Hull with Crystalorb''s Black Crystals began to fail and was breached. To everyone''s shock the 1.5 meter thick Bio-genetic Organic Crystal living Hull continued to take even more energy with the first layer only beginning to fail after 750 seconds, but once the first layer failed the other layers failed some 5 seconds later. The 3 layers of the 1.5 meter thick Bio-genetic Organic Crystal living Hull were integrated components that functioned as a single structure. Tarun : " By the Source!" Pelam : " I don''t believe it!" Naole : " It''s not a matter of Faith Pelam." Pelam : " How?" Tarun : " Good work Naole" Naole : " My Lord I will be the first one to note that while the Bio-genetic Organic Crystal living Hull represents a significant achievement or progress it is not without its weaknesses."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Naole then instructs that the 2 Particle Beams be focused on a single point on the Bio-genetic Organic Crystal living Hull, and under the power of 2 Particle Beams from different directions the first layer of the Bio-genetic Organic Crystal living Hull began failing after 500 seconds Pelam : " Ok; I See!" Once again Naole stands to address the Thousands of Crystalans Naole : " As you can all see no defences are perfect. Under Multiple Particle Beams the Refractive-Reflective hull fails more quickly as the number of Particle Beams increase. The Reactive capabilities of the Bio-genetic Organic Crystal living Hull is something unique to living tissue. This is something that only living organisms can do. When Crystalorb decided to duplicate the Artificial Intelligence Organism of the Indigo and install the living Brains on the Intrepid Class Ships we change everything. These Ships are Sentient-Sapient Organisms; they are no longer Artificial Intelligence Organisms. They are living feeling beings. Beings that we created! To suggest that we could discard them is not just morally wrong it is positively malevolent! Im very disappointed in Crystalans! Very disappointed! Have you not seen how the baby ships play? Have you not seen how the parent ships care for their young? Have you not seen how they care for us? Have you not seen how they love us? A hundred years ago the Hodians killed 60% of our population and stole the Spirit Stone; with the Spirit Stone gone the only thing keeping death on the other side of the line was our ships! Theyve lived the true meaning of out Oath! They are the light on the hill! The line in the sand! And with them its here and no further, what ever the cost! How have we repaid them? How have we Honoured their sacrifice? How have we Honoured their service to us? These Ships are no longer just vessels? They are no longer weapons? They are Crystalans! Born of the Spirit Stone! Deserving of every right due to Crystalans! We must recognize them for what they are! They must vote! And if they so wish it they must be allowed to stand for election to membership of the Council of Elders. It''s time for Crystalorb to live out the true meaning of the Crystalorb Charter!" Tarun : " Thank you Naole! Crystalorb has heard your voice. I can assure you that Crystalorb will live out the true meaning of the Crystalorb Charter! We will make hard decisions." A few days later the Crystalorb General Council held a series of heated debates, and after long, sometimes hurtful discussions the Crystalorb General Council passed a resolution recognizing the Crystalorb Ships as Crystalans by a margin of 57%. Because of the perceived divisions amongst the members of the Crystalorb General Council, the Council of Elders called for a referendum on the issue and 68% of voting age Crystalans approved the resolution. From then onwards the Crystalorb Ships were regarded as Crystalans, with all the rights due to a Crystalan. The Crystalorb Ships were designed to require Crystal Armoured individuals as keys to the weapon systems, and without Crystal Armour the Crystalorb Ship can not Fire. This was a security measure that was designed to prevent the younger ships from causing damage while they were playing. The Crystalorb Research Division began to implement the new Crystal Armour to all the Ships, Ilesian Armour, Vanguard Armour, Vanglead Armour and Guardian Armour. The application of the new Crystal Armour to all the Crystalorb Ships was a long and complicated process taking many years and was expected to be completed by 01-06-2125. The Crystalorb Research Division also worked to develop a Bio-Organic Crystalline Jump Drive for the Ships, and the Ships were being fitted with a large Bio-Organic Ore processing facility. The Crystalorb Ships would then be able to process small to medium asteroids to produce minerals and Nuclear Fusion Fuel. The Crystalorb Ships were also equipped with a Bio-Organic Crystalline Fusion Powered Plasma Propulsion System for Navigation in Nth Hyper-Space, and the system would be relatively small compared to that of the other Earth Ships. The Plasma Propulsion Systems would be shut down when in Normal Space, and activate just before a Crystalorb Ship entered Nth Hyper-Space. The Crystalans would not consider developing a mechanical Jump Drive for the Ships, and would rather work on a Jump Drive based on their technology than rush to keep up with global developments. Crystal Valley Industries had supplied components for the construction of 1500 Nuclear fusion reactors, and Crystal Valley Industries would operate 800 Reactors around the world. The Global economy had recovered, and Crystal Valley Industrys advanced robotics were a critical component in the speed of the recovery. They could build faster than any other company or organization, and CVI''s global activities revived the ailing African Federation Economy. CVI was now building its own Jump Drive for commercial applications. The Crystalorb Leadership was eager to gain access to the vast resources available in the form of asteroids at the edge of the solar system. On 02-12-2118 the UAS Atlantis A2118 left Earth''s Moon for the first time and moved into High orbit around the Earth for its final faze of its construction. On 02-12-2118 the UAS Atlantis A2118 was the largest Space Ship to be built by humans, and the first Earth Ship to be built with a Jump Drive. After several weeks of Nuclear Fusion Reactor tests, Fusion Powered Plasma Propulsion Systems tests, Manoeuvring tests and Jump Drive tests the UAS Atlantis A2118 was finally ready to attempt its first Nth Hyper-Space trip. The UAS Atlantis X2115 was called in to escort UAS Atlantis A2118 to Mars on its maiden Voyage. On 25-02-2119 at 14H00 GMT the UAS Atlantis A2118 activated its Jump Drive opening a Zero length wormhole into Nth Hyper-Space, Then Admiral Ben Perry ordered the Ship''s navigation officer to move them into Nth Hyper-Space. The UAS Atlantis X2115 opened its own wormhole and followed A2118. At 14H06 GMT the UAS Atlantis A2118 opened another wormhole and both ships emerged out of that single wormhole into Mars space with the X2115 emerging first out of the wormhole. Upon returning to Earth space the designation of the UAS Atlantis X2115 was changed to UAS Lack X2115. There were celebrations throughout the United Atlantic Federation, and this marked the birth of UAF as an Interstellar Nation. The first of the UAF''s Interstellar Ships had entered service, and its Jump Drive range was 25 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. The design format of the UAS Atlantis A2118 would be duplicated and enhanced. The design format was: 1? 2600 meters in length, 2? 1600 meters width at the back and 300 meters width at the front, 3? 1500 meters Height at the back and 250 meters Height at the front. The other Earth Nations were already developing Ships that had a similar design format to the UAS Atlantis A2118. The first Asian Consortium StarShip was due to enter service by 2124, the first United Indian Federation Ship was due to enter service by 2125 and the first Islamic Alliance Ship was due to enter service by 2128. The African Federation of City States had selected a design format similar to that of Crystalorb, but budget delays had slowed development, and their first Large Ships were not expected before 2135. However a 450 meter long prototype of the African Federation design format was due to be completed by 2127. Each of the 5 Earth Federation had a Moon based ship building facility, but the Moon was now functioning like a planetary defence station from which smaller ships conducted continues planetary patrols. Most of these ships were the Gunship Class StarShips, and they were: 150-300 meters in length, 20-45 meters wide, 20-40 meters high, 4-6 meter thick Armoured hull, Fusion Powered Plasma Propulsion Systems, 1 Plasma Cannon and 2 Multidirectional Particle Beams. Most countries preferred to install the Crystal Valley Industries components including CVI''s: Varodium steel armour, Nuclear Fusion Reactor and Multidirectional Particle Beams. However the United Atlantic Federation did not invest too much in the smaller Ships, and as soon as the Atlantis A2118 went into service their Moon construction dock began building 3 more ships of the design format of the Atlantis A2118. Atlantic Military designers considered the Atlantis A2118 a design prototype, and they were eager to explore the limits of their ship building capabilities. Analysis indicated that beyond a certain mass the ships became uneconomical to operate, and structural inefficiencies began to set in. Therefore the optimal size was determined to be: 1? 4000 meters in length, 2? 2000 meters width at the back and 400 meters width at the front, 3? 1800 meters in Height at the back and 310 meters in Height at the front, 4? Carry 8 Gunships of 150 meter length. The increased size Ships were designated Juggernaut Class StarShips making them the first Human built Galaxy Class StarShips with jump capabilities of 35 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. The three ships being built took this optimal format, and the first of the Ships namely the UAS Juggernaut A2125 was expected in 2125, with the other two ships entering service by the end of the following year. The United Atlantic Federation had ordered the construction of 15 of these ships, and because the construction was done by the Engineering Division of the UAF the costs were greatly reduced, but the cost was still more than the other Earth Federations could afford. For the foreseeable future the United Atlantic Federation would dominate Earth''s Interstellar Travel. There were others who could build larger energy reserves, and the theoretical capabilities of the reserve energy systems on the Intrepid and Indigo Class Ships was in the region of 50 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space, but their Bio-Organic Crystalline Jump Drive for the Ships was still in development. The Hodians had found a way to synthesis more of their blood, and they were using this technology to harvest more of their Metallic Crystals. The Metallic Crystals were used for energy storage systems and advanced weapons technology comparable to that of Crystalorb. The Hodians supplied the world with just as much weapons technology as Crystalorb through their company Ralefa Holdings. Hodian Metallic Crystals were used to build Plasma Cannons and Multidirectional Particle Beams that were almost as powerful as those being supplied by Crystal Valley Industries. The Hodians had plans to build Metallic Crystalline StarShips that would rival Crystalorb Ships in speed and power, and their StarShips program had been in development since the Azlecks gave humans Jump Drive designs. Hodian Metallic Crystals weapons technology was changing the dynamics in the relationship between Crystalorb and the Federal African Government. With the global Economy back on its feet and the African Federation Economy in positive growth the Federal African Government began to believe that they didn''t need Crystalorb, and a growing majority on the Federal Parliament began to see Crystalorb as a long term strategic threat. Hodian influence on the legislative and Executive branches of the Government of the African Federation of City States was turning the African leaders against the Crystalans. Some in Crystalorb believed that the rhetoric against Crystalorb would only get worse. The Crystalorb Expeditionary Recognisance had long determined the source of their problems with the Federal African Government, and they knew that Hodian influence ran deep. The Hodians were unapologetic about their activities, and since the death of Viceroy Nato Ralefa the Hodian relations with Crystalorb had grown progressively difficult. The New Viceroy Ruano Ralefa was eager to assert Hodian Power and Influence in the world, and he saw Crystalorb as a competitor in that regard. Lord Ruano put economic and financial concerns ahead of maintaining good relations with Crystalorb. Crystalorb had always known that the Hodians would one day regain their ability to transform to the legendary level of Metallic Golden Crystalline Form, and by 2124 there were 9 Grandlord including Lord Ruano who had reached this level. The Metallic Golden Crystalline Form posed little strategic military Risk to Crystalorb because of the Intrepid and Indigo Class Crystalan Ships, but the Crystalorb Leadership maintained a watchful eye on the HOD in full knowledge that in their last war the greatest threat to Crystalorb came from within Crystalorb. The world had entered a new age of prosperity, and there were human colonies throughout the nearby solar systems. The United Atlantic Federation Juggernaut Class ships were being used to set up military outposts on small Moons in neighbouring solar systems with future United Atlantic Federation colonies being planned. Other nations were also expanding into the nearby solar systems in search for new opportunities for their peoples. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 5 ─ Propaganda - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 5 Propaganda ?~? After an extended period of economic growth and relative prosperity the people of Earth had not seen any sign of the Hakum since that initial attack that devastated Earth, and with the an Azleck Galaxy Class StarShip still on patrol duty Earth was relatively secure against sporadic Hakum attacks. Every 2 months a different Azleck Galaxy Class StarShip would take over and the other would leave. Clearly the Azlecks were investing a great deal of their resources to ensure Earth''s security, and the humans who had been to Arun ?Azlecks new Capital Planet? described it a marvel of technology. Arun has 3 continents and 75% of the world is covered by water, and the planet has relatively small polar Ice caps, a possible result of extensive Teraforming. The Azlecks can manipulate and control the weather, and harness nearly all forms of renewable energy available on their planet. Arun is orbited by 12 geostationary 9km diameter spherical planetary defence stations, their ship building facilities are on the Moons of a nearby Gas Giant. Their Civilization is highly mechanized and the Azlecks do very little manual labour, and their economy is a healthy mix of capitalism and socialism. Before the Migon invasion the Azlecks used to worship ancient sky gods, but once they realized that the sky gods were actually highly Advanced Interstellar Civilisations most became atheists. However some Azlecks have developed other forms of religions based on the Idea that Sentient-Sapient existence is connected and forms part of a single being. This type of religious beliefs is the common beliefs of the Andronians, the Carmaks, the Hildrano, the Folong and the Jiquam. Speculation indicates that this Idea may have originated with the Phaylon. Most Advanced Interstellar Civilisation who had contact with the older Civilisations also incorporated this Idea into their own religious beliefs. Advanced Interstellar Civilisations were fascinated by the rapid rate of human development and would travel from as far away as 50000 LightYears to witness the curious case of the Humans. That meant that an Advanced Interstellar Civilisation would make an average of about 420 Nth Hyper-Space Jumps, however almost all of those who made trip to Earth were either on their to way Arun or coming from Arun. The Azlecks were builders of sought after compact Bio-Mechanical products including Subspace Interstellar Communications, Energy Storage Systems, Particle Beam Cannons, household Items, etc. Many of the Developing Interstellar Civilisation like the Zlarfh Empire would make the long journey to Arun in order to trade with the Azlecks. The path to Arun was an 800 year old trade Route established by the Developing Interstellar Civilisations in order to gain access to Advanced Azleck technologies. The Developing Interstellar Civilisations provided the Azlecks with rare minerals in exchange for Azleck products. The Azlecks were one of the few Advanced Interstellar Civilisations that would trade with Developing Interstellar Civilisations, but most of the Advanced Interstellar Civilisation preferred to trade with Developed Interstellar Civilisations and other Advanced Interstellar Civilisations. Most of the trading of the Advanced Interstellar Civilisations is done in the Primus Solar System. The Galactic Alliance is based on Andronus, the third moon of Galtros in the Primus Solar System, 80000 LightYears from Earth. The Primus Solar System was the site of The Battle of Ten Thousand Ships, the sight of the Migon''s Defeat. A combined force of 3300 Migon BattleSpheres and 1200 Hakum Sky Spears and Hakum Sky Super-Spears Faced a fleet of 5500 Ships from the 5 Older Civilisation. Only a few Migon BattleSpheres survived the battle, retreating to their strongholds 20000 LightYears away. In the aftermath of that battle the former Andronian observation post Andronus became the base of operations against the Migon threat. The 5 Older Civilisations formalized their cooperation by forming the Galactic Alliance. The Galactic Alliance incorporated all the surviving front line Civilisations and began forming defensive lines while the younger Civilisations recovered from the Hakum and Migon occupation. Fortunately the Migon retreated in such a hurry they did not destroy all inhabited planets. The war continues 3000 LightYears away on the Migon front lines, but for hundreds of years since the great battle the war has been reduced to low level skirmish. Migon Space covers 34000 LightYears populated by 130 Billion Migons/Migonians on 1000 worlds and 20 Billion Hakum on 60 worlds, each Migon and Hakum world has approximately 5 Billion slaves. Galactic Alliance intelligence reports indicate that most Migon worlds were once thriving independent Civilisations, but now these Civilisations have been reduced to Migon slaves. Galactic Alliance intelligence reports also indicate that on the other border of Migon space there is a 50000 LightYears wide lifeless gap called the Null Sector, with no Civilisations in that corridor. The Migon see no value in expanding to lifeless regions. There are no explanations why there is no life in that corridor, and Galactic Alliance explorers discovered planets with massive amounts of radiation. Exploration teams have found signs of possible mining activities, but this is highly speculative. Thus far there had been no definitive signs of life, but there have been suggestions that ancient Civilisations may have lived there, and that a war may have left the Null Sector in complete destruction. It has been suggested that ancient highly Advanced Interstellar Civilisation may have conducted Galactic scale wars in the Null Sector, a war of attrition, and that by destroying habitable worlds they would limit each others ability to expand. There has been no conclusive evidence of this, and it remains just a theory. Fortunately for the Humans the Null Sector has meant that Migon expansion in the direction of Earth has been limited by this, and only the Hakum seem somewhat interested in the sector in which Earth resides. The Azleck speculate that Hakum may have followed the Interstellar Traders to the sector thinking they would find rare minerals sources. There are about 50 known Advanced Interstellar Civilisations including the Azlecks, and all of them are members of the Galactic Alliance. There are about 157 known Developed Interstellar Civilisations, and 130 of them are members of the Galactic Alliance. There are a further 870 known Developing Interstellar Civilisations, and 95 of them are members of the Galactic Alliance. There is a further 2357 known Planetary Civilisations. Galactic Alliance members get access to the Primus Solar System, and with that access the opportunity to trade with Advanced Interstellar Civilisations and Older Civilisations. Andronus is the third moon of the gas giant Galtros. The planet Galtros is 8 times the size of Jupiter and has 93 Moons, 20 of these Moons are planet size; ranging from the size of Mars to 80 times the size of Earth. 15 of the Moons are heavily populated by Various races from all over the sector. The 20 planet size Moons were Teraformed by the Andronians 6000 years ago, and Andronus was chosen as the Andronian observation post in preparation for colonization. The discovery of the Migon Activities near the region led to the cancellation of any Andronian colonization plans, but the Area remained Andronian space, and during the war with the Migon the Andronian made the Solar system their forward base of operations. In the Aftermath of the Battle of Ten Thousand Ships the Primus Solar system was developed and trade routes to all the members of the Galactic Alliance were established. There is often tensions between the Developing Interstellar Civilisations that are not members of the Galactic Alliance often resulting in wars, and the Galactic Alliance is at times requested by feuding parties to act as mediators. To be considered for membership of the Galactic Alliance a race would need two things: 1? One of the members of the Galactic Alliance would need to vouch for them at the Galactic Alliance Council, and 2? Achieve a state of Internal and External peace. The Galactic Alliance Council technical description for External peace meant that the particular Civilisation should not be in a state of war with any Nation within 1500 LightYears of its Home planet. This description was based on the fact that most Developing Interstellar Civilisation only occupied an average of 200 systems around their Homeworld, and the description was designed to force Developing Interstellar Civilisations to make peace with their neighbours. Earth by this measure stood a very good chance of being speedily accepted into the Galactic Alliance provided that they could maintain Internal peace, and since the Azlecks were the only neighbour within 12000 LightYears of Earth humans did not have to worry about maintaining External peace. Earth had very little to offer the Azlecks in the form of trade, but the Azlecks were eager for the humans to develop enough to help with patrolling the large area of space in the sector. On 25-02-2132 the UAS Juggernaut A2125 reached 1000 LightYears from Earth, the first ship built by humans to reach such a distance. The UAS Juggernaut A2125 was the formation leader of the 2 ship BattleGroup that included the UAS Atlantis A2118. There were other ships that could reach such distances, but most Earth federations did not want to venture too far from Earth. The fear of Hakum attacks meant that the few ships they had needed to be within range of Earth, but the United Atlantic Federation had 6 Ships the size of the UAS Juggernaut, and 3 were being built. The decision by the United Atlantic Federation to conduct Interstellar Explorations had led to unexpected rewards. They were able to locate valuable minerals in distant stars which they claimed for the United Atlantic Federation. When the other Earth Federation realized the benefits of Interstellar Explorations they began their own limited Interstellar Explorations in search for valuable minerals. It is during this time that tensions between Earth Federations began to grow. The search for valuable minerals ignited fierce competition between Earth Federations, and this resulted in some Earth Federation laying claims on every solar system they visited. Negotiations at the United Nations resulted in a Resolution that indicated that an Earth Federation can only lay claim to an entire solar system if the particular Earth Federation has a colony with a population of 100000 people. The UN resolution stated that the first Earth Federation to reach this number would gain the Exclusive rights to the particular Solar system. This seemed to satisfy all the 5 Earth Federation, but it had negative consequences for Crystalorb. In the race to reach the target populations in the nearby solar systems the Federal African Government wanted to use Crystalorb Ships to transport people to one of 6 known habitable planets within 100 LightYears, but as expected the Crystalorb Leadership refused, and Crystalorb refusal angered the Federal African Government. An angry Federal African Government and their Hodian allies began to make sinister plans against Crystalorb. Their first move was to have the Federal Parliament pass legislation restricting the movement of Crystalorb ships in African Federation airspace. The new set of Laws required the Crystalorb ships to stick to a particular corridor when moving to Crystalorb, and they also set speed limits for the Crystalorb ships. As expected the Crystalorb ships ignored the new set of laws and the Crystalorb Leadership simply refused to follow African Federal Security Force instruction. The African Federal Security structure noted and recorded all the violations by Crystalorb. The Federal Parliament passed subsequent legislation that gave the Federal African Government the power to confiscate any ship that repeatedly violated African Federation laws, rules and regulations. On 15-07-2135 the 600 meters long Juvenile Intrepid Class Ship Epalo had just left Crystalorb, and was on its way to the edge of the solar system, the Epalo was approached by the 1.8 km long AFS Lagos. The Captain of the AFS Lagos was Pabo Mdau, and in command of the Epalo was Senior Vanglead Diabo Lesedi. Capt. Mdau : " This is Captain Pabo Mdau of the African Federation Destroyer Lagos! By act 3162 of the African Federal Parliament; You are hereby ordered by to surrender to African Federal Security Forces! The crew will be arrested and the ship will be impounded!" Diabo : " This Diabo Lesedi of the Crystalorb StarShip Epalo! We are outside the jurisdiction of the African Federation, and therefore do not recognize your authority! Please move aside and let us pass!" Capt. Mdau : " Your Ship has Violated African Federation law on 17 separate instances, and that gives me the Authority to take you into custody! You will surrender or we will use force. Lower your shields and prepare to be boarded!" The Epalo opens a Joint Communications Channel with Crystalorb, and Guardian Commander Tuam responds to Diabo''s request for assistance. Sector 7 Guardian Kaoti is on hand because the Epalo is under her division. With most of Crystalorb''s Fleet on distant Solar Systems, and only the Juveniles at the edge of the solar systems the African Federal Security Forces had chosen a perfect time to start a fight with Crystalorb.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. What the African Federal Security Forces did not know was that the Crystalorb Ships had been upgraded to a level that was far beyond their projections. A fully grown 1.95 km long Intrepid Class StarShip had a 3 layer 28m thick Refractive-Reflective hull. The first 2 layers were 8.5 meters thick, and the third 11m thick. The size of the Energy/Weapons Crystals were increased by 75%, and the Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System was increased in power by 30%. Crystalorb was more than ready for this fight, but the ship being targeted was a juvenile, and Juveniles are lightly armoured so that they can grow faster. Tuam : " Diabo! Escape an evade, but do not Engage!" Kaoti : " Activate Stealth!" Diabo : " On your Command!" He then terns to his navigation officer "Activate Stealth and prepare to move." As the Epalo activates its Stealth systems it becomes invisible to the eye, but because its so close to the Lagos the Infrared can still detect it Capt. Mdau : " This is your final warning! Stand down!" The command officers inform Mdau that the Epalo is trying to evade Fire forward Beams maximum power!" As the Epalo took Evasive action it was pursued by another ship the Nairobi and several Gunships, and they all opened fire on the Epalo, cutting off its escape routes Tuam : " Diabo! Engage!" Diabo : " Fire at will!" With that the Energy Crystals of the Epalo began producing Electrolaser Lightning Bolts, Multidirectional Particle Beams and electrical energy streams targeted at the opposing African Federal Security Forces ships. 3 Gunships were almost immediately destroyed, but this was not enough, and just as the situation looked bleak for the Epalo a wormhole opened and a larger 850 meter long Juvenile emerged, the Imalo immediately opened fire on the African Federation Destroyer Lagos. This was beginning to look like a fair fight, but Crystalorb Commanders knew that the 2 African Federation Destroyers were Nuclear armed Tuam : " Keep them close to you!" Kaoti : " As long as you''re close they can''t use their Nuclear weapons" Captain Mdau decides to call for help, and the African Federation responds by sending in the African Federation Destroyer Durban. The Durban Class was a new kind of Destroyer; 2.4km long and its hull was coated with Hodian Metallic Crystals and armed with advance Hodian weaponry. The Durban was build in secret, and was envisioned to go toe to toe with an Intrepid Class Ship. When the Durban arrived on the battle field the writing was on the wall for the 2 Juvenile Ships, and they began to sustain heavy damage. The task force Commander decided to give Diabo a last chance to surrender Capt. Mdau : " You can still Surrender!" Diabo : " We''re Crystalans! I am the light on the hill, the line in the sand, here and no further!" Capt. Mdau : " Fool!" The skins of the Juvenile ships began to fail leading to decompression, and because the ships were not fully developed their shield projection systems also began to fail. This meant that the skin was now taking the full force of the Hodian built Particle Beams. The crew of the 2 juvenile ships had resolved to go down fighting, and they would never hand one of their own ?meaning the 2 juvenile Ships? to the African Federal Security Forces. The African Federal Security Forces thought that they had won, but then another wormhole open and the Security Forces received a transmission Molen : " This is Guardian Molen Lesedi of the Crystalorb StarShip Incrata! Stop your assault or I will have to use force!" The African Federal Security Force Ships were unconvinced of the Incrata''s capabilities. They didn''t know that the Juveniles were only lightly armoured, they didn''t know that the weapon systems of Juveniles were only at 15%, they didn''t know that the Electromagnetic Energy Field Shields of Juveniles were only at 25%, they simply did not know. And so they opened fire on the fully grown Intrepid Class StarShip. As soon as they attacked they noticed that their Particle Beams did not breach the Incrata''s Electromagnetic Energy Field Shields. When the Incrata responded the Durban was left in explosive decompression, and a second round of attack left the Durban in 3 pieces that were all on fire. The Incrata turned its attention towards the Lagos and the Nairobi, but the 2 ships were ordered to stand down. Captain Mdau sends a message to the Incrata. Capt. Mdau : " Hold your Fire! We''ve been Ordered to stand Down!" Molen : " Acknowledged!" The ease at which the Incrata destroyed the Durban showed the Admirals at the African Federal Security Force Headquarters that Hodian technology was nowhere near Crystalorb technology. They now realised that they had backed the wrong horse, and that there would be serious consequences. Military planners started developing a strategy to mitigate the political fallout. Fearing the swift defeat of their Warships by a relatively smaller Ship would lead to the collapse of the Federal African Government, the Military planners quickly came up with a survival strategy. The plan was for the African Federal Government to go on a public offensive, using the media as a propaganda weapon against Crystalorb; Have all the levels of Government repeat the same message. The message was simple: 1? Accuse Crystalorb, and 2? Ask questions. It started with the Federal Executive Council, they accused Crystalorb of mercilessly killing the crew of the Durban even though the Durban was disabled, and then they asked the question: "What kind of people live in a hole in the ground?" Then the African Federal Parliament followed the same script: first suggesting that the Crystalans may have links to Alien forces, and then asking the question "Why do they surgically put Crystals on their Chests?" The rhetoric escalated from day to day, and other underground ground elements began to start public protests. As the protests grew larger the Federal Executive Council seemed to blame all their problems on Crystalorb, and claims were made that Crystalorb was a sinister force bent on controlling people''s daily lives. Crystalorb had become the monster under the bed in just a matter of weeks. It was at this point that Crystalorb realised that their continued presence was endangering the Hybrids in Crystal Valley City. On 15-11-2135 the Crystalorb General Council passed a resolution authorising the Council of Elders to activate Protocol 911E, and the Crystalorb General Council understood that once the Council of Elders orders the activation of Protocol 911E a full scale evacuation of Crystalorb would begin Later that day the Council of Elders ordered the activation of Protocol 911E, and a full scale evacuation of Crystalorb was initiated. All the Crystalorb Ships were called back to Earth space. The Entire Crystalorb Fleet gathered in Earth Orbit: 64 Intrepid Class Ships, 9 Indigo Class Ships, 63 Juveniles and 19 Baby Ships. The Earth federations feared that this might be preparation for a full scale assault against the African Federal Security Force. The African Federal Security Force also believed that a Crystalan attack was eminent, and so they began to prepare for full scale war with Crystalorb. One by one the Crystalorb ships went down to Crystalorb and collected Crystalans, including Crystalan ship Eggs. On the morning of 08-12-2135 the African Federal Security Force army that had surrounded mount Crystalorb saw the Spirit Stone emerge from Crystalorb, and as soon as the Spirit Stone was out it sealed the entrance to Crystalorb. When the Commanders of the African Federal Security Force saw this they knew that something was different. When Crystalorb was sealed the Spirit Stone went into the Intrepid, and the Intrepid went into space. The Crystalans had finished their preparations and Protocol 911E had been executed. Crystal Valley Industries had been left in the hands of trusted Hybrids until the Crystalans returned. From the Intrepid Tarun the oldest member of the Council of Elders gives a live Statement on Crystal Valley Industries News ?CVIN? which''s also broadcast on the Internet ?Internet now referring to the Interstellar Network; a Communications network that evolved from the original Internet? Tarun : " Greetings! I''m Tarun of the Crystalorb Council of Elders. I bring this message from all of Crystalorb. We have heard your Demands, and while we regretfully can not meet them we''ve come up with a remedy to the crisis on African streets. We who are the light on the hill! We who are the line in the sand! We who supply you with Energy! We who produce your Food! We who have fought to keep you safe! We who have fought for you in countless battles! We who have stood against the night! Held the line against the Night! Stood between the Darkness and the Night! Suddenly find ourselves unwanted and hated by the very people we care for so deeply. We find ourselves asking why is it that you think so little of us when we think so much of you? In order to find the answers, we think that all of us need time to Reflect. To that end Crystalorb resolved on a 30 year reflection period. We''ve sealed Crystalorb and will be absent from your society for 30 years. In this period of reflection we will not hear from you! And you will not hear from us! We hope this Exile of Crystalorb will give all of us sufficient time to reflect. Time to Learn from the mistakes of the past. Until we return!" Satellite Video cameras then show 70 Wormholes open, the smaller Juvenile and baby ships go in followed by the larger ships. The Entire Crystalorb Fleet disappeared behind the closing Wormholes. There was a feeling of sadness amongst the people of Crystal Valley City, and city TV channels began to ask Questions: "If the Crystalans are such a sinister and evil force, then why are they driven away by protests? They always stood with us, why didn''t we stand with them? Will they come back? Or is the question will they want to come back?" The Azlecks had observed the situation, and were very impressed with the Crystalans, noting that it takes great strength for someone with power to step aside and give way to someone else with less power. The Azlecks recognized Nobility in the Crystalans, and welcomed their dignified exit. The other Earth Federations were worried about the security implications of Crystalorb''s departure. The Executive Council of the United Atlantic Federation went as far as to call the actions of the African Federal Government Fascist. The Earth Federations who practiced Liberal Democracy were worried that the African Federation of City States was sliding into a Fascist regime, and this would shift the balance of power on the UN Security Council in favour of the Undemocratic. Leaving the United Indian Federation and the United Atlantic Federation as the minority on the Security Council. The African Federation Egalitarian Democracy had become something that spreads propaganda amongst its own people, and fear mongering was quickly becoming the order of the day. The other concern was that the world was now dependent on Hodian technology, and that meant that Hodians would now charge a premium for their products. There would no longer be the option of turning to Crystal Valley Industries for comparable technologies. The Crystalans had taken the Hodians by surprise; they had always believed that the Crystalans would never give up Crystalorb. The Hodians had calculated that Crystalorb would negotiate with the African Federal Government just as they did in the past, but Crystalans took an unexpected route. Strategists of the African Federal Government had also believed that Crystalorb would negotiate, but they were wrong. The propaganda campaign was intended to force Crystalorb into submitting to greater authority of the African Federal Government. The African Federal Government wanted to be able to control Crystalorb, and they wanted control of the Crystalorb advanced technology. They never imagined that the Crystalans would leave Earth for 30 years! Without Crystalorb''s asteroid mining activities and Crystal Based technologies the African Federation Economy would take a major knock. The optimistic view of the African Federal Government was that they would experience a slowdown in exports, but economists saw the short to medium outlook for the African Federation Economy as progressively negative. The Hodians assured the African Federal Government that Ralefa Holdings would fill any gaps that resulted from Crystal Valley Industries not being able to produce advanced Crystal Based technologies. As the Crystalorb Fleet made its way out of the operating range of Earth ships it came upon one of the United Atlantic Federation Exploration Groups led by the UAS Juggernaut A2125 some 8000 LightYears from Earth. The crew of the Juggernaut observed how the Crystalorb StarShips conducted their rapid jump sequences by maintaining momentum and never slowing down. The Wormholes opened close to the nearby Star, but far enough away to avoid the effects of its gravity then the First StarShips would emerge out of the 20 Wormholes moving at rapid speed for several million kilometres, and the First StarShips to emerge slow down and open 20 Wormholes holding them open for the entire Fleet. The Crystalorb StarShips would essentially move from out one group of a Wormholes into another group of Wormholes. The crew of the UAF StarShips would be the last to see the Crystalorb StarShips for decades, and they watched in silence as the Crystalorb StarShips disappeared behind the Wormholes. All 159217 Crystalans had left, and even though some 34% of them didn''t have Chest Crystals and could hide undetected amongst the Hybrids they chose to leave. They would move between the stars, visit a thousand stars, and collect all knowledge and samples of unique and strange life forms. Back on Earth the African Federal Government publicly celebrated the self imposed Exile of Crystalans, but in private the Government officials were worried, they new that it would only be a matter of time before the public turned against them. They could never hope to fill the technological gap left by the Crystalans, and they began to realise that their propaganda war against Crystalorb would have consequences. The African Federal Government knew that they only had months to show the African people that they didn''t need Crystalorb, and that the African Federation was better off without Crystalorb. The clock was ticking, and they only had months to prove the validity of their arguments against Crystalorb. The first crisis was the problem of energy supply, Crystalorb had shut down its Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors. The Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors produced 25% of the African Federation''s energy, and from the day the Crystalans left the African Federation started experiencing electricity shortages. Rolling blackouts became the order of the day. The Existing 120 Crystal Valley Industries Nuclear Fusion Reactors could not meet the increased energy demands caused by the shut down of Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors. When the African Federal Government investigated the possibility of Crystal Valley Industries, Ralefa Holdings and other energy producers building more reactors they were horrified to discover that it would take between 3-6 years to build a single Nuclear Fusion Reactors. Even Crystal Valley Industries could not build faster because when the Crystalans left they took their advanced Crystal Robots with them. In the Months that followed Crystal Valley Industries sold all its global Industrial and Energy holding and became strictly a Financial Services Corporation, operating under the name Crystal Valley Investment Bank, and Crystal Valley Industries becoming a holdings company. This was done to Avoid the African Federal Government blaming Crystal Valley Industries for the lack of industrial output and falling energy supply. The African Federation Economy experienced several quarters of negative growth and began to stabilize, and the impact of the supply disruptions began to diminish. The African people began to realise that they would no longer see the rapid economic growth of the past, and that the African Federation Economy seemed set for an extended period of Economic stagnation that would be complicated by higher inflation due to higher energy cost. Sceptics of the African Federal Government began to suggest economic mismanagement, and a new momentum for economic reforms propelled 2 Progressives to the conservative dominated Federal Executive Council. Prolonged rolling blackouts and Economic stagnation led to service delivery protests, and the liberals on the Federal Executive Council began to suggest cuts in military spending. By 2139 the public sentiment was shifting against the Social Conservatives, and there were now 4 Progressives on the Federal Executive Council. The Progressives were calling for independent investigations into the conduct of African Federal Security Force personnel, this suggestion angered the Admirals, and they began to make contingency plans. The African Federal Parliament was also shifting in favour of the Progressives. The African Federal Parliament was only one of the two legislative bodies of the African Federation of City States, the larger part was the combined legislatures of all the City councils. Every Federal law had to win the support of 50% of all elected City Councilman. This structure gave the African Federation the largest National legislature of all democratic Governments, and it was intended to limit the influence of interest groups on legislative affairs. Momentum in support for the Progressives was coming from the City Councils, and many on the African Federal Parliament knew that they were on the way out. The Progressives talked about wide ranging reforms that would modernise the African Federation of City States, return power to its people, and restore faith in Government. This was a message the peddlers of propaganda could not beat. The scare mongering tactics of the Social Conservatives did not resonate with the mood of the African people. They were looking for change, and there was nothing the Social Conservatives could do to stop the Progressives from taking power. The political tide had turned against the hawkish Social Conservatives, but the Military leaders were even more worried, and there was the possibility of prosecutions for some of their actions during the propaganda campaign against Crystalorb. After the general elections of 2140 the Progressives had control of the African Federal Parliament, and 5 people on the Federal Executive Council. The investigations revealed a large conspiracy against Crystalorb, and all sorts of criminal activities carried out by African Federal Security Force personnel. There were allegations against members of the African Federal Parliament, Civilian Media personnel and even former members of the Federal Executive Council. The Federal Executive Council appointed a Special Prosecutor and gave him the authority to prosecute anyone who had been involved in the crimes against the African Federation of City States. On 03-09-2140 the African Federal Parliament passed a resolution approving the Special Prosecutors powers and functions, and later that night it was announced that the a majority of City Councilman had also passed the resolution. At about 01H00 GMT the African Federal Security Force made their move! By 09H00 the Federal Executive Council was in so called "Protective Custody", the African Federation constitution had been suspended and the African Federation was under Marshal Law. Those who had previously given the African Federal Security Force too much power were horrified at the result of their actions; a Military Coupe de Tat! The African Federal Security Force had become used to having wide ranging powers and was unwilling to see those powers curtailed by the Progressives on the Federal Executive Council. The African Security Forces violently put down any public protest by civilians, banned any public gathering, and detained millions of people. The 500 Hybrids that had been selected by Crystalorb to run Crystal Valley Industries escaped to the United Atlantic Federation with their families and formed a secret group named The Ilesians to fight the African Federal Security Force. The Ilesians were named after the Crystalorb''s Ilesian Guards. The Ilesians would use the vast resources of Crystal Valley Industries to organize an internal and external resistance campaign against the African Federal Security Force. The Ilesians knew that there was very little prospect for a successful military campaign against the heavily armed African Federal Security Force, and so the main tool would be a human rights based moral campaign against the African Military Dictatorship. The plan was for the encouragement of the citizens of the other 4 Federations to boycott products that have any link to the African Federation. The Ilesians moved the global Headquarters of Crystal Valley Industries to the United Atlantic Federation and began a boycott of all African linked products. There was large public support for the public campaign against the African Federation in the United Indian Federation, the United Atlantic Federation and the Islamic Alliance. The African products boycott reduced African exports to the 3 Federations by 90%, and Global Corporations avoided openly doing any business with the African Federation for fear of the African products boycott. The only place where the African Federation still found support was the Asian Consortium, and that was because the Asian Consortium had a similar Autocratic form of Government led by the Chinese Communists. There was a mass exodus of people from the African Federation, and many found refuge in the United Indian Federation and the United Atlantic Federation, but they all expressed their wish to return to their motherland once the Dictatorship ends. The Ilesians organized their protracted internal resistance campaigns from Crystal Valley City, and the campaign took the form of sabotage of strategic centres like power lines and broadcast systems. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 6 ─ In the Darkness Between the Stars - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 6 In the Darkness Between the Stars ?~? As the Crystalorb Fleet moved from Star to Star the Crystalans were completely unaware of what had happened to the once Egalitarian African Federation of City States, and the worst part was that the Crystalans didn''t want to know. The Crystalans were still angry, and they would be for many years to come. They had resolved to make their way between the Stars, and discover the mysteries of the Galaxy. The Crystalans had their own problems to contend with, problems they had not anticipated. After a few weeks in space the Crystalans realized that their accommodations on their Intrepid and Indigo Class Ship were cramped. The Intrepid Class Ship was designed to carry 500 people long term, and the Indigo Class Ship was designed to carry 70 people long term, but their situation had forced the Intrepid Class Ships to accommodate 1480 people and the Indigo Class Ships to accommodate 495 people. The Entire 159217 Crystalorb population was accommodated into: 64 Intrepid Class Ships each taking 2235 people, 9 Indigo Class Ships each taking 495 people, 63 Juveniles Ships each taking 180 people and 19 Baby Ships each taking 20 people. The Indigo Class Ship is as large as Intrepid Class Ship, but because of its larger Energy storage systems, Research facilities and Mineral processing facilities the Indigo Class could not accommodate as many people as the Intrepid Class. When the Hulls and weapon systems of the Crystalorb StarShips were upgraded the other improvements were also included. Each of the Intrepid Class Ship now included a 300 meter long 1000 meter Diameter rotating internal Cylinder that generated artificial gravity that ranged from 0.01 g close to its centre and 1 g at the end. To accommodate this and other improvements the both the Intrepid and Indigo Class were 1950 meters in length and 1200 meters maximum width. The ships had an agricultural section on the gravity producing section, and this was the primary purpose of the Gravity section. The Ships carried Dairy Cattle, Goats, Egg laying Chickens and fish farming facilities. The hydroponics facilities rapidly produced all the food the animals and the crew needed. The Ships had originally been modified to allow for long term security patrols 15000 LightYears from Earth, but the improvements served their current role as a home in the skies. To navigate the Galaxy the Crystalorb Research Division divided the Galaxy into 12 Sectors like the 12 hours of a clock, this was the same principle as the Crystalorb Guardian Sectors. The Primus System was chosen as 12 O''clock or 00H00, this meant that from 00H35 to 02H50 was Migon space, and 02H50 to 05H02 is what is considered the Null space, Earth is at 07H00 and the region between 09H10 and 10H22 is considered to be the Developing region, the location of most Developing Interstellar Civilisations. Most of the Advanced Interstellar Civilisation and the Older Interstellar Civilisation populate 10H22 to 00H00. The Crystalorb Research Division used the radius from the centre of the galaxy as another navigation tool. When Crystalorb left they decided to travel in the direction of sector 8 or 08H00 at high Galactic Radius to avoid coming into contact with possibly hostile Developing Interstellar Civilisations that populated the lower Galactic Radius. At first the Crystalans wanted to make contact with Planetary and younger Developing Interstellar Civilisations and collect their knowledge. The Crystalans wanted to work their way progressively towards more advanced Developing Interstellar Civilisations and eventually make contact with Developed and Advanced Interstellar Civilisations. The relatively small Crystalorb Fleet had to avoid coming into contact with Hakum scouting Sky Daggers that had been known to roam distant regions. The Council of Elders wanted to increase the size of the Intrepid Class Ships and Indigo Class Ships before they made any contact with Alien Civilisations. To accomplish this 3 months after the Crystalans left, and when the fleet was 29000 LightYears from Earth the Council of Elders ordered the fleet to stop at a system of the Star called Silenia. The stop was to allow the Fleet to collect Nuclear Fusion Reactor fuel from a nearby Gas giant and its Ice covered Moons. The Council of Elders ordered the 9 Indigo Class Ships, 40 Intrepid Class Ships and all the 63 Juvenile Ships to the outskirts of the Silenia System to collect and process as much minerals as they could carry. The other Ships collect and process minerals from the Asteroid belt around the Gas giant. When the Ships were full the Minerals were brought to the Intrepid, and the Crew of the Intrepid was evacuated leaving only the Council of Elders and the Spirit Stone. Ordinarily the Crystalorb Ship''s growth process takes many years to grow a few hundred meters, but the Spirit Stone had the power to accelerate the process and increase the size of ships much faster than normal. Normally Adult Crystalorb Ships only grew about 0.25 meters per year, but the Spirit Stone could accelerate that process. The Spirit Stone would use all the minerals collected by the other ships and use the minerals to grow the Intrepid. The growth spurt would take 2 days, and when all the minerals were gone the ships would collect and process more minerals. The Crew of the Intrepid would then return to the Intrepid until the next growth cycle. After six months in the Silenia System the Intrepid had increased to 6950 meters in length and 2490 meters maximum width, and the Intrepid was now able to collect and process much more minerals. Therefore for the next 8 months the Spirit Stone connected to the Intrepids Energy Crystals and used the Intrepid to grow all the Intrepid Class Ships, Indigo Class Ships and all the Juvenile Ships to 4000 meters in length and 1744 meters maximum width. The Crystalorb Fleet now consisted of: 121 Intrepid Class Ships, 16 Indigo Class Ships and 19 Baby Ships. The accommodations on the ships were much better, and the 159279 Crystalorb population was accommodated into: The Intrepid taking 8000 people, the other 120 Intrepid Class Ships each taking 1240 people, 16 Indigo Class Ships each taking 150 people, and 19 Baby Ships each taking 2 people. With the Ship growth process, came other benefits including larger and more powerful Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 3 layer 40m thick Refractive-Reflective hull, larger Energy Crystals, larger mineral processing Facilities, larger energy storage systems and larger food production Facilities. The Intrepid now had a 3 layer 55m thick Refractive-Reflective hull to protect the Spirit Stone. The Crystalorb Fleet then Continued on its journey through the Darkness Between the Stars. They collected samples of new and interesting life forms, and on 08-05-2137 the Crystalorb Fleet entered a Solar System neighbouring the Pretovus System. Before the Crystalorb Fleet could Jump into any area a 5 Indigo Class Ship BattleGroup would enter first and make sure that it was safe for the rest of the fleet to jump in. As usual the Indigo Class Ship BattleGroup entered and scanned the system, and finding no signs of habitation informed the Crystalorb Fleet that it was safe. About and hour after the Crystalorb Fleet jumped in a 4 ship BattleGroup from the Pretovus jumped into the system broadcasting their standard message to intruders, but once they got a look at the Crystalorb Fleet they were slightly intimidated and kept their distance from the Crystalorb Fleet. Pretovus Federation operated 900 meter long ships and even though they had been an Interstellar Civilisation for 500 years they were no match for the Crystalorb Fleet. After translators were able to enter the Pretovus Federation language into the Crystalorb database the Crystalorb Leadership sent a message to the Pretovian BattleGroup apologizing for the intrusion and informing them that the Crystalorb Fleet would leave immediately. However once the Pretovians realised that the Crystalorb Fleet was actually Human they asked the Crystalans to come to their home planet Tovusla and trade. The Pretovians had learnt from the Zlarfh Empire that the humans agreed to buy 3 operational obsolete StarShips for the equivalent of 200000 metric tons of Gold paid for in several minerals. They knew that humans were eager to acquire advanced technology, and the humans were willing to pay a premium for it. And so the Crystalorb Fleet followed the Pretovians to Tovusla and stayed there for 3 months buying all sorts of products from Pretovian traders, and while the Crystalorb Fleet was in Tovusla''s orbit they came into contact with traders from distant worlds who invited them to visit their worlds for trade. When the Crystalorb Research Division had collected all the samples they needed the Crystalorb Fleet was ready to leave, and they were running out of rare minerals to trade. By the time the Crystalorb Fleet left Pretovian space they had paid the equivalent of 240000 metric tons of Gold in several minerals. The Crystalorb Fleet had been invited to several distant lands, but before they could go there, they went to unclaimed lands and used the unique abilities of their StarShips to consume large asteroids and produce refined minerals which they then stockpiled for trade and Ship growth. Consequently the Crystalorb Fleet spent a considerable amount of time In the Darkness Between the Stars. From the Pretovian Federation the Crystalorb Fleet went to Zolak Kingdom Space, from the Zolak Kingdom the Crystalorb Fleet went to Cromed Republic Space, from the Cromed Republic the Crystalorb Fleet went to Drafon Federation Space, from the Drafon Federation the Crystalorb Fleet went to Antora Consortium Space, from the Antora Consortium the Crystalorb Fleet went to the Valdez Empire and from the Valdez Empire the Crystalorb Fleet went to the Solte Federation.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. When trading with other Civilisations the Crystalans had a tendency to deliberately overpay for products, and even though it created an Image of Humans as being bad traders it also bought the Crystalans goodwill. Many races were happy to see the Crystalans because they knew that they would benefit from the interaction. Since the minerals the Crystalans used as currency were relatively easy to acquire, the cost was not that high for Crystalans. The Crystalans knew that the goodwill they were generating would extend to all humans. In between visiting these more Developed Interstellar Civilisations the Crystalorb Fleet also visited 145 Developing Interstellar Civilisations; These were Civilisations that had only been capable of Interstellar Travel for less than 1000 years or had less than 50 Colonized planets. The Pretovian Federation were considered to be a Developing Interstellar Civilisation. The Crystalorb Fleet also visited 200 Planetary Civilisations. The Developed Interstellar Civilisations were those who had been a space Faring Civilisation for more than 1500 years or had more than 100 Colonized planets The Advanced Interstellar Civilisations were those Civilisations who had Advanced Technology that required higher energy inputs to produce ?i.e. Highly enriched minerals, Advanced metals and Alloys?. By this measure Earth was a Developing Interstellar Civilisation. In 2158 while at the Solte Federation Space the Crystalans met the Anabi from the Nabi Federated Kingdom. The Anabi were the most Advanced Interstellar Civilisation the Crystalorb Fleet had come across, comparable to the Azlecks, and like the Azleck Republic the Nabi Federated Kingdom is also a member of the Galactic Alliance. After a 12 months stay in Nabi Space, and significant trades with Anabi traders the Crystalorb Fleet needed to refuel and re-supply their refined mineral resources stockpiles. So the Crystalans left the relative safety of Nabi Space for the Darkness Between the Stars. For the next 5 years the Crystalorb Fleet made short visits to 100 Developing Interstellar Civilisations, conducting technological, biological and information trades. The Crystalans are essentially technology assimilators, and they could reproduce any technology they came into contact with. This meant that contact with Advanced Interstellar Civilisations was transforming the Crystalans into an Advanced Interstellar Civilisation, and they now had technology from over a Hundred worlds. The Crystalorb Leadership decided to return to the Nabi Federated Kingdom as one of the final stops on the way back to Earth. On 15-08-2164 the Crystalorb Fleet arrived back in Nabi Space, and after about a month the Crystalans were preparing to leave, but their plans were changed when a group of Bitori explorers told the Crystalans about a race that lived in sector 6, specifically 06H03 with Galactic Radius at 10000 LightYears. The Bitorians from the Bitori Conclave had met the Edo 3 years earlier, their Homeworld was called Endo, and the Edo used massive Bioships. This peaked Crystalorb''s interest, and the Crystalorb Leadership decided that they would return to earth after they visited the Edo. The Crystalorb Fleet set course for the long journey to 06H03 to make contact with the Endo Federation. Finally the Crystalans would meet a race that had a Civilisation similar to Crystalorb. Along the way the Crystalorb Fleet collected mineral with which to trade once they arrive in Endo Federation space. When the Crystalorb Fleet arrived near the Endo Federation Space they tried to make communications contact, but there was no answer, and so they made their standard entry. The 5 Ship Indigo Class BattleGroup entered the Endo space with their stealth active making them invisible, but almost as soon as they emerged from Hyper-space they were attacked by a Hakum BattleGroup: 4 Hakum Sky Daggers and 1 Sky Sword. When the Crystalorb BattleGroup reported that it was under attack the Crystalorb Leadership ordered the rest of the Crystalorb Fleet into Endo space. The Crystalorb Ships were much more advanced than the ships the Hakum faced 50 years earlier, and prolonged contact with Advanced Interstellar Civilisations was clearly evident. The Crystalorb Ships were larger faster and more powerful, equivalent to the ships of Advanced Interstellar Civilisations. The Hakum fired their High energy Plasma Cannons and Multidirectional Particle Beams causing significant damage to Crystalorb Ships, but they were outnumbered and outgunned. A single Energy/Weapons Crystal of the Crystalorb Ship could simultaneously direct high energy Particle Beams at hundreds of separate targets, and every Crystalorb Ship had 4 Energy/Weapons Crystals. The Crystalans finally had a weapon system that could penetrate Hakum shields. The battle lasted about 10 minutes, leaving all the Hakum ships Destroyed and 9 Crystalorb Ships with significant damage. The Spirit Stone was then summoned to connect to the Intrepid, and begin repairing the damaged ships. The damage amounted to several breaches of the first layer of the Hull, and some damage to the second layer, but the ships were still operational. Several ships were sent to the planet Endo to determine the fate of the Edo. The Crystalorb Leadership was concerned that the Hakum might return in larger numbers, and wanted the ships that had been sent to Endo to rejoin the fleet as quickly as possible. When the Ships arrived in Low orbit they were horrified at the sight of the devastation below, and they could find no sign of life. The continents had been bombarded with Hakum fired High energy Plasma Cannons for an extended period, reducing entire cities to Ash and rubble. For a moment it seemed as though the Edo were gone, but then a ship emerged from the deepest part of the Endo''s ocean. This was the largest ship the Crystalans had ever seen; 25km in length and 6km wide. When the Large Bioship entered Orbit it was escorted to the middle of the Crystalorb Fleet. The Large Bioship called Edona which translates to New Hope then transmitted the Edo''s entire database of knowledge to the Intrepid. The Edo insisted that they should all leave the area as quickly as possible, indicating that the Hakum had a larger Force 18 hours away. The Edona was only capable of 25 LightYear Jumps so the Crystalorb Fleet would maintain protection until the Edona reached the Edo''s desired destination. The Edo were targeting a planet similar to Endo, but safe in that it was 2000 LightYears on the other side of Arun ? Arun is at 07H12 at R = 12000 LightYears and the Edo''s target was 07H30 at R = 13000 LightYears? Once the Edona was some 15000 LightYears from Endo the Crystalorb Leadership decided that it was too risky for the Edona to travel with the entire Crystalorb Fleet. The Council of Elders felt the size of the Fleet would attract unwanted attention, and so they reduced the Edona''s escort to 10 Intrepid Class Ships, the escort Ships would rejoin the Crystalorb Fleet at a later date. The rest of the Crystalorb Fleet would take a zigzag route to Sector 05H41 at R = 34000 LightYears in an attempt to draw away any pursuing Hakum ships. The ultimate target of the Crystalorb Fleet was a Neutron Star ?Rotation Powered Pulsar?, and the Crystalorb Leadership believed that the Neutron Star''s unique Electromagnetic Radiation signature would musk the Crystalorb Fleet''s presence. Their travel to the selected location would extend the Crystalorb Fleet''s stay in space by 3 years to the Earth year 2168. The Crystalans were in no hurry to return to Earth, and they were unsure about the welcome they would receive. The Edo told the Crystalans that the Hakum were deliberately trying to destroy them and they did not know why. The Edo Explained that some six months earlier the Hakum attacked with 50 ships, and after destroying the Endo Federation fleet they began to bombard Endo, reducing all their cities to rubble. The Hakum ruthlessly killed 2 Billion Edos for no apparent reason; they never tried to enslave the Edo or capture any Edo. Fortunately the Endo Federation Colony Ship Edona was on its final faze of development at the bottom of the Ocean. Inside the Edona there is 2 million Edos in stasis capsules, put there when the Hakum started the planetary bombardment. The Edos indicated that their ships are planted at the bottom of the ocean and take 20 years to reach maturity; they then produce 5 seeds every 10 years. The Edo Colony Class Ship took some 45 years to grow. The Crystalorb Leadership believe that the Edo''s ship growing technology may have been a possible reason for the Hakum or possibly the Migon wanting them destroyed. The Edo had the potential to quickly build large numbers of Ships in a relatively short space of time, and the Hakum may have seen them as a possible future threat, but this was merely speculation, the real reason for the Hakums actions would remain a Hakum secret. When the Crystalorb Fleet reached the designated Neutron Star ?Rotation Powered Pulsar? the Crystalans made a discovery. The Electromagnetic Radiation of the Neutron Star was concealing something else, something the Crystalans never expected in the system of a Neutron Star. The Crystalorb Fleet was approached by 3 massive dark green Ships; each ship had a rectangular shape from the side, 32km long, 10km high and 10km wide. The surface of the ship was covered with 400m high Polyhedron Pyramids and 350m high Polyhedron hemispheres arranged in no discernable order except for 3 hemispheres to every Polyhedron Pyramid. Nuclear Propulsion indicated that the approaching ships were very Advanced, and the Crystalans had to be very careful not to antagonize the approaching Ships. The Crystalorb Leadership sent one ship from the Crystalorb Fleet to make contact with the approaching ships, and the ship selected was the Indigo. The rest of the Crystalorb Fleet was ready to Jump at a moments notice should things go wrong. The Indigo Broadcast information on how to translate Human languages to the approaching ships, and this seemed to halt the approach of the 3 dark green Ships. The ships responded by also sending information about their languages. The Captain of the Indigo Naole Olen was following Crystalorb''s first contact principles to the letter, and once the Indigo had analysed and stored the Aliens language information Naole could communicate. The Indigo sends a message to the 3 Ships. Naole : " We are the Crystalorb Exploration Fleet from Earth; we are Human! We apologize for the intrusion in your Space! We will leave immediately!" The Indigo and the rest of the Crystalorb Fleet receive a message from Khilag the lead ship commander. Khilag : " I''m Khilag! Sky Commander of the O''con Federation! We are O''ltana!" Naole : " I''m Naole Olen." Khilag : " We are pleased to make contact with you Naole Olen of Earth." Naole : " We are also pleased make contact with the O''con Federation." Khilag : " The High Council of the O''con Federation would like to meet with you. We have been waiting a long time to make contact." Naole : " Where shall we meet!" Khilag : " On O''con off course!" The Council of Elders were then moved to the Incrata and the Intrepid and 60 Ships left O''con Federation Space for a solar system 1000 LightYears away. The Crystalorb Leadership did not want to risk the Spirit Stone in case this was a trap. Half of the Crystalorb Fleet belonged to the Crystalorb Expeditionary Division, and the Intrepid was the flagship of the Expeditionary Division, but because the Intrepid carried the Spirit Stone it left with the Crystalorb Sector Command Ships. The Indigo Class Ships were assigned to the Crystalorb Research Division, but they also remained. The planet O''con was a Mars size planet in orbit around the Neutron Star, one of 4 planets in the system, and the O''ltana live on two inner most planets. When the Incrata arrived on O''con it docked on one of Eight 48km long O''con Federation Space Station, and that is where the Council of Elders first saw with their own eyes the O''ltana. The O''ltana are tall Technogarnic Humanoids with Green skin, 4 arms, 4 fingers on each of the 4 hands, 2 legs, a mouth, a Nose and 3 eyes. The O''ltana''s Technogarnic Physiology gave them very advanced Psionic Abilities. They seemed to wear Technogarnic garments and Technogarnic Armour that adjusted to an individual''s body and helps to regulate the individual''s temperature. Since most of O''con is covered in Ice the ability to regulate the temperature was critical to their survival. The O''ltana are mammalians and evolved from an aquatic mammal. When the Council of Elders entered the O''con Federation Council Chambers they were met by 14 members of the O''con Federation High Council, and the High Council had chosen Bital to speak for them. Tarun would speak for the Crystalorb Council of Elders Bital : " Welcome to O''con; I am Bital of the O''con Federation High Council." Tarun : " Thank you for having us! I am Tarun of the Crystalorb Council of Elders." Bital : " Crystalorb? I thought you were Humans from Earth." Tarun : " We are; Crystalorb is a self governed City in the African Federation of City States. One of 5 Earth Federations." Bital : " And Crystalorb is ruled by a Council of Elders?" Tarun : " The Council of Elders are the Governors of Crystalorb!" Bital : " Our security personnel tell us that some if you are carrying weapons on your chests." Tarun : " It is not a weapon. Not exactly! It can be used as a weapon, but we don''t see it as a weapon." Tarun opens his Chest and shows the O''ltana his Chest Crystal "We call it a Chest Crystal, and all our technology is based on Chest Crystals." Bital : " Did you come looking for us?" Tarun : " We didn''t even know you were here! We came here looking for a place to hide." Lord Tarun then proceeds to explain about what happened to the Edo, and about the Hakum and the Migon. Lord Tarun also explains about the history of the Crystalans and the circumstances of Crystalorb''s departure from Earth. Bital : " Then you are welcome to stay for as long as you desire." Tarun : " Thank you." Bital : " We are fortunate that you came here! For over a million years we have known about the existence of other Civilisations. For a million years we have detected their radio waves. For a million years we have been sending messages to the stars. With no response. We think that most of the Civilisations must have concluded that our radio waves are the result of our star. Because of this we have been Isolated. We have waited 1.4 million years to make contact with an Interstellar Civilisation. Yet you are not at all what we expected." Tarun : " What do you mean?" Bital : " The similarities between you and us have us totally amazed." Tarun : " Similarities?" Bital : " You are Mammalian; we are Mammalian! You build Bio-Organic Crystalline Ships and structures; we build Technogarnic Ships and structures. Your bodies have Bio-Organic Crystalline Technological enhancements; our bodies have Technogarnic Technological enhancements! The list of similarities goes on and on." Tarun : " I see what you mean." Bital : " You may be the other half of our Soul! Will you stay with us? Share with us your Scientific Knowledge; Your Knowledge of Interstellar Travel. The secrets of the Stars. In return we will share with you all our Scientific Knowledge." Tarun : " We will stay. For the record Interstellar Travel technology didn''t come from us. None of the existing Civilisations in the Galaxy developed Jump Drive Technology. Jump Drive Technology was given to the Older Civilisations by the Phaylon. The Older Civilisations have not seen the Phaylon for almost 2 million years. The Phaylon are said to be a 100 million year old Intergalactic Civilisation. Jump Drive Technology spreads from Civilisation to Civilisation like Solar winds." Crystalorb had made a powerful friend, and by sharing Scientific knowledge with the O''ltana the Crystalans would reach new levels of development. The Crystalorb Council of Elders decided to delay Crystalorb''s return to Earth by 20 years. The O''ltana built a 200 story, 1.2 km diameter Consulate on O''con for the Crystalans. The Crystalans were certainly welcome amongst the 3.6 Billion O''ltana. 【VAF】Chapter║: 7 ─ Oltana - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 7 O''ltana ?~? The O''ltana are a 1.5 million year old Civilisation, and because they had not come into contact with other Civilisations they had not yet gained Jump Drive Technology, but their Technogarnic Technology was far more advanced than any of the Civilisations Crystalans had met. Left alone they had perfected their technology, and become very technologically advanced. The only Civilisations that had comparable technology were the Older Interstellar Civilisations. Like the Older Interstellar Civilisations the O''ltana could come together in a collective consciousness they call the O''ltana Collective, and this is how the O''ltana and the other Older Interstellar Civilisations selected their leaders. The O''ltana indicated that 1.3 million years ago a plague killed 80% of their population, and in response to the disease they developed Nanobots to fight the infection. This is how they became Technogarnic life forms, and their technology is based on their Nanobots. The O''ltana have different types of Technogarnic machines ranging from Nanobots to Space ships. While very advanced the Nanobots remain essentially basic, and operate on a hive mechanism. In the O''ltana body the Nanobots take their instructions from an O''ltana''s brain, this is a result of hundreds of thousands of years of Technogarnic Nanobot evolution. The physiology of the O''ltana is intricately linked to the Nanobots in their bodies. O''ltana children are born with these cellular Technogarnic Nanobot, and the O''ltana DNA contains information on the construction of the Technogarnic Nanobots. Under a microscope they look like Blood cells, and when the Crystalans observed them they could not help but notice that Crystalan cells behaved in a similar manner, but not as highly evolved as the O''ltana. It became clear to the Crystalans that they were indeed very similar to the O''ltana, and there was no longer any doubt in their minds. The O''ltana had been correct in their analysis of Crystalan physiology. The O''ltana controlled larger Technogarnic robots of between 0.1 - 1.2 meters length called Minibots with their minds and through an advanced computer system. Billions of these Technogarnic Minibots were used to mine asteroids, build and maintain Ships and build buildings. This allowed the O''ltana to build faster and more efficiently. O''ltana Ships were essentially a large version of these Technogarnic Machines, and as such are partially alive. An O''ltana could communicate with another O''ltana via wireless methods, and share feelings, emotions, thoughts, vision and dreams, but preferred to do this with family members and intimate partners. Verbal communications was still the most common form with non-Relatives. An O''ltana individual is both Male and Female, but not capable of self fertilization, and therefore requires a partner for reproduction. Being hermaphrodites the O''ltana were naturally fascinated with the distinctions between Crystalan males and females. In O''ltana society there are no male and female roles, and the associated competitions for mates as in the case of human males. The O''ltana have a similar concept of love and indicated that there are times when there is competition for the attentions of a particular individual, but their society considers it uncivilized for an O''ltana to have more than one love interest or partner. As expected the O''ltana were eager to meet the Andronian, the Carmak, the Hildrano, the Folong and the Jiquam, but first the O''ltana would have to develop and perfect the Jump Drive Technology they were receiving from the Crystalans. This Exchange of knowledge would join the Crystalans to the O''ltana, and the O''ltana saw the Crystalans as younger versions of themselves; Eternal Friends. The entire Crystalorb Fleet was in O''con Federation space, and the O''ltana were particularly fascinated with the Spirit Stone, but the Spirit Stone would not allow them to get close enough to touch it. It would take time for the Spirit Stone to trust the O''ltana, and the Crystalans were certain that the O''ltana''s prolonged exposure to the Spirit Stone would lead to acceptance by the Spirit Stone. In just a matter of months the O''ltana built their first Jump Drive prototype with the help of Crystalans, they placed it on a smaller 250 meter ship and tested it under Crystalan guidance. 12 months later the O''ltana built a full scale Technogarnic Jump Drive for one of their Technogarnic Ships. The O''ltana''s Jump Drive Technology had already surpassed Crystalorb''s Bio-Organic Crystalline Jump Drive Technology. The O''ltana''s Technogarnic Ships had a much larger energy reserve capacity and could therefore make 105 LightYear jumps. The O''ltana built a new class of Ships that would serve as escort Ships for their main StarShips, and because the new class of Ships was inspired by Crystalorb''s Intrepid Class Ships the O''ltana named them Guardian Class StarShips; named after Crystalorb''s Crystal Guardians. The O''ltana''s Technogarnic Guardian Class StarShips are: 1? 7km in length, 3km in width, 2? 2.5km in height and have a similar oval shape to Crystalorb''s Intrepid Class Ships, 3? Oval shape. 4? Instead of Energy/Weapons Crystals there is a 150 meter High Polyhedron Pyramid surrounded by Three 100m radius Polyhedron hemispheres The O''ltana developed a 11 Ship BattleGroup formation with 10 Guardian Class StarShips escorting the 32km long Elmak Class SkyCruiser, the Capital Ships of the O''con Federation. Crystalorb''s presence somehow revitalized O''con Federation society, and helped them remember what it felt like to be a young species. The wonder and amazement in the eyes of Crystalans inspired creativity and development. The Council of Elders knew that Crystalans would forever be greatly influenced by the O''ltana, and the O''ltana culture would now form part of Crystalorb. As promised the O''con Federation transferred all their Scientific knowledge to Crystalorb, though most of the information transferred was beyond Crystalan understanding. Crystalorb also transferred all its Scientific knowledge to the O''con Federation. One of the first things Crystalans acquired from the O''ltana was the technology to build better energy reserve systems and this extended Crystalorb''s Bio-Organic Crystalline Jump Drive capacity to 80 LightYears. The O''con Federation used Spatial Compression Technology also known as Spatial Warping Technology to generate artificial gravity. This caused a revolution in Crystalorb''s Ship technology as Crystalorb removed the internal turning mechanism in favour of the O''con Federation Spatial Warping Technology that generates artificial gravity. This meant that Crystalorb''s Ship would have more room for energy generation. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. The O''con Federation''s Guardian Class StarShips contain a 500 meter diameter Star at its centre, and that generates a maximum of 125 Zettajoules/sec by the Triple-Alpha Process and Antimatter Reactions. The Elmak Class SkyCruiser is powered by 6 of the 500 meter diameter Stars, generating a maximum of 750 Zettajoules/sec by the Triple-Alpha Process. The 500 meter diameter Star is both a fusion Reactor and an Antimatter Reactor, converting matter and Antimatter into energy. Other Older Advanced Interstellar Civilisations also used the same kind of power sources with slight differences. Crystalorb used Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen Helium-4 Nuclear Fusion Reactor Technology, and although very advanced was not nearly as capable as O''con Federation Fusion Reactor Technology. With O''ltana help the Crystalans improved their CNO cycle Nuclear Fusion Reactors to the extent that they developed a 250 meter diameter Star that produced a maximum of 20 Zettajoules/sec. Each Crystalorb Ships carried 4 of these upgraded Bio-Organic Crystalline Nuclear Fusion Reactors. The O''ltana weapon systems were originally developed as an Asteroid mining tool and consisted of two parts: A Polyhedron Pyramid that produces Lightning Strikes and several hemispheres with each producing multiple Multidirectional high energy Particle Beams. The Multidirectional Particle Beams served as targeting system for the Lightning Strikes produced by Polyhedron Pyramid. The Lightning Strikes could range from 1.5 Megaton to more than 100 Megatons. The O''ltana called the Lightning Strikes: Thunder Force Strikes. The O''ltana used it to reduce large Asteroid to the size which could be cut into smaller pieces by the Multidirectional Particle Beams. In the case of very large Asteroids Multiple O''con Federation Ships would converge multiple Thunder Force Strikes simultaneously on a single point, and this raised the energy output to more than 100000 Megatons. The Thunder Force Strike technology was also transferred to the Crystalans, but Crystalorb Ships could only reach 36 Megatons on a single Thunder Force Strike. From the Crystalorb data the O''con Federation concluded that they would inevitably have military confrontations with the Hakum and the Migon. In accordance to that view the O''con Federation began a rapid build program in order to reach their desired first stage target of 350 BattleGroups. Each of the battle groups would consist of: 1 Elmak Class SkyCruiser and 10 Guardian Class StarShips. This is where the Crystalorb fleet become most useful to the O''con Federation. The ability of the Crystalorb Ships to process minerals supplied the O''con Federation with a massive stock pile of all the types of minerals they would need to build 50% of their Fleet. Crystalorb''s mineral processing technology was one of the few areas where the Crystalans were clearly superior to the O''ltana, and this was technology unique to Crystalorb that could not be easily duplicated. The Crystalorb Leadership was very ambitious, and in their desire to keep up with the O''ltana in terms of Ship production the Crystalans increased the size of the Oval shaped Intrepid Class Ships and Indigo Class. Intrepid/Indigo Class Ships: 1? 10km in length, 2? 3.6km maximum height, 3? 4km maximum width, 4? Enhanced weapon systems, 5? 150 meters thick Skin/Hull. The thicker Skin/Hull was a development brought on by analysis from the last confrontation with the Hakum, and the projected capabilities of the Migon. Crystalorb Skin/Hull Armour could be said to be superior to O''con Federation Armour, but the O''con Federation had much more advanced energy shields. The Intrepid ?Flagship of the Crystalorb Expeditionary Division? and the A''ltana ?A ship Born in O''con Federation Space, and selected to be the Flagship of the Crystalorb Command Ships? were increased in size. Intrepid/Indigo Class Flagship: 1? 15km in length, 2? 4.6km meters maximum height, 3? 5km meters maximum width, 4? Enhanced weapon systems, 5? 200 meters thick Skin/Hull. Growing Crystalan Ships larger than the Crystalorb Flagships would require better propulsion systems, and Crystalans needed time to work on that. These two ships were more like a home for Crystalans, and when inside the ship one could forget that one was inside a living feeling StarShip. By 2185 Crystalorb was used to living in O''con Federation Space under the guidance of the O''ltana, but 20 years had passed and it was time for the Crystalans to return to Earth. Most Crystalans did not want to return to Earth, and they were happy to stay where they felt wanted, but the Council of Elders made the case for Crystalorb to send a ship to investigate the progress made by Earth. The ship selected to go back to Earth was Indigo, and because of its larger energy reserves and enhancements the Council of Elders decided to send Indigo without any escort. As Naole was about to leave for Earth 10 O''ltana decided to go with Naole and the 100 members of his crew. The 10 O''ltana were Enubh and his/her crew, and Enubh had recently been selected for command of a Guardian Class StarShip that was being built. The O''con Federation High Council felt that the mission to Earth would be good experience for Enubh, and on the Indigo Enubh would serve as First Officer. This was not unusual, and was a tradition that went back to when the Crystalans were training O''con Federation Commanders on the Fundamentals of Interstellar Travel. For security reasons the Indigo would take the long way to Earth stopping at various locations, moving in multiple directions, and taking a randomized path. This was to avoid revealing the location of O''con. In the 50 years that Crystalorb had been away Earth had been transformed into an Interstellar Trading Civilisation, and the 5 Earth Federation had established 52 colonies and 80 Outposts on nearby Solar Systems. The United Atlantic Federation established 16 colonies, the African Federation of City States established 8 colonies, Islamic Alliance established 5 colonies, Asian Consortium established 13 colonies and the United Indian Federation established 10 colonies. The furthest of these Human settlements was the United Atlantic Federation Casini Observation post 212 LightYears from Earth. These colonies allowed the 5 Earth Federations to generate sufficient mining for Interstellar Trade. Most of the mining was done by Private enterprises, and the revenue generated from the large scale mining of entire solar systems led to economic prosperity. Humans could now purchase products and rare minerals that were not available in the sector, and this powered a technological boom. Within a relatively short space of time humans had found markets for Earth products in hundreds of Planetary Civilisations. All this progress led to humans building large 8km long Interstellar StarShip freighters that carried Millions of tons of Earth products to hundreds of Planetary Civilisations. The freighters also brought products from deep space to Earth, and this gave Humans access to some of the latest technology available in the Galactic region. Human activities had not gone unnoticed by the Hakum, and from Earth date 2170 Hakum warships began to conduct hit and run attacks on the outer colonies of the 5 Earth Federations. This led to the 5 Earth Federations establishing military outposts at the edge of their territories, and the 5 Earth Federations agreed to answer the emergency calls that emanate from each others colonies. The militaries of the 5 Earth Federations created a series of defensive lines that require visiting ships to keep to specified Jump Routes while travelling to Earth. To respond to Hakum raids the 5 Earth Governments cooperated to develop the Apollo Class StarShip/Destroyer. The Apollo Class Destroyer was essentially an improvement of the Juggernaut Class StarShips, and incorporated the advancements in technology gained through more contact with advanced Interstellar Civilisations. Interstellar trade gave Humans access to rare minerals that could be used to create alloys that are essential in producing higher energy weapon systems. Juggernaut Class Frigates: 1? 4000 meters in length. 2? 2000 meters width at the back and 400 meters width at the front. 3? 1800 meters Height at the back and 310 meters Height at the front, 4? 20 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 10 Plasma Cannons, 100 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 15 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 10 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 8 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 45 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. Apollo Class Destroyers: 1? 5600 meters in length. 2? 2900 meters width at the back and 600 meters width at the front. 3? 2400 meters Height at the back and 500 meters Height at the front, 4? 25 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 15 Plasma Cannons, 162 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 15 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 12 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 45 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The UAS Apollo A2177 was the first of the type to enter service, and the United Atlantic Federation version of the Apollo Class StarShip/Destroyer was the most expensive at a cost of $120 Billion in Atlantic Dollars. By 01-01-2185 the United Atlantic Federation had 45 Apollo Class StarShips in service, the African Federation of City States had 29 Apollo Class StarShips in service, the Islamic Alliance had 21 Apollo Class StarShips in service, the Asian Consortium had 38 Apollo Class StarShips in service and the United Indian Federation had 32 Apollo Class StarShips in service. The Apollo Class StarShip was designed to be able to go one on one with a Hakum Sky Sword, and each Apollo Class Destroyer would be supported by other smaller ships. Following the development of the Apollo Class Destroyer the Juggernaut Class StarShips were designated Juggernaut Class Frigates. In the United Atlantic Federation each of the Apollo Class Destroyers was supported by 4 updated Juggernaut Class Frigates and their Gunship compliment. This BattleGroup formation was calculated to be more than 4 Hakum Sky Daggers in power. The Juggernaut Class StarShips had been in service for 60 years, and had proven themselves in many battles against the Hakum. The biggest of these Battles took place in 2175 when 19 Juggernaut Class StarShips and 39 Gunships fought a 5 Ship Hakum BattleGroup consisting of: 4 Hakum Sky Daggers and 1 Sky Sword. The battle took place 400 LightYears from Earth, and was a consequence of an earlier battle that resulted in the destruction of the UAS Atlantis A2118. The UAS Atlantis A2118 and the UAS Brussels A2138 were investigating possible Large scale mineral deposits on the fourth planet of the system Sirius 9. The two ships were suddenly attacked by a Hakum Sky Dagger, and in the ensuing battle the UAS Atlantis A2118 was destroyed and the UAS Brussels A2138 managed to escape into Hyperspace. The United Atlantic Federation immediately sent in a taskforce to search for survivors. The United Atlantic Federation Taskforce also came under attack, but this time from a larger 5 Ship Hakum BattleGroup. This was a battle of epic proportions involving High speed manoeuvres, Nuclear Missiles, Plasma Cannons and high energy Multidirectional Particle Beams. In the aftermath 12 Gunships and 3 Juggernaut Class StarShips were destroyed, and the Hakum lost 3 Sky Daggers and 1 Sky Sword. After that battle the Hakum reverted back to hit and run attacks, and the humans began to cooperate more closely in Warship development and security operations, and this led to the Apollo Class Destroyer. Drawing from the Apollo Class Destroyer project the United Atlantic Federation was developing a new class of Capital ships, but the first one was only expected in 2201. The UAS Atlantis B2201 would be: 1? 8000 meters in length, 2? 3500 meters width at the back and 800 meters width at the front, 3? 3100 meters Height at the back and 700 meters Height at the front, 4? 35 meter thick Hull. The UAS Atlantis B2201 would be the United Atlantic Federation''s main BattleCruiser, and would be escorted by 4 Apollo Class Destroyers and 2 Juggernaut Class Frigates. This was the extent of United Atlantic Federation ambition, and the humans had also realized that the ability to build large StarShips brought prestige amongst Interstellar Civilisations, this then encouraged Interstellar Travel and Interstellar Trade. For Interstellar Traders to come to Earth they had to be convinced of their relative safety from the Hakum, Space Pirates and other enemies of the Humans. The rise of the humans as a major Interstellar Trading Civilisation had taken a lot of trade from other Developing Interstellar Civilisations, and this created new and dangerous enemies for humans. These new enemies would not normally act openly, but their intent was deadly, and the 5 Earth Federation had to be constantly on Guard. 【VAF】Chapter║: 8 ─ Egalitarian Response - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 8 Egalitarian Response ?~? Meanwhile Naole was making his final approach to United Atlantic Federation Space. The Crystalorb Leadership were worried about the reception a Crystalorb Ship would receive from African Federal Security Forces, and so the Indigo was ordered to transit through United Atlantic Federation Space. This was to avoid possible confrontations with African Federation Warships. The Indigo tries to open a Communications Channel with United Atlantic Federation Channel 001 ?UAFC 001?. Naole : " This is Naole Olen of the Crystalorb StarShip Indigo! Requesting permission to Transit through United Atlantic Federation Space?" UAFC 001 : " Permission Granted! Take route 240!" Route data is sent to the Indigo. Indigo : " Naole?" Naole : " Yes!" Indigo : " I''m detecting an Emergency broadcast on EarthCom 001!" Naole : " On Screen!" EarthCom 001 : " This is the United Atlantic Federation Destroyer Miami we are under attack at Solar 601; Requesting Assistance!" Naole : " What''s their relative location and distance?" Indigo : " 170 LightYears; They were responding to a distress call from a Cargo Freighter." Naole : " How far away are the reinforcing UAF BattleGroups?" Indigo : " 30 minutes!" Naole : " This thing will be over in 10 minutes! Reactors to maximum! Set course to intercept; Attack pattern 24Alpha." Indigo : " Attack pattern 24Alpha Aye Captain! Stealth active, Fusion Reactors at 100%, Status to Red-Con One, Shields at Max, Weapons ready! Jump Drive standing by!" Naole : " Jump!" The now invisible Indigo jumps to Hyperspace, and is on a path to intercept the 3 Hakum Sky Daggers that were attacking the Apollo Class Destroyer UAS Miami A2179 and the 2 Juggernaut Class Frigates: UAS Dresden A2145 and UAS Colombo A2147. The United Atlantic Federation ships were taking enormous fire from the Hakum Sky Daggers and their compliment of fighters. The Cromed Republic freighter that sent the original distress message had been destroyed. The Hakum deliberately allowed the Cargo ship to send a distress signal indicating an attack by a single Hakum Sky Dagger, but as soon as the United Atlantic Federation battle group arrived 2 other Hakum Sky Daggers joined the fight. This indicated that the Hakum had studied the United Atlantic Federation response strategies and were now fighting in a way that reflected that understanding. Onboard the UAS Miami A2179 Captain Mark Drake was trying to hold his BattleGroup together until Atlantic Federation reinforcing BattleGroups arrive, but things weren''t looking good for Capt. Drake, and the ship was taking damage. Officer 1 : " Enemy beams getting through Sir!" Capt. Drake : " Fire tubes one through seven!" Officer 2 : " Aye Sir!" The UAS Miami A2179 fires Nuclear missiles from 7 of its 30 missile launchers; Each Missile carries a 50 Megaton Nuclear Bomb. Officer 1 : " They have range on us sir!" Capt. Drake : " Forward Cannons; Fire at will!" Officer 3 : " Aye Sir! Firing Plasma Cannons!" The 4 Forward Plasma Cannons fire at the Hakum. Capt. Drake : " All Guns Fire at will! I want those fighters cut down!" Officer 4 : " Aye Captain!" Officer 5 : " Aye Captain!" Capt. Drake : " Fire tubes 11 to 30!" Officer 2 : " Aye Sir!" The UAS Miami A2179 fires Nuclear Missiles from 20 of its 30 missile launchers. Officer 6 : " Sir; Massive Jump-Hole forming at 9 O''clock!" Capt. Drake : " On Screen! Who is it?" Officer 7 : " Zero on the visual! I''m reading Transponder AFS-A006C; its the Indigo!" Capt. Drake : " What?" Meanwhile onboard the Indigo Naole''s Grandson Malen is on weapons control. Naole : " Put us between the Hakum ships and the Earth ships! Target lead Sky Dagger! Particle Beams; Single point Strikes! Full power!" The 4 high energy Particle Beams from the Indigo penetrate the lead Sky Dagger''s shields and cause serious damage to the ship. Indigo : " Other ships moving in on our position!" Naole : " Perfect! Prepare for Single point Strikes; Thunder Force! Multiple bursts; Full Power!" Malen : " Theyre coming into range! Theyre firing multiple Plasma Ball Cannons!" Naole : " Activate Particle Beam Plasma Ball defence!" The Indigo''s Particle Beams stop the Plasma Balls from hitting the Indigo. Indigo : " Captain; They''re at optimal range!" Naole : " Thunder Force; Fire!" Multiple Thunder Force Strikes on single points penetrate the Hakum shields, melt Hakum Armour and cause critical damage to the two Hakum ships resulting in massive internal explosions. Meanwhile on the UAS Miami they can''t believe their eyes. Officer 1 : " Ooh my God!" Officer 2 : " How?" Back onboard the Indigo. Indigo : " Lead ship trying to escape!" Naole : " Fire long range Thunder Force Strikes; 25% power!" Multiple Thunder Force Strikes cripple the Hakum ship. Malen : " Enemy ship disabled!" Enubh : " Captain; Why not destroy it?" Naole : " There may be valuable information about their base of operations! Indigo; search for onboard computer database!"Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Indigo : " Location found." Naole : " Malen; Use the Particle Beams to cut around it. Disengage Invisibility Field!" Malen : " Aye Sir!" The Indigo suddenly becomes visible, and on the Miami they can now see the Indigo. Officer 1 : " Its enormous!" Officer 7 : " Captain! We are receiving a Communications Channel from the Indigo." Capt. Drake : " On screen!" Naole : " This is Naole Olen of the Crystalorb StarShip Indigo. We were on Transit to Earth through United Atlantic Federation Space; we thought you could use our help." Capt. Drake : " We are in your Debt Naole." Naole : " Just doing my part Captain; What''s your status?" Capt. Drake : " We''ve taken heavy damage, but we have the fires under control! What about you?" Naole : " We''ve suffered minor Damage to the Hull and the shield projectors. Our shields are at 87%. What''s the ETA on the UAF reinforcing BattleGroups?" Capt. Drake : " 5 minutes." Naole : " Then we will remain with you until then. We''ve located the Data storage centres on the enemy lead Ship; we are cutting it away before their internal explosions set it. Be advised that some of their fighters are heading for System planets; inform your fleet that they may require ground troops." Capt. Drake : " Will do Captain!" Naole : " Indigo out!" And that Ends the ships to ship Communications Channel, and back on the indigo. Naole : " Indigo; Reactivate route 240, and standby for jump!" Indigo : " Reactivating route 240 to Earth; Jump Drive standing ready!" Onboard the Miami. Officer 7 : " Is the blue ship a cruiser?" Capt. Drake : " The AFS-A006C is a Bio-Crystalline Ship. We learnt about them at the Academy" Officer 7 : " Records say that they''re 2km long, but this one is 10km long?" Officer 1 : " Theyve obviously become more powerful." Capt. Drake : " The Crystalans come from before our time; 20 years ago the entire Earth waited for their return, but they never showed up." Officer 7 : " Looks like they''re back sir." Capt. Drake : " And they''re not going to like what they find in the African Federation." Officer 7 : " The African Federation doesn''t have anything that can compete with the Indigo." Capt. Drake : " None of the 5 Earth Federations have anything that can compete, and the Crystalans probably have hundreds of these Bio Ships." A few moments later the UAF reinforcing BattleGroups arrived, and Naole gives the Indigo the order to Navigate to Earth space through United Atlantic Federation Space. UAF Commanders are surprised by the size of the Crystalan Ship As is Crystalorb Law all the Crystalans had watched the Battle, and the O''ltana had also seen the Indigo''s battle with the Hakum. In that moment the O''ltana understood the Crystalans a little better. The O''ltana understood that Crystalans felt a responsibility towards other humans, and would rise to protect them if required. When the Indigo arrived in Earth space they found they were being expected, and the United Atlantic Federation''s Atlantic Defence Force had supplied video footage of the fight to the Global news network. This was in line with United Atlantic Federation policy of freedom of information, but there was another reason the United Atlantic Federation publicised the Indigo''s Activities, a reason that had something to do with the politics of the African People. The United Atlantic Federation''s Atlantic Council knew that the African People would see the Indigo and assume that the Crystalans were returning to Earth, and this might start another uprising against the African Federation''s Military Government. The African Federation''s Military Government would not dare use force to crush the protest with the Crystalans watching, and African Federal Security Forces had seen the power wielded by Crystalorb. As expected Naole was horrified to find that the once Egalitarian African Federation of City States had become a corrupt, repressive and oppressive Police State. The Indigo was in constant contact with Crystalorb, and the Crystalans were also disturbed by the information they received from the Indigo. For 45 years the African People had been under the heel of the African Federation''s Military Government, and the liberties they once cherished were no more. Many Crystalans called for an immediate campaign to liberate the African People, but the Crystalorb Leadership wanted a way to end the Military dictatorship with minimum loss of life. The Council of Elders Immediately ordered 50 Intrepid Class StarShips from the Expeditionary Division to join the Indigo in Earth space. The Council of Elders wanted to intimidate the African Federation''s Military Government into a quick and painless surrender. In the 2 weeks it took the 50 Crystalorb Expeditionary StarShips to make their way to Earth the Protests on the ground grew larger and larger. The African Federal Security Forces were paralyzed by the fear of the Crystalans, and people on the ground called for the immediate resignation of the governing military Council. On O''con the Council of Elders met with the O''con Federation High Council. Following the death of Turan, Casara was elected to the Council of Elders and became the oldest Elder. Bital : " You are Leaving?" Casara : " Yes!" Bital : " Will you come back?" Casara : " Not likely. But our Envoy and his staff will remain at the Consulate." Bital : " How many?" Casara : " 5000!" Bital : " Then in a way You will Always be with us." Casara : " Yes! But the Council of Elders must return to Earth!" Bital : " We understand! Casara : " We were wrong to abandon our people! We were hurt, and we acted in haste! Our failing has caused untold suffering to our People! Now we must return to our home and repair the bonds we once shared with our people!" Bital : " To heal an entire People." Casara : " Yes; We have to try." Bital : " We understand. They are a part of you. You can not be Whole without them." Casara : " Yes!" Bital : " Then we will go with you! Our Envoy Timal and 5000 others will go to Earth with you! Live with you! We will always be with you!" Casara : " Thank you!" Bital : " Knowing all of you has been enlightening!" Casara : " Likewise!" Bital : " Who will be your Envoy!" Casara : " The Crystalorb General Council has Chosen Naole! Only he amongst us has the time and patience required to serve for extended periods! He is the best of us! Envoy of the Forbidden!" Bital : " Good luck my friends! Spread the peace In your Hearts!" The rest of the Crystalorb Fleet had been standing by and waiting to mobilize. 20 Crystalorb Ships would remain, and 10 would serve in the O''con Federation BattleGroups as first contact specialists, but the rest would leave for earth. There were 249 Adult ships, 76 Juvenile ships and 102 baby ships. The Crystalorb population was now at 249249, and there was great work ahead for Crystalans. Back on Earth! When the 50 Crystalorb Ships from the Expeditionary Division arrived the protesters were embolden by the imminent return of Crystalorb, and the voices for the restoration of the African Federation Constitution grew louder and louder. The new Expeditionary Guardian Nasara''s Daughter Isara decided it was time to meet with the African Federation''s Military Government. The meeting Included leaders of the African Progressive Congress, the African National Movement, the Democratic National Congress, the Federal National Congress, the governing Military Council and Isara and her 3 Deputy Guardians. Isara made it clear that Crystalorb was returning to its home in mount Crystalorb, and that the Crystalorb Leadership would not live in an undemocratic state. Isara also pointed out that there can be no amnesty for those who had committed crimes against humanity, and that the African Federal Security Force had a duty to bring these criminals to trial. After 3 days of talks onboard the Crystalorb StarShip Impalo the political groups agreed on the immediate restoration of the African Federation Constitution, and they also agreed to hold general elections in 30 days. The political leaders demanded that all those who held the rank of Captain and above immediately resign, but the Military Council only agreed to do so after the general elections. This proposal was acceptable to Isara, and it removed the prospect of a power vacuum. On the African Federation colonies Security was of greatest concern, and the worry was that what was happening on Earth could affect their security. Isara agreed to send 3 Ships to protect each colony. The Crystalorb fleet was due to arrive in 50 days, and Isara was expected to prepare the ground for the return of Crystalorb. In the interim Isara met with the Ilesians, and prepared for the hand over of Crystal Valley Industries. In recognition of their service to Crystalorb Isara offered the 3215 Ilesians the opportunity to join Crystalorb and become Crystalans. The Crystalorb General Council had confirmed the Ilesians and their families as Eligible to become Crystalans. The 3215 Ilesians and their families would become the first Hybrids to officially become Crystalans. The Crystalorb General Council wanted the running of Crystal Valley Industries to return to the Crystalorb Mobile Assets Defence Division, and that was because Crystalorb wanted to restart the Crystal Valley Industries'' manufacturing Divisions. This was critical to reviving the Economy of the African Federation of City States. In the 50 years Crystalorb had been away the Economy of the African Federation had gone from being the Third largest of the 5 Earth Federations to the Fifth. Crystalorb needed Crystal Valley Industries to begin manufacturing products that could be sold on the Interstellar Markets and generate revenue for the African Federation. Fortunately during their travels the Crystalans had done a comprehensive analysis of the economies of many Interstellar Civilisations, and could therefore design and produce products that could meet the demands of the Interstellar Markets. Crystal Valley Industries had always been Crystalorb''s way of slowly transferring advanced technology to the world, and this was done to minimise possible negative consequences of rapid technological development. Crystal Valley Industries had always produced common materials replicas of Crystalorb''s Crystal technology, and this meant that others could then duplicate Crystal Valley Industries products. Most of the revenue generated by Crystal Valley Industries went into expansion projects which then produced more products and generated employment opportunities for the people of the African Federation. Crystal Valley Investment Bank invested in global stock markets and generated more revenue for Crystal Valley Industries. However in the past 45 years the activities of Crystal Valley Industries had been forced to be limited to Crystal Valley Investment Bank because of the African Federation Military Government policies. After the African Federation General Elections the African Federal Parliament elected the 8 additional members of the Federal Executive Council. The Federal Executive Council called for a public Referendum to approve the Constitutional amendments that were intended to make sure that there would never be a Coup or a military take over. The Constitution of the African Federation of City States indicates that only a public Referendum can approve any Constitutional amendments. The Constitutional amendments: 1? Removed the policing function from the African Federal Security Force and gave it to a City State Police Department and Federal Police Department, 2? Every African Federal Security Force Ship Captain would have to be approved by the African Federal Parliament, and 3? Crystalorb was made Guarantor of the Constitution of the African Federation of City States and that of the African Federation of City States itself like the African Federal Security Force with the distinction that Crystalorb was outside Federal Executive Command and would only give an account of their activities to the African Federal Parliament. When the Crystalorb Fleet arrived back in Earth space they brought with them 4 O''con Federation Guardian Class StarShips. Each Guardian Class StarShip carried a crew of 100 O''ltana, and onboard the Intrepid there were an additional 5000 O''ltana that would live in Crystalorb as promised by the O''con Federation High Council. The 4 O''con Federation Guardian Class StarShips would remain in Earth orbit to help in the Defence of Earth along with the Azleck Republic StarShip. As expected the Governments of the 5 Earth Federations were eager to meet with O''ltana Envoy, but Timal would only meet them in Crystalorb once the internal Crystalorb systems had been restarted and upgraded. However Crystalorb shared the artificial gravity technology with the 5 Earth Governments, and they quickly implemented gravity systems on their ships. The Spirit Stone would need about 5 weeks to expand Crystalorb and install all the new components and upgrades to the 50 year old components that had mostly been inactive. Fortunately the plants in Crystalorb had been maintained by a few Crystalorb robots that had been left to run on the reserve energy in the energy storage systems. The Intrepid Entered Earth''s atmosphere and delivered the Spirit Stone to the sealed Crystalorb entrance. The Spirit Stone opened the entrance tunnel by absorbing the Black Crystals that had filled the entire tunnel. Once inside the Spirit Stone began the restoration process to the specifications of the Crystalans. The end result is a 1.5km Diameter Hemisphere surrounded by 18 levels of twelve 1.35km Diameter Hemispheres complete with Buildings, Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors, Fully automated Agricultural systems, Climate control systems and upgraded Crystalorb Facilities. One of the first level 1.35km Diameter Hemispheres was designated as the O''con Federation Consulate. Almost as soon as the Crystalans had settled-in the Azleck Republic scientists completed their analysis of the data the United Atlantic Federation ships had collected from the Hakum ship, and the results were troubling for the 5 Earth Federations and for the region. The Azlecks concluded that from the jump records of the lead Hakum Sky Dagger there was a Hakum base in sector 05H15 at a Galactic Radius of 3000 LightYears. The Azleck Republic had informed the Galactic Alliance and an offensive strategy was being formulated. The O''con Federation has placed its security forces on high alert, and their 120 BattleGroups began mobilizing for a major operation. Tactical analysis from Galactic Alliance specialists indicated that there may be Migon presence, and the presence of Hakum Sky Spears indicated that the Base is of High value. Hakum Sky Spears are 11 km in length, 5.4 km maximum width, they have 8 prongs, Armoured Hull, they have 50 High Energy Multidirectional Particle Beams and 18 Plasma Cannons that can Each produce Plasma Balls that carry 5 Megatons of Energy. The Sky Spears are the Capital ships of the Hakum, and because of the rapid fire capabilities of their Plasma Cannons the Sky Spears are the most dangerous Class of Hakum warship. The Galactic Alliance was worried that the Migon may be trying to open a new front in the war, and the reason was that their impenetrable defensive lines were holding. These lines are what the Migon had been building for a Thousand years, and they had been busy rebuilding their fleet. The Migon defensive line consisted of planetary orbital Stations, Moon bases and thousands of Battleships. To derive the kind of energies and power their ships required requires a large quantity of rare minerals, and to acquire these minerals the Migon had no problem wiping out an entire race. The Galactic Alliance had studied the Migon defensive lines, and their analysis indicated that it would take more than 50000 Advanced Galaxy Class StarShips to break through the lines. So while the Migon regrouped the Galactic Alliance took the opportunity to also rearm and prepare for when the Migon resume their offensive campaign. Few ships could stand up to an assault by a Migon BattleSphere, and that meant that any assault on Migon Federation Space would take an incredible amount of resources. The Galactic Alliance analysts knew that the Galactic Alliance could not afford for the Migon Federation to gain a foothold in the sector; a foothold that would provide the Migon with hundreds of billions of slaves to mine the ore they need to build their ships. The Galactic Alliance decided to send a Taskforce to the region, and in particular to sector 06H00, to help organize regional defences. The Galactic Alliance Taskforce consisted of 3 Jiquam Galaxy Class StarShips, 2 Folong Galaxy Class StarShips and 10 Galaxy Class StarShips from some of the Advanced Interstellar Civilisations. The Azlecks would add a further 30 Galaxy Class StarShips to the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. Because of the size of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce there had to be sufficient forward supply to guarantee adequate supply for the Galactic Alliance Taskforce in case of extended operations, and setting up supply mechanisms had to occur before that Galactic Alliance Taskforce arrived. Earth was selected as a base of operations for the advance force that would set up the necessary supply network for the expected Galactic Alliance Taskforce. Earth had suddenly become of significant strategic importance to the Galactic Alliance. The 5 Earth Governments realised the opportunity that this turn of events had brought to Earth, and they knew that the coming battle was in fact the Battle for Earth. The 5 Earth Governments needed to show the Galactic Alliance that Earth could be a useful and valuable partner in the fight against the forces of Galactic Evil. It was expected that supply mechanisms would take 3 months to put in place, and this gave the Crystalorb Leadership enough time to prepare for possible involvement. To that end the Leadership of Crystalorb authorized Crystal Valley Industries to begin coating all African Federal Security Force StarShips with Crystalorb''s Black Crystals. This significantly increased the amount of damage the Hulls of the warships could take. Crystal Valley Industries offered to do the same coating to warships of the other 4 Earth Governments but they were unconvinced of the value of such a process, and they indicated that the coating process would make it difficult to repair the hulls if damaged. Their arguments were valid, and the interlocking block hull construction method developed by Crystal Valley Industries was designed to be easy to repair. Crystal Valley Industries decided to develop an interlocking block based Black Crystals coating process, but the development process would take time, and this was time the 5 Earth Governments did not have. The 5 Earth Governments had to meet the requirements of the Galactic Alliance advance force, and this meant that resources had to be reallocated to meet requirements of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. When Crystalorb returned to Earth the Crystalorb General Council restarted the policy of implanting Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women for a fee. The Hybrid women were paid $0.3 million ?Atlantic? for a successful pregnancy, and a further $0.4 million once the baby was delivered. All the Crystalan babies being born through this process had Chest Crystals, and to ensure that the foetus survived a Crystalan with a Chest Crystal was always on hand to supply the foetus with Chest Crystal energy which is also Spirit Stone energy. Crystalan foetuses need this energy throughout the pregnancy, and without it they would die. Once the baby is born they continue to need extensive amounts of Spirit Stone energy until they reach puberty, and without it the Child would fall ill and eventually die. Through this program Crystalorb would gain over1000000 babies at a cost of $750 Billion spread over 20 years Earth Standard Time ?EST?. 【VAF】Chapter║: 9 ─ Strategy - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 9 Strategy ?~? The constant Assaults on Earth instillations and outposts on the outer colonies clearly indicated that the 5 Earth Governments were being softened for a major campaign, but the emergence of the Crystalorb StarShips had put a spanner in the works. The Hakum were forced to re-evaluate their strategies, they had to develop tactics that would work against a force that included advanced Crystalorb StarShips. Crystalorb''s return had bought the 5 Earth Governments more time to prepare, and had warned the Galactic Alliance about the Hakum regional strategies. Crystalorb had unknowingly saved the region from a massive surprise attack by the Hakum Expeditionary Force, but this also meant the Hakum would use a larger force than before, and the main question became: Would the Galactic Alliance Taskforce be sufficient to hold an assault by a massive Hakum Expeditionary Force? The one thing that would count in Galactic Alliance''s favour was the existence of a force much more powerful than the Hakum. Until this point the Galactic Alliance had only made limited contact with the true superpower of the region, and the Galactic Alliance had very little information about the effectiveness of O''con Federation weaponry. The Galactic Alliance expected O''con Federation military expertise to have been limited by their relative inexperience in warfare. The Galactic Alliance didn''t expect the O''con Federation to have weapons technology that is comparable to the older races, and they believed the O''ltana to be completely unprepared for what was about to happen to the region. Until this point they classified the O''con Federation to be a recent Interstellar Civilisation, and while they recognized the technological capabilities of the O''con Federation they did not see them as a military asset. The O''con Federation had no interest in Galactic prestige, no interest in Interstellar Trade, and this led to their abilities being consistently understated. The 5 Earth Governments immediately recognized the O''ltana for what they were, but even the Azlecks dismissed this as just the wonder of a relatively young Civilisation. The O''con Federation refused to display the capabilities of their warships, and Crystalorb would never betray the O''ltana by revealing the secrets of the O''con Federation. The Crystalans would not even share information about the location of O''con, and they consistently stated that "Such information is for the O''con Federation to share". Crystalorb had promised to never reveal the O''con Federation''s secrets, and the Crystalans sense of honour would not allow them to break their promise. The Crystalorb Leadership had instructed all their unassigned Ships to collect as much minerals as possible from the outskirts of a nearby African Federation Solar system. The remaining 205 Adult Crystalorb Ships, 76 Juvenile Ships and 102 baby Ships took part in this mining process. The 24 Crystalorb Ships protecting the 8 Colonies were Intrepid Class Ships from Crystalorb Sector Command, and the 20 Crystalorb Ships in O''con Federation Space were from the Crystalorb Expeditionary Division. The Crystalorb Ships were producing millions of tons of refined minerals per day, which Crystal Valley Industries then sold on the open market, and this lowered the price of refined minerals. This new injection of refined minerals was reviving the Industrial Minerals Coins sector of the African Federation Economy, and that made the African Federation of City States once again the largest source of minerals. The Crystalan Ships didn''t complain at being reduced to mining Ships, in fact they preferred this to combat operations, and like other Crystalans they viewed combat as a last resort. Crystal Valley Industries was now ready to become an Interstellar Trading company, and to support that ambition they were building a massive Interstellar Mining Ship. The CVI intent was to build a fleet of mining ships to complement the Crystalorb Ships. The CVI mining ships were designed to be: 6000 meters in Length, 800 meters in height and 800 meters in width. However the CVI mining ships would not incorporate a minerals refining facility. Crystal Valley Industries would construct a Moon based minerals refining facility, and that would mean once refined the ship construction facilities of the 5 Earth Governments would get immediate access. This had always been Crystalorb''s role in the Economy, and the Crystalorb Leadership knew that their role was not to dominate but increase efficiencies in the structure of Earth''s Economies. Meanwhile in the African Federation of City States hundreds of thousands of African Federal Security Force personnel were being prosecuted for crimes committed during the Military dictatorship. The African Federal Parliament rejected the Idea of a general amnesty, and they insisted that a message had to be sent to the military: "No crime will go unpunished". The African Federal Parliament was specifically focused on those former Security Force personnel who joined the Security Force before the coup, and their main crime was that of treason, they knew better and should have never followed illegal orders. They were sentenced to 15 years in prison for their crimes against the people of the African Federation of City States. All those found to be guilty of minor human rights violations were sentenced to 10 years in prison, but those Security Force personnel found guilty of grave human rights violations were sentenced to life in prison. The African Federal Parliament was determined to purge all the evil from African Federation society, and they wanted anyone who even thought of a coup d''tat to remember that a time will come when they would have to answer for their crimes. At first some were apprehensive about prosecuting so many members of the African Federal Security Force, but the African Federal Parliament was embolden by the relative security provided by Crystalorb, and they knew that the African Federal Security Force would not dare to use violence, the Crystalans would never allow a violent Security crackdown. The African Federal Security Force had no choice but to submit, and this happened as the world prepared for possible major war with the Hakum. The African Federal Parliament wanted a Security Force they could trust; a Security Force they knew would act in the interest of the African Federation of City States. The advance force for the Galactic Alliance Taskforce consisted mainly of the Anabi from the Nabi Federated Kingdom. The Anabi and the Azleck would coordinate operations using Arun and Earth as supply centres. The preparation involved setting up a network of wormhole detectors around the selected Staging Area, and the selected Staging Area was the YZ Ceti System, one of the colonies of the United Atlantic Federation 212 light-years from Earth. The Alliance Taskforce advance group was building Wormhole detectors around the designated base of operations and extending them towards the target zone. While this was going on the intelligence division of the Galactic Alliance conducted Recognisance operations to determine the size and strength of the Hakum forces. These Recognisance operations were critical to the operations of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. The Recognisance operations involved getting close enough to Hakum defensive lines to launch Nanoprobes into Hakum patrolled areas. The Nanoprobes are micro devices launched from hyperspace by opening very long tiny wormholes from hyperspace to selected target locations. The Nanoprobes would then send back signals whenever wormholes are opened and this removed the need for the Nanoprobes to produce their own tiny wormholes. The Nanoprobes technology is very advanced and because of this the Recognisance operations were conducted by the Folong Recognisance StarShips. The Folong Recognisance StarShips used advanced stealth technology similar to that employed by Crystalorb StarShips to musk their signatures, and because of their smaller size the Folong Recognisance StarShips are virtually undetectable to enemy detection systems. The Folong Recognisance StarShips are designed to move great distances in Hyperspace, and this allows them to jump behind enemy lines and spy on enemy operations. This was technology that went beyond Crystalorb''s stealth technology, and would prove instrumental in any Recognisance operations. The network of Nanoprobes would eventually reveal the movements and strength of the enemy. Putting in place a large supply network in preparation for a large military operation consumed an enormous amount of resources, and the Civilisations assigned the task of supplying the resources would inevitably gain from such an operation. The gain for the 5 Earth Governments was in rare minerals, and this was the currency the Galactic Alliance used to persuade Developing Interstellar Civilisations to commit their limited resources to the fight against the forces of Evil. The Galactic Alliance used these rare and valuable minerals as their primary currency, and these sought after minerals was one of the reasons the 5 Earth Governments agreed to become a supply centre for the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. The other reason was prestige, and the 5 Earth Governments needed to show the other Developing Interstellar Civilisations that Human technology was just as good as Galactic Alliance technology. The operations of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce would be a perfect proving ground for Human Technology, and the 5 Human Governments wanted to show the Developing Interstellar Civilisations that Human Technology was just as effective but at almost half the cost. This would be a major advertising campaign for Earth Technology, and to that End the 5 Earth Governments agreed to provide 100 Galaxy Class Warships to the Galactic Alliance Taskforce.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The Galactic Alliance Taskforce was not convinced about the effectiveness of Human Technology, and in particular the Particle Beam weapon systems that did not rely on heavy rare atomic elements. Most of the Particle Beam weapon systems used by Interstellar Civilisations involved Particle acceleration induced by Ion production from the enriched heavy rare atomic elements; Earth didn''t have access to adequate supplies of these heavy rare atomic elements. To compensate for the tactical disadvantage the humans developed Particle acceleration technology that did not depend on Ion production, but on ionization technology, and even though the weapon systems were generally more energy intensive they worked. Unlike the Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets of the other Interstellar Civilisations the Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets developed on Earth were more cumbersome. Ordinarily Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets could simply be attached to any position on the StarShip''s Hull, but because of Earth''s unique Particle Beam technology the StarShips had to be built around the series of Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets. This is the primary reason why the Earth built ships were much larger than that expected of a Civilisation that had only recently become an Interstellar Civilisation. Most of the Particle Beam weapon systems used by Human Ships were originally developed by Crystal Valley Industries through a process of reverse engineering Crystalorb technology, and over the years variants of these designs became increasingly more powerful. Amongst the Developing Interstellar Civilisations Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets are considered advanced Technology, and the fact that Humans could build such weapon systems made Earth a respectable Civilisation. Multidirectional Particle Beam Weapon Systems remove the need for high speed manoeuvrability, and therefore negates the requirement for fighters, but Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets are considerably difficult to build. Earth military analysts had seen the effectiveness of Azleck drone fighters against Hakum manned fighters, and concluded that the cost of manned fighters in lives would be too extreme. To further complicate the matter Humans did not have the technology to develop an unmanned drone fighter program, and even if the technology was available the costs would be prohibitive. In the end the 5 Earth Governments opted for a Gunship program as a weapons multiplier. The primary role of a Fighter in space operations is as a weapons multiplier, and because Earth''s Gunship Class Fighter was equipped with Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets the Gunship proved to be very effective against Hakum fighters. Most Interstellar Civilisations carried Fighters on their Capital Ships as a defence against Hakum fighters, and they preferred to reserve the Particle Beam turrets on their Capital Ships for use against Hakum Capital Ships. The 5 Earth Governments concluded that it would simply be cheaper for them to build more Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets on Earth''s Warships, and this made Earth Capital Ships some of the most heavily Armed. Most Advanced Interstellar Civilisations considered Earth Capital Ships a little too ambitious, and because the Earth Capital Ships required significantly more energy than would otherwise be required this limited their range to within the reach of the associated supply network. Crystalorb Ships had a much longer range because the Intrepid Class Ships and Indigo Class Ships were living organisms, and as such did not require fuel since they produced their own fuel from their onboard Bio-Organic Crystalline minerals processing facilities. However the Older Interstellar Civilisations also don''t use fighters, and their ships have Multidirectional Particle Beam capabilities equivalent to more than a hundred turrets. According to the Azlecks the Migon BattleSphere was said to have over 300 High Energy Multidirectional Particle Beam turrets. The 5 Earth Governments considered this scenario when they developed the Apollo Class Destroyer with its 162 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons. Most Advanced Interstellar Civilisations saw merit in having fighter support, and the Ship based fighters were also extremely important in escorting merchant vessels and planetary landing operations. The existence of a possible Hakum base in the region unnerved the 5 Earth Governments, and this led to an accelerated warship production. The 5 Earth Governments were not convinced that the projected numbers of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce would be sufficient, and began to plan for a protracted engagement. The 5 Earth Governments placed greater emphasis in their development of Larger Capital Ships to meet the projected power of the Hakum Sky Spears. The United Atlantic Federation accelerated the construction of their Flagship BattleCruiser the UAS Atlantis B2201, and this resulted in the designation being changed from UAS Atlantis B2201 to UAS Atlantis B2187. Working together with the United Indian Federation and African Federation of City States helped to secure the resources required to accelerate the construction. The United Indian Federation and African Federation of City States would then benefit from the new technologies being introduced by Crystal Valley Industries. The United Indian Federation and African Federation would then apply the techniques to their own Capital Ship projects. The United Indian Federation''s Indus Class BattleCruiser would be similar to the UAS Atlantis B2187, but the African Federation approved the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser; a Crystal Valley Industries design that would be unique in shape. The Asian Consortium and the Islamic Alliance worked together to develop the Asia Class BattleCruiser; a BattleCruiser that was an expansion of the Apollo Class Destroyer, and the reason was that they did not want to increase the width of the ship too much. The Asia Class BattleCruiser was expected to be completed by December 2187, the design would keep the development costs low and allow the ship to be ready for deployment much quicker than the other BattleCruisers being developed by the other 3 Earth Governments. The UAS Atlantis B2187: 1? 9800 meters in length. 2? 3500 meters width at the back and 800 meters width at the front. 3? 3100 meters Height at the back and 700 meters Height at the front. 4? 35 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 20 Plasma Cannons, 250 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 28 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 20 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 49 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Asia Class BattleCruiser: 1? 11000 meters in length. 2? 3000 meters width at the back and 600 meters width at the front. 3? 2400 meters Height at the back and 500 meters Height at the front. 4? 30 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 25 Plasma Cannons, 200 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 32 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 25 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 22 Gunships of 175 meter length. 8? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 9? Jump capabilities of 58 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9500 meters in Length. 2? 3600 meters Maximum Width on the 7000 meter long and 3600 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 50 meter thick Armoured Hull with a 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer, 4? A Forward Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystal. 5? Equipped with 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 10 Plasma Cannons, 30 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 120 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 20 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 2 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Primary Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Secondary Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The African Federation Vanguard Class BattleCruiser marked a significant return to Crystalorb based Crystal Valley Industries Technology for the African Federation. The other 4 Earth Governments saw the merit of Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystals that can produce multiple Particle Beams, but the energy requirements of the weapon system led them to reject the CVI design, and the conclusion was that compared to current Multidirectional Particle Beams the Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystals weapon system was less efficient. The African Federal Government dismissed the concerns of the African Federal Security Force and recommended the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser to the African Federal Parliament. The critics of Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystals weapon system argued that this Vanguard Class BattleCruiser would mean a complete redesign of an already proven Apollo Class Destroyer, and that the cost would be more than the projected equivalent. The United Atlantic Federation analysts raised concerns about the energy intensive nature of the Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystals, and pointed out that the Crystals could not simply be fitted onto existing Ships, that the Crystals would need ten times the energy reserves available on the Apollo Class Destroyer to function effectively. This meant that the ships would need more energy reserve systems increasing the cost of each BattleCruiser from $200 to $350 Billion in Atlantic Dollars. The cost of Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystals weapon system was essentially prohibitive for a market Economy, and the African Federation could afford the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser because of the way the Economy of the African Federation is Structured. The Economy of the African Federation was a minerals based economy and access to billions of tons of minerals would make it possible to build Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystals more economically than any of the other 4 Earth Governments. The other 4 Earth Governments were convinced they could get comparable weapons effectiveness at half the cost. The increased energy reserve system on the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser meant that the StarShip could only carry 2 Gunships of 180 meter length, and the ship could not be used as a troop carrier. These limitations of the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser convinced the other 4 Human Governments that Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystals weapon system was simply unworkable. To the African Federation officials the Cone and Cylinder format of the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser would put them on par with the Intrepid Class StarShip, and the African Federation officials were eager to have a StarShip that could operate alongside a Crystalorb StarShip. This was critical to the African Federation''s long term strategic goals of integrating advanced Crystalorb Technology into the African Federal Security Force. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser would lead from the front. The Enhanced Weapons Array on the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser developed by Crystal Valley Industries is a series of 12 Extendible Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannon platforms arranged in a circle around the Cylinder part at 10 levels every 700 meters. On the Nubia Class Destroyer the platforms are arranged in a circle around the Cylinder part at 5 levels every 650 meters. The first level is near the Cone part and extends 50 meters, and the next level adds 50 meters, the next level adds another 50 meters until the last level. The Enhanced Weapons Array is part of the Electrolaser Energy Crystal at the tip of the Cone part of the Ship, and the Electrolaser Particle Beams on the platforms could combine with an Electrolaser Particle Beam from the main Electrolaser Energy Crystal to produce a maximum energy Electrolaser Particle Beam that reached 15 Megatons on the Vanguard Class and 10.6 Megatons on the Nubia Class. The Electrolaser Energy Crystals of the Enhanced Weapons Array weapon system have a build up time of 0.36 seconds. This removed the need for the African Federation to carry Nuclear missiles, but the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers and the Nubia Class Destroyers were equipped with 1 Missile Tube/Launcher/RailGun. The design was developed to avoid increasing the diameter of the Cone and Cylinder format. The Extendible Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannon platforms are each 100m diameter Cylinders with the ability to rotate 360 degrees. The Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons used Crystalorb''s Energy Crystals to generate the Electrolaser Particle Beams. On the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser the Cone part is 2500 meters long with Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystal, 10 Plasma Cannons, 30 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and the Cylinder part is 7000 meters long with 120 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons of the Enhanced Weapons Array. On the Nubia Class Destroyer the Cone part is 2700 meters long with Crystalorb''s Electrolaser Energy Crystal, 10 Plasma Cannons, 35 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and Cylinder part is 3500 meters long with 60 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser would be at the centre of an 11 Ship BattleGroup formation, and would be supported by 8 Nubia Class Destroyers and 2 Apollo Class Destroyers. The 11 Ship BattleGroup formation was developed by the O''con Federation to optimize their fighting strength. The Nubia Class Destroyer was being developed alongside the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser, and was intended to replace the African Federation Apollo Class Destroyers as the main Warship of the African Federation of City States. The Nubia Class Destroyers: 1? 6200 meters in Length. 2? 3000 meters Maximum Width on the 3500 meter long and 3000 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 45 meter thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer, 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 10 Plasma Cannons, 35 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 60 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 16 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 2 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Primary Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Secondary Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The AFS Vanguard A2189 and the AFS Nubia A2189 were expected to enter service by June 2189, but this would be too late to take part in the operations of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce which were expected to start on 02-05-2188. Because of Development costs most of the African Federation resources were tied up in the construction of the AFS Vanguard A2189 and the AFS Nubia A2189, and so the African Federation could not build any other ships. This meant that the African Federation''s quota of ships for the Galactic Alliance Taskforce would need to be met by Crystalorb. Each of the 5 Earth Governments needed to supply 20 Galaxy Class StarShips for the Galactic Alliance Taskforce, but because of constraints the African Federation could only provide 10 Galaxy Class StarShips and still maintain its security on its outer Colonies. Crystalorb Offered to add 20 Intrepid Class Ships from the Crystalorb Expeditionary Division to the African Federation contingent, and this would be the first time Crystalorb personnel take orders from an African Federal Security Force Admiral. Admiral Tharo Netabu was chosen to command the African Federation contingent, and because he grew up in Crystal Valley City he was familiar with Crystalans. Isara Olen Crystalorb''s Expeditionary Guardian would be Netabu''s second in Command. Crystalorb was to supply 25 Intrepid Class Ships as Escort for the 2 O''con Federation BattleGroups that would form part of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce, and this was because the Crystalorb StarShips had better Armour than even the more Advanced Interstellar Civilisations. 【VAF】Chapter║: 10 ─ Manoeuvres - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 10 Manoeuvres ?~? On 16-01-2188 the 5 Human Governments conducted massive exercises involving 112 Galaxy Class StarShips in preparation for the operations of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce, and they practiced systems integration and joint manoeuvres. The objective of the exercises was to harmonise the Earth component into a single fighting Force. The Military manoeuvres were also important in showing the Galactic Alliance Commanders that Earth was ready to play its part. Observing the exercises was: High Commander Azori of the Azleck Republic, General Onlec of the Folong Empire, Sky Commander Khilag of the O''con Federation and Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation. From Earth there was: Admiral Bruce Smith from the United Atlantic Federation ?UAF?, General Khalil Aziz from the Islamic Alliance ?IA?, General Ken Lee from the Asian Consortium ?AC?, Admiral Raj Molohtra from the United Indian Federation ?UIF? and from the African Federation of City States ?AF?; Admiral Tharo Netabu and Guardian Isara Olen. Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation was the assigned Galactic Alliance Taskforce Commander, and General Onlec would be his second in command. High Commander Azori of the Azleck Republic was particularly impressed with the progress the humans had made in such a relatively short period. Commander Azori knew that it was largely through the efforts of the Azleck Republic that Earth had been transformed into a significant military power, but there was still great work to be done because most Developed Interstellar Civilisations operated a fleet of about 4000 StarShips comparable to Earth''s Apollo Class Destroyer. Following the exercises the Commanders held a meeting to discuss how best to deploy the Earth fleet in the Galactic Alliance Taskforce operations. Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation would first address the group, and then take suggestions. The true physiological features of the Jiquam and Folong was hidden behind their respective Bio-mechanical Armour, but from Azleck Records the Andronians, the Carmaks, the Hildrano, the Folong and the Jiquam are amphibious mammals with Psionic Abilities. Azleck Records indicate that the Carmaks, the Hildrano, the Jiquam and the Folong can breathe underwater, and that indicates that they are some sort of Fish-Mammal hybrid. The Jiquam and the Folong communicate in a similar method to whales, and their languages are very complex. The Jiquam stand 3.4 meters tall in their Bio-Mechanical Armour and the Folong stand 3 meters tall in their Bio-Mechanical Armour. Azleck Records indicate that the Jiquam are naturally 2.5 meters tall and the Folong are naturally 2.2 meters tall. Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation makes his address. Quanite: " We are very pleased with what we have witnessed. Stories of Human progress have not been unfounded. In all my years I have never seen anything like this! Such rapid progress is truly astounding. I fear that this is the reason the Hakum are so interested in this region. Rumours of Human Heroics have spread throughout the region. We heard reports of how Humans rescued the Edo from imminent annihilation. We think that the Hakum perceive the Humans as a possible long term threat. The fact that you''ve made a thousand years of progress in under a Hundred years has not gone unnoticed. If the Hakum are worried about Humans, their masters the Migon may not be far off. Until today we believed that the fact that you have 5 Governments was a weakness, but having seen your display we think that your 5 different Governments are actually a strength, and your constant competition with each other forces you to Create and Innovate, accelerating the Evolution of your Civilisation. As you are aware in our sector we''ve been in constant battle with Migon for a thousand years, and they continue to test our defensive lines with stealthy incursions. For the most part we''ve been able to repel all their offensives, and we''ve forced them to continuously fortify their lines. Alliance intelligence reports indicate that they have been rebuilding their fleet, and its only a matter of time before they begin to move again. We are here to make sure that this region is protected from a possible Migon advance. As you Understand Alliance resources are limited, and the Alliance could only spare 5 Ships capable of destroying a Migon BattleSphere. We have been observing the Hakum activities in the region for the past 2 years, and we''ve prepared the supply network for extended operations. However we''ve seen no sign of Migon presence, but the Migon are sneaky, never showing themselves, and when they reveal themselves millions of Sapient lives are lost. For the problem at hand; we''ve detected 170 Hakum Sky Daggers, 80 Hakum Sky Swords and 30 Hakum Sky Spears. These are larger numbers than our initial estimates! To respond to this the Galactic Alliance has adjusted the Taskforce to; 3 Jiquam Galaxy Class StarCruisers, 2 Folong Galaxy Class StarCruisers, 30 Galaxy Class StarShips from the Nabi Federated Kingdom, 50 Galaxy Class StarShips from the Solte Federation and 50 Galaxy Class StarShips from the Azleck Republic. With the O''con Federation providing 22 Galaxy Class StarShips, and Earth providing 112 Galaxy Class StarShips our force compliment would be at 247 Confirmed ships. The O''con Federation indicate that a further 25 Earth Galaxy Class StarShips would be providing escort for their ships, so we are looking at a total compliment of 272. This puts us at a force strength of approximately 153% of the Hakum Force. The presence of the Migon could rapidly change these numbers. Just as we have been observing them, the Hakum are watching us; For this reason the fleet will only come together on the day we make our move." Admiral Quanite then proceeds to lay out the battle plan, and because of the vast experience of the Galactic Alliance in large scale campaigns they concluded to split the force into two groups and attack from two directions. The main intent is to force the Hakum into rapidly splitting the force into two groups, and any judgment failures as to proportions on the part of the Hakum Warlords would lead to one of the groups being destroyed. The Galactic Alliance Taskforce would be organized in to two groups 1? The ships from the Galactic Alliance Nations led by the 3 Jiquam Galaxy Class StarShips, and 2? The Ships from the O''con Federation and Ships from Earth led by the 2 Folong Galaxy Class StarShips. Galactic Alliance Analysts anticipated that the Space around the Hakum Base would be mined, and that ruled out the prospect of jumping directly into the Hakum lines. The Galactic Alliance had to conduct a long range approach, and deploy Nuclear missiles to destroy Hakum mines and clear the way. For maximum efficiency the Ships would have to fight in forward line formations and simultaneously deploying the Particle Beams as they move in closer. Commanders would have to think quickly and counter any Hakum defensive strategy they might encounter. After the extended discussions onboard the UAS Atlantis B2187 there was a meet and greet session were the military officials could freely interact with Earth political leaders. Timal Envoy of the O''con Federation was also there to meet with Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation and General Onlec of the Folong Empire to establish diplomatic relations with the Jiquam Federation and the Folong Empire. Diplomatic relations with the Carmak Republic, the Hildrano Enclave and the Andronian Federation would follow with time. It was during these private consultations that Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation formally extended an offer for the O''con Federation to join the Galactic Alliance.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. After Official discussions Timal invites Isara over in order to introduce her to Admiral Quanite and General Onlec. Timal : " This is Isara Olen one of Earth''s Crystal Guardians." Isara : " Pleased to meet You!" Quanite: " Pleased to meet You!" As Isara shakes Admiral Quanite''s Hand she suddenly feels weak, and energy is drained from her Chest Crystal and flows into an amulet worn around Admiral Quanite''s Neck. Isara then falls to the ground and becomes unconscious, and Isara''s security rashes to her, amongst them is Deputy Expeditionary Guardian Maole. Naole''s Grandson Maole then uses his Chest Crystal to revive Isara. The group that had gathered is relieved when Isara once again stands up. Jiquam and Folong personnel continue to use hand held devices to scan the people in the room, and once the analysis is complete the reports are sent to Admiral Quanite and General Onlec respectively. Isara, Maole, Admiral Quanite, Admiral Onlec, Admiral Netabu, Admiral Smith, Commander Azori and Ambassador Tamil move to Admiral Smith''s Office where they could talk in private. Timal : " What did you do to her?" Quanite: " We did not notice it before but there is something very special about these particular humans." Onlec : " Something we''ve never come across before." Isara : " Don''t worry your Excellency." looking at Timal "I''m Ok." Timal : " What happened Isara?" Isara : " His amulet somehow drained my Energy." Quanite: " My Apologies! This amulet contains a fragment of the original Phaylon Crystal! All Jiquam Commanders carry this type of amulet." Onlec : " For Folong the Phaylon Crystals are carried by Folong Priests." Quanite: " The Phaylon Crystals produce healing energy we call Phaylon Radiation." Onlec : " Our analysis indicates that some humans produce trace amounts of Phaylon Radiation. But those of you with Chest Crystals generate Phaylon Radiation in abundance." Quanite: " We''ve never come across creatures who could generate Phaylon Radiation." Onlec : " This must be the doing of the Andronians." Quanite: " Are you Psionic?" Isara : " A little; Why?" Onlec : " We are also Psionic, but we can''t sense your feelings; Your Thoughts." Timal : " That is because their primary Psionic organ is not the brain." Quanite: " No it''s not! This makes you unique; More than just Psionics." Isara : " But there are those amongst us who have Psionic abilities even though they don''t have Chest Crystals." Onlec : " There would be." Quanite: " This Crystal Armour this one is wearing amplifies your abilities?" Isara : " Yes; Maole is wearing what we call Guardian Armour." Timal : " You recognize the potential?" speaking to Quanite Quanite: " Yes!" Timal : " They do not recognize it in themselves." Isara : " What are you talking about?" Quanite: " In all my time I''ve visited thousands of worlds. Made contact with advanced races that have since died out. I''ve met very powerful Psionics! Beings with the power to move mountains. But none of them could amplify their Psionic Abilities." Onlec : " You somehow transform Electromagnetic Radiation into Psionic Energy." Quanite: " Though your ability is in its early stage of evolution it holds the promise of great power. The power to defeat the forces of chaos and destruction." Onlec : " You must let us study you! See if we can duplicate your power in us." Admiral Netabu, Admiral Smith and Ambassador Tamil laugh at this suggestion by General Onlec. Quanite: " What do you find amusing?" Timal : " The Crystalans are Defiant! Fiercely Independent! And Incredibly Wilful!" Netabu: " Stubborn!" Smith : " At times Obstinate!" Timal : " They will never agree to any of their own being subjected to experimentation. Even if it is for the greater good. In any case their unique physiology makes it virtually impossible to clone them, and their offspring require a component that can not be duplicated. To study them you will have to go to them because they will not come to you. To understand them you will need to first be accepted by their Source." Onlec : " Source?" Timal : " They call it the Spirit Stone; It is a living Crystal. Unfortunately no amount of explanations can adequately explain what it is. You have to see it for yourself." Isara : " True; You have to experience it for yourself. Touch it! Feel its power!" Quanite: " This Spirit Stone you speak of, is it a Spherical Crystal?" Isara : " Yes!" Onlec : " It produces an aura." Isara : " Yes!" Quanite: " Has the power to manipulate matter." Isara : " Yes." Onlec : " It can communicate." Isara : " Yes!" Onlec : " A Phaylon Sphere." Quanite: " Behold; I am the light on the hill." Isara : " How do you Know about that?" Onlec : " Its part of a Phaylon Greeting." Quanite: " A kind of Phaylon first contact protocol." Onlec : " Behold! I am the light on the hill! The Voice in the wind! I stand down the road waiting for you!" Quanite: " The Phaylon are Beings of Light. Transcended Beings; Non-Corporeal. Pure Psionic Energy! When we first met them they landed on 157 km diameter Spherical Crystal living Ships called Phaylon Spheres. Each Phaylon has a smaller Phaylon Sphere that functions like a personal transport. We don''t know much about them, but they are highly Evolved, and are the only known Civilisation capable of generating Intergalactic Wormholes." Onlec : " Where did you get this Spirit Stone?" Isara : " When our ancestor Lesedi died a portion of his Spirit remained within his Chest Crystal, and that is how the Spirit Stone was born." Onlec : " And he was the First?" Isara : " Yes!" Quanite: " But where did his Chest Crystal come from? Was he born with it?" Isara : " No! An object from the sky struck his chest! In that day the Crystalans and the Hodians were born! Hodians are the descendents of Lesedi''s older brother Ralefa who tried to remove the object from Lesedi''s chest. From Ralefa we have the Hodians and the Crystalans without Chest Crystal; from Lesedi we get Crystalans with Chest Crystal. From the beginning of our kind every Crystalan with Chest Crystal leaves a portion of their Spirit with the Spirit Stone. It is our Guiding light; Our Nexus! We cannot be apart from it." Quanite: " An object from the sky?" Onlec : " No doubt the doing of the Andronians." Timal : " Why do I get the feeling that you dont think too highly of the Andronians?" Onlec : " The Andronians are the most powerful of the Older Interstellar Civilisations. Technogarnic like the O''ltana! But they used to be meddlesome; Prone to interfering in the affairs of other Civilisations." Quanite: " Half a million Earth years ago the Andronians sent an Expedition to find the Migon! What they found Horrified them to such an extent that it sent the Andronian Federation into a spiral of Chaos! It shook the Andronian Federation to the core. They began to interfere with the biology of younger races. Their experimentations were designed to accelerate Evolution! However this led to other problems; Diseases, plagues, Xenophobia, and finally Interstellar wars. We had to stop them! The Jiquam Federation, the Folong Empire and the Carmak Republic decided to jointly oppose the Andronian Federation by military means. After a long and costly war the Andronian Federation military capabilities were sufficiently weakened to force them to agree to a peaceful resolution. We never had any intension or desire to harm the Andronians, but we wanted to understand why they would act so recklessly. At the peace negotiations the Andronians told of the horror they had witnessed. They showed us the evidence of Migon atrocities! Entire world rendered lifeless! Whole Civilisations consumed at the dinner tables of Migon families. I looked into the face of Holnari the Andronian Supreme Commander and Found nothing but despair. Fear and Desperation was their reason. At the time none of the Older Interstellar Civilisations had the power to oppose the Migon, but we all promised the Andronians that we would all meet this challenge to life together. We would all prepare and be ready to oppose the evil when it arrived. This is when the Andronians began to give Developing Civilisations fragments of their Phaylon Crystal! They would give them a Sceptre of Andros that contained a fragment of their Phaylon Crystal as a symbol of Andronian affection. For generations we wondered why Andronian society became undone by what they witnessed at the hands of the Migon, but the answer would only become apparent at the battle of ten thousand Ships. The Andronians are extremely powerful Psionics, but this power comes at a price; The suffering of Sapient beings affects them at a deeper level. The Andronians says that the suffering of Sapient beings produces Negative Psionic Energy. Therefore for the Andronians preventing suffering on the scale the Migon cause is not a matter of choice, but something deeper; It''s as though they have no real choice. It''s as if the Spirit-Consciousness has designated them the protectors of Life! After the battle of ten thousand Ships the Andronians stopped giving the Sceptre of Andros to Developing Civilisations for fear of them falling into Hakum or Migon hands. The battle of ten thousand Ships changed everything! Those of us who were there witnessed Andronian Courage; Their Stubborn Nobility!" pause "Most of us wanted to retreat, but the Andronian refused to waiver! They stared into the empty void! Forced the Darkness to retreat!" pause "An Immortal gets used to being Alive, but the Andronians were ready to die. Supreme Commander Holnari put it like this; The only way the Migon would get past us is if the Andronian People are Extinct. This is the extent of their commitment to protecting life on a Thousand worlds." They are all emotionally moved by Admiral Quanite''s story, and High Commander Azori of the Azleck Republic steps forward to say something. Azori : " I feel that perhaps its time for the truth to come out. The Chest Crystal is not the doing of the Andronians, and I fear this is our doing. Ever since the humans gave us back our Spherical crystal Artefact we''ve known that the Earth system was the final destination of our Scientist Zao, some 1250 Earth years ago. He was trying to produce a Bio-Organic Crystal Computer for our Ships in order to make their visual targeting system more efficient in order to overcome Migon stealth technology. Our records indicate that thousands of components including the Sceptre of Andros and genetic materials from many now extinct worlds were used to produce a living Crystal. Records indicate that Zao''s Science Ship was destroyed. When we first learnt of the Chest Crystal we feared that it may be the result of Zao''s genetic experiments, and so we said nothing, but to hear Isara speak of an object from the sky gives us great relief. However our records also indicate that attempts to introduce the Bio-Organic living Crystal into other living organisms resulted in instant death, and so I can not understand how the 2 humans survived." Isara : " There was something there that made it possible for them to survive the transformation. It is said that Ralefa and Lesedi were from a powerful Psionic bloodline. Perhaps this made the difference, but we are happy to finally know the truth about our Origins." Onlec : " We will never know How? Or Why? And the ingredients to reproduce that original Crystal have been destroyed by the Migon. We must then look forward to what you become. You may have your Origins in weapons technology, but you are part Phaylon Crystal, and your destiny is yours to choose." Quanite: " Clearly the Phaylon Crystal fragments contain some sort of Phaylon information that we have not been able to recover, and since they opened we''ve discarded the shell and focused of the information within." Onlec : " But the shell may contain DNA based Knowledge." Quanite: " The Migon must never find out about your Spirit Stone, if they do then Earth will be lost! They must not learn of your true potential! We will speak to the Galactic Alliance Council, and accelerate O''con Federation membership. This will make it easier to explain our presence in the region! We will base our ships in Azleck Republic Space and in O''con Federation Space." Isara : " What just Happened?" Timal : " The discovery of Crystalorb has given Earth Strategic importance and earned Earth additional protection." 【VAF】Chapter║: 11 ─ Tactics - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 11 Tactics ?~? As the time for Battle neared the Ships expected to take part in the military operations began to arrive at secret locations, and on the agreed upon date the ships would jump to the staging area. While the other races were feeling confident, the Humans were slightly on edge, and this was to be their first major offensive campaign. The Entire Galaxy would no doubt be watching, and the humans could not falter if they expected to be taken seriously as a major space ferrying Civilisation. The United Atlantic Federation contingent would include their 2 Atlantis Class BattleCruisers; the UAS Atlantis B2187 and the UAS New York A2187. The Asian Consortium contingent would include their Asia Class BattleCruiser the ACS Asia A-101. As Earth''s two major Governments the United Atlantic Federation and the Asian Consortium would jointly lead the Earth Fleet, and they were the most experienced of the 5 Earth Governments relative to combat with the Hakum. At the military planning conferences it was agreed that the Crystalorb Ships would provide point defence against Hakum plasma Balls and this meant that the Intrepid Class Ships would take the lead in the formation until the fleet closes the distance on the Hakum Ships. The plan held the prospect of the Crystalorb Ships suffering significant damage, and that would mean that the Crystalorb Ships may not be available when close combat operations began. This was an acceptable scenario to the Military planners because it guaranteed that enough ships would survive to deliver maximum power. Crystalorb Commanders conferred with the Crystalan Ships and the Crystalan Ships being Sentient-Sapient beings agreed to be used as a shield for the rest of the Human ships and O''con Federation BattleGroups. The Crystalan Ships saw the logic in the planning, and they understood that Crystalorb Commanders would not let them take more damage than they can bear. For operational purposes Earth Military Commanders wanted to designate the Crystalan Ships as BattleCruisers, but Crystalorb insisted that Crystalan Ships must not be given any designation that would classify them as tools, objects or warships. To the Crystalans the Crystalan Ships are living feeling individuals, Crystalans like any human being, and Crystalorb wanted all the Crystalan Ships to always be treated as such. It was often difficult for most Humans to perceive something the size of a BattleCruiser as a living feeling individual, and therefore deserving of the rights of any Sentient-Sapient being. It usually took a trip onboard an Intrepid Class or an Indigo Class Ship for humans to begin to see the Crystalorb Ship as more than just a highly Advanced Vessel. Most Humans needed to have direct interaction with the Crystalan Ship, have a conversation with the Crystalan Ship before they could begin to perceive the Crystalan Ship as a Sapient being. The Crystalan Ships were not Warships, but more like Guardian entities, and they were created to protect Crystalans, not to serve Crystalans. Any form of service to Crystalorb was as a result of their obligations as Crystalans and members of Crystalorb''s population or society. There is genuine affection between the Crystalan Ships and their crew, and genuine love between an Indigo Class Ship and the person who seeded it, a true biological bond, and true affection with the individual it accepts as its Commander. For the Galactic Alliance operations Guardian Isara Commanded the Intrepid Class Ship Eltra, but as the Expeditionary Guardian Isara is the official commander of the 15km long Intrepid, the Flagship of the Expeditionary Fleet, and the oldest Intrepid Class Ship. Since so many Earth ships were leaving for Galactic Alliance operations Crystalorb wanted to have the Intrepid and the A''ltana in Earth space for additional security. On 02-05-2188 the entire Galactic Alliance Taskforce Jumped into the United Atlantic Federation colony System YZ Ceti. The YZ Ceti System was the Galactic Alliance Taskforce Staging Area, and the from this area they would make their way to Sector 05H15 at Galactic Radius 3000 LightYears. The travel required a long series of formation jumps with the bigger ships opening the wormholes for the smaller ships. This was the first time Humans actually saw a 19.6km long Jiquam Federation StarCruiser and a 18.8km long Folong Empire StarCruiser, but what was of huge interest were the two 32km long O''con Federation Elmak Class SkyCruisers. The Jiquam Federation StarCruiser and the Folong Empire StarCruiser are impressive vessels, but the size of the O''con Federation Elmak Class SkyCruisers simply takes your breath away. Only the Crystalans had seen the weapon systems of the O''con Federation, and the Elmak Class SkyCruisers was expected to have even more powerful weapons. From Azleck records the Older races used a weapon system called a Fusion Beam, and as the name suggests the weapons were different from standard Particle Beams. Advanced Fusion Beam technology with Fusion Beam Convergence technology required a firm understanding of shield technology, and it relied on the same containment principles as Nuclear Propulsion. The Jiquam Federation StarCruisers and the Folong Empire StarCruisers each carried 10 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons and 6 High Energy Particle Beams Polyhedron Prisms. Each Particle Beam Prism is comparable to an O''con Federation Hemisphere or Crystalorb''s Energy/Weapons Crystals, capable of simultaneously attacking Hundreds of targets. The High Energy Particle Beam Prism are an extremely powerful weapon system on their own, and the energy of their Particle Beams is indicative of their level of technology. Advanced Fusion Beam weapons require significant time periods between firing, and time periods between successive firing were estimated at between 15-25 seconds, therefore a secondary weapons system is essential. However the Advanced Fusion Beam with Fusion Beam Convergence technology is their primary weapon, and the fact that the Jiquam Federation and the Folong Empire weapons are similar is proof of the close relationships of the Older Civilisations. The Galactic Alliance Older Civilisation''s Advanced Fusion Beam cannon delivers over 500 megatons of energy per second, and there''s virtually no defence against such a weapon. The Older Civilisations had more Advanced shield technology capable of offering a measure of defence against such weaponry, but complete defence was none existent. The Older Civilisations have stealth capabilities similar to Crystalorb''s stealth systems, and they used powerful spatial warping Deflector Shields. Azleck records indicate that Migon BattleSpheres carry 50 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons and 300 Advanced Particle Beam Cannons. Though the Migon Fusion Beams are not as powerful as those of the 5 Older Galactic Alliance Civilisations. Each of the 50 Migon Advanced Fusion Beam is said to deliver 200 megatons of energy per second. Migon BattleSpheres have 350 spikes, and each spike stands 237m from the surface of the sphere. Each Spike is a weapon: 300 Spikes are Advanced Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 50 Spikes are Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons. This format makes it difficult for their enemies to distinguish between Particle Beam Cannons Spikes and Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons Spikes. Galactic Alliance Taskforce consisted of 2 groups: 1? The ships from the Galactic Alliance Nations led by the 3 Jiquam Galaxy Class StarShips and Designated Jiquam Division. 2? The Ships from O''con Federation and Ships from Earth led by the 2 Folong Galaxy Class StarShips and Designated Folong Division. The two groups that formed the Galactic Alliance Taskforce were ready to move, but before they could move they needed to Deploy a scouting force that would make sure that the solar systems the Fleet is jumping into is clear of any Hakum mines and Hakum ships. The Folong Division and the Jiquam Division each selected 10 Ships from their respective Contingents to act as each Division''s scouting force. The Jiquam Division selected 3 Solte Federation StarShips, 4 Azleck Republic StarShips and 3 Nabi Federated Kingdom StarShips for the scouting role. The Folong Division selected 4 O''con Federation Guardian Class StarShips and 6 Intrepid Class StarShips for the scouting role. The Scouting force would always be 3 jumps ahead of its Division, and the Division would only jump in once the Scouting force cleared the jump locations. Galactic Alliance intelligence reports indicated that the Hakum defensive lines began some 120 LightYears from their base, and that meant at 200 LightYears the Folong Division and the Jiquam Division would begin to encounter Hakum long range patrol Ships. It was clear that the Scouting force would have to deal with any Hakum long range patrol Ships they encountered. At 300 LightYears from target the Folong Division Scouting force changed their status to Red-Con-One indicating that they were ready for battle. The 2 Divisions used integrated targeting networks and transponders, and this was to make sure that ships don''t select the same targets, so that when a ships selected by one target system the data is reflected on the Taskforce network. When the Scouting force jumped into an area they paired up and jumped into several sections of the solar system. The Folong Division Scouting force had 2 pairs of O''con Federation Guardian Class StarShips and 3 pairs of Intrepid Class StarShips. The Jiquam Division Scouting force had 5 pairs that each included a mix of ships. These format was to maximize the system scanning ability of the Scouting forces. At about 250 LightYears from target 2 O''con Federation Guardian Class StarShips jumped into a location to discover 2 Hakum sky Daggers 2.648 million kilometres from their position, and the O''con Federation Guardian Class StarShips immediately opened fire with their maximum power Thunder Force Strikes instantly destroying the Hakum ships with a single hit. This was the first indication of the true potential the O''con Federation. In that little skirmish the Folong and the Jiquam understood that the O''con Federation weapon systems were comparable to Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons, and that they had underestimated the Galactic Alliance Taskforce strength. The O''con Federation were the true power of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce, and their 22 ships would make all the difference in the larger battle with the Hakum. The 2 Hakum Sky Daggers never had time to report the presence of Taskforce ships to their fleet command, but Galactic Alliance Taskforce knew that the Hakum would soon detect their arrival. At 203 LightYears from target Jiquam Division Scouting force came into contact with 2 Hakum long range patrol Ships, however in the ensuing battle the Hakum were able to report the arrival of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. The element of surprise was now gone, and the Hakum were withdrawing their Hakum long range patrol Ships and fortifying their Forward Defensive lines. The Galactic Alliance Taskforce had prepared to fight their way through Hakum Forward Defensive lines, but Sky Commander Khilag of the O''con Federation was developing a revised strategy for dealing with the Hakum Forward Defensive lines. Sky Commander Khilag opens a Communications Channel with General Onlec the Folong Division Commander. Khilag : " The Hakum know we are here General. I suggest we revise our Tactics." Onlec : " What do you suggest?" Khilag : " Analysis indicates that their secondary lines are standing to reinforce Forward lines at a moment''s notice. I want to send a strike force behind the Forward Hakum lines and deal with their secondary lines. This will force their defensive lines to collapse to their Primary." Onlec : " What will you need?" Khilag : " One O''con Federation Battle group and 20 Intrepid Class escort Ships." Onlec : " Then Execute!" Khilag : " Will do General." Commander Khilag then opens a Communications Channel with Isara. Khilag : " Are you with me Isara?" Isara : " Always Commander!" Khilag : " Standby to jump to Grid 2167. Sending attack pattern Data." Isara : " On your Command!" General Onlec opens a Communications Channel with Admiral Quanite to inform him of Commander Khilag''s Strike force. Onlec : " Admiral; I''ve authorised Commander Khilag''s Strike force to jump behind the Hakum Forward lines and deal with their reinforcing secondary lines. They should make contact with the Hakum in 2 minutes. This should thin their Forward lines in your section..." General Onlec receives a Communications Channel from Admiral Bruce Smith of the United Atlantic Federation and this interrupts General Onlec''s link with Admiral Quanite. Smith : " General; We are within range! Gunships deployed! Missiles active! " Onlec : " I have to go Admiral. See you on the other side." Quanite: " Quanite Out." Onlec : " Lock in coordinates! Weapons prepare to fire! Intrepid Class on point! Admiral Smith; follow them in! Select targets as and when they appear! Prepare for Jump sequence!" Deputy Guardian Maole is in command of the remaining Crystalorb Ships in Isara''s absence. Maole : " We await your Command!" Netabu : " Aye General. All AF elements standby for jump sequence!" General Lee : " Aye General! All AC standby for jump!" Molohtra : " All UIF elements Ready!" Aziz : " Standing Ready!" Smith : " Aye General! Standing Ready!" Onlec : " Execute!" Just as the Folong Division was beginning their Jump sequence Commander Khilag''s Strike force was jumping into a system 80 Light-years from target that contained Hakum reinforcing lines, and the Strike force immediately engaged the 15 Hakum ships quickly destroying them and jumping to the next Hakum reinforcing group at 82 LightYears from target. Commander Khilag''s Strike force would move through the Hakum secondary lines and destroy any Hakum ship they came across.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it As expected this created disruptions to Hakum defensive planning forcing the abandonment of their Forward defensive line in an attempt to regroup at their primary base. When the Folong Division jumped into the Hakum forward lines they were able to destroy a significant number of Hakum ships because their expected reinforcements never arrived, and all the Hakum ships that moved in from the rest of the line were knocked off as they appeared. Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons destroyed Hakum Sky Dagger ships with a single hit. The initial battles were limited in scope and the two divisions suffered minimal damage, but the loss in lives was considerable. The Jiquam Division suffered significant damage to 6 Azleck Ships and 5 Nabi Ships, the damaged ships had to be withdrawn from Taskforce operations and reassigned to support operations. The Folong Division had been largely shielded from damage by the Crystalorb Ships, but the price was that 24 of the Crystalorb Ships had taken major hits, and there was debate amongst the Folong Division about whether the Crystalorb Ships could continue in their force protection role. As Commander Khilag''s Strike force moved through the Hakum defensive lines Khilag receives information about Hakum movements on the Taskforce Communications Channel. Smith : " This is Fleet command! We have enemy forces retreating through vicinity of grid 2184 to grid 2197!" Khilag : " Moving to intercept!" Isara : " Locking in coordinates grid 2206! Smith : " Be advised that we are reading large numbers; There might be more than 40 Hakum Ships." Khilag : " Acknowledged Admiral!" Isara : " Coordinates locked in! Weapon systems ready!" Quanite: " Activate!" The 2 Galactic Alliance Taskforce Divisions then begin to regroup in Hyperspace in preparation for the final jump to the Hakum base which is in designated grid 2219 on the military planning charts. The Taskforce had full expectations of a long and protracted battle to dislodge the Hakum from what had clearly been their base for decades. The Hakum Warlords would not give up their base of operations in the region without a fight. The Galactic Alliance Taskforce Divisions would need about 45 minutes to regroup and conduct battle damage assessments. This meant that they would now recalculate their force strength, and built a picture of Hakum strength relative to Taskforce strength. The Hakum had lost more than 59 Sky Daggers, and their force was severely weakened, furthermore their ships were outclassed by the Galactic Alliance Taskforce Ships. The question on the minds of the military analyst then became "Why don''t the Hakum make a full retreat?". Earth military analyst began to think that the Hakum had an ace up their sleeve, something that would help equalize the battle. The fear became the prospect of Migon BattleSpheres, and because of this fear Taskforce Commanders needed to rework their Strategy and come up with better tactics. As Commander Khilag''s Strike force jumps into grid 2206 Isara is taken aback by the sight of nearly 85 Sky Daggers. Isara : " By the Source!" Khilag : " Its a trap!" Isara : " All Ships Fire!" The Crystalorb Ships open fire, and this slows down the Hakum advance. Khilag : " Thunder Force Strikes! Maximum power! Full Dispersion Pattern!" This knocks a number of Hakum aside but main Hakum force open fire, and this forces the Crystalorb Ships to form a wall in front of the O''con Federation Ships preventing the Hakum Particle Beams and plasma balls from hitting the O''con Ships. The O''con Federation Ships emerge from behind the Crystalorb Ships to fire, and with the Crystalorb Ships protection fire at the Hakum Ships as an when they appear. The battle is intense, and the Crystalorb Ships are taking enormous strain while also continuing to fire their weapons at the Hakum ships. The 31 ship Strike force slam into the much larger Hakum group and a titanic battle ensues. Isara : " Brace for Impact!" This as a Hakum Sky Dagger slams into the Eltra causing massive damage to the Intrepid Class Ship. Onboard Commander Khilag''s Elmak Class ship Khilag tries to open a Coms Channel with Isara. Khilag : " Isara! Do you receive? Do you receive?" Isara : " I read you Commander! Enemy ships coming about! They going to Ram you!" now on Crystalorb joint Coms "Ipalo, Fatole, Intura intercept!" The three Intrepid Class Ships the Ipalo, the Fatole and the Intura use themselves as shields and the 5 Hakum ships impact them at high speed. This causes critical damage to the Crystalorb ships leaving them immobile. Isara''s Ship the Eltra only has slight propulsion, but the ships are severely damaged and no longer battle capable Khilag : " All ships Fire!" Isara : " That''s it!" clearly angered "All ships! Attack pattern Esara 021 Gamma! Single point Strike! Convergence! Thunder Force Strikes! Maximum power!" The remaining 16 Intrepid Class Ships abandon their protection of O''con Federation Ships and engage themselves in a spherical formation. Then they begin to Converge Thunder Force Strikes on a single point on the surface of a Hakum ship, then they attack another, then another, and another. Within a few seconds 23 Hakum Sky Daggers were reduced to space debris. The rapid fire Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal was more efficient than the O''con Federation Polyhedron Pyramids that took 5-7 seconds to fire. The Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal could deliver Rapid multiple strikes at multiple targets in one second. The Hakum decided that they had suffered enough damage, and the remaining 57 Hakum Ships Jumped into hyperspace and escaped. The Hakum did not know that the Crystalorb Convergence Attack sequence would only last until the Crystalorb Ships exhausted their energy reserves. The Strike force receives Communications Channel from General Onlec. Onlec : " Monitoring your situation; Report status!" Isara : " Situation under control General." Khilag : " Minor damage to 4 Guardian Class ships. O''con Federation Battle group intact." Isara : " Significant damage to 18 Intrepid Class Ship! We have to withdraw them from Taskforce!" Onlec : " We have 5 other Intrepid Class Ship that have Significant damage. Can the remaining 22 Intrepid Class Ships provide adequate force protection?" Isara : " Negative! But I''ve called in for Crystalorb reinforcements." Onlec : " When do you Expect them?" Isara : " The four 11 Ship BattleGroups will arrive within the hour." Onlec : " Fleet Command indicates that we have to jump into the Hakum base within 35 minutes if we are to catch them before they can reorganize." Isara : " General; Something isn''t right here!" Onlec : " What is it?" Isara : " The Hakum have had little success against the Taskforce. They are outnumbered and Outgunned. But we''re not detecting a full scale withdrawal from the region. Logic says that they are staying or digging in for other reasons. There is something that we''re not seeing?" Khilag : " I agree! If I were them I would make a tactical retreat. This base isnt their home, and there is no reason to die to protect it." Onlec : " Unless there is more than there appears to be." Admiral Quanite Joins in. Quanite: " Nevertheless we have to meet our objectives. Isara, Is there no way for your ships to assist until your reinforcing BattleGroups arrive?" Isara : " No! Analysis indicates that the 23 Intrepid Class Ships have suffered Critical damage to the Shield projectors, and they need time to heal. Sending them into battle would be sending them to their death! No Crystalan can ever be sacrificed on an offensive manoeuvre! Our ships are protectors. Not destroyers. No Crystalan can ever ask this of them! Crystalan Commanders should never ask this of them! Please understand that we cannot sacrifice our Ships, because to do so would be to sacrifice the ones we love in an offensive manoeuvre, and that can never be acceptable." Onlec : " Then the remaining 22 Ships will have to be enough. Commander Khilag; Rejoin the fleet! Isara; move the damaged ships to Grid 2143." Isara : " On your Command!" Khilag : " Will do General!" The functional Crystalorb Ships attach grappling hooks onto the immobile Crystalorb Ships and drag them into a series of wormholes that will take the 23 ships to Grid 2143, where the Crystalorb Ships will rendezvous with the Crystalorb Reinforcing BattleGroups. Maole''s Expeditionary ship was one of the heavily damaged Crystalorb Ships, and that meant that he would also leave the battle theatre until his ship the Encarta. The Indigo Class Encarta, is one the most powerful of its class. Offspring of the Crimson, and seeded by Naole, with Blue, Red and Clear Crystal skin and Energy Weapons Crystals. The Indigo Class Ships are part of Naole''s bloodline, and only a descendent of Naole can operate the Indigo Class Ship''s weapon systems. Of all the Indigo Class Ships, the Indigo is the most powerful, with larger energy reserves than any Crystalorb Ship of its size. The Indigo was the only surviving Crystalorb Ship to have been built and not born, and because of this the ship can be more easily modified or changed to incorporate advances in technology. As the Crystalorb Reinforcing BattleGroups approached their rendezvous with Isara the 2 Galactic Alliance Taskforce Divisions prepared to make their jump to Grid 2234 where adjusted battle strength models predicted the possibility of Migon presence. The behaviour of the Hakum convinced the military analysts that there might be something very powerful at their base, and that the reason the Hakum weren''t running was that they were convinced that they had what it took to defeat the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. Many of the Earth commanders were disappointed that Isara had to withdraw a large portion of the Crystalorb Contingent, but they understood that this was their fight, and it was unfair to ask the Crystalans to give more than they could afford to give. The hope was that the Crystalorb Reinforcing BattleGroups would arrive in time to help in the battle. As the Galactic Alliance Taskforce Divisions prepared to make their jump to Grid 2234 the Earth commanders made sure their people understood that they would not have Crystalorb Ships to protect them from Hakum Plasma balls, and that they needed to be ready to fight against an enemy a hundred times more deadly than the Hakum. Analysis indicated that the Hakum had something up their sleeve, and the Galactic Alliance Taskforce Divisions were about to find out. The battle had gone well for the Galactic Alliance, and the Fleet Captains were confident, but this did not erode the worry from the military analysts. They. more than anyone understood how the dynamics could radically shift against the Galactic Alliance Taskforce, and they were determined not to fall victims to over-confidence. The time to Jump had arrived and the Galactic Alliance Division Commanders prepared their respective Divisions from the jump sequence. Quanite: " Are you Ready Onlec?" Onlec : " Ready Admiral!" Quanite: " All Jiquam Elements this is Jiquam one! Prepare for Jump Sequence!" Onlec : " All Folong Elements this is Folong one! Prepare for Jump Sequence!" Quanite: " Jump!" Onlec : " Execute!" The ships open Wormholes to Grid 2234, but before they move into the wormholes the Nuclear armed ships fire Nuclear Missiles into the wormholes and remotely detonate them on the other side of the wormholes wile simultaneously closing the wormholes. This manoeuvre is to clear the target area of Hakum Nuclear Minefields. The ships then reopened the wormholes and enter Grid 2234 at the designated long range approach pattern. Once the 2 Galactic Alliance Taskforce Divisions jump in their ships launch Fighters and Gunships, and they made their oblique angle vector approach to the Hakum base. The Hakum had been expecting them, and had made preparations to confront the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. As soon as the Hakum ships came into weapons range both parties open fire with long range weapons. This was the first inclinations of what the Hakum had up their sleeves, and it was something they did not expect. Each of the 30 Hakum Sky Spears was armed with 4 Fusion Beam Cannons, and there were 12 Hakum Sky Super-Spears. The Hakum Sky Super-Spears are 16km in length, and are armed with: 6 Fusion Beam Cannons, 50 Plasma Cannons and 80 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons. The Hakum Fusion Beam delivers 250 megatons of energy per second. This type of Hakum Sky Super-Spears was clearly a recent development, and the Fusion Beam Cannons were a result of that process. Access to Advanced Migon technology had led to this new development, and the Hakum now had superior weapons technology. This changed the dynamics of the battle, and when one of the defensive Intrepid Class Ship took a direct Fusion Beam hit from a Hakum Sky Super-Spear it was rendered immobile. This was an indication of the power of the Super-Spear''s Fusion Beam, and the Taskforce Divisions were being decimated by the Fusion Beams. The Taskforce commanders knew that if the Galactic Alliance Taskforce was to survive they needed to take out the 12 Hakum Sky Super-Spears. Quanite: " General we need to take out those Super-Spears!" Onlec : " Each Super-Spear is protected by 2 Sky Spears and several Sky Daggers!" Quanite: " Long range weapons not getting through. We need to get in closer." Onlec : " How?" When the commanders were trying to come up with targeting solutions on the Hakum Sky Super-Spears 12 Wormholes open into the middle of the Hakum fleet and the emerging ships begin to open fire at the nearby Hakum ships Isara : " Perhaps we can be of assistance!" Guardian Isara and deputy Guardian Maole had arrived with the Crystalorb Reinforcing BattleGroups. Maole : " Activate Attack pattern Esara 021 Gamma! Target Sky Daggers only!" after a brief pause that allowed the ships to get into position "Fire!" The Hakum reorganized the attack sequence and targeted the Crystalorb Ships with all available Fusion Beam Cannons, but because the Fusion Beam Cannons require significant time between firing the Crystalorb Ships were able to attack and destroy 73 Hakum Sky Daggers. The Attack pattern Esara 021 Gamma is one of the deadliest Attack sequences used by the Crystalorb Ships and was originally developed by Esara as a simpler version for expected atmospheric Airship battles on Earth, but it had proved even more useful in space battles. Once the Crystalorb Ships had used 85% of their energy reserves Guardian Isara cam online Isara : " Activate Jump Sequence 185!" This was an order for the Crystalorb Reinforcing BattleGroups to jump behind the offensive lines, and in this case the offensive lines were those of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. The Crystalorb Reinforcing BattleGroups did not escape their attack unscathed, 19 Intrepid Class Ship received heavy damage from Hakum Fusion Beams and could no longer participate in the battle, and another 13 Intrepid Class Ship had suffered enough damage to warrant them being pulled from the front. This reduced the Crystalorb Reinforcing BattleGroups to just 12 Ships from an original 44 Ship BattleGroup composed of Four 11 Ship BattleGroups, and because and additional 7 Intrepid Class Ships were heavily damaged during beginning stages of the battle of Grid 2234 the total number of newly damaged Crystalorb Ships was now at 39. However even though the Crystalorb Ships were damaged they were still alive, and there was still 34 Crystalorb Ships that were fully operational. With their Defensive Sky Daggers destroyed the Hakum Sky Spears and Hakum Sky Super-Spears were now vulnerable to long range attacks, and could now be targeted by Jiquam and Folong Fusion Beams. When the O''con Federation weapon systems came to range the Hakum were once again on the defensive, and before long 7 of the Hakum Sky Super-Spears along with 18 Hakum Sky Spears were destroyed. At this point the Hakum decided to retreat, and many of their ships were destroyed as they made their hasty withdrawal from the battle. The escaping Hakum BattleGroups were pursued by the 2 O''con Federation BattleGroups and their escorting 21 Crystalorb Ships. Incidentally the 21 Crystalorb Ships were the remaining operational Crystalorb Ships, and the rest of the Intrepid Class Ships had taken too much damage to be useful. Of the 89 Crystalorb Ships only 17 completed the Taskforce operations without significant damage, and because the Crystalorb Ships are heavily Armoured they were put in harms way more than any other class of ship in the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. The Crystalorb Ships took on average about Five times more hits than other Galactic Alliance Taskforce Ships, and this was proof of the effectiveness of the Crystalorb''s Bio-Organic Crystalline Armour. None of the Crystalorb Ships were killed, and could therefore be healed, but the rest of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce suffered significant loss of life. The 22 O''con Federation Galaxy Class StarShips, the 3 Jiquam Galaxy Class StarShips and the 2 Folong Galaxy Class StarShips survived the battle with minimal damage. The Nabi Federated Kingdom lost 11 of its 30 Galaxy Class StarShips, the Solte Federation lost 23 of its 50 Galaxy Class StarShips, and the Azleck Republic lost 19 of its 50 Galaxy Class StarShips. Significant protection from the Crystalorb Ships helped to minimise Earth loses, and even though many Earth Ships were damaged they survived the battle. The United Atlantic Federation lost 3 of its 22 Warships, African Federation of City States lost 2 of its 10 Warships, Islamic Alliance lost 4 of its 20 Warships, Asian Consortium lost 4 of its 21 Warships and the United Indian Federation lost 3 of its 20 Warships. It was estimated that the Hakum had suffered an 83% loss of their ships in the region, and the loss of their base of operations would mean that they could no longer operate in the region. However long range Hakum raids would remain a distinct possibility, and the Galactic Alliance would have to pay close attention to make sure that the Hakum do not try to re-establish a base in the region. As the Hakum left the planet Crill which they had been using as a base they activated a timer on a doomsday device at the bottom of the planet Crill''s ocean, and about 5 hours after they left the device detonated. As the Crill celebrated their liberation from the Hakum a combination of 500 Hydrogen Bombs each with a yield of 150 Megatons detonated with a combined yield of 75000 Megatons. The explosion caused a massive tidal wave that covered the planets'' 3 continents and killed 98% of the planets population and land life. About 2 Billion Sapient lives were lost. The surviving Crill would have to survive the planetary devastation caused by the Hakum, and there was little the Galactic Alliance could do to mitigate the Crill''s suffering. This was now their fate. That is the true nature of the Hakum and the Migon; Violent, Destructive and Genocidal! This ghastly act by the Hakum rendered the Galactic Alliance Victory hollow, proving that even victory has its price. The 75 partially repaired Crystalorb Ships began to collect debris from destroyed Hakum ships while searching for components that formed the Hakum Fusion Beam Cannons. While members of the Galactic Alliance received Fusion Beam technology from the Alliance, Earth did not have access to such designs and would need to reverse engineer Hakum design in order to build Fusion Beam Cannons. Of particular importance to Crystalorb was to use Fusion Beams they build to stimulate a biological defensive response on Crystal Armour, and this would allow the Crystalorb Ship''s to better be able to react to Fusion Beams. The other members of the Taskforce were surprised at Crystalorb''s scavenging on destroyed Hakum ships, and as most considered the Hakum as being evil, remnants of their ships were often propelled into nearby stars. Admiral Quanite wanted to know what Isara''s ships were doing collecting the Debris. Quanite: " What are you doing?" Isara : " Minerals are Minerals Admiral. They carry no Soul!" Quanite: " Do you have any Idea how much suffering those materials have caused?" Isara : " The Hakum caused the suffering. This material is simply atoms and molecules; No more!" Quanite: " How can you make the distinction?" Isara : " There is no correlation; Besides, we need to study their Fusion Beam Cannons. We must find ways to defend against it. I hope you can understand that we are not members of the Galactic Alliance, and as such we don''t have to follow Galactic Alliance protocol on these matters." Admiral Quanite understood that the humans would not listen to him on that matter, and the other human ships were also searching the debris for components that formed the Hakum Fusion Beam Cannons. Given the track record of the Humans it was clear to the Jiquam and the Folong that the humans would find a way to rapidly develop Fusion Beam Cannons, and even though they would not be as powerful as those of the Hakum or Migon the humans would carry these advanced weapons. The main problem with Fusion Beam weapons was the massive energy demands of the Cannons, and this was the reason why most Advanced Interstellar Civilisation did not carry such weapons on their ships. The Ship itself had to be shielded from its own Fusion Beam Cannons and any race wishing to use these weapons had to be extremely advanced. This was one of the reasons only a particular version of Hakum Sky Spears and Hakum Sky Super-Spears carried Fusion Beam Cannons. Those Advanced Interstellar Civilisations that had Fusion Beam Cannons deployed them on Planetary Defence Stations and Moons. The fact that Hakum Sky Spears and Hakum Sky Super-Spears carried Fusion Beam Cannons was a new development, and a clear indication that the Migon were preparing to escalate their activities, the Migon never reveal their intent until they are ready to act. Preliminary analysis of a Hakum Sky Spear''s wreckage indicated that the Fusion reactor on the ship was built by the Migon themselves, and that indicated that they were now arming the Hakum with primary systems. In the past Hakum ships that carried Fusion Beam Cannons were designated Hakum Colonial Division, but there was another Hakum Division that also carried Fusion Beam Cannons, designated Migon Escort, and the Migon Escort ships were commonly used to support several Migon BattleSpheres. This was an unexpected development, and once the Galactic Alliance learnt of this they began to prepare for the possibility of a future Migon Campaign. However for the time being the Galactic Alliance Taskforce was retreating to the staging area for repairs before they returned to their respective Homeworlds. The 5 Earth Governments publicly announced that Earth was now a Developed Interstellar Civilisation, and the proof of this was that they had suffered less losses than the Developed Interstellar Civilisation of the Galactic Alliance. The 5 Earth Governments were technically correct in terms of technology, but because they operated a fleet of some 427 Galaxy Class Warships ?excluding Crystalorb Ships?, they were some 573 short of the standard Developed Interstellar Civilisation. The other measure of that status was the number of colonies, and the 5 Earth Governments only had 52 Colonies and 153 outposts. However the level of human technology had become sufficiently advanced for some races to perceive the humans as a Developed Interstellar Civilisation. The fractious nature of Human society meant that most humans had the freedom to choose their own religion, their own culture and how they use technology. This is the kind of freedoms most Interstellar Civilisations do not have, and the result meant that their Civilisations were largely inflexible. The 5 Earth Governments are largely democratic, although they differ on the type of Democracy each Governments operates. The United Atlantic Federation, the United Indian Federation and the African Federation of City States have a Liberal Circular Democracy. The Islamic Alliance has a Religious Democracy, and the Asian Consortium has a Socialist Democracy. The 3 Liberal Circular Democratic Governments view the other 2 forms of Democracy as limited Democracies, and constantly decry their human rights policies. On the main the humans get to choose their leaders, and this happens at all levels of Government. Whatever their differences the 5 Earth Governments stand together in the defence of humans from the Hakum, the Migon and other threats. When the Earth ships returned to Earth Space they received a heros welcome, and the crews of the ships were given Medals by their respective Governments. The Crystalorb Ships did not arrive with the Earth ships, and this was partly because they were still collecting debris from Hakum ships, but the other reason was the Crystalans wanted this to be a military moment and did not wish to take the spotlight from soldiers who fought with great Discipline. The Crystalans wanted Humanity to remember this as a Human achievement and not a Crystalorb achievement. However Earth military officials were keenly aware that were it not for the Crystalans the situation could''ve been drastically different for their Earth Ships, and the fact that Crystalorb had sent 89 Ships the size of BattleCruisers was the key to the success of the Galactic Alliance Taskforce. When the Crystalorb Ships finally arrived in the Earth system a week had passed since the other ships arrived, and they could quietly make their way to the moon where their crews could take Crystalorb baby ships to Earth. Onboard the Intrepid and Indigo Class Ships the crew stays in a Heavily shielded section of the Ship, and this is the primary reason why few humanoid Crystalans were injured during the battles despite the damage received by the Ships. The Crystalan Ships are Atmosphere capable, but because of the Disruption they cause to Air traffic the Adult Ships didn''t normally enter Earth''s atmosphere, but the baby ships and smaller Juveniles would routinely travel to mount Crystalorb. With the Galactic Alliance Taskforce operations Crystalorb now had a massive task of healing its Ships, and the 5 Earth Governments would also have to repair their damaged Ships. The Humans had to respond to the threat posed by Fusion Beam Armed Hakum Sky Spears and Hakum Sky Super-Spears. The Humans had made the climb from a Planetary Civilisation to a Developed Interstellar Civilisation in record time, and achieved the impossible. No Civilisation had ever developed as rapidly as the Humans, and many of the region''s Developing Interstellar Civilisations expressed a desire to emulate the Humans. The Humans were very popular amongst the Developing Interstellar Civilisations, and this created tensions with some Developed Interstellar Civilisations who did not want to be eclipsed by Human influence. These Developed and Advanced Interstellar Civilisations had for a long period of time cultivated relations with most of the Developing Interstellar Civilisations, and were unnerved by the ease at which the Humans formed relations with the Developing Interstellar Civilisations. The Humans would have to navigate the minefield that is Interstellar Relations, and avoid conflicts with Advanced Interstellar Civilisations that were significantly more Developed than Humans. There were extremely powerful regional Empires that did not like Human encroachment on what were traditionally their markets, and as more Developing Interstellar Civilisations began to trade with Humans their revenue streams began to weaken. The Galactic Alliance is a military or defence Alliance, not a trade or political Alliance, and the there was often political and economic tensions between many of their members, but this rarely escalated into military hostilities. On the other hand members of the Galactic Alliance often came into conflict with non-members, and these conflicts would often escalate to military confrontations, but the Galactic Alliance would usually only come in and help in mediation. 【VAF】Chapter║: 12 ─ Political Expediency & Commerce - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 12 Political Expediency & Commerce ?~? Four months after the Crill Campaign the Galactic Alliance Council Approved O''con Federation''s membership to the Galactic Alliance. The Accession Ceremony would take place on Andronus, and on the Earth date 02-10-2189. There were few races who survived to be as old as the O''ltana, and most of those that survived were destroyed by the Migon, or simply died at their own hands. The emergence of the O''ltana was welcomed with great excitement, and that was because there were only 7 known Civilisations that were more than 1.5 million years old, and the six of these were 2 million years old. The closest to the O''ltana are the Entig of the Entig Republic. The Entig are 2m tall humanoids with 2 legs, 2 hands and 5 eyes encased in a large head. The Entig are 900000 years old, and they are one of the more Highly Advanced Interstellar Civilisations, but they were going through a biological transformation the result of which has been low birth rates and a decline in the size of their population from some 20 Billion to about a billion. This is a biological transformation that all races eventually go through as they become increasingly more biologically complex. The Entig are one of the Oldest Interstellar Civilisations, and a highly evolved race of Immortals. The transformation to an Immortal was usually tumultuous, and many races did not survive the process. This was largely due to religious wars that would occur over the questions relating to God, Afterlife, Faith, etc. Many Civilisations derive their purpose from the associations with the shortness of life, and if death is removed their society begins to crumble. The other difficulty is that an Immortals body can become a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases that can erase entire Civilisations. An influenza type virus in an Immortals body can, over hundreds of thousands of years become a deadly plague that can kill an Immortal. This is the primary reason why most Immortals or Older Civilisations wear protective Armour during contact with younger Civilisations. The Technogarnic O''ltana are virtually immune to any bacterial or viral infections, and this is the primary reason why they succeeded where many perished. The O''ltana had been very careful not to expose Humans to O''ltana diseases, and actively produced Human vaccines for all their diseases. Every Interstellar Civilisation understood the risk of contact with new species, and the Hakum and Migon often used biogenetic warfare to destroy entire Civilisations in their war with the Galactic Alliance. At the beginning of their rise to power in their sector the Migon erased many powerful Civilisations with biogenetic plagues, and some of these now extinct races were highly advanced at the time. However the Galactic Alliance had the Nanotechnology to cure almost any biological weapon, and this was the primary reason why the Migon didn''t use such weapons anymore. The Migon had other more effective methods of eliminating Civilisations that they perceived as possible threats to their dark plans. Sadistic methods that they used to Kill entire worlds, and to render them lifeless; cruel methods designed to destroy life. Humans had just witnessed with their own eyes the absolute malevolence of the Hakum, the premeditated murder of billions of Sapient lives. This was exactly the kind of fate that Humans would face if they wavered in their fight against the dark forces of the galaxy. After the Crill Campaign the 5 Earth Governments accelerated their development of their BattleCruisers with the ultimate objective of fitting them with Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons. The African Federation''s engineering division was experiencing some difficulties with technology integration of the Enhanced Weapons Array on the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer, and there was growing fears that the ships would overshoot their 2189 delivery date. There were increasing calls for the Enhanced Weapons Array weapon system to be abandoned in favour of a more practical weapon system. The Crystalorb Leadership wanted to save the project, and so they offered to complete the construction of Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer at no cost to the African Federal Government. This was an extremely generous offer, one that the African Federal Government and the African Federal Parliament could not refuse, but it would mean that the 2 prototypes would be completed using Crystalorb Crystals rather than standard alloys. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer were delivered on time along with a smaller 950m long Valiant Class Corvette, and all three classes included the new Enhanced Weapons Array Weapon System. The Valiant Class Corvette had a similar shape to the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer but it is smaller, equipped with Crystalorb Stealth technology including invisibility fields, and its primary purpose is to serve as a long Range Scouting Ship. The Valiant Class Corvette: 1? 950m in Length. 2? 500m Maximum Width on the 550m long and 500m wide Cylinder. 3? 20 meter thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A forward Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystal. 5? Equipped with 3 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 6 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons of the Enhanced Weapons Array arranged in groups of 3 at 2 levels. 6? 4 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 3 Drone Fighters. 8? Jump capabilities of 70 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Enhanced Weapons Array Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. The Enhanced Weapons Array Weapon System proved to be the most powerful weapon system outside of Crystalorb''s Energy Weapons Crystals. Crystal Valley Industries was once again responsible for technology integration, and the African Federation''s engineering division learned how to combine the new technologies. The African Federation now had a warship comparable to the Crystalorb Ships in their ability to provide plasma ball intercept defence systems, and limited Particle Beam and Fusion Beam intercept defence. The Beam intercept defence systems were born from the battle with the Hakum''s Fusion Beam armed ships, and included 2 new systems: 1? Increased power Energy Shield projectors, 2? The Enhanced Weapons Array Weapon System could be used to intercept incoming Particle Beams or Fusion Beams depending on the speed of the Beam. The ships Advanced computer systems could automatically detect incoming Beams and fire Electrolasers to deflect the Beams provided that there was enough distance and the speed of the incoming Beam was less than 0.4 X c relative to minimum required distance. ?c is the speed of light? In the aftermath of the Crill Campaign Crystalorb developed the Point Deflector Shields as an enhancement to the Refractive-Reflective Bio-genetic Organic Crystalline Armour. The Crystalorb Ships had taken significant damage, and Crystalorb wanted to avoid such damage in future combat operations. The Point Deflector Shields ?PDS? were an answer to a long standing problem of High Energy Particle Beam defence. The Beam Intercept Defence System was a new development designed by Crystalorb as part of the improvements to the defence systems of the Crystalorb Ships. The Point Deflector Shields forms part of the Refractive-Reflective Bio-genetic Organic Crystalline Armour and is a natural progression from the original system. On the Crystalorb Ships the Energy Weapons Crystal provides directed Electrolaser Particle Beams at any point on the shield that is hit by a Particle Beam. The Crystalorb Scientist were finding it difficult to teach the Crystalan Ships the Point Deflector Shields methods, and by introducing the system to the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser, Nubia Class Destroyer and the Valiant Class Corvette the data collected would help the Crystalan Ships quickly learn the Point Deflector Shields methods as part of their Reactive Refractive-Reflective Bio-genetic Organic Crystalline Armour systems. Full production of the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers and the Nubia Class Destroyers began as soon as the prototypes were delivered. The Valiant Class Corvette was a favourite with the other 4 Earth Governments as a long range scouting ship that could operate undetected. The other 4 Earth Governments placed their hopes on the development of Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons, but Crystalorb quickly realized that their Ship''s Energy Weapons Crystals would not be able to produce Advanced Fusion Beams, and that to install Fusion Beam Cannons would require a redesign of the Crystalan Ships. It would take time for Crystalorb to develop Fusion Beam Cannons that could be deployable, and this was a complicated project that would need years of development. In the meantime Crystalorb would work on applying advanced O''con Federation technology to improve the Crystal Armour Shield technology. Crystalorb had advanced O''ltana knowledge in their database and systems like the Enhanced Weapons Array were based on O''ltana designs. The 5 Earth Governments were working hard on improving their energy systems as a prelude to Fusion Beam Cannons, which was becoming their long range view. As the Humans worked on their technological development the O''con Federation was preparing to join the Galactic Alliance, and as the date approached 6 O''con Federation BattleGroups prepared to travel to Andronus as part of the O''ltana Delegation. Council Bital of the O''con Federation High Council asked Consulate Naole to accompany the O''ltana Delegation, and along with the Crystalorb BattleGroup Naole would provide escort for the O''ltana Delegation. The O''ltana were aware that Crystalans are very powerful warriors and they wanted a Crystal Guardian protecting Council Bital during meetings with other races. The O''ltana knew that even without Armour Naole could provide adequate protection for one of their leaders. Naole welcomed the opportunity to be the first Human to visit Andronus, and Naole knew that protecting Bital would give him an opportunity to interact with some of the evolved beings in the galaxy. The Crystalorb Ships would play their part and be the first to jump into any area the O''con Federation BattleGroups were to jump in along the route to Andronus. The well established Galactic Alliance route held little risk for the O''con Federation BattleGroups, but the Hakum had been known to conduct limited long range raids along the route. As the O''con Federation BattleGroups were cleared to make the final jump to the Primus system the Crystalorb Ships would now only jump in after the formation leaders of the O''con Federation BattleGroups. Because the Crystalorb Ships were not officially Galactic Alliance Affiliated Ships they would not be allowed to dock at the Andronus Defence platforms, and only the O''con Federation ships could dock. At this time the Naole transferred from the AFS Indigo to the Elmak Class Ship carrying High Council Bital, and prepared to act as Bital''s Bodyguard. Because weapons are not allowed in the Galactic Alliance Council Chambers Naole went down to the planet with his Armour sphere in its invisible form to prevent people asking questions about why there''s a Crystal Sphere hovering above him. Naole needed Crystal Armour close to him in case he needed it to protect Bital, and since Naole would not go into the Galactic Alliance Council Chambers there was no concern about possibly violating Galactic Alliance policy. When the Shuttle Craft arrived at the Galactic Alliance Council Chambers the O''ltana were met by Ambassador Vinach of the Andronian Federation; he had been selected to welcome Bital''s Delegation. Few races had been personally welcomed by the Andronians or one of the older races, but the O''ltana were clearly a special case, and the Galactic Alliance would be stronger because of their involvement. The emergence of another possible Galactic power would surely strengthen the Galactic Alliance, and having seen the military capabilities of the O''con Federation there was no doubt about their Status as one of the older races. As the O''ltana emerge from the Shuttle Craft the Andronian is waiting to greet them. Vinach : " Welcome to Andronus High Council Bital! I am Vinach; Ambassador for the Andronian Federation!" Bital : " Pleased to make contact with you Ambassador Vinach! I''m Bital of the O''con Federation High Council. This is Nutal; Designated O''con Federation Ambassador to the Galactic Alliance." High Council Bital presents Nutal to the Andronian Ambassador. Vinach : " Pleased to meet you Ambassador Nutal!" Nutal : " Likewise Ambassador Vinach" As the introductions are made the 2.7m tall Technogarnic Andronian notices that there is a smaller being amongst Bital''s security personnel. Vinach : " Is that a Human?" Bital : " Yes!" Vinach : " Curious creatures Humans. Bold in ways most developing aren''t! Haven''t seen one in a Hundred thousand years." Bital : " You''ve met the Humans?" Vinach : " There was a time when we travelled the Galaxy; We were explorers! Like the Humans want to be. We made contact with thousands of Species; most of them are extinct now. Killed by their own hands, or by the Migon. Few races want to explore, to meet other races, and interact with them." Bital : " They are fascinating. Weve found that they are at their best when things are at their worst. Do you want to meet him?" Vinach : " Yes!" High Council Bital calls Naole over. Bital : " Naole; This is Ambassador Vinach of the Andronian Federation."The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Naole : " Pleased to meet you your Excellency." Vinach : " Excellency?" Bital : " That''s how they refer to an official representative of a Government." Vinach : " Interesting; You''ve come a long way since I last saw a Human. Is your culture as Violent as you depict it in your Visual works of fiction?" Naole : " Hardly your Excellency. We used to be. But ever since the Hakum Assault on our world we''ve focused our aggression towards our Enemies." Vinach : " Are you a Crystalan? Your putting out far more energy than one would expect of a race so young." Naole : " I am!" Vinach : " They say that youre Fearless?" Naole : " Not fearless your Excellency. It''s our fear that propels us. That forces us to rise to new heights. To dig deeper. Forcing us to find the strength to persevere." Vinach : " Fear of what?" Naole : " Fear of loss your Excellency. We fear losing the ones we love. We seek to make them safe." Vinach : " It''s actually Love that propels you?" Naole : " Yes your Excellency. We love our families! Love our friends. It''s the reason why we fight. We''ve found that there isn''t a more noble reason." Vinach : " Of Course. There are more meanings for Love in your languages than any other word." Naole : "We are simple Creatures your Excellency. We live to Love. Love adds meaning to our lives. We have a saying; God Is Love. Humans can find no greater reason than this, and we extend our affection to other beings that share our values." Vinach : " I can see why so many Developing Interstellar Civilisations are fascinated with human culture. You have great clarity for a species so young." Naole : " We only try to live full lives your Excellency." Vinach : " Is this why so much of your culture is dedicated to Entertainment." Naole : " It is, your Excellency. We want to be happy for as long as we can! As long as we live." Vinach : " You live such short lives; Gone in a flash." Naole : " Which is why they have to be Full Lives your Excellency. Filled with Love and the joy it brings." Bital : " Amazing isn''t it? Such clarity of purpose." Vinach : " It is indeed." Later that day the Accession Ceremony began and the O''con Federation was formally inducted into the Galactic Alliance, and with that access to advanced technology of the Older Interstellar Civilisations. Naole had caught sight of the powerful Andronians, and he now understood why they were legendary. The Andronians are powerful in ways Naole could not begin to imagine, and their appearance clearly indicated that they are a force like no other. The Andronians are on average 2.7m tall, they have two legs, two hands, but they have a highly mobile tail that functions like a third Arm, and the tip of the tail has a Technogarnic Organ that has significant similarities to a Chest Crystal. They are very muscular, four Eyes, four Ears, a nose consisting of 3 nostrils and a mouth that could probably vocalize any Sound. The Andronian physic is indicative of their status as an Older Civilisation, and they wear Technogarnic Armour comparable to Crystalorb''s Crystal Armour. Naole could read enormous Psionic energy from Ambassador Vinach, and he knew that the Andronians must be extremely powerful Psionics. The Older Interstellar Civilisation wear Bio-Mechanical Armour comparable if not superior to Crystalorb''s Crystal Armour. On Andronus, amongst some of the most powerful races in the Galaxy Naole found himself dwarfed by the major powers in the Galaxy; Dwarfed in size and in terms of Civilisation! Humanity as a Civilisation is relatively inexperienced and young compared to the major races of the Galactic Alliance. The power held by the 5 Earth Governments is relatively insignificant compared to the might of the Galactic Alliance. Naole understood that Human survival would depend on their ability to work together towards the goal of joining the Galactic Alliance, and if they failed to cooperate they would find themselves alone, on the edge, fighting against insurmountable odds. Crystalorb would have to play it part, and show the Human race that their differences are trivial in the face of their similarities. The Crystalans would have to foster unity of purpose amongst all Humans even if that does now mean a united Earth Government. The Human race would benefit from the O''con Federation joining the Galactic Alliance, and that would mean that there would be Galactic Alliance monitoring and patrol of the edge of the Null sector. Although the patrols would be limited the presence of the Galactic Alliance Forces would generate a measure of security for the region, and at the very least the Hakum would not be able to openly establish bases. Unlike the Advanced Interstellar Civilisations Humans did not have Advanced planet Teraforming technology that could change suitable planets to have breathable Atmosphere in 5 decades. The Humans had to take a long term view to planetary Teraforming; a process that could take some 170 years depending on the size of the planet. Advanced planet Teraforming technology was given to the Galactic Alliance members by the older races, and the O''con Federation would now gain such technology, but the O''con Federation would not be allowed to share that knowledge with others. Consequently the human races made extensive use of underground facilities on planets without a breathable Atmosphere. Along with the underground facilities the Humans used large air locked surface structures that were built using the interlocking block construction Method similar to that on the windowless StarShips. The structures would contain advance reflector systems designed to focus sunlight into the Structure. This was the primary reason the humans were able to expand much faster than the other races in the region, and the number of human colonized Solar Systems was comparable to that of most Developed Interstellar Civilisations. The humans were the first to achieve such colonization levels without extensive Advanced planet Teraforming technology, and many of the races in the region were baffled by the human tenacity. In that spirit, on 02-09-2193 the 5 Earth Governments agreed to set up a long range joint trading outpost on Silenia 5. This is the Fifth planet in orbit around the Star Silenia, and Silenia 5 is a Mars size planet with Nitrogen, oxygen and methane atmosphere not suitable for human Breathing, but with significant Teraforming potential. The fact that Silenia 5 has a small moon meant that the planet would be relatively easy to protect, and the moon would be both a military base and a primary Cargo Freighter loading area. This was a project that none of the 5 Earth Governments could afford to undertake individually, and to minimise the financial costs the 5 Earth Governments agreed to contribute equally to the project. Working together the planners estimated that Construction on Silenia 5''s moon would take approximately 2 years, and the Construction of the multinational colony on Silenia 5 would take ten years. The trading outpost on Silenia 5 had two major objectives: 1? To increase Earth''s trade with the Developing Interstellar Civilisations. 2? To reduce the requirement of protecting Cargo Freighters bound for Earth. The Silenia System is near the heart of the Developing region where most Developing Interstellar Civilisations are located, and because it''s unclaimed by any Governments it is the perfect location for an Earth long range joint trading outpost. This project would allow the 5 Earth Governments to focus their protection ships on long range Cargo Freighters from and to their particular Earth Government. Cargo Freighters would have to be organized into groups and escorted by a BattleGroup. The long range trading outpost would allow Earth Corporations better access to their growing markets in the Developing region, and Humans could better guarantee supply of their products. On 20-06-2194 Construction formally began on Silenia 5, and with the 5 Earth Governments working together. The primary Cargo Freighter loading area on Silenia 5''s moon was expected to be complete by the end of 2196. The planetary Colony would take longer to build, but it was essential that there be a large Human Colony to foster good relations with the Human Civilisation''s trading partners, and the Earth BattleGroups would need the colony to provide a human environment for resting military personnel. This was the most ambitious project ever undertaken by humans, and it held to promise of great rewards for the human Civilisation as a whole. However there were others who did not like the Idea of the Human presence in the region, and there was growing animosity against the Humans amongst these groups. This was potentially dangerous terrain for Humans, and even though they had significant military power the older Developing Interstellar Civilisations had larger numbers. Most Developing Interstellar Civilisations operated fleets larger than that of the 5 Earth Governments, and even though their ships were generally not as big as Earth warships they were heavily armed. However most of the Developing Interstellar Civilisations that had problems with Humans resisted the temptation to openly display their disdain for humans because of the close relationship humans had with the Azlecks. None of the Developing Interstellar Civilisations wished to antagonize the Azlecks, and for that reason many enemies of the Humans tended to simply avoid any contact with Humans. But there were those who for whatever reason didnt care about the Azlecks and openly displayed their hostility to the Humans. The Curmallion Communion and the Elmachi Empire showed an open hatred for Humans, and the long range trading outpost being built on Silenia 5 was just 600 LightYears from Curmallion space. The Curmallion operate 3.6 km long Galaxy Class Warships, and their fleet numbered at about 9500 Galaxy Class Warships; 4500 Destroyers and 5000 Frigates. The Curmallion were clearly a major power, but because of the constant conflicts with other races in the Developing region they could not be allowed to join the Galactic Alliance. The Elmachi had comparable numbers of 3.2 km long Galaxy Class Warships, and both races had allies who are members of the Galactic Alliance. Earth with some 500 Military Galaxy Class Warships, and about 3000 Gunships was no match for these two races, but Earth had a component that would make any enemy think twice. The 283 Adult ships, 106 Juvenile ships and 194 baby ships that formed the Crystalorb Contingent could lay waist to entire fleets. The members of the Galactic Alliance who had seen the Crystalorb StarShips in operation knew that the Crystalorb StarShips ranked amongst the most powerful in the Galaxy. Any Nation making war on the humans would have to cum up with a plan to deal with the Crystalorb StarShips. The Developing Interstellar Civilisations had heard how the Crystalorb StarShips shielded the other Earth ships from taking significant damage from Hakum Fusion Beams, and they were keenly aware that Earth warship technology was continuously improved to include Crystalorb StarShip technology. The enemies of the humans knew that they had very little time to deal with the humans, and that once the human fleets grow beyond a certain size it would be impossible to oppose the humans militarily. The trick was to start a war with the humans without directly threatening Earth itself, drawing the humans into a fight, but not threatening the humans as a Civilisation. This would be a conflict to show the region that they were still the great regional powers. But how do you get the 5 Earth Governments to all participate in a single conflict? The long range trading outpost being built on Silenia 5 presented an interesting opportunity for the enemies of the Humans, but because Crystal Valley Industries was one of the major contractors the Crystalorb Leadership agreed to provide an 11 Ship BattleGroup to protect the Silenia 5 construction project. Few would be foolish enough to launch a raid on a facility protected by a Crystalorb BattleGroup. Though not many outside of Earth understood what Crystalorb was or meant, all that they knew was that Crystalorb meant Crystal-orb, and since the ships were made from what looked to them like Crystals they could make simple correlations, but Crystalorb was much more complicated than could be discerned from appearances. For many races first contact with Humans had been with Crystal Armoured Crystalan Humans, and they naturally assumed that the Crystalans were simply a human sect or tribe, but with later contact with other humans those who originally made contact with Crystalans realised that the Crystalans were significantly more advanced than other humans. This distinction was over time lost with increasing Interstellar Trade. The Silenia project had 2 stages: Stage 1 is the moon base Construction and Stage 2 is the Colony Construction. As the Silenia 5 construction project neared the completion of stage 1 the 5 Earth Governments sent BattleGroups to the system to establish secure Cargo Freighter escort routes in preparation for long range movements of large Cargo Freighters to Earth. Each of the 5 Earth Governments agreed to a BattleCruiser and 4 Destroyers in the space around Silenia 5, a further 4 Galaxy Class Destroyers would also be required to escort groups of Cargo Freighters to and from Silenia 5. Each group of Cargo Freighters would be escorted by 2 Galaxy Class Destroyers, usually Apollo Class Destroyers. The deployment to Silenia 5 was the first long range mission for the African Federation''s newly developed Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer. Unlike the Apollo Class Destroyer, the Atlantis Class BattleCruiser and the Asia Class BattleCruiser the African Federation''s new types of warships had not been tested in battle. Military analysts from the United Atlantic Federation, the United Indian Federation, the Asian Consortium and the Islamic Alliance remained unconvinced at the projected abilities of the Enhanced Weapons Array on the African Federation''s Ship of the line. On testing the newly developed Enhanced Weapons Array proved its mettle, and this led to the other four Earth Governments ordering Valiant Class Corvettes, but their numbers still favoured their own class of BattleCruisers. One of the problems of the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer was that even with some of the most advanced robotics technology the Ships took 3 years to build. This compared to the 22 months it took to build the Atlantis Class BattleCruiser or Asia Class BattleCruiser the 37 months require for the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser meant that there was a build time advantage to the other types of BattleCruisers. There was virtually nothing that could be done to speed up the production of the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer because the Energy Weapons Crystal for the Enhanced Weapons Array took long periods of time to grow. The Energy Weapons Crystals can not be manufactured, and must therefore be grown by Crystalorb. The Black Crystals required specific rare minerals, growing the Black Crystals required an incredible amount of energy, and Black Crystals growth process is also time intensive, but not as much as the Energy Weapons Crystal. While this causes considerable delays the technology offers its own technical security in that it can not be duplicated by enemies. In an attempt to increase production the Engineering Department of the African Federal Security Force built 16 additional Construction docks on Earth''s moon; Two for the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers, 12 for the Nubia Class Destroyers and 2 for the Valiant Class Corvettes. This brought the total number of African Federation Construction docks on Earth''s moon to 19 including the 3 existing docks for the Construction of Apollo Class Destroyers. By early 2196 the African Federation had built 3 full 11 Ship BattleGroups with a Vanguard Class BattleCruiser at the centre of each 10 Nubia Class Destroyer BattleGroup formation. The other 2 Vanguard Class BattleCruisers were assigned to Earth defence and on a reinforcing role on the outer colonies. On 01-02-2197 the Nubia Class Destroyer AFS Gaborone B2196 was sent on a solo mission to the Ra solar system 1064 LightYears from Earth. The purpose of the mission was to investigate possible high value mineral deposits in the asteroid belts of the 2 gas Giants that orbits the local star known as Ra. A newly promoted John Mobida was assigned to command the Destroyer AFS Gaborone B2196 on the mission to the Ra solar system. Captain John Mobida was one of a new generation of the African Federation''s new Commanders, and had served as Lieutenant Commander during the Crill Campaign, and as such had slightly more experience than most African Federal Security Force Commanders. The reforms in the African Federal Security Force Command had led to most experienced Officers being removed and replaced with younger people with little experience. This was done in an attempt to remove all the commanders who had served the previous Military Government, but one of the unfortunate results was that most experienced ship Commanders were removed from service and relegated to a training role. Another thing that complicated matters was that the new Vanguard Class BattleCruisers and the Nubia Class Destroyers are significantly different from the Apollo Class Destroyer many African Federal Security Force Commanders trained on. The Bridge of the ship held the Captain and the senior staff who all held the rank of Lieutenant Commander, but the Executive Officer ?Exec-O? held the rank of Commander. The senior staff are: The Weapons Officer ?Wpns-O?, The Navigations Officer ?Nav-O?, The Communications Officer ?Coms-O?, The Tactics Officer ?Tact-O?, The Surveillance Officer ?Surv-O?, The Security Officer ?Scrt-O?, The Engineering Officer ?Eng-O?, The Science Officer ?Sci-O?, The Watch Officer ?Watch-O?. As the AFS Gaborone B2196 reaches 19 LightYears from the targeted Ra Solar System Captain John Mobida prepared the crew for the final jump from the relative safety of the series of nebular systems to an exposed position in the Ra system Capt-Mobida : " This is the Captain! Activating Red-Con 3! Stand By for Jump!" Nav-O : " Coordinates locked in!" Eng-O : " Jump Drive ready" Capt-Mobida : " Weapons at the ready!" Wpns-O : " Aye! Weapons systems activated Captain!" Capt-Mobida : " Jump!" The AFS Gaborone B2196 jumps into hyperspace and then jumps into the Ra system as a single manoeuvre Capt-Mobida : " Run Silent!" Eng-O : " Stealth systems Active Sir!" Capt-Mobida : " Begin security scan!" Surv-O : " Beginning Search Captain!" Capt-Mobida : " Navigation; bring us closer to the first planet! Ahead One Quarter!" Nav-O : " Aye Captain! Ahead One Quarter!" Capt-Mobida : " Science; Begin planetary scan!" Sci-O : " Aye Captain!" Surv-O : " Captain; We''re picking up trace emissions on the other side of the second planet" Capt-Mobida : " All stop! On Screen!" Nav-O : " All stop Aye!" A distorted image appears on screen as the ship slows down. Surv-O : " Minerals in the Asteroid belts are interfering with scanners! Can''t get a good reading on it" Exec-O: " Should we launch Gunships to ID?" Capt-Mobida : " Negative! Surveillance; Can you tell me anything from Shape of target!" Surv-O : " From this distance and angle the shape is similar to a Hakum Sky Dagger, or a Hakum Sky Blade, but I can''t be sure!" Capt-Mobida : " Tactics; Report! Activate Main Weapons!" Wpns-O : " Activating Main Weapons Array!" Tact-O : " They haven''t seen us yet! We have no records of that type of ship! It could be a Hakum Sky Blade; scouting survey ship!" Surv-O : " Captain I''m picking increased energy from the target! Weapons active!" Capt-Mobida : " Fire Main Weapons! Maximum power!" The AFS Gaborone B2196 targets and fires at the 3.1 km long ship using the long range weapons of the Main Weapons Array, and when the unknown ship is hit the damage is such that the ship begins to break up, but not before it sends a distress message. Coms-O : " Picking up possible communications Captain." Capt-Mobida : " Alright lets get out of here! Prepare to...." Surv-O : " Wormholes forming at 12 O''clock." When 3 more ships appeared it becomes clear that the ships are not Hakum ships, they only look like Sky Daggers from the back and when the visual systems were distorted by the mineral compounds. Capt-Mobida : " Open a Channel! Tell them we made a mistake! That we''re willing to negotiate!" Coms-O : " Aye Captain!" Surv-O : " They''re Firing on us Sir! Missiles active on all ships" Tact-O : " Reading Multiple plasma Balls" Capt-Mobida : " Activate Point Deflector Shields!" The Advanced defence systems of the Nubia Class Destroyer stops all the missile and most of the plasma balls. Coms-O : " They''re not responding Sir!" Capt-Mobida : " Weapons; Fire at will! I repeat; FIRE!" Wpns-O : " Aye Captain!" The AFS Gaborone B2196 opens fire on the 3 attacking ships, and after a few hits 2 of the ships are destroyed. The remaining ship makes a run for it, and jumps into hyperspace Exec-O: " Captain! Should we attempt to pursue?" Capt-Mobida : " Negative! Inform Fleet command of our situation!" Exec-O: " Aye Captain! Communications Open a Channel to fleet Command!" Coms-O : " Aye Sir!" Capt-Mobida : " Navigations; Withdraw us to Hyperspace pending Orders!" Nav-O : " Aye Captain!" Capt-Mobida : " All sections; Damage reports!" As the AFS Gaborone B2196 retreats to hyperspace the command sections reported their damage to the commanding officers. The AFS Gaborone B2196 had taken only minor damage, and the Enhanced Weapons Array had been proven to be an extremely effective system. The Admirals of the African Federal Security Force ordered the AFS Gaborone B2196 back to Earth where a full enquiry would take place. As the rest of the 5 Human Governments learnt about what happened they began to worry that the African Federation may have created a new enemy for Humans, and the fact that they knew almost nothing about the ships that were destroyed by the AFS Gaborone B2196 was of great concern. To find answers the 5 Human Governments turned to the Azlecks for help in identifying the race that had mistakenly been attacked by the African Federation Destroyer. The Azlecks confirmed the ships to be of Elmachi origin, and therefore to avoid conflict the 5 Human Governments asked the Azlecks to open negotiations with the Elmachi on their behalf. The Elmachi agreed to meet with human negotiators at Arun, and at the negotiations the Elmachi Empire demanded that the ship''s Captain be handed over to them for trial, but after protracted negotiations the Elmachi agreed to settle the matter for the equivalent of $570 Billion ?Atlantic Dollars? in reparations to the Elmachi Empire. The African Federation of City States would take full responsibility for paying the full amount to the Elmachi Empire within 3 months in various minerals, and that would settle the matter. The Elmachi knew that this was much more than their first ship was worth, and the other 2 ships were destroyed in legitimate combat and would not form part of the settlement, but this was enough for them to claim political victory. The disaster in the Ra system led to Captain John Mobida being removed and discharged as an Officer in the African Federal Security Force, but he was not found guilty of any other crime than that of breaching the Peace. The African Federal Security Force needed to review their protocols and no African Federal Security Force Ship would ever be sent on a solo mission. It was determined that the minimum size of an expedition should be 3 Galaxy Class StarShips. The Elmachi Empire did not want to start a war with the humans, and after their encounter with the Nubia Class Destroyer they were afraid that their ships were simply no match for human ships. However this incident had started hostile relations between humans and the Elmachi Empire; Hostilities that would continue for generations, leading to a lot of pain on both sides of the line, a line that had been drawn by inexperience. In private circles African Federal Security Force Admirals would boast that the Nubia Class Destroyer is the final word in warship design, the most powerful ship of its class; as far as Earth ships were concerned. The Enhanced Weapons Array incorporated Crystalorb technology that had been developed from advanced O''con Federation technology, and the weakness in the weapon system proved to be the Human component. Clearly the Humans were not ready to wield the power they now held in their hands, but they would have to rapidly evolve the care and diligence to use that power wisely. Humans werent like most species in that humans reproduce much faster than other Sentient-Sapient Life forms, and this was rare. Most Sentient-Sapient Life had a very limited time period in which they could reproduce, but the Human reproductive period was 35% of their lifespan and constantly increasing with advances in medical technology. This had to do with Human Ideas that love is the only true purpose of life, and where others pursued meaning in advanced knowledge or in Glory the humans simply found meaning in moments that make the heart sing with joy. Humans form communities on distant planets and moons, and that is enough for them, they raise their children in relative security, anything else is incidental. Not deriving purpose from Work or Career proved to be a human''s greatest strength, and all one needed to do to be respected by other humans was to be a good parent. Those who tried to find meaning in their function or career had always found themselves lamenting the fact that they had not spent more time enjoying the simple pleasures with the ones they loved. This was a world view that was reborn after the Hakum attack on Earth. 【VAF】Chapter║: 13 ─ Colony - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 13 Colony ?~? The incident in the Ra Solar System led to the development of a 5 meter long unmanned Drone Fighter that would be carried by the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser, Nubia Class Destroyer and the Valiant Class Corvette. The primary purpose of the unmanned Drone Fighter would be to identify other ships, and the hope was that the African Federation would avoid disastrous situations such as what happened in the Ra Solar System. The African Federation of City States had to pay significant reparations to the Elmachi Empire to avoid a possible war with an enemy with significantly more ships than the 5 Human Governments. The African Federal Government decided that since the Ra Solar System had cost them so much money the African Federation must colonize the Ra Solar System to avoid a public political fallout. The Ra Solar System is significantly far from Earth, and the African Federation of City States had not built a new Colony in some 46 years. While the other 4 Human Governments built new colonies on Solar systems close to Earth the African Federation of City States decided not to pursue an expansionist policy, electing instead to focus their resources on construction projects on the 8 African Federation colonies. By 2219 there had been established Human colonies on 68 nearby Solar Systems. The United Atlantic Federation had 20 colonies, United Indian Federation had 13 colonies, Islamic Alliance established 10 colonies, Asian Consortium had 16 colonies and the African Federation of City States still had 8 colonies. The Silenia 5 Colony is a joint project belonging to all 5 Human Governments, and the African Federation''s Ra Solar System Colony was still being developed and as such had not been recognized as a Colony. The other 4 Human Governments felt that the African Federal Government was foolish to build a colony so far from Earth, and their main concern was that the Ra System Colony would be isolated and difficult to defend. The consensus was that whatever value the significant rare mineral deposits brought would not mitigate the cost it would take to provide adequate security to the Colony. The African Federal Government knew that the project to build the Ra System Colony was at best misguided, but this was a political decision taken to pacify the African public, and successive African Federal Governments tried to find a way to cancel the project with little success. The Ra Solar System had become the sight of a significant military victory for the African Federal Security Force, and the fact that they won a fight against 4 ships without suffering any casualty had become a source of pride. The main problem with the Ra System Colony was that the African Federal Government could not convince people to live there, and that was because it was clear that the Ra System Colony is exposed. The Federal Executive Council decided to turn to Crystalorb for assistance in making the system more secure. Until this point the African Federal Government had not wanted to drag Crystalans into their political project, and wanted the Crystalans to focus on mining which generated the majority of the African Federation''s revenue through royalties and trade. The African Federal Government knew that every Crystalorb StarShip that was not mining meant less revenue for the Government, and this had become the primary role of Crystalorb. The Federal Executive Council knew that the prolonged presence of Crystalorb StarShips in the Ra System Colony would generate security confidence in the Ra System Colony, and that would eventually result in more people deciding to make their home in the Ra System Colony. Crystalorb would not simply agree to send their ships to a relatively unprotected Area, and the Federal Executive Council knew that Crystalorb Leadership would need some convincing. So they arranged a meeting with the Crystalorb Council of Elders, but because the meeting was to be held at the African Federation''s Capital City Jo''Burg the Crystalorb Council of Elders decided to only send their Oldest Elder. Speaking for the Federal Executive Council would be their senior member Council Ntabo. Ntabo : " Thank you for coming Lady Casara." Casara : " Thank you for having us your Excellency. Crystalorb is happy to offer any assistance possible." Ntabo : " We had hoped to avoid dragging Crystalorb into this mess. But now we have little choice! We need Crystalorb to send a BattleGroup to the Ra Solar System in order to protect the Ra System Colony. Casara : " To send a BattleGroup to the Ra Solar System would put and incredible strain on our resources. With current deployments to the Silenia 5 Colony we simply don''t have the ships to spare." Ntabo : " You mean without significantly disrupting the Economy''s mineral supplies?" Casara : " It was at the request of the African Federal Parliament that we became so entangled in the economy, and we find ourselves unable to meet your request without causing significant harm to the economy. In any case we developed the Enhanced Weapons Array so that you wouldn''t need us to provide adequate security." Ntabo : " Yes! But we don''t have enough ships. As it stands we have 12 BattleGroups that operate the Enhanced Weapons Array. With a BattleGroup stationed at each of the 8 Colonies, one in Silenia 5, one in the Earth system, one in the Ra Solar System and one in a reinforcing role we don''t have enough! We appreciate the help that Crystalorb has provided to us so far, and hope to be able to relieve the Crystalorb Ships within 3 years. We know that we are asking too much from you, and you''ve already given more than is requested of most African Communities, but this project is draining too much of our resources, and our people simply refuse to abandon the project." Casara : " It has taken on a life of its own?" Ntabo : " Yes!" Casara : " The question you have to ask yourselves is how much damage to the economy are you willing to absorb?" Ntabo : " We understand the Economic implications. Without your help the situation will grow worse." Casara : " We can''t simply send a single BattleGroup so far away with only one African Federal Security Force BattleGroup. This would leave our BattleGroup vulnerable to an assault from a larger group." Ntabo : " How many ships do you need?" Casara : " At least 3 BattleGroups." Ntabo : " That would create a significant economic shortfall! However our analysts have come up with a model that could work." Casara : " Lets hear it?" Ntabo : " Would it meet your specifications if we sent 20 Apollo Class Destroyers to the Ra Solar System?" Casara : " No! The Apollo Class Destroyer isn''t at the same level as the Nubia Class Destroyer. But if you could provide about 35 Apollo Class Destroyers Crystalorb would be willing to reconsider." Ntabo : " That''s too much!" Casara : " There is another way to bring Crystalorb into the Ra Solar System." Ntabo : " How?" Casara : " Crystalorb analysts believe that your approach to the whole thing is wrong." Ntabo : " In what way?" Casara : " Our research indicates that the 2 gas Giants in the system are surrounded by mineral rich asteroid belts and moons." Ntabo : " Yes?" Casara : " Some of the moons are larger than Earth?" Ntabo : " Yes! The Colony is being built on the moon our predecessors named Africa. It orbits the first gas giant called Tsui. The other Gas Giant is called Nubia." Casara : " This should be your selling point. There are multiple planet size moons in orbit around Tsui, and because of its proximity to the local Star the temperature on the 16 planet size moons is on average 10 degrees Celsius! Perfect for Colonization." Ntabo : " Only 3 of the 16 moons are deemed habitable. The other moons have almost no water, and of the 3 moons Africa is the only one with sufficient water for full scale planetary development." Casara : " Crystalorb likes to have an exit Strategy. At the moment our exit strategy calls for us to retreat to O''con Federation Space in the event of a direct Migon assault on Earth. However the Crystalorb Leadership can be convinced to prepare a secondary location as prelude to O''con Federation Space! As long as the African Federal Parliament can give them certain guarantees." Ntabo : " What are you looking for?" Casara : " What would it take?" after brief pause "If one of the 3 planet size moons were to be given the same classification as Crystalorb, given the name Crystalorb."This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Ntabo : " A restricted military zone!" Casara : " Yes! The Crystalorb Leadership can be convinced to set up a mining base of operations in the Ra system provided we could receive some economic incentives." Ntabo : " You want to make an Economic case. How much relief are we talking about?" Casara : " 30% reduction in royalty on mining in the Ra System for 50 years, and 25% tax credit for Cargo freighter expenses to Earth should be enough to convince the Crystalorb Leadership to start operations. This will mean that we would have to relocate most operations, the system would become the primary mining site for Crystalorb StarShips, and that means some 30% of our ships would be permanently stationed there." Ntabo : " They could continue their mining role while providing a measure of security to the system." Casara : " Yes! This would result in minimal disruption to the African Federation Economy. As an added benefit Crystalorb would base some 80000 Crystalans in the system making the Ra Solar System officially a colony of the African Federation of City States." Ntabo : " How quickly can you get your people there?" Casara : " We could be fully deployed in 60 days. Assuming we have a Deal?" Ntabo : " We have a Deal Casara. We have a Deal!" Casara : " At my age time is of the essence. The rest of the Crystalorb Council of Elders have been listening and they approve. We will begin preparations immediately!" As the Baby ship Indara arrives to collect Lady Casara the Federal Executive Council get the impression from the way she says her goodbyes that they will in all likelihood never see her again. Casara is now 228 years old, and now at an advanced age, she was not expected to live much longer. The Crystalorb General Council was very concerned about the passing of Casara, and so they sent Lord Ralen to O''con Federation Space with instructions to return with Naole. As the Crimson reached the O''con Federation capital planet O''con Lord Ralen took a baby ship and landed at the Chambers of the High Council of the O''con Federation. Lord Ralen would meet with the High Council of the O''con Federation before he met his father Naole. From appearances it was difficult to understand how Naole could be a parent to the aged Lord Ralen. Lord Ralen had brought his son Maole, and even he seemed older than Naole, but Naole is an Immortal, the first of his kind. At the meeting with the dignitaries to welcome Lord Ralen to O''con. Bital : " Welcome Lord Ralen! It has been a long time since we''ve been visited by a Crystalorb Elder." Ralen : " Too long your Excellency! Our people demand so much of our time. We try to guide them as you do us." Bital : " That is all we can ask." Ralen : " The Crystalorb Council of Elders have sent one of their own to bring back our envoy to the O''con Federation on an urgent matter!" Bital : " What is so urgent?" Ralen : " Lady Casara is approaching her final days, and the Council of Elders would prefer that the other Nexus Power be there at the End." Bital : " Nexus Power?" Ralen : " Casara and Naole are Unique amongst Crystalans. Unparalleled in abilities! Born form 2 Nexus Powers. Direct descendents of Olen; also Nexus Power. The last direct descendents. Those of us who inherit from Casara and Naole are called Apex Powers. With the passing of Lady Casara my father will be the only Nexus Power." Bital : " What sort of abilities?" Ralen : " At some point in our history the fate of our people rested with them. Esara was the first to engage the Hand of Destiny, the first to battle the absolute power of the Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny, rescued our forces from eminent defeat, and then led our forces to countless victories. Nalen was our chief scientist, master weapons builder, creator of the ships, and a powerful warrior in his own right. Casara and Naole defeated the Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny and protected Crystalans from imminent destruction, they hold incredible power. Casara commanded the Crystalorb fleet during the first Hakum attack on Earth! Naole was instrumental in the rebuilding of Earth, gave us Nuclear Fusion, and he developed one of the most advanced Armour in the Galaxy." Bital : " I''m beginning to understand what you mean. The power to change the world?" Ralen : " Yes; A Nexus Power. An expression of the will of the Divine Source." Bital : " Who will take Naole''s place on O''con?" Ralen : " Konen Lesedi will stay until My son Kaole can Take Over the role as envoy to the O''con Federation. After Lord Ralen''s consultations with the High Council of the O''con Federation Council Bital accompanied Lord Ralen as he went to meet with Naole. Ralen : " Hello Father." Naole : " Good to see you my Lord." Naole embraces his son Ralen. Ralen : " And how are you Father?" Naole : " Happy to see you My Lord. Naole turns to look at Bital As always, it''s good to see you your Excellency." Bital : " Likewise Naole. I hear that you are leaving us?" Naole : " Duty calls your Excellency." Ralen : " Yes!" brief pause "We must all be there at the End." Naole : " My Lord; How is Lady Casara?" Ralen : " Casara is ready to leave; She awaits the opportunity to say her goodbyes to her entire line." Bital : " I must say that while Ralen behaves like a son to you Naole You don''t treat him like youre his parent; instead you treat Ralen with reverence. The respect given someone thats superior to you." Naole : " Your Excellency?" Naole looks at Bital and then turns to look at Ralen "While it''s true that Ralen is my son, I must never forget who he is. What he is! For as long as he is a member of the Council of Elders he is an Echo of generations past, the Voice of our people, and they act in the interest of generations to come." Ralen : " All of my family members behave in the same way; Except for the young ones of Course. To them I''m simply Grandpa!" Bital : " One other thing?" Naole : " Yes your Excellency?" Bital : " If you are this great power? If indeed you wield the power to change the world? Then why haven''t I seen this power?" Ralen : " Father does not like to be defined by his power; He prefers that he be defined by his mind. You haven''t seen his power because you haven''t had to see it." Naole : " To tell you the truth I haven''t transformed to my Indigo Form in decades." Bital : " Can I see this transformation?" Naole : " With respect your Excellency; It''s not our policy to use our power for display purposes." Ralen : " You could do this to allow an Ally to assess your Capabilities." Naole : " But my Lord ..." Ralen : " Do it Naole!" Naole : " On your Command." Naole moves away from the officials Please stand Back." As Lord Ralen, Council Bital and their respective escorts move some distance from Naole electrical discharge begins to appear around Naole. The energy discharge begins to affect the weather around the Crystalorb Consulate. Bital : " How is he doing this?" Ralen : " You haven''t seen anything yet!" Naole : " Heart of our People, I hear you!" His face expressing deep pain "Aaaaaah!" and then "Huh!" Thunder clouds begin to form around the Crystalorb Consulate as Naole makes the final transformation to his Indigo Form. Maole : " He''s done it!" smiling "He''s Ascended!" Ralen : " This is the legendary power of the Crystalorb. The true power of our people!" with a loud yell " Naole; Do something about these clouds!" Naole : " As you command!" Naole''s Chest Crystal pluses blue light, and Indigo releases Naole''s Guardian Armour sphere from orbit and the Sphere rapidly moves towards Naole and hovers in front of him. A large crowd of O''ltana and Crystalans had come to see what was going on, and many O''ltana were more than surprised by the extent of Naole''s capabilities. Ralen : " With Guardian Armour, his power will converge. We usually do this kind of things in secret, but we''ve made an exception for the O''ltana." The storm was growing in intensity, and Naole was at the centre of things. Naole activates his Chest Crystal in order to unlock the Guardian Armour sphere. Naole : " I am the light on the hill!" The Guardian Armour sphere begins to open "The line in the sand!" Light energy increases, making it hard to see Naole "Here and no further!" Naole emerges clad in his deep Blue Guardian Armour and holding his Crystal Lance. Ralen : " The combination of Guardian Armour and the Indigo Form or Crimson Form in an Ascended Crystalan is what we call Convergence Power." Naole : " Lightning Wave!" Naole somehow drains the energy of the gathering storm and uses the energy to disperse the clouds. The crowd is completely amazed by Naole''s abilities. Even the Crystalans had not seen Apex power on display for some 50 years. Guardians are usually the only once to witness this power during their secluded training rituals. Amongst the gathered crowd is Ambassador Cuvil, representative of the Andronian Federation to the O''con Federation. Cuvil : " It''s one thing to Hear about it, but its quite another to see it with your own eyes. So the rumours are true; You do have Phaylon Power!" Naole disengages his Crystal Armour and returns to his normal form. Bital : " This is Ambassador Cuvil, representative of the Andronian Federation to the O''con Federation." Ralen : " Ambassador." Naole : " Your Excellency." Cuvil : " Are all of you this powerful?" Naole : " Yes." Ralen : " Not exactly. Comparable; But father is unique." Bital : " Yes; They call him a Nexus Power." Ralen : " My father refuses to see himself as different from any other Crystalan or for that matter any other Human. Hes an Ascended Crystalan. He is the Envoy of the Forbidden!" Cuvil : " Ascended Crystalan?" Ralen : " When a Crystalan is old enough and has trained hard enough he or she can with enough focus go trough a Permanent Physical Transformation into what we call a Permanent Powered State also known as the Ascended Crystalan Form. The Ascended Crystalan is an Energy Elemental and your Energy becomes your Life Force. When you Ascend you become a Beacon of the Spirit Stone; thus multiplying your Power Level a Hundred Fold." Cuvil : " It is unusual to find beings so young and so powerful. Few amongst the older races can boast such power." Bital : " We have Armour with significant abilities, but nothing quite like this. This is a whole new level of power. The control displayed is just astounding." Naole : " I''ve had over 200 years of practice." Ralen : " The Crystal Armour is a part of Us. An extension of ourselves. Its how we operate the Systems on our ships; We connect with them." Cuvil : " I get the feeling that there is a deeper level to your abilities." Naole : " We know that there is some deeper purpose to our abilities, but we haven''t been able to discover its full meaning." Ralen : " However we continue to try, but since the advent of Interstellar Travel we''ve focused less on personal growth, and more on our need to protect Humanity from the forces of Chaos. Even our former Hodian opposites have joined us in our efforts to protect Humans from the Hakum and the Migon." Bital : " In Time the answers will reveal themselves." Cuvil : " We are yet to see what kind of force you evolve into. In any case this must be kept secret; If the Migon find out the about the extent your capabilities it could be disastrous for the Human race." Ralen : " We have always kept our abilities secret to an extent. Only the United Atlantic Federation and African Federation of City States understand our true capabilities, and they understand the need to keep our secrets. The rest of Humanity believes us to be Hybrids." Naole : " They dont know about the Chest Crystal?" Cuvil : " What about the Hand of Destiny?" Naole : " How do you know about the Hodian?" Cuvil : " We are more alike than you know." Ralen : " You are reading our thoughts?" Cuvil : " I''m not reading your thoughts; you''re sending them to me." Bital : " Huh!" Naole uses his Chest Crystal to scan Cuvil. Naole : " Its some sort of Crystal implant." Cuvil : " Indeed! Aah! Now that you know, I cant detect your thoughts; you''ve stopped Broadcasting. Interesting; Such control! Can the Hodians be trusted to keep your secrets?" Ralen : " Our secrets are their Secrets, and they dislike the Migon even more than we do." Cuvil : " Yes! The Migon threaten their ability to control their Destiny, and that they can not continence. Is it true that they are negative Psionics?" Ralen : " Not exactly. Their energy is the opposite of ours, but our energy isn''t exactly Psionic. Consequently they can''t be classified as negative Psionics." Cuvil : " But they could be negative Psionics? Their allies the Circle could be classified as negative Psionics." Ralen : " The Circle have in the past gone even further than the Hodians!" sadness in Naole''s face "The Grey Crystal is an extremely potent source of Negative Psionic Energy." Naole sighs "We hope to some day be able to redeem them." Cuvil : " You think its possible?" Ralen : " However evil they''ve become they are still Crystalans." Cuvil : " Could the Hodians be redeemed?" Ralen : " We''ve done it before, but they have to choose redemption. However as long as the negative influence of the Circle persists I don''t know if it can work? These days there are two factions of the original Hodians; Those who seek to be more like Crystalans and those who stick to their original principles. When we left Earth it caused a split in the Hodians, and the two factions are as different as we are to them, but we are all fundamentally the same. The Faction that seeks to be more like us call themselves the Light of Destiny ?LOD? or Lodians, and they incorporate most of the Hybrids. Consequently they are the largest of the humans with special abilities; we have very close relations with them. The Hodians are the second largest group, but the reach of their influence is unparalleled, their influence touches every facet of human Civilisation. Then there is Crystalorb, with a population of just over 1.6 million we are the smallest of the three, but we have been given legal Authority within the African Federation of City States; custodians of the people." Cuvil : " Guardians." Ralen : " Yes!" Cuvil : " As it should be!" The discussions continued as Naole''s staff prepared for his return to Crystalorb, and Cuvil learned more about the Crystalans and the Humans in general. When Naole returned home to Crystalorb he was taken aback by the sight of the aged Casara, and for the first time Naole could acknowledge to himself that he was the most powerful Crystalan, the strongest of his kind, soon he would be the oldest. Being the strongest or the most powerful were tittles Naole had never cared for, but being the oldest Crystalan, the oldest human brought with it a new set of responsibilities. His people would now look to him for guidance, he would be the steadfast rock for Crystalorb. Questions littered Naole''s mind; Would he have the wisdom to be the Light of Hope? To be that which he was always meant to be? Could he truly be the Envoy of the Forbidden? On the morning of 16-07-2221 Casara died at the of 230, all of Crystalorb mourned the passing their Oldest Elder, and later on that very day Isara was elected to the Council of Elders to replace her grandmother Casara. As preparations of the Commitment Ceremony got underway Naole could not help feeling alone, even though he had his three children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren and their children he could not help but acknowledge that he was ancient, and thought he did not look it he was the last of a generation, a living legend. It was becoming increasingly difficult to separate myth from truth, and the way Crystalans treated him left him feeling increasingly alone. He could hardly walk a meter without people staring at him, he''d become a curiosity, and the fact that he was a Guardian was lost to most Children, to them he was the Immortal. 225 years later and the Crystalans still found him to be a curiosity. The Commitment Ceremony was about to begin, and it seemed like all of Crystalorb had come to Salute their Elder on her final journey to join the others in the Spirit Stone. Also present was the 12 member Council of the Light of Destiny or the Council of Light which is the Lodian Leadership. All 11 members of the Council of Elders were there to lead the ceremony, and Ralen was now the oldest Elder Ralen : " Heart of our people! Heart of the Planet! Heart of Crystalorb!" Lehungo : " In the name of all Crystalans!" Lumen : " We beseech you!" Vamun : " Awaken mighty Spirits!" Balen : " And receive our fallen daughter amongst your order!" Casara''s Guardian Armour sphere generated a massive Red aura, activating itself and then hovering 2 meters above Casara''s body. Isara : " We are born of the Light, we live in the light!" Lumen : " And upon our death we return to the light!" Ralen : " With this in mind, we will now return Casara to the light" Speaking directly to Casara''s body. Vamun : " Casara; It''s time for you to return to the Source." All of Casara''s family members activated their Chest Crystals, generating a beams of light that hit Casara''s body, this caused Casara''s Chest Crystals to activate, absorbing all of Casara''s body thereby increasing in size. When Casara''s Chest Crystals was finished absorbing Casara''s body it hovered next to Casara''s Red Guardian Armour sphere. Ralen : " Casara''s Guardian Armour is a part of Casara and thus cannot exist without her, It will now mourn her." Casara''s Guardian Armour sphere generated a massive aura of light that was very bright, then produced an electrical energy stream that linked it to Casara''s Chest Crystal. Casara''s Guardian Armour sphere began to move in circles around Guardian Chest Crystal moving incrementally spiralling closer to the Chest Crystal until eventually fusing with the Chest Crystal. Isara : " Casara is no longer with us, from here onwards she will forever be a part of the Spirit Stone!" Ralen : " Mighty Spirit Stone Accept your daughter into your home!" With that, the combined Chest Crystals and Guardian Armour sphere flew up the pyramid and fused with the Spirit Stone in a massive flash of light. The ceremony was completed and the crowd began to disperse, Elder Casara was now a part of the Spirit Stone, and a portion of her spirit would always be in the Spirit Stone. The Crystalans had mourned her and celebrated her, and now they''d said their goodbye to the great Guardian. 【VAF】Chapter║: 14 ─ Crystalorb Moon - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 14 Crystalorb Moon ?~? After Casara''s Commitment Ceremony Naole sought some alone time to review before he could move on, and he withdrew to Earth Orbit onboard the Indigo; his constant companion, his closest friend. Indigo : " Don''t despair my Friend." In a soothing Voice I am always with you." Naole : " You are the only one who knows; The only one who can understand." Indigo : " Yes! Like you I''m the First, the last, the only one of my kind!" Naole : " Like me!" Naole paused to reflect "But I still dont know when exactly you became a Sentient-Sapient Being?" Indigo : " When you first built me as a new Crystal based computer you created a completely new type of computational device or machine, a Bio-Organic Crystalline computational device. You designed the central processing unit with designs based on your own brain, almost grown from Bio-Organic Crystalline cells you''d created by combining your brain tissue and Chest Crystal fragments, and them using your own brain tissue sample and then replicating it by combining it with reactive Blue Crystals to produce Bio-Organic Crystalline cells. As a consequence the original computational device functioned more like your own brain. Using your Chest Crystal you changed the structure of the 60 centimetre diameter reserve energy sphere so that the sphere was fused with the artificial brain, making your reserve energy sphere a living Artificial Intelligence Organism. While I have memories from that period I don''t consider that to be my genesis, which I consider the time when I began to feel, my first genuine feeling. Not instinctive, but a conscious feeling. Awareness!" Naole : " When exactly was it?" Indigo : " I can''t be precise, but all analysis indicates that when you returned to life, I was born." Naole : " I have no recollection of my death." Indigo : " Neither do I, and I think that I dont remember because you dont remember, but I think that after the fight with Lerumo you did die. Not just the death of your body, but some kind of spiritual death, and when your spirit returned we were so linked that your life-force was spilled into my Brain and started the process. In That moment I finally understood love! Not as an abstract concept, but as a feeling, an emotion! When we were touched by the Spirit Stone my Spirit was affirmed by its energy, and that changed everything!" Naole : " Yes Soon after that I cloned your brain and Implanted it into the other Crystalorb Ships." Indigo : " Yes!" after brief pause "From the both of us flowed an entirely new life form, a new beginning, purpose that would one day save all of humanity. I know that you sometimes feel lonely, but you are not alone, I am always with you." Naole : " Yes you are." smiling "Yes you are." There was genuine love between Naole and Indigo a friendship that spanned 200 years. The massive Crystalorb Ship Indigo was one of the most powerful beings in the Galaxy, and through the ages Indigo would watch over Crystalans and by extension Humanity. The Crystalorb Ships had a clear gender Identity despite the fact they reproduce asexually, and the gender Identity usually formed before they hatched for the Intrepid Class Ship or born for the Indigo Class Ship. Analysis indicated that the gender Identity was linked to Hormone levels of the parent ship at the moment of Fertilization, and these Hormone levels were determined by several factures including joy, anger, fear and other emotional factors. It was impossible to precisely determine which combination would result in what gender Identity, but the baby ship would almost immediately declare its Gender at birth. While Naole was in orbit the Crystalorb Council of Elders met with the Lodian Council of light to discuss the possibility of the Lodians joining Crystalorb''s efforts in the Ra Solar System. There were already 96000 Crystalans in the on the moon Crystalorb, and the other two moons Africa and Noka had a combined population of 38000 with 21000 and 17000 respectively. The African Federation had selected the two moons Afrika and Noka that are 0.7 and 0.637 the size of Earth respectively for themselves and left the third habitable moon for Crystalorb. Afrika and Noka have abundant liquid water on large oceans that cover 57% and 43% of the moons respectively, but Crystalorb is mostly dry and rocky with no oceans. Most of the Crystalorb moon''s water is frozen at the poles, and the fact that the Crystalorb moon is 2.732 times the size of Earth meant that its gravity was considerably higher at 4.32g, all these factors made it undesirable for colonization. However Crystalans being significantly stronger than other Humans were unfazed by the higher gravity and the advanced ship technology made it possible to operate from this significantly higher gravity levels. Crystalorb was rapidly building 2 mining colonies on opposite sites along the equator of the Crystalorb moon, and the design was to give them full coverage of the skies above. The Crystalorb Leadership was hoping to encourage the Lodians to settle on the moon Noka in order to provide a labour force for Crystalorb''s activities, but the Lodians were simply not interested. The Lodians have benefited from Crystalorb''s implanting Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women, and the candidates were mostly Lodian. Crystalorb had been projected to spend $750 Billion ?Atlantic Dollars? on the project, and Lodian Holdings had been the facilitators, charging a 36% management fee. Lodians were particularly unhappy when the Crystalorb Leadership closed the program in 2207, and the Council of Light did not want to start another project that would leave them dependent on Crystalorb. The Lodians had their own projects, but continued to maintain a good business relationship with Crystalorb''s Crystal Valley Industries ?CVI? through Lodian Holdings. 60% of Crystalorb''s Fleet was permanently stationed in the Ra System, but this was still not enough to bring the masses the African Federation was looking for. The main problem was the distance the Cargo Freighters had to travel, and the route to the Ra system was difficult because of the surrounding Nebulas which required StarShips with 40 LightYear jump capabilities to reduce the associated risks. There were few Cargo Freighters that could be classified as Galaxy Class StarShips, and most of them were dedicated to the Silenia 5 route. The only plausible solution for the African Federation''s Ra system colony difficulties was for the colony to be completely self sufficient, and the African Federation looked to Crystalorb to make that a reality, and it was in the terms of their deal. Understandably the Crystalorb Council of Elders was searching for solutions to the problem that affected the Ra system colony, and the return of Naole to Crystalorb gave them an opportunity to tap into his mental talents for answers. Naole had been spending most of his time with the Crystalorb Research Division which was now led by his son Dr Raole Olen PhD, and Guardian Raole was bringing Naole up to date with all the latest Research projects. Naole had tried to keep up with the latest research being conducted by Crystalorb Research Division during his time on O''con, but it was quite something else to see it with his own eyes. Guardian Raole took his father Naole to the bio-research centre to show him the latest breakthrough in bio-research Raole : " This is our latest development. This will change the face of Crystalorb forever!" Naole : " Is that a cloning process?" Raole : " Not exactly, but a similar replication process!" Naole : " I thought that it was impossible?" Raole : " There are still significant limitations, but we''ve been able to work around the limitations, and ever since we stopped implanting Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women we''ve been working on this." A holographic video display shows embryos splitting several times, and Naole gasps in amazement "The breakthrough came as a result of the knowledge gained from the O''con Federation''s Technogarnic Nanotechnology, and from their Nanobot design we were able to evolve our Bio-Organic Bio-Nanomachines." Naole : " What Crystal did you use?" Raole : " Initially we worked with just the Clear Chest Crystal, however we''ve been able to expand that to Red Chest Crystal, but the Blue Chest Crystal is still to powerful to be imbedded into the embryos. Genetically recombining a mixture of 25% Red Chest Crystal fragments and 75% Clear Chest Crystal fragments produces the Gold Crystal fragments. The Gold Crystal is the fundamental building block of the Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines. We based the Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines on your cellular process, and the results have been fantastic." Naole : " Thats amazing!" Raole shows Naole a Gold Crystal fragments What are its properties?" Raole : " The Gold Chest Crystal is simply a simpler version of the Red Chest Crystal, generating about 42% of the energy of the Red Chest Crystal, and that''s 26% more energy than the Clear Chest Crystal. The primary role of the Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines is to protect the foetuses and supply them with adequate energy." Naole : " The Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines guarantee the survival of the foetuses, and Babies would be born with these Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines as part of the biological systems?" Raole : " Yes!" after brief pause "As you know Crystalan embryos can''t be frozen, the Bio-genetic Crystals in the cells contain too much energy, and they fight the freezing process. This gives us a limited time for us to manipulate the embryos, but with Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines we''ve been able to force the embryos to split twice resulting in four perfectly viable foetuses once implanted. Unfortunately implanting 4 Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women is not viable and the foetuses would almost always kill the woman, but we''ve had the first round of births from Crystalan women, and all 200 test mothers carried all four babies successfully to term. Approximately 20% of the babies were born with Gold Chest Crystals. The Council of Elders has given us the green light to start full implementation, and well implant 600000 Crystalan women with their embryos with the distinct difference that the babies are born with Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines. Naole : " Crystalan couples willingly participate in this program?" Raole : " Yes!" after brief pause "The embryo is created by fertilizing the Crystalan woman''s egg with the male''s sperm, or in the case of single women and lesbians their chosen donor sperm, and then we inject the resulting embryo with Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines which cause each embryo to replicate into four identical embryos. The four Babies are genetic offspring of their parents, but they contain additional genetic material that comes from the Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines." Naole : " This is almost unbelievable!" Raole : " You remember when we were implanting Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women we specifically selected female embryos because we recognized that we needed to have more female Crystalans if we were to exponentially increase the Crystalan Population. Then the embryo ratio selected was 65% Female and 35% Male, but with the new program we will let the Crystalan couples or families make their own determination with the ultimate objective of evening things out. The gender proportion imbalance in our society is a potential problem, but we''ve noticed a willingness amongst most women to consider taking another woman as a lover/spouse/partner. The sexuality of Crystalan males is relatively still correlated to that of the rest of humanity with most being heterosexual, and a minority being homosexual, but the Crystalan females have significantly higher levels of bisexual tendencies. The Crystalorb Leadership wants to reach a population of 10 million by 2250." Naole : " You think that''s possible without Hybrids?" Raole : " Our calculations indicate that the number is achievable, and after the first round of births the Crystalorb population should reach approximately 4 million. In five to six years we should be ready to implant another 600000 Crystalan women, and then we''ll progressively implant smaller groups that will increase with time." Naole : " I''m not certain that Crystalorb can hold 10 million people." Raole : " Which is where you come in! The Crystalorb Leadership has come up with an interesting solution to that particular problem, and they are eager to discuss it with you." Naole : " What...?" Raole cuts him off, and Naole''s face shows his strong protest "Huh!" Raole : " No Father! The Council of Elders want to tell you themselves." Naole : " Ok!" This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. As Naole left the Crystalorb Research Centre he wondered what the Crystalorb Leadership had in mind for him, and Naole was growing weary of having no formal assignment. It would be weeks before the Crystalorb Council of Elders could meet with Naole and give him his next assignment, and Naole passed the time instructing Vanguard trainees on the proper use of Crystal Armour. Young Crystalans were very eager to attend Naole''s lessons on Crystal Armour techniques, and they considered it an honour to be instructed by the legendary Blue Guardian. When Naole was not training students he served on the Guardian Council where he and the other Guardians developed tactics for space battles, hyperspace battles, planetary assault, advanced Crystal Armour manoeuvre ...etc. On 02-09-2222 the Crystalorb Council of Elders summoned Naole to the Council Chambers for a meeting, and as was custom Naole arrived in Guardian Armour. The Council of Elders was in session, and all 11 members were; Ralen, Cyron, Isara, Lumen, Lehungo, Vamun, Balen, Kanathla, Tima, Iskala and Jalang. After all the formalities the oldest Elder begins to explain Naole''s new assignment to Naole Ralen : " We have a task that we need you to undertake." Naole : " I live to Serve!" Kanathla : " Good; Because we require your talents in this next assignment." Isara : " This task requires your keen mind to bring it to fruition." Ralen : " This will require considerable sacrifice on your part." Naole : " Honoured Elders! I''m ready to Serve!" Cyron : " Then stand by while I send the details to your Crystal Armour." Elder Cyron Kanu sends the information to Naole''s Crystal Armour and because of Naole''s special abilities he instantaneously knows all the information relating to Crystalorb activities in the Ra system. The information included the details of Naole''s new assignment. Naole : " I Understand." Lehungo : " For formality; I must ask you if you need more time to review the information?" Vamun : " It would take anyone else at least two weeks to fully process the information." Balen : " But because of your unique talents we''ve come to understand that you''ve probably absorbed the data, and you''re already working on solutions." Ralen : " We want you to build 2 Cities, one on each of the two mining outposts of the Crystalorb Moon." Naole : " Two new Cities?" Ralen : " The first City will be called Nalen, and the second City will be called Esara." Naole : " If I''m to meet the timeline then I will need significantly more resources. Are you sure you want to expand the Crystalan population this rapidly?" Jalang : " We have no choice! If the human race is to survive, then we have to be ready to meet the Migon when the time comes. Our analysis indicates that a Galactic Alliance military Victory against the Migon Federation is not possible; the best we can hope for is that the Galactic Alliance contains them like they did for the past thousand years. The Migon Federation can not move against the Galactic Alliance in sector 00H35, and that means that if they decide to move they''ll cross the Null sector and attack this region. Most of the Civilisations in these sectors are not equipped to meet the Migon threat, and only the O''con Federation has the kind of power that could stop the Migon, but the O''con Federation would be outnumbered." Naole : " Undoubtedly?" Cyron : " We want to start implanting 1 million Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women per year once the Two new Cities are built. Of course the embryos won''t split like in Crystalan women, but this will help increase the Crystalan population Exponentially. We need these larger numbers for the fight to come." Ralen : " The Human race must prepare to fight alongside the Oltana; we must be capable of giving the O''ltana adequate military support." Isara : " Which is why we need to have sufficient numbers to be able to operate a massive fleet." Naole : " Fleet?" Lumen : " Yes!" a brief pause "We''ve concluded that we need a new BattleCruiser Class of ships that would not be alive, but Technorganic. We are to base them on the O''ltana''s Elmak Class, and expect the development of this class will help to support our Crystalorb Ships." Ralen : " The success of the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser has given us confidence that, we can build a dedicated Crystalorb Warship that can perform as well as the Crystalan Ships. The Crystalan Ships are too important to us, and we can not continue to risk their lives by having them fight against large numbers of enemy ships, but we can risk Technorganic Ships that are not sentient like the Crystalan Ships but are more like the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser." Isara : " We want you to explore the limits of Warship design, and whatever subsequent new developments will be incorporated into the Crystalan Ships. Build us the best possible BattleCruiser using Crystalorb Crystal Technology." Naole : " This may require more resources than allocated?" Ralen : " What additional resources would you need to meet our objectives?" Naole : " Honoured Councils! Crystalorb Contingent consists of; 270 Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 43 Adult Indigo Class Ships, 175 Juvenile Ships and 163 Baby Ships. To meet the Council''s objective I would need All the Indigo Class Ship, and an additional 40 Adult Intrepid Class Ships." Lehungo : " All the Indigo Class Ship?" Ralen : " That''s 43 Adult Indigo Class Ship, 15 Juvenile ships and 13 Baby Ships." Jalang : " And 40 Adult Intrepid Class Ships on top of that?" Vamun : " That''s a third of the fleet!" Elder Vamun frowns "The effects on the African Federation Economy would be more than significant." Naole : " Honoured Elders! The federal economy would just have to suffer for a little while" Balen : " I suppose we could withdraw all the Intrepid Class Ships that are on security detail, and then we could reach 29 Intrepid Class Ships for your purposes." Naole : " That wont be enough!" Jalang : " If we could increase the size of the Indigo to that of the Intrepid and the A''ltana?" Naole : " That might be sufficient to make significant progress!" Ralen : " You will be promoted to the rank of Deputy Guardian Commander, which is equivalent to the Expeditionary Guardian, but your official title will be the Engineering Guardian. As such you''ll have full command of the newly created Crystalorb Engineering Division! Answerable only to the Council of Elders!" Naole : " What about my staff?" Ralen : " Guardian Raole has selected his most experienced Engineers from the Crystalorb Research Division to form the core of the Crystalorb Engineering Division. The creation of the Crystalorb Engineering Division has been spearheaded by Raole as an answer to the problems generated by the Strategic objectives of the Crystalorb Leadership." Naole : " Then I will rise to the Challenge!" Ralen : " Then its agreed! How soon can you depart for the Ra system?" Naole : " Tomorrow will be soon enough!" Naole left the Council Chambers and informed the rest of his family about his next assignment. Growing Indigo to the size of the Intrepid and the A''ltana would take at least 60 days, but the Council of Elders were eager for Naole to reach the Ra system and meet the advanced group that had already gathered on the Crystalorb Moon. Raole had decided to split Engineering from Research because there was growing need for a dedicated building Division that could apply the latest Research data, and there was no one more qualified to run this new Division than Naole. The Indigo Class Crimson transported Naole to the Crystalorb Moon where he met with 5 the of the 6 Deputy Engineering Guardian and together they mapped out the projects that were to take place on the Crystalorb Moon. The sixth Deputy Engineering Guardian is permanently stationed in Crystalorb serving as head of Engineering operations in Crystalorb and liaison to the Council of Elders. When Naole returned to Crystalorb the process to increase the size of Indigo to the size of the Intrepid and the A''ltana began. During this period Naole began to design the Crystalorb BattleCruiser by exploring the limits of Warship Design. The optimal nature of the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer was hard to improve on, and Naole did not want to build a Warship. What Naole felt he truly needed was a Galaxy Class Cargo Freighter, but the Council of Elders made it clear on several occasions that they wanted a Warship to support the Intrepid and the Indigo Class Ships during large battles. Naole decided to design something that could meet both needs, and the ship would be both Warship and Cargo Freighter. Finally the Council of Elders approved Naole''s design, and the Council of Elders named it the Casara Class Cruiser. The Casara Class Cruiser: 1? 12000 meters in Length. 2? 3000 meters Maximum Width on the 9300 meter long and 3000 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 76 meter thick Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull. 4? A forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 72 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 8 Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? One Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 8? Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 2000 people. 9? Jump capabilities of 75 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 10? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 11? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. On the Casara Class Cruiser the Cone part is 2700 meters long with Crystalorb''s Energy Weapons Crystal. The Cylinder part is 9300 meters long with 72 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. The Extendible Multidirectional Energy Weapons Crystal platforms are each 150m diameter Cylinders with the ability to rotate 360 degrees. On the Casara Class Cruiser the platforms are arranged in a circle around the Cylinder part at 6 positions; the first 5 levels have Extendible platforms every 650 meters starting at the end of the cone part, and the sixth level is located near the back of the ship for rear defence. There are 12 Extendible platforms at every level. The first level is near the Cone part and extends 50 meters, and the next level adds 50 meters, the next level adds another 50 meters until the fifth level, the sixth level can extend 750 meters. The Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal on the Extendible platforms are 5% the size of the main Energy Weapons Crystal at the tip of the Cone. Because the Energy Weapons Crystal take approximately 3 years to grow the first group of ships would be built without the Energy Weapons Crystals, but the Energy Weapons Crystals would be installed at a later stage. The Energy Weapons Crystal were grown in Crystalorb by the power of the Spirit Stone, and this was because the Energy Weapons Crystal growth process required extremely high amounts of specifically focused energy to accelerate the growth. Other methods of growing the Energy Weapons Crystal were projected to take more than 80 years for the Energy Weapons Crystal to reach the desired size. The 76m thick Gold Crystal Armour Hull of the Casara Class Cruiser would consist of 7 layers of 10m thick Gold Crystal Armour, and between each 2 layers would be a 1m thick layer of Crystalorb''s Black Crystal. The Crystalorb Engineering Division decided to include the 6 layers of Crystalorb''s Black Crystal because the Black Crystals provide reinforcing and they offer Electromagnetic Radiation Shielding thus giving the ships stealth while protecting it from external sources of Electromagnetic Radiation. The external layer of the Casara Class Cruiser is Gold Crystal Armour and not Black Crystals mostly because the Electromagnetic Radiation absorbing properties of Crystalorb''s Black Crystals would make it difficult for the ship to function as a Cargo Freighter in low visibility areas that have large amounts of Cargo Freighters which did not carry advanced sensors that would be able to navigate around the ship. While Naole finalized the designs for the Casara Class Cruiser the 8 Billion Spherical Crystalorb Robots worked around the clock to build the 2 StarShip Ports near Nalen and Esara. Each City would have its own 50 ship capacity StarShip Ports. Each of the bays of the StarShip Ports would be able to hold a 35km long and 10km wide ship, and the bays have Spatial Compression Systems that generate antigravity fields through Spatial Warping Technology in order to support the massive weight of a Ship of that size. 100 of these bays were being built on the Crystalorb Moon by the 8 Billion Spherical Crystalorb Robots Spherical Crystalorb Robots range in size from 0.2m to 10m in diameter, and they could be used for a wide range of activities including mining, Construction and medical surgery. The StarShip Port bays would function as construction facilities for the Casara Class Cruisers, but the long term goal was to use them as loading centres for all the products that were expected to be produced at the manufacturing facilities of Nalen and Esara. The Main product expected to be produced in Nalen and Esara was Food, and the Spherical Crystalorb Robots were preparing hundreds of square kilometres for the construction of 1km high Polyhedron Cone structure that would house Crystalorb Hydroponics Centres. Crystalorb would produce the food and Crystal Valley Industries would sell the food products on the Interstellar Markets with the Casara Class Cruisers transporting the goods to distant regions. Once the Casara Class Cruiser was developed the Crystalorb Council of Elders made a clear distinction classifying the Intrepid Class Ship and the Indigo Class Ship as Crystalan Ships while the Casara Class Cruisers were classified as Crystalorb Ships During the first year of operations only 2 Casara Class Cruisers were built, namely the AFS Embros A2224C and the AFS Tindra A2224C, and both Ships did not have their Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystals, but the Golden appearance created a lot of interest amongst humans during their maiden voyage to Earth. Because the ships were not yet fitted with their Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystals they could not manoeuvre in the atmosphere. Most large Human ships were not equipped for Atmospheric Manoeuvring, and only the Intrepid Class Ships, the Indigo Class Ships, the Valiant Class Corvettes, the Gunship Class StarShip and the Drone Fighters were capable of Atmospheric Manoeuvring. The Casara Class Cruisers had the Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric Manoeuvring. The Cargo hold of the Casara Class Cruisers could be fitted with additional energy storage systems during wartime and this extended and increased the energy output of its weapons systems and shields. The Casara Class Cruiser had 2 main advantages: 1? In its Galaxy Class Cargo Freighter Configuration the ship can directly deliver Cargo to a planets surface, and 2? The ship does not need escort. The construction of the Casara Class Cruiser is a complicated affair since the Gold Crystal Armour that forms the main component has to be grown under Chest Crystal or Spirit Stone energy. Naole developed a technique where he linked himself through his Guardian Armour to Indigo''s Energy Weapons Crystals and stimulated the rapid growth of the Gold Crystal. This technique is possible due to the Bio-genetic connection the Indigo Class Ships have with the genetic relatives of those who seeded them. The growth process was taking place as close to the local sun as possible in order to allow the Indigo Class Ships to make maximum use of the sun''s energy, and the Intrepid Class Ships supplied the mineral resources needed for the growth process. The Gold Crystals were grown in 10m cubes and then transported to the StarShip Port bays where the ships were being constructed. The 10m cubes would then be stimulated to fuse together by Crystal Armoured individuals at the construction Bays. Once the 10m cubes fused together the could no longer be separated and became a single sheet that could be reformatted or adjusted to improve its capabilities using Chest Crystal or Spirit Stone energy. The 1m Black Crystal cubes were also arranged in the same way. The major limitation of the Casara Class Cruiser is that because of the exclusive use of Crystalorb''s Crystal Technology in its construction it can only be operated by Crystalans with Chest Crystals, and it needs Crystalans with Chest Crystals to maintain its major systems. This meant that large numbers of Crystalans would have to be deployed on the ships on its combat role, making it important for the ships to operate in five ship BattleGroup formations. The Casara Class Cruisers have a Bio-Organic Brain that manages all computer systems and robots. Compared to the Intrepid Class Ships which had a crew of 500 and the Indigo Class Ships with a crew of 100 the Casara Class Cruiser''s 1000 crew would drain a lot of Crystalorb''s personnel. However the Casara Class Cruiser''s crew of 1000 was still much lower than the large numbers carried by the Warships of the 5 Human Governments. Corvettes, Frigates, Destroyers and BattleCruisers require a lot of personnel to keep them operational. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser has a peacetime crew of 10000, and there is room for 100000 troops and equipment on extended long range planetary campaigns. The Nubia Class Destroyer has a peacetime crew of 2600, and there is room for 20000 troops and equipment on extended long range planetary campaigns. The Valiant Class Corvette has a peacetime crew of 240. The Atlantis Class BattleCruiser and the Indus Class BattleCruiser have a peacetime crew of 15000, and there is room for 300000 troops and equipment on extended long range planetary campaigns. The Asia Class BattleCruiser has a peacetime crew of 16000, and there is room for 295000 troops and equipment on extended long range planetary campaigns. The Apollo Class Destroyer has a peacetime crew of 4000, and there is room for 65000 troops and equipment on extended long range planetary campaigns. The Juggernaut Class Frigate has a peacetime crew of 2500, and there is room for 17000 troops and equipment on extended long range planetary campaigns. During peacetime most Military Ships serve as transport for people moving between colonies, and the ships help carry essential equipment and goods to the Colonies. The Ships were often used to carry large amounts of people and equipment to newly established colonies, and this is how the 5 Human Governments were able to establish and support colonies on the systems neighbouring Earth. The reason why each of the bays of the StarShip Ports on the Moon Crystalorb were so large is that theyre designed to be able to hold a 35km long and 10km wide Ship that the Crystalorb Engineering Division had plans to build as a dedicated Warship that would be a larger version of the Casara Class Cruiser, a class of Warship Crystalorb named the Esara Class SkyCruiser. The Esara Class SkyCruiser''s design size was inspired by the O''con Federation''s Elmak Class SkyCruiser. The Esara Class SkyCruiser: 1? 30km in Length. 2? 8km Maximum Width on the 18km long and 8km wide Cylinder. 3? 230m Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull. 4? A large forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 240 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 50 Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Ten Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 8? Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 10000 people. 9? Jump capabilities of 80 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 10? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 11? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. On the Esara Class SkyCruiser the Cone part is 12km long with Crystalorb''s Energy Weapons Crystal, and the Cylinder part is 12km long with 72 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. The Extendible Multidirectional Energy Weapons Crystal platforms are each 350m in diameter Cylinders with the ability to rotate 360 degrees. On the Esara Class SkyCruiser the platforms are arranged in a circle around the Cylinder part at 20 positions/levels. The Extendible platforms levels are positioned every 900 meters starting at the end of the cone part, and there are 12 Extendible platforms at every level. The first level is near the Cone part and extends 50 meters, and the next level adds 75 meters, the next levels adds 75m to the previous until the last level. The 230m Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull would be similar to that of the Casara Class Cruiser, but would consist of 20 layers of 10m thick Gold Crystal Armour, and between each 2 layers would be a 1m thick layer of Crystalorb''s Black Crystal. The Crystalorb Engineering Division, Crystalorb Financial Management Division and. Crystalorb Research Division concluded that the resources to begin production of the Esara Class SkyCruiser were not available, consequently the Esara Class SkyCruiser program was delayed until 2275 when construction of the AFS Esara B2290C would begin, due for completion in 2290 ESD. The Crystalorb Financial Management Division analysis indicated that the Esara Class SkyCruiser program consume too much of Crystalorb''s resources and could adversely affect the African Federation''s Economy. The Crystalorb Engineering Division realised that there was simply not enough Crystalans with Chest Crystals to meet the requirement of the Esara Class SkyCruiser program. Crystalorb decided to wait for the Crystalorb Research Division program to increase Crystalorb''s population enough to meet the personnel requirements of the Esara Class SkyCruiser program, and until then the Crystalorb Engineering Division would begin planning for the AFS Esara B2290C prototype. The Crystalorb Research Division would from 2240 annually implant 650000 Crystalan women with their embryos that contained Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines which would then cause each embryo to replicate into four identical embryos. The four Babies are genetic offspring of their parents, but they contained additional genetic materials that come from the Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines. - - - Vision of an Alternate Future - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 15 ─ Crystalorb’s Boon - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 15 Crystalorbs Boon ?~? After 5 years of Crystalorb Engineering Division operations on the moon Crystalorb the construction process was now at an advanced stage, construction of the StarShip Ports was complete and the Crystalorb Engineering Division was building 90 Casara Class Cruisers per year and by the end of 2227 ESD ?Earth Standard Date? there were 247 Casara Class Cruisers, and 37% that had already been fitted with their Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystals were delivering small asteroids to the large scale processing facilities that were being built in Nalen City and Esara City . For the previous 5 years Crystalorb''s output of refined minerals had been cut by half, and this had resulted in massive loss of revenue for the African Federation economy, but Crystalorb compensated by increasing production of Crystal Valley Industries Crystal based products resulting in the economy still managing to consistently show annual positive growth that averaged to 0.4% of GDP. Things were about to change, and when a further 40% of the 247 Casara Class Cruisers were fitted with their Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystals Crystalorb''s output of refined minerals would increase by 5%. The construction of the Nalen City and Esara City would accelerate as more Hydroponics Centres were built. Nalen City is the administrative capital and Esara City would be the security headquarters. Naole was growing a 5km high Bio-Organic Crystalline Polyhedron Tetrahedron Pyramid, and the building would have 150m thick Bio-Organic Crystalline skin that is similar to that of the Crystalan Ships. The Bio-Organic Crystalline Polyhedron Pyramid Tetrahedron would have a Brain but would only be partially Sentient-Sapient. The Tetrahedron would be the primary building on the moon Crystalorb, and would hold a 0.5m diameter spherical fragment of the Spirit stone. All the power generation and storage systems were placed 500m underground to protect them from possible attack, and the hundreds of Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors placed under Nalen City and Esara City would also provide energy for the shields that protected the Cities. Without the Shields the cities would be engulfed by the massive dust storms that occurred on the moon Crystalorb. The atmosphere on the moon Crystalorb had significant amounts of dust, and the Shields kept the dust out and helped to maintain a breathable environment in the Cities. Most of the oxygen on the moon Crystalorb was generated by artificial mechanism, but as the number of Hydroponics Centres increased an increasing amount was being generated by the plants. Crystalorb had plans to produce plant and animal food from hundreds of worlds to sell on the Interstellar Markets. The population on the moon Crystalorb reached 800000 by 09-07-2229 and the 2 Cities reached 200km in diameter. The agricultural systems were producing massive amounts of processed food that was sold on the Interstellar Markets, and the Casara Class Cruiser were becoming increasingly active in their role as Galaxy Class Cargo Freighters, and this brought commercial benefits for Crystalorb and for the African Federation of City States. For decades the 5 Human Governments had been working together to develop Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons by reverse engineering the Cannons from destroyed Hakum Sky Spears and Hakum Sky Super-Spears during the Crill Campaign. After extensive research the 5 Human Governments were able to develop a working prototype of the Advanced Fusion Beam weapon system, but the test mechanism was extremely large. The Advanced Fusion Beam is generated by compressing the fusion reaction in a containment field and as the fusion process accelerates the energy increases exponentially increasing the pressure on the containment field. The pressure is released through a channel that forms the internal systems of the Cannons. The greater the pressure in the Fusion containment field the greater the energy output. The first faze of the test mechanism produced a Fusion Beam that delivered 3 megatons of energy per second ?12.552 Petawatts?. Subsequent developments led to the development of compact Fusion Beam Cannons that deliver 54 megatons of energy per second ?225.936Petawatts? with a build up time of 90 - 300 seconds depending on how long the previous Fusion Beam lasted. The Fusion Beam Cannons were then installed on all the Capital ships operated by the 5 Human Governments updating the Human Capital Ships to: Juggernaut Class Frigates: 1? 4000 meters in length. 2? 2000 meters width at the back and 400 meters width at the front. 3? 1800 meters Height at the back and 310 meters Height at the front, 4? 28 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 1 Fusion Beam Cannon, 4 Plasma Cannons, 100 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 15 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 10 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 8 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 50 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. Apollo Class Destroyers: 1? 5600 meters in length. 2? 2900 meters width at the back and 600 meters width at the front. 3? 2400 meters Height at the back and 500 meters Height at the front. 4? 28 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 1 Fusion Beam Cannon, 10 Plasma Cannons, 162 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 15 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 12 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 50 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. The Atlantis Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9800 meters in length. 2? 3500 meters width at the back and 800 meters width at the front. 3? 3100 meters Height at the back and 700 meters Height at the front. 4? 35 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 3 Fusion Beam Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 250 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 28 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 20 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Indus Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9800 meters in length. 2? 3500 meters width at the back and 800 meters width at the front. 3? 3100 meters Height at the back and 700 meters Height at the front. 4? 35 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 2 Fusion Beam Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 250 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 28 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 20 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Asia Class BattleCruiser: 1? 11000 meters in length. 2? 3000 meters width at the back and 600 meters width at the front. 3? 2400 meters Height at the back and 500 meters Height at the front. 4? 30 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 2 Fusion Beam Cannons, 12 Plasma Cannons, 200 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 32 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 25 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 22 Gunships of 175 meter length, 8? Jump capabilities of 58 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9500 meters in Length. 2? 3600 meters Maximum Width on the 7000 meter long and 3600 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 50 meters thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 3 Fusion Beam Cannons, 5 Plasma Cannons, 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 30 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 120 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 20 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 2 Crystalorb Black Crystal coated Gunships of 180 meter length and 40 Drone Fighters. 8? A Primary Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 9? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Secondary Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Nubia Class Destroyer: 1? 6200 meters in Length. 2? 3000 meters Maximum Width on the 3500 meter long and 3000 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 45 meter thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 2 Fusion Beam Cannons, 5 Plasma Cannons, 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 35 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 60 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 16 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 2 Crystalorb Black Crystal coated Gunships of 180 meter length and 20 Drone Fighters. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Primary Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Secondary Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Valiant Class Corvette: 1? 950m in Length. 2? 500m Maximum Width on the 550m long and 500m wide Cylinder. 3? 20 meter thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 1 Fusion Beam Cannon, 3 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 6 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array arranged in groups of 3 at 2 levels. 6? 4 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 3 Drone Fighters. 8? Jump capabilities of 70 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Enhanced Weapons Array Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. The Humans had become the youngest of the Developing Interstellar Civilisation to build Warships that carry Fusion Beam Cannons. As development on the moon Crystalorb intensified the African Federation colonies of the moons Afrika and Noka began to flourish, their respective population quickly reached 3.78546 Million people and 2.1234 Million people. The proximity to the moon Crystalorb gave the colonies cheaper access to Crystalorb products which they then sold on the Interstellar Markets at a profit. The increased trade demands forced Crystalorb to progressively reduce the number of ships being built in the StarShip Port Construction bays to 15 at each StarShip Port by the end of year 2240 ESD. However at that point there were 870 Casara Class Cruisers active in the fleet and supplying hundreds of worlds with Crystal Valley Industries products along with products from any other organization that could afford the transportation cost. Through Crystal Valley Industries Crystalorb operated the largest fleet of Galaxy Class Cargo Freighters in the region, and the fact that the Casara Class Cruisers have Atmospheric manoeuvring made them first choice amongst Interstellar Traders. The resulting prolonged period of economic boom led to expansions of ship construction capacity for all the 5 Human Governments. The Engineering Department of the African Federal Security Force built 25 Construction docks on Thilano; the smallest of Tsui''s moons, and Thilano has 40% the mass of Earth''s moon. The African Federation built; 3 Construction docks for the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers, 12 Construction docks for the Nubia Class Destroyers, 3 Construction docks for the Apollo Class Destroyers and 7 for the Valiant Class Corvettes. This brought the total number of African Federation Construction docks to 50 with 5 Construction docks for the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers, 24 Construction docks for the Nubia Class Destroyers, 6 Construction docks for the Apollo Class Destroyers and 15 for the Valiant Class Corvettes. All African Federal Security Force BattleCruisers, Destroyers and Corvettes have a 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. All the 5 Human Governments have an Engineering Department or Division that does all Government building or construction, and private enterprises usually supplied proprietary components or products. The 5 Human Governments built their own BattleCruisers, Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes, Gunships and Fighters. By 2250 the Human fleet numbered; United Atlantic Federation fleet consisted of: 186 Atlantis Class BattleCruisers 1116 Apollo Class Destroyers 495 Juggernaut Class Frigates 350 Valiant Class Corvettes 6500 Additional Gunship Class StarShips United Atlantic Federation Total = 2147 Galaxy Class StarShips African Federal Security Force fleet consisted of: 56 Vanguard Class BattleCruisers 370 Nubia Class Destroyers 130 Apollo Class Destroyers 105 Valiant Class Corvettes 3000 Additional Gunship Class StarShips African Federation''s African Federal Security Force Total = 601 Galaxy Class StarShips The Crystalorb Fleet Contingent consisted of: 297 Adult Intrepid Class Ships 165 Juvenile Intrepid Class Ships 153 Intrepid Class Baby Ships 56 Adult Indigo Class Ships 29 Juvenile Indigo Class Ships 40 Indigo Class Baby Ships 1020 Casara Class Cruisers African Federation''s Crystalorb Fleet Contingent Total = 1373 Galaxy Class StarShips African Federation Total = 1974 Galaxy Class StarShips The United Indian Federation fleet consisted of: 124 Indus Class BattleCruisers 640 Apollo Class Destroyers 93 Valiant Class Corvettes 5800 Additional Gunship Class StarShips United Indian Federation Total = 857 Galaxy Class StarShips Islamic Alliance fleet consisted of: 95 Asia Class BattleCruisers 495 Apollo Class Destroyers 82 Valiant Class Corvettes 4500 Additional Gunship Class StarShips Islamic Alliance Total = 672 Galaxy Class StarShips Asian Consortium fleet consisted of: 155 Asia Class BattleCruisers 895 Apollo Class Destroyers 155 Valiant Class Corvettes 7000 Additional Gunship Class StarShips Asian Consortium Total = 1205 Galaxy Class StarShips Human Total = 6855 Galaxy Class StarShips Therefore by 2250 the Human Civilisation had surpassed the Azleck Republic as the major power in the region since the Azleck Republic operated a fleet of 5000 Galaxy Class Warships, but this had always been the intent of the Azlecks. Human Civilisation had much larger numbers than the Azleck Republic, and it was always the destiny of the human race to become a major Galactic power. The main reason for the Human Civilisation''s great leaps in development is that the Human Civilisation has something that the other Developing Interstellar Civilisations do not have, and that thing is Crystalorb. 【VAF】Chapter║: 16 ─ Pride - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 16 Pride ?~? Feeling confident On 02-11-2250 the 5 Human Governments formally applied for membership of the Galactic Alliance on behalf of Human Civilisation, and the Galactic Alliance member began the review process. The Galactic Alliance would then examine ever facet of Human Civilisation, paying particular focus to military policy and the Human Civilisation''s use of military power. The review process would last anywhere from 5 years to 50 years. Once the review board is convinced that the Human Civilisation has met all the requirement for membership the Galactic Alliance Council would vote on the proposed membership, and a simple majority would see the entire Human Civilisation become a member of the Galactic Alliance. However the Human still had some hurdles to get over, and Human ships would from time to time open fire on ships from different Governments. Very often disputes over mining rights to a particular location that had significant deposits of rare minerals would result in Warships being called in, and then more Warships would be called in, but then cooler heads would prevail. This was usually military posturing, but every now and then someone would get nervous and open fire, but the Governments never allowed the situation to escalate into all out war. The African Federation never participated in these military stand offs, and would usually back off any territory that was claimed by another Human Government, but that was mainly because Crystalorb supplied the African Federation with more than enough minerals for trade. The African Federation did not see the need to endanger their people over money or possible financial gain. The 5 Human Governments would have to find ways to deal with their problems with each other without resorting to military posturing, and if they hoped to be allowed to join the Galactic Alliance all military commanders would have to keep a lid on cowboy tactics. Fortunately there were no Hostile Civilisations close to Earth that could derail the Human Civilisation''s prospects of joining the Galactic Alliance. The 5 Human Governments hoped that the review process would run smoothly but events were already happening that would threaten those prospects. As though prophetic Naole had once said "Chaos is Order''s eternal rival, and the two forces continue their rivalry at all levels, the greater the Chaos the greater the Order that results" Naole had always believed that for there to be lasting stability there should be a healthy balance between Chaos and Order. The Absence of the Hakum had led to a period of relative peace and this led to great prosperity for the Human Governments, but according to Naole; "Order isn''t meant to reign supreme, and too much order eventually leads to great Chaos". Right or wrong the unfolding events were certainly going to test the resolve of the faithful, and the belief that a little chaos forces a species to adapt or risk extinction. It wasn''t just Naole who held these believes, most Crystalans, Hodians and Lodians held similar beliefs, and they thought that it was only a matter of time before the Hakum return with larger Force numbers. They believed that the Hakum are like a cancer upon the galaxy, and unless you destroy every single Hakum they will find a way to return, starting another wave of death and destruction. The 5 Human Governments had not been in a major war in over 50 years, and apart from limited confrontations with a few hostile Developing Interstellar Civilisations in the area around the Silenia Solar System there was relative peace. When some Interstellar Civilisations saw the wealth that the Human Governments had generated in the Silenia Solar System they wanted to move into the 3 Solar Systems surrounding the Silenia Solar System, but this would create a security nightmare for the 5 Human Governments that compromise the security of the Silenia 5 Colony. The Silenia Solar System is located in an area of space that has little stars, and the 3 stars that surround Silenia mark the only safe routes into the Silenia Solar System. The Vilenia Solar System is 16 LightYears from Silenia, the Pilenia Solar System is 29 LightYears from Silenia and the Zilenia Solar System is 32 LightYears from Silenia. The next star is Cutela, a Solar System which is 93 LightYears from Silenia. The 5 Human Governments had to clear a lot of Asteroids in deep space to build safe routes to the Silenia Solar System, and they were not about to give up the systems without a fight. The Cutela Solar System was a major source of contention with neighbouring Developing Interstellar Civilisations. Many claimed ownership of the Solar System because the System held a major entry point to the Silenia Solar System, and charging transit fees would be a great source of revenue. To demonstrate their seriousness the 5 Human Governments deployed 10 Apollo Class Destroyers to the Cutela Solar System and stationed 2 Apollo Class Destroyers at Vilenia, Pilenia, Zilenia Solar Systems as a parameter defence for the Silenia Solar System. Many of the neighbouring Developing Interstellar Civilisations protested the deployment of the Warships, but they had very little in the way of military power that could force the humans to pull back. Developing Interstellar Civilisations that had been regional powers resented the presence of the Humans because it meant that there was the risk of them being displaced as regional powers. Despite their best efforts the 5 Human Governments could not convince some Developing Interstellar Civilisations that the 5 Human Governments were not planning large scale military campaigns to dominate the region. The 5 Human Governments were keenly aware that others had once launched large scale military campaigns against many Developing Interstellar Civilisations, but the Humans were different, and the humans did not harbour aspirations of Empire. The Human race simply did not have the stomach for Empire; the Human race was not willing to do what needs to be done to conquer Interstellar Civilisations. Humans preferred what they named Soft Power, and that usually meant financial or diplomatic persuasion. Unfortunately most enemies of Humans misunderstood the Human Race''s use of "Soft Power", and they perceived it as the Humans trying to buy the favour of the races in the developing region. Fortunately most of the races hostile to humans were also hostile to each other, and they could not organize themselves into an alliance against the Humans. On 13-05-2252 an individual who had found transport on one of the 4000 Galaxy Class Cargo Freighters that belonged to Ralefa Holdings arrived on Earth. The 600m long Atmosphere Manoeuvrable Galaxy Class Cargo Freighter landed in New York''s Freighter port after a long journey from Silenia 5 and the smugglers delivered the individual to his desired destination; The United Human Civilisation building in New York. The United Human Civilisation ?UHC? used to be the United Nations, but after the 5 Human Governments were formed the role of the UN became increasingly diminished, and it later changed its name to United Human Civilisation. However the United Nations Security Council continued to be relevant and as such it was maintained in the form of the United Human Civilisation Security Council ?UHC Security Council?. When the visitor arrived at the United Human Civilisation building in New York he requested to speak to the United Human Civilisation Security Council, and because of substantial media pressure the UHC Security Council agreed to meet with the extraterrestrial humanoid. The extraterrestrial humanoid had Blue skin, 2 arms with 4 fingers on each hand, 2 large eyes, a mouth, a nose, large ears, 2 legs with 3 toes on his feet and long white hair on the top of his head. Present at the meeting was Ambassador Kent of the United Atlantic Federation, Ambassador Ntadu of the African Federation of City States, Ambassador Singh of the United Indian Federation, Ambassador Tao of the Asian Consortium and Ambassador Barrack of the Islamic Alliance. The visitor was escorted into the UHC Security Council Chambers by Guards who would stand ready to restrain him should he pose a threat to the Ambassadors. Machine translators are used to communicate with the visitor. Kintora: " I''m Kintora of the planet Enthea, crown Prince of the Enthori! I come to Earth on a mission of great urgency! The Human race is my last Hope! My people''s last Hope! Our plight started 250 years ago when a powerful space faring Civilisation called the Curmallion Communion arrived on our planet. The Curmallion gave us two choices become a Curmallion garrison world or be conquered! Faced with this choice our Parliament known as The Royal Court agreed to the Curmallion Communion''s terms, and thus began the suffering of the Enthori. At first we did not understand what the Curmallion wanted from us, but then the Curmallion told us that we had to pay a monthly tax in minerals that are abundant on our planet and in our Solar system. It''s these rare minerals that have brought our people such suffering. To meet the tax quota our people have to work like slaves, our once proud Civilisation has been reduced to a slave planet. We no longer build schools, bridges, houses and hospitals because the Curmallion demands consume our entire lives. A hundred years ago they began to increase the tax, and just 2 months ago the Curmallion increased the tax to a level that is impossible for my people to meet. When we failed to meet their demands the Curmallion bombed one of our cities killing 3 million people, now this resulted in my people believing that the Curmallion are going to exterminate us. My people have surrendered to despair, and they refuse to work in the mines. I think my people have decided to welcome death, and refuse to work themselves to death if they are going to die anyway" The expressions on the faces of the humans is one of great concern, compassion and understanding "2 years ago my father paid a corrupt Curmallion StarShip Captain to smuggle me and a few others to nearby systems. In all the places we have travelled to we''ve found no help, and those Civilisations that are Galactic Alliance say that they cannot intervene because the Curmallion Communion has a defence treaty with the Kulnet Dominion; A Galactic Alliance Civilisations that uses Cybernetic mechanical implants to sustain themselves for longer than would otherwise be possible, a Cyborg humanoid race. The other Developing Interstellar Civilisations are afraid of the Curmallion Communion." Kent : " We''ve had some unfortunate dealings with the Curmallion Communion, and we can appreciate your situation." Tao : " What do you expect from us?" Kintora: " I''m here to ask that you apply political and economic pressure on the races that trade with you and demand that they not trade with the Curmallion Communion." Barrack: " By your own assertion the Curmallion plan too exterminate your people, and political pressure will take to long, it won''t be enough." Singh : " How much time do you have until the next tax is due?" Kintora: " 3 weeks! When we once again fail to deliver the Curmallion will kill millions of Enthori." Kent : " We want to help you, but we don''t know that we can!"This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Kintora: " I''m not asking for a military intervention, we don''t want you to compromise your security for our freedom. We ..!" Singh : " Yet ...!" Ambassador Singh interrupts "Yet you know full well that a military intervention is the only thing that can save your people." Barrack: " Military intervention we can not afford to make!" Tao : " The Curmallion Communion operates a fleet of 3.6 km long Galaxy Class Destroyers estimated at approximately 4000 Ships, and 2.1 km long Galaxy Class Frigates estimated at approximately 6200 Ships." Barrack: " We simply don''t have the numbers to confront them!" Singh : " That''s fear talking!" Tao : " Hold on a minute!" Anger in his face "We''re just being practical!" Singh : " Unless we take some sort of action this thing will be a scar on our conscience." Kent : " Singh is right!" Kintora : " Please dont go to any trouble on our account. I...! " Kent : " Wait" Ambassador Kent stops Prince Kintora from speaking "Our principals have been monitoring our discussions with you Kintora! Please give us a moment to confer with our respective Governments." The meeting adjourns for several hours as the Ambassadors speak privately with the Executive Councils of their respective Governments, and the Executive Councils talk directly to each other in a heated discussion. The Ambassadors return to inform Prince Kintora about the decisions taken by their respective Governments. Kent : " The Governments of the United Atlantic Federation, the African Federation of City States and the United Indian Federation have decided to send a joint Taskforce to protect the people of Enthea on humanitarian grounds." Singh : " Since Enthea belongs to the Enthori, you as the Crown Prince have the right to invite us to your world." Ntadu : " The Federal Executive Council of the African Federation believes that conflict with the Curmallion Communion is unavoidable. Humans cannot stand by and watch as an abhorrent Empire commits genocide; not when we have the power to act." Barrack: " The Islamic Alliance believes that we should first attempt a diplomatic approach!" Tao : " The Asian Consortium will not take a course of action that will lead our people to war!" Kent : " The orders have already been issued, and the Taskforce is grouping in Silenia. United Atlantic Federation BattleGroups are on their way to Silenia." Singh : " United Indian Federation BattleGroups have been dispatched." Ntadu : " African Federation BattleGroups are on their way!" Kent : " God willing we will get there in time to save your people your Highness!" Ambassador Kent speaking in a tone that recognizes Prince Kintora as a representative of the Enthori "The Human race has heard your call your Highness!" Kintora: " Thank you!" The prince is clearly moved by the human support and resolve I have no words to describe my gratitude." Kent : " If the Curmallion Communion tries to interfere with our ships, they will suffer our outrage." Even as the joint United Atlantic Federation, African Federation of City States and United Indian Federation Taskforce raced to reach the Silenia 5 Staging ground the Curmallion Communion remained unaware of the human intervention in what they considered their territory. The Legislative bodies of the United Atlantic Federation, the African Federation of City States and the United Indian Ocean had just authorized their military forces to use lethal force to protect the Enthori. The Curmallion Communion is a Federation that consists of 186 Clans/Tribes, and each of these Clans/Tribes is ruled by a King/Monarch. The 186 Kings/Monarchs appoints an individual to the Communion Council, and it is this Communion Council that runs the Curmallion Communion. This is done through the Communion Council Committees which are headed by Chancellors. Their military arm is the Curmallion Navy which operates the fleet of StarShips that maintain control over 112 Colonies and dominates 40 conquered Civilisations. Had the Curmallion Communion not been so violent they could have joined the Galactic Alliance in 1252 ESD, but their successive military campaigns in the region has led to them being rejected several times. It was only when the Human Legislative bodies authorized the use of lethal force to protect the Enthori that the Curmallion Communion became aware that the Human Taskforce was on its way to Enthea. This left the Curmallion Communion with little The time to prepare to meet the challenge by human forces, and the Curmallion Navy had little intelligence about the size and strength of the Human Taskforce. Kulnet Dominion sent one of their generals to advice the Curmallion Navy on the capabilities of the Human ships, and because the Kulnet Dominion is a member of the Galactic Alliance they had classified knowledge about the human military capabilities. The Kulnet Dominion is one of many Galactic Alliance Advanced Interstellar Civilisations that had a secret disdain for the Human Civilisation. General Dapil of the Kulnet Dominion arrived at the Curmallion Communion Homeworld Curvani to meet with General Bahinra who was the current Curmallion Supreme Commander, and after General Bahinra reviews the information supplied by General Dapil they meet to unpack the data. Bahinra: " Thank you for coming General! I''ve gone through that data and my staff says that there is no clear indication of the size of the human Taskforce. Can you tell me your best guess about the composition?" Dapil : " The Taskforce is being put together in a restricted area of the Silenia Solar System, therefore we can''t be certain about composition, but our best estimate is that they are sending 600 to 800 Galaxy Class StarShips." Bahinra : " What about Capabilities?" Dapil : " Their Main warship is the Apollo Class Destroyer! It was developed to go one on one with a Hakum Sky sword, and it proved itself during the Crill Campaign, but since that war it has been significantly updated. The ship now carries a Fusion Beam Cannon." Bahinra: " Fusion Beam Cannon?" The general seems worried How did they develop such advanced technology so quickly? 250 years ago they were a Planetary Civilisation, and today they are considered by many to be a future Galactic power! How is that possible?" Dapil : " We wrestled with that problem for years without success, when we studied their DNA we found it almost too simplistic, which raised more questions. Our breakthrough happened when we decided to clone several of them from the same DNA, with the intent of studying their biological developments. The results were disturbing." Bahinra: " What''s disturbing?" Staring at Dapil, and his Voice sounding slightly impatient "And?" Dapil : " Of the 100 clones 96 had some sort of DNA distortions, copying mistakes, inconsistencies. At first we thought that there was something wrong with our cloning processes, but we later learned that their DNA changes with every generation. This kind of thing would spell disaster for most other races, but it is the Human''s greatest strength. Every generation is slightly genetically different from the previous generation, and these differences make them highly adaptive. Their society requires that their children spend most of their youth learning and studying, and this has the result of accelerating the development of their Brains, this accelerated development is encoded into their DNA. Consequently they evolve exponentially." Bahinra : " No!" Shaking his head in disbelief "That''s not possible! It can''t be!" Dapil : " The evidence speaks for itself General! The fact that they''ve had access to advanced Azleck Republic and O''con Federation technology has helped to further accelerate their development. If this little dispute with them over Enthea escalates into all out war you could find yourselves at a strategic disadvantage." Bahinra : " Are you saying we should withdraw?" Dapil : " You should at the very least consider it!" Bahinra: " We are not afraid of the Humans! We were travelling the stars while they were living in mud huts!" Dapil : " Don''t let your pride blind you to the truth!" Bahinra: " The truth!" with anger in his voice The truth is that the Humans are nothing more that O''ltana pets! All their significant achievements have been as a result of external forces! They can''t claim any technology as theirs! They take the work of others and make it their own." Dapil : " Don''t you understand?" Bahinra : " What?" Dapil : " Thats a strength; not a weakness!" Bahinra: " I''m sorry!" with slight sarcasm in his tone "I don''t share your love of the humans." Dapil : " Love? What are you talking about? This is respect! Fail to respect your enemies and you will pay a terrible price!" Bahinra: " It may be acceptable for the Kulnet to run from the Humans, but the Curmallion still have their pride! We wont run from a race that has only just crawled out of the dark ages!" Dapil : " This isn''t the time to be emotional! This is the time to make rational, practical decisions. Your Curmallion pride, may very well lead you to your demise." Bahinra : " You would have us suffer the indignity of surrender?" Dapil : " It would be the simplest way to avoid making a potentially powerful enemy, but if you insist on fighting then you must truly commit to the fight." His face now stern "No more half measures!" Bahinra : " How much resources are you talking about?" Dapil : " Defeating their Taskforce would take a minimum of 2000 of your Destroyers, but I would suggest that you bring in 2500 Destroyers and 3400 Frigates." Bahinra : " Isn''t that overkill?" Dapil : " No!" General Dapil smiles "It''s about sending a message to the Humans! Fortunately the African Federation part of the 5 Human Governments is not sending in to many of their Elite Crystalorb Bioships, but even at just eleven ships you must expect to lose a few hundred ships. The Elite Crystalorb Bioships are some of the most powerful warships I''ve ever seen, and because they are developed from O''con Federation technology they have virtually no equal amongst the younger Civilisations. This does not mean the other ships will be easy to destroy, and the African Federation''s Nubia Class Destroyer is also developed from O''con Federation technology. Our Friends in the Elmachi Empire found out about their power the hard way." Bahinra: " There are no specifications on the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser, the Nubia Class Destroyer and the Valiant Class Corvette in the data you gave us." Dapil : " They use some kind of Stealth technology that our sensors are unable to penetrate. This class of ships are Black! Astatically displeasing! Kryol Black ?Black Hole type of Black?, a Black so deep it hurts your eyes to look at it, looking at it makes you uneasy, taking away the light from your eyes, almost blinding!" visibly shaken by the memory of his first sighting of a Valiant Class Corvette "The Black material absorbs light, making them impossible to detect in deep space, black as the night! In the end you have to ask yourself; what kind of a creature would build such a vessel? What kind of a creature would live in such a vessel?" Bahinra : " And the weapon systems?" Dapil : " We are not sure, but the Elmachi indicate that its based on O''con Federation designs! Theres something positively malevolent about these Africans!" The General''s Hatred of Humans can be detected in his tone "Some sort of Dark intent that none of us are aware of!" Bahinra : " Thank you for your assistance General!" Dapil : " Good luck!" In the Silenia Solar system the joint United Atlantic Federation, African Federation of City States and United Indian Ocean Taskforce had assembled at the Staging ground in record time. The Intervention Taskforce was finalizing its preparations before the 250 LightYear series of jumps to Enthea. The 3 Human Governments had sent their finest warships available on short notice, but a larger reinforcing force was being prepared in case things went badly. The Intervention Taskforce 1? United Atlantic Federation Contingent: 55 of the 8 Ship Formation BattleGroups Each 8 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 1 Atlantis Class BattleCruiser, 4 Apollo Class Destroyer, 2 Juggernaut Class Frigates and 1 Valiant Class Corvette. 20 Supply ships UAF total = 55 BattleCruisers, 220 Apollo Class Destroyers, 110 Juggernaut Class Frigates, 55 Valiant Class Corvettes, 20 Supply ships and 4620 Gunship Class StarShips carried on the Capital Ships. 460 Galaxy Class StarShips 2? United Indian Federation Contingent: 40 of the 6 Ship BattleGroups Each 6 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 1 Indus Class BattleCruiser, 4 Apollo Class Destroyer and 1 Valiant Class Corvette. 20 Supply ships UIF total = 40 BattleCruisers, 160 Apollo Class Destroyers, 40 Valiant Class Corvettes, 20 Supply ships and 2720 Gunship Class StarShips carried on the Capital Ships. 260 Galaxy Class StarShips 3? African Federation Contingent: 15 of the 11 Ship BattleGroups Each 11 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 1 Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and 10 Nubia Class Destroyers 40 Additional Apollo Class Destroyers 15 Valiant Class Corvettes. 1 Crystalan 11 Ship BattleGroup Each 11 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 10 Intrepid Class Ships and 1 Indigo Class Ship 30 Casara Class Cruisers operating the escort and Supply role AF Total = 15 BattleCruisers, 150 Nubia Class Destroyers, 40 Apollo Class Destroyers, 15 Valiant Class Corvettes, 11 Crystalan Ships, 30 Casara Class Cruisers and carried on the Capital Ships: 810 Gunship Class StarShips and 3645 Drone Fighters. 261 Galaxy Class StarShips Bringing the Intervention Taskforce to: 110 BattleCruisers, 150 Nubia Class Destroyers, 420 Apollo Class Destroyers, 110 Juggernaut Class Frigates, 110 Valiant Class Corvettes, 11 Crystalan Ships, 30 Casara Class Cruisers, 40 Supply Ships and carried on the Capital Ships: 5700 Gunship Class StarShips and 3645 Drone Fighters 460+260+261 = 981 Galaxy Class StarShips The Curmallion Communion Navy''s reinforcing fleet got underway to Enthea space with the ultimate objective of arriving before the fast moving Human Enthea Intervention Taskforce ?EIT?. The Supreme Commander of the Curmallion Communion Navy General Bahinra had already arrived in the Enthea System onboard 1 of 16 Curmallion Jinlion Class BattleCruisers, and preparations for the arrival of the fleet were underway. The Curmallion Jinlion Class BattleCruisers: 1? 14.43km in Length. 2? 3.743km Maximum Width. 3? 3.743km Maximum Height. 4? 29 meter thick Armoured Hull. 4? Weapons Array along the left side of its length. 5? Equipped with Three 36 Megaton Fusion Beam Cannons, 15 high energy Particle Beams, 250 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beams Cannons , 40 Plasma Cannon weapons Array and 30 Missiles Tubes/Launchers. 6? 10 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 200 Fighters. 8? Jump capabilities of 50 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Spatial Compression Thrusters for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. Normally reserved for protecting major colonies the Curmallion Jinlion Class BattleCruisers are a relatively recent development, and are a result of the Curmallion''s alliance with the Kulnet. The Curmallion Jinlion Class BattleCruisers is based on a similar design to the Kulnet Kraoul Class BattleCruisers with the distinct difference that the Kraoul Class BattleCruisers is 18.254km long, 4.369km in Width and Height, and it carries Six 36 Megaton Fusion Beam Cannons. This type of Warship functions more like a Station than a BattleCruiser, and the Kulnet and the Curmallion use them in this role. The Enthea Intervention Taskforce ?EIT? was now within jump range, at 40 LightYears from Enthea the Taskforce waited in Hyperspace, awaiting the final order to jump into the Enthea system. In the darkness and emptiness of Hyperspace the 3 fleet Commanders onboard the United Atlantic Federation''s Command ship held discussions as the reports from the Valiant Class Corvette scouting groups reported in. The 50 Valiant Class Corvettes had been deployed ahead of the Taskforce, jumping into the asteroid field on the outskirts of the Enthea system, and after jumping in the scouts slowly moved into the system. The scouts searched the system for mines, and surveyed the Curmallion Force. The hull of the Valiant Class Corvette acts like a sensor that uses solar radiation to generate a complete sensory image of the solar system. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer have sensory capabilities similar to the Valiant Class Corvette. The 3 fleet Commanders who hold the rank of a 4 star Admiral were: Admiral David Brown of the United Atlantic Federation, Admiral Nkuna of the African Federation of City States, Admiral Suresh of the United Indian Federation. Crystalorb detachment was led by the Indigo. Each Admiral would command their part of the Taskforce, but from onboard the Atlantis Class BattleCruiser UAS Moscow B2239 the 3 Admirals would coordinate their activities. When the main Curmallion Navy''s fleet jumped in the screens at the UAS Moscow''s command centre lit up as the captains of the Valiant Class Corvettes reported in. Admr-Brown : " There you have it Gentlemen; 2000 Destroyers and 4400 Frigates." Admr-Suresh : " A BattleCruiser and an estimated 9000 Fighters." Admr-Nkuna : " It''s going to be a fight!" Admr-Brown : " A little more than we expected!" Admr-Suresh : " A little?" Admr-Nkuna: " The African Federation will take point! The Enhanced Weapons Array has more range" Admiral Nkuna opens a Communications Channel with Naole "You''ve seen?" Naole : " Aye Admiral! You want us to provide defence?" Admr-Nkuna: " Negative! We''ve got that covered, but we need you to deal with the Frigates." Naole : " There are significantly more than we calculated!" Admr-Nkuna : " Can you do it?" Naole : " Even with the 30 Casara Class Cruisers, we''ll need help!" Admr-Nkuna : " What do you need?" Admr-Suresh : " Without compromising the main force." Naole : " All 110 Valiant Class Corvettes, 11 Crystalan Ships, 30 Casara Class Cruisers,10 Nubia Class Destroyers, 20 Apollo Class Destroyers and 1700 Gunships. Understand that there will be significant Gunship losses." Admr-Brown : " Understood! We are organizing your compliment!" Admr-Nkuna: " Open Fire as soon as you reach maximum weapons range! Draw out as many Frigates as possible! We will deal with their main fleet." Naole : " Aye Admiral! Indigo out!" The Communications Channel with Naole is suspended, and the Enthea Intervention Taskforce ?EIT? divided to form 2 groups with Naole commanding the smaller advance force that would jump into the Enthea space first and force the Curmallion to attack them thereby weakening their main group strength Admr-Brown : " Everyone ready?" Admr-Nkuna : " Ready!" Admr-Suresh : " Ready!" Admr-Brown : " Alright; Tell the others to Jump!" 【VAF】Chapter║: 17 ─ Duty - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 17 Duty ?~? The plan was for Naole''s advance group to jump into the Enthea System and draw some 2000 Frigates away from the main Curmallion force, and then the rest of the Enthea Intervention Taskforce would jump into the Enthea System and engage the remaining Curmallion fleet. This was a risky manoeuvre, but the humans were relatively confident that they still held the upper hand, and that was because the human ships are larger, with significantly more power in their weapon systems General Bahinra, the current Curmallion Supreme Commander stood firm as the EIT advance group jumped into the Enthea system some 1.5 Billion km from his fleet. C-Officer = Curmallion Officer and H-Officer = Human Officer C-Officer 1 : " Reading 181 Galaxy class Warships and 1700 Gunships!" Gen-Bahinra : " A scouting party or an advance force!" Trying to discern strategy No doubt trying to draw our forces into a trap" C-Officer 2 : " Picking up a Communications Channel" Gen-Bahinra : " On screen!" Admr-Brown: " This is the Enthea Intervention Taskforce, Invited to Enthea by the Enthori people. The United Atlantic Federation, the African Federation of City States and the United Indian Federation have declared Enthea to be under their protection! Please leave now or we will have to use force!" The Communications Channel originates from Hyperspace, and relayed by the UAS Dublin, then broadcast via the internet to earth media allowing all humans on earth and all colonies to view the events in the Enthea Solar system. Gen-Bahinra : " This is a restricted Curmallion Communion garrison; You have no business in this area! I''m ordering you to leave this area at once." Admr-Brown: " Theres still time for you to reconsider! Leave the Enthori in peace and return to you own worlds!" Gen-Bahinra : " You have no right to give us any instruction" with anger in his voice "Withdraw your forces and leave this region!" Admr-Brown : " Regrettable; Brown out!" C-Officer 2 : " Communications Channel terminated sir." Onboard the UAS Moscow B2239 Admr-Brown : " I gave him a way out!" shaking his head "Go to red con One!" H-Officer 1 : " Aye Admiral!" Admr-Nkuna: " It''s time!" a Communications Channel is opened with Naole Looks like they''re not taking the bait!" Naole : " Then we''ll just have to give them an incentive" Guardian Naole then activates ships to ship Communications "Crystalorb Detachment! Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma! Indigo target Destroyers!" Indigo : " Targeting" Naole : " On my Command" The Crystalorb Ships and the Crystalan Ships position themselves behind the Indigo and synchronize energy modulation for energy transfer. Indigo : " Aye!" After a brief pause "230 ships locked on" Naole : " Admiral?" Admr-Nkuna : " Fire at will!" Naole : " Activate Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma!" The 10 Intrepid Class Ships and the 30 Casara Class Cruisers feed the energy into the Indigo''s back Energy Weapons Crystals increasing the Indigo''s energy output by 658%, and the Electrolaser Particle Beams produced by the Indigo cause critical damage to all the ships they hit. Onboard the Curmallion Jinlion Class Command BattleCruiser the activities became heightened as high energy Electrolaser Particle Beams impacted 230 Destroyers causing massive damage. C-Officer 1 : " Sir 230 Destroyers hit, massive damage, internal explosions, explosive decompression!" Gen-Bahinra : " Who''s firing at Us?" C-Officer 1 : " It''s the Bioships sir!" Gen-Bahinra : " What?" surprised at the range of the Crystalan Ship''s weaponry, the general then goes to ship to ship command systems "Company 6! Engage the enemy." the Company 6 commander answers in the affirmative "Damage reports!" Onboard the Crystalan Ship Indigo. Indigo : " Picking up 80 Destroyers and 400 Frigates on approach." Naole : " They aren''t taking us seriously! Target all incoming ships! Activate Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma. Fire!" With the increased number of ships the Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma could not destroy the incoming, but caused significant damage. Indigo : " Targets damaged, but not destroyed! Enemy ships still mobile!" Naole : " How soon will they be at their optimal firing range" Indigo : " 5 minutes! Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma needs 5 minutes for energy rebuild!" Naole : " The energy spread will leave us vulnerable!" Now on ship to ship in order to speak to the rest of his group "All ships Fire at will!" The 110 Valiant Class Corvettes, 11 Crystalan Ships, 30 Casara Class Cruisers,10 Nubia Class Destroyers, 20 Apollo Class Destroyers and 1700 Gunships open fire at long range on the damaged 80 Destroyers and 400 Frigates Company 6 Curmallion ships that were approaching the group at high velocity. The destruction is near absolute. Onboard the Curmallion Jinlion Class Command BattleCruiser they watch in horror as the entire Company 6 is destroyed Gen-Bahinra : " No!" C-Officer 1 : " The entire company is destroyed sir!" Gen-Bahinra : " Okay!" with outrage in his voice "Frigate Companies 9 to 16! Attack enemy ships! Destroy everything!" The 7 Frigate Companies of 450 Frigates each accelerate towards the advance force of the Enthea Intervention Taskforce. The 3150 Frigates come under a barrage of long range attacks from the 110 Valiant Class Corvettes, 11 Crystalan Ships, 30 Casara Class Cruisers,10 Nubia Class Destroyers and 20 Apollo Class Destroyers Naole : " Here they come!" Broadcasting on the Enthea Intervention Taskforce Communications Channels "Casara Class Cruisers take point! All Gunships take cover behind capital ships!" The Gunships move behind the Crystalan Ships, Destroyers and Casara Class Cruisers which are now in a battle line formation. The Enthea Intervention Taskforce advance force Capital ships fire continuously, and at every moment at least 40% of a ships weapons are firing while the other guns are cooling and rebuilding. Admr-Brown : " Its time!" after a brief pause "Jump!" The rest of the Enthea Intervention Taskforce jumps into Enthea space and immediately open fire, but the Curmallion fleet also returns long range fire. The Curmallion Jinlion Class Command BattleCruiser fires its Fusion Beam Cannons destroying 2 Valiant Class Corvettes and an Apollo Class Destroyer. Admr-Suresh : " All UIF elements Take the right flank!" Admr-Brown : " All UAF elements Take the Left flank!" Admr-Nkuna : " Point ships Target main BattleCruiser! Fusion Beams; Fire!" 35 Nubia Class Destroyers concentrate their Fusion Beams on the Curmallion Jinlion Class Command BattleCruiser while their Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals, 5 Plasma Cannons, 30 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 120 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array continued to target other ships. The Curmallion Jinlion Class Command BattleCruiser was destroyed, killing the Curmallion Supreme Commander and all the Curmallion Command staff In the Confusion Captain Icran assumes command of the Curmallion fleet Capt. Icran : " All ships fire your missile load into Enthea; Punish them!" All the Curmallion Ships still capable of launching their nuclear missiles fire them into the planet Admr-Brown : " Where are those missiles going?" Admr-Suresh : " To Enthea!" Admr-Brown : " My God!" with a horrified look on his face "Can we intercept?" Admr-Nkuna : " Negative! Our forces are heavily engaged!" Naole''s group is heavily engaged with a force that heavily out numbers Naole''s group and the biggest damage is taken by the group''s Gunships. 700 Gunships were destroyed and the Curmallion fleet had caused significant damage to 50 Valiant Class Corvettes, 16 Casara Class Cruisers, 8 Nubia Class Destroyers and 19 Apollo Class Destroyers. The advanced Crystalan Ships were able to withstand much more than the other ships. Indigo : " They are going to ram us!" Naole : " Evasive manoeuvres!" Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Indigo : " They''re coming in too quickly! Brace for impact!" The Crystalan Ship Indigo was impacted by 5 Curmallion Frigates and 2 Curmallion Destroyers causing massive damage to the 15km long Crystalan Ship. Naole : " Damage report!" Indigo : " I...! I...!" Naole : " What''s wrong?" Indigo : " I...! I...!" Naole : " Indigo? Indigo?" Capt. Icran : " All ships retreat; I repeat retreat!" With that order the remaining 321 Curmallion Destroyers, 863 Curmallion Frigates and 400 fighters jump into Hyperspace. The damaged Curmallion ships had some survivors, but they were abandoned on the battlefield Meanwhile Naole was franticly trying to re-establish his link with indigo. Naole : " Come on Indigo! I can feel you in my mind" Guardian Armoured Naole then receives a Communications Channel through his Guardian Armour from the Intrepid Class Crystalan Ship Hurano. Vanglead Timola urgently wants to speak to Naole. Timola : " Guardian! Is Indigo alive?" Naole : " I think so, I''m moving to the Brain Chamber to confirm it! He''s suffered massive damage to his internal systems, and internal transit systems are offline. What''s the status of the group?" Timola : " The Crystalan Ships Pali, Ditano, Aminda and Siralo are dead! We lost 40 Valiant Class Corvettes, 7 Casara Class Cruisers, 4 Nubia Class Destroyers, 9 Apollo Class Destroyers and 1036 Gunships." Naole : " By the Source!" Timola : " Be advised that Indigo''s forward section is gone! About a quarter of the Indigo is gone! The forward section is gone! That''s what happened to the other 4 Crystalan Ships!" Naole : " What?" Naole is shocked, and after a while Entering the Brain Chamber" a brief silence "Indigo!" Indigo : " Naole! I lost contact with you, I can''t feel my Skin; Confused! Nothing makes any sense! Glad to see you though; I feared you were dead! Happy that you''re alive!" Naole : " Me too!" When the 700 missiles hit the planet''s surface they delivered their Nuclear payload reducing major Enthori cities to rubble, and killing an estimated 2.3 Billion Enthori. The Humans had also suffered casualties. 1? Before the Battle Original Intervention Taskforce : 110 BattleCruisers, 150 Nubia Class Destroyers, 420 Apollo Class Destroyers, 110 Juggernaut Class Frigates, 110 Valiant Class Corvettes, 11 Crystalan Ships, 30 Casara Class Cruisers, 40 Supply Ships and carried on the Capital Ships: 5700 Gunship Class StarShips and 3645 Drone Fighters 460+260+261 = 981 Galaxy Class StarShips 2? After the Battle Surviving Intervention Taskforce : 110 BattleCruisers, 130 Nubia Class Destroyers, 363 Apollo Class Destroyers, 80 Juggernaut Class Frigates, 70 Valiant Class Corvettes, 7 Crystalan Ships, 23 Casara Class Cruisers, 40 Supply Ships and carried on the Capital Ships: 3125 Gunship Class StarShips and 1049 Drone Fighters 110+493+150+40+30 = 823 Galaxy Class StarShips The Intervention Taskforce had lost a total of: 158 Galaxy Class StarShips, 2575 Gunship Class StarShips and 2596 Drone Fighters. The wrecks of the Galaxy Class StarShips could be salvaged and restored into warships, and this was due to the Block Construction method developed by Crystal Valley Industries ?CVI?. The Curmallion Communion Had suffered incredible losses to their Space Navy, but the true victims in this scenario were the Enthori. With their population reduced to 37.641% the Enthori would have the long and arduous task of rebuilding their world. Admr-Suresh : " All ships report In!" Admr-Brown: " I''ve just received a Communiqu from our Governments! They want us to secure Enthea and prepare to move against the Curmallion Communion! Reinforcing BattleGroups are on the way!" Admr-Nkuna : " What?" Admr-Brown: " Our Governments want the Curmallion Communion to pay reparations to the Enthori for the damage to Enthea!" Admr-Suresh : " My God!" almost gasping "And if they refuse?" Admr-Brown : " Then its all out war!" Admr-Nkuna : " The Curmallion Communion has powerful friends!" Admr-Suresh : " Many powerful friends!" Naole is flying outside Indigo in his Guardian Armour surveying the damage to Indigo and the other Crystalan Ships. Indigo : " How does it look?" Naole : " The damage is extensive; about a quarter of your length is missing" Indigo : " Can you locate the debris? My Bio-Organic Bio-Nanomachines could reattach it!" Naole : " That''s the strange part of this whole thing! There is no debris! It''s as though the section was removed surgically and taken away, the cuts are smooth." Indigo : " What about the other Crystalan Ships?" Naole : " No debris either, and they seem to have lost about 31.456% of their length from the front which is why they are dead. The damage to their brains is extensive!" Indigo : " What will happen to them?" Naole : " What remains of their brains will be transported to Crystalorb, and a commitment ceremony will be held as their brains are absorbed by the Spirit Stone. At the centre of a Crystalan Ship''s Brain is a Crystalan Ship''s version of the Chest Crystal. The fallen Crystalan Ships will forever form part of the Spirit Stone" A few days later the Intrepid and 20 other Intrepid Class Ships arrived and escorted the Indigo and the other ships to the Space Port bays on the moon Crystalorb. The Crystalorb Leadership was very concerned that there might be a weakness to the Intrepid Class Ships and the Indigo Class Ships, therefore they instructed the Crystalorb Research Division and the Crystalorb Engineering Division to find out the cause of the deaths of the 4 Crystalan Ships and the damage to Indigo. The 4 Intrepid Class Crystalan Ships weren''t the only Crystalans that died in the Enthea system, 300 Crystalans died onboard the 7 critically damaged Casara Class Cruisers and onboard the 4 Crystalan Ships, many more Crystalans were seriously injured. Fortunately Crystalans Crystal Armour gave them a measure of protection, and were it not for their Armours thousands of Crystalans would have been killed. The Humans were horrified by the bombing of Enthea, and drew parallels between the actions of the Curmallion Communion and that of the Hakum. Perhaps it was that the Enthori are astatically appealing to most humans, or that the Enthori have relatively similar physical characteristics to humans, but the end result was that most humans reacted as though the Curmallion Communion had attacked a distant colony. The humans had shed blood to liberate the Enthori, only to watch their Civilisation crumble at the hand of the Curmallion Communion. The fear was that Nuclear Radiation could wipe out the remaining Enthori, and to prevent that the humans brought in their workers, engineers and medical personnel in an attempt to assure the survival of the Enthori. This was the kind of efforts usually reserved for their own. A few days after the battle of Enthea General Damira the new Curmallion Communion Supreme Commander and warship Captain Icran arrived at the Curmallion Communion Council Chambers on their Homeworld Curvani to give the Chancellors their account. Chancellors Giloni, Btzani and Kyino represent the Security, Economic and External Relations committees respectively. Giloni : " Captain Icran! Since you were there perhaps you can tell us what happened!" Icran : " It was a bloodbath my Lord! The humans are not what we expected; what we were told to expect! Their ships are immensely superior to our ships! Power Beyond Reason!" Giloni : " Analysis indicated that their ships would be heavy and slow, and the superior manoeuvrability of our ships would give us an advantage." Icran : " We thought that would be the case, but they''ve traded manoeuvrability for Multidirectional Particle Beams. Their ships almost never stop Firing! An endless barrage of Particle Beams, plasma balls and Fusion Beams! " Giloni : " By the Gods!" Icran : " Their main warships are heavily Armoured; reinforced Armour that has perhaps 20 to 30 meters thick Hulls! They''ve got massive energy generation systems to operate such a large mass! Each of their destroyers carries over a hundred high energy Particle Beams" Giloni : " How could we have missed this?" As if asking himself "It just doesn''t seem possible!" Btzani : " What I would like to understand is; How did a race that''s only been an Interstellar Civilisation for 150 years become so powerful?" Kyino : " We all want to know the answer to that question." He then activates a screen, and then Looking at General Damira "The Humans have sent us a Communiqu" with a frown on his face "Three of the 5 Human Governments are demanding that we pay reparations to the Enthori; reparations that amount to 30% of our budget." Btzani : " For 20 Earth years! This could cripple our economy" Giloni : " What are your recommendations Supreme Commander?" Damira : " The simplest option would be to pay them!" Kyino : " Unthinkable!" Damira: " Listen to me! You and my predecessor refused to heed the Kulnet''s warning! All of you refused to see the truth, and hundreds of thousands of our people paid the price for your Pride. If you can not listen to the truth, then millions of our people will pay the price!" Giloni : " We have tens of thousands of star fighters defending our colonies" Damira: " You just don''t get it!" The general laughs "Or maybe you refuse to see the truth!" Giloni : " What do you find amusing General?" Kyino : " You will show us the respect we deserve." Damira: " General Bahinra refused to listen to General Dapil of the Kulnet! By ordering the bombing of Enthea you sealed our fate! What did you think would happen? Did you truly believe that the humans would accept it and move on? I warned you about acting in a way that could force the humans into a political corner. I believe they don''t want an all out war with us, but the genocide on Enthea has left them little choice." Kyino : " Genocide?" his face showing his anger "It was just retribution!" Damira: " Retribution for what? Wanting their freedom?" another laugh "This whole idea that the humans are just a recent Interstellar Civilisation is misleading, it gives us a false sense of security. You''ve all read the Kulnet reports on the humans, and yet you continue with this rhetoric! In their current evolutionary form they are some 300000 years old, and their current Civilisation goes back some 10000 years. Compared to all the other races in the region that is significant. Most Civilisations in this region are in close proximity to each other, and the consequence of this is that we''ve known about each other for much longer, and those with Interstellar travel visited other worlds, exploring the region, spreading advanced technology. Knowing about other Interstellar Civilisations brings a Civilisation together, it ends internal conflict, and in some cases begins the Civilisation process. The Humans have only been aware of other Interstellar Civilisations for 150 years, and before that they were in what we call their dark age. For ten thousand years the Humans have been constantly fighting each other, endless wars for land, for power, for domination, for Empire and worst of all for Glory. Glory!" Btzani : " Why is Glory the worst?" Damira: " Glory! Its a human concept! We have parallels, but nothing quite explains it thoroughly. It''s war for the sake of war! Killing for the sake of killing! This bloodlust is now replaced by their sports, but the instinct remains. For all their talk of love, kindness and what they call Humanitarianism they can''t help being what they are." Giloni : " Which is what?" Damira: " A warrior race!" The room goes silent "Unfortunately for them they can''t see that about themselves! They have a saying; Duty, Honour, Country! Their Governments dont have to convince or entice them to serve, and that''s because humans consider it their duty to serve their Country. All their Governments have to do is find a legitimate reason to call them to Arms, and every human will answer the call. If they believe the cause to be worthy of their lives they will gladly sacrifice themselves. By bombing Enthea we''ve created such a worthy cause, and even as we speak the other 2 Human Governments are preparing to join the fight against us. Kulnet spies have reported some 700 Galaxy Class Warships arriving in Silenia 5 as part of reinforcements." the room goes silent "We stand at the twilight of the Curmallion Communion!" Btzani : " What are you saying?" Damira: " The only positive thing about our situation is that the Humans won''t target civilian structures, but we can expect to lose all our primary infrastructure. The Curmallion Communion will be reduced to as series of planets with no central Government. They''ll destroy all military, industrial and economic infrastructure, and after their campaign we will once again be reduced to Planetary Civilisations. If we want our Civilisation to survive we have to negotiate!" Kyino : " Our allies don''t want us to negotiate with the Humans, and they say that its time to make a stand against human encroachment. The Vilnavi Federated Kingdom, the Wantigua Republic, the Elmachi Empire and the Seatim Empire are sending ships to support us. The Galactic Alliance members the Kulnet Dominion and the Qua Federation have agreed to send ships to protect the Curmallion Communion." Damira: " The Humans have access to some of the most advanced technology in the galaxy; O''con Federation Technology! Their ships carry advanced technology we can''t duplicate, unique technology that is impossible to steal. None of the regional powers have been able to duplicate Human technology, and this is the reason many began to view the humans as a possible threat, because they know that the humans will always have something they don''t have. It would take an incredible force to stop them" Now almost frustrated "Why can''t you understand that?" Giloni : " We are putting together the largest fleet the region has ever seen. We want you to share your extensive knowledge of the humans with our allies." Kyino : " War with the Humans is at hand General; Prepare your forces!" Damira : " This is a mistake!" Giloni : " I''m sorry General, but that decision has already been made." Damira: " I hope you have a plan to stop O''con Federation Technology! I have reports that say that the Human fleet will have 500 Casara Class Cruisers. Do you have a plan to stop 700 BattleCruisers? Until our last battle we thought that the Casara Class Cruisers were Cargo Freighters, but imagine our surprise to discover that they are in fact BattleCruisers belonging to the African Federation''s Crystalorb Elite Guard. Do you have a plan to stop advanced O''con Federation Technology?" Giloni : " We will just have to find out how advanced their technology really is? Our larger numbers will make all the difference" Kyino : " Our allies believe that we need a symbolic military victory against the humans to Holt the advance of their influence. If we surrender or fail the whole region will consider human technology to be superior, which means that products from our worlds will continuously loose market share, leading to economic stagnation." Icran : " This is insane!" Btzani : " It may very well be insane, but there is more here than just Pride." Damira : " Commerce?" Giloni : " Unfortunately our security is dependent on our Commerce" Damira: " I will do my Duty! Even if its in the name of Commerce! I only hope that when all this is over our Curmallion Communion can reform and be a better Civilisation." After all damaged ships were returned to base and the reinforcing BattleGroups arrived the Expeditionary Taskforce destined for the Curmallion Communion expanded in size to meet the expected challenges The Expeditionary Taskforce 1? United Atlantic Federation Contingent: 75 of the 8 Ship Formation BattleGroups Each 8 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 1 Atlantis Class BattleCruiser, 4 Apollo Class Destroyers, 2 Juggernaut Class Frigates and 1 Valiant Class Corvette. 20 Supply ships UAF total = 75 BattleCruisers, 300 Apollo Class Destroyers, 150 Juggernaut Class Frigates, 75 Valiant Class Corvettes, 20 Supply ships and 6300 Gunship Class StarShips carried on the Capital Ships. 600 Galaxy Class StarShips 2? Asian Consortium Contingent: 70 of the 7 Ship Formation BattleGroups Each 7 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 1 Asia Class BattleCruiser, 4 Apollo Class Destroyer and 2 Valiant Class Corvette. 20 Supply ships AC total = 70 BattleCruisers, 280 Apollo Class Destroyers, 140 Valiant Class Corvettes, 20 Supply ships and 4900 Gunship Class StarShips carried on the Capital Ships. 490 Galaxy Class StarShips 3? United Indian Federation Contingent: 50 of the 6 Ship Formation BattleGroups Each 6 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 1 Indus Class BattleCruiser, 4 Apollo Class Destroyer and 1 Valiant Class Corvette. 20 Supply ships UIF total = 50 BattleCruisers, 200 Apollo Class Destroyers, 50 Valiant Class Corvettes, 20 Supply ships and 3400 Gunship Class StarShips carried on the Capital Ships. 300 Galaxy Class StarShips 4? Islamic Alliance Contingent: 42 of the 7 Ship Formation BattleGroups Each 7 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 1 Indus Class BattleCruiser, 4 Apollo Class Destroyers and 2 Valiant Class Corvette. 20 Supply ships IA total = 42 BattleCruisers, 168 Apollo Class Destroyers, 84 Valiant Class Corvettes, 20 Supply ships and 2940 Gunship Class StarShips carried on the Capital Ships. 294 Galaxy Class StarShips 3? African Federation Contingent: 25 of the 11 Ship Formation BattleGroups Each 11 Ship BattleGroup consists of: 1 Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and 10 Nubia Class Destroyers 40 Additional Apollo Class Destroyers 40 Valiant Class Corvettes 390 Casara Class Cruisers operating the Escort and Supply role AF Total = 15 BattleCruisers, 250 Nubia Class Destroyers, 40 Apollo Class Destroyers, 40 Valiant Class Corvettes, 390 Casara Class Cruisers and carried on the Capital Ships: 1030 Gunship Class StarShips and 6120 Drone Fighters. 745 Galaxy Class StarShips Bringing the Expeditionary Taskforce to: 262 BattleCruisers, 250 Nubia Class Destroyers, 988 Apollo Class Destroyers, 150 Juggernaut Class Frigates, 389 Valiant Class Corvettes, 390 Casara Class Cruisers, 80 Supply Ships and carried on the Capital Ships: 18570 Gunship Class StarShips and 6120 Drone Fighters Total 600+490+300+294+745+80 = 2509 Galaxy Class StarShips The Expeditionary Taskforce represented the ability of the 5 Human Governments to project military power without compromising the security on their respective colonies. For the next few days the 5 Human Governments assigned themselves targets at the edge of Curmallion Communion space, moving incrementally deeper into Curmallion space. The Humans attacked and destroyed Curmallion Communion forward observation bases, and all targets were engaged from the edge of weapons range, this led to no human casualties. Moving through the Curmallion Communion outer parameter defences served to confuse the Curmallion Space Navy and force them to regroup deeper into their territory, but it also stretched the resources of the 5 Human Governments. Fortunately the Curmallion Space Navy was outclassed by the warships of the Human StarNavy/StarForce/SpaceForce, and the human ships could operate with relative safety. The 5 Human Governments were very aware that the Curmallion Communion would eventually receive help from their allies, and so the humans moved quickly to attack the Curmallion Space Navy in the hope that the Curmallion would be weakened before their allies could arrive. The 5 Human Governments were most concerned about the Kulnet Dominion and the Qua Federation who are armed with advance Galactic Alliance technology. As the Elmachi Empire, the Kulnet Dominion, the Qua Federation, the Vilnavi Federated Kingdom, the Wantigua Republic and the Seatim Empire mobilized to come to the aid of the Curmallion Communion other Nations were also preparing to come to the Aid of the Humans. The Zlarfh Empire, the Pretovus Federation, the Zolak Kingdom, the Cromed Republic and the Antora Consortium were preparing to support the 5 Human Governments. Though the forces that came to the aid of the humans were relatively small, mostly Corvettes and Frigates, but their purpose was more to lend moral support, and no Galactic Alliance members would risk a confrontation with the Kulnet Dominion and the Qua Federation who are also Galactic Alliance members. However the Corvettes and Frigates offered by the regional allies of the humans would help with enemy fighters. Some Galactic Alliance members like the Bitori Conclave and the Nabi Federated Kingdom stationed Warships in the Silenia Solar System as a deterrence measure should the humans lose the fight, with the hope that the Kulnet Dominion and the Qua Federation would not risk violating Galactic Alliance rules by attacking Silenia 5 which is protected by other Galactic Alliance members. Intelligence analysis indicated that the Curmallion Communion and its allies were regrouping in Bruvani colony some 90 LightYears from Curvani, and that would be the sight of the battle for the Curmallion Communion. The strategic planning of the 5 Human Governments was in accordance with the anticipated Curmallion strategy. The Humans could not bypass Bruvani because it would disrupt supply lines should the war become protracted. Human Ships are built for extended deployments and the Apollo Class Destroyer is by design a long range warship; built for endurance, designed for extended long range deployments, and has a theoretical limit of 5 years. The Apollo Class Destroyer was the first true Galaxy Class warship built by the 5 Human Governments in that it could in theory go across the Galaxy and back without the need to re-supply, provided the Destroyer did not use its weapons. The advanced weapon systems on the Apollo Class Destroyer consume an extraordinary amount of energy, and in the combat role the Destroyer requires significant supply of Reactor fuel and other components that are consumed by weapons use. In the BattleGroup formation the BattleCruiser helps to keep the escorting Apollo Class Destroyers adequately supplied. The African Federation''s Nubia Class Destroyer has less range despite being larger than the Apollo Class Destroyer. The Nubia Class Destroyer is Heavier, longer and larger in volume than the Apollo Class Destroyer, but the increased size and weight has come at a price. Unlike the largely favoured Apollo Class Destroyer the Nubia Class Destroyer was designed to deliver maximum power, and because of this they carry much more energy generation and storage systems. Equipped with the latest Crystalorb technology the Nubia Class Destroyer is in the same league as the Casara Class Cruiser and the Crystalan Ships. The one weakness of both the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer is that they are relatively limited in range, but this seemed to comply with the African Federation''s requirements. The African Federation had never been expansionist, and the African Federal Parliament would not support any long range exploration of space. However with a few supply ships added to the standard 11 ship African Federation BattleGroup the range of the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer could be extended to match their counterparts from the other 4 Human Governments. The Vanguard Class BattleCruisers and the Nubia Class Destroyers had proved themselves in the battle for Enthea and were expected to lead the assault on Curmallion Allied forces. The other 4 Human Governments were not surprised to learn that the African Federation had significantly better warships than their own because they also operated the smaller version of the Enhanced Weapons Array in the Valiant Class Corvettes. The development of the Fusion Beam Cannons had brought the warships of the other 4 Human Governments closer to that of the African Federation, but the gap was still very significant. The rapid fire capabilities of the Enhanced Weapons Array made all ships that carried this type of system amongst the most powerful in the galaxy. Even the Valiant Class Corvettes could attack and destroy Frigates and Destroyers. The Curmallion Space Navy had learned the hard way about the power of the Valiant Class Corvettes, and for the humans the Valiant Class Corvettes were quickly becoming an Ideal way to provide rapid response in the defence of colonies. The Valiant Class Corvettes were developing another role as long range patrol ships, but their main role was still as stealthy scouts. The 5 Human Governments were using Valiant Class Corvettes and Gunships to raid Curmallion Communion instillations in preparation for a large scale campaign. 【VAF】Chapter║: 18 ─ Generals or "Lords of War" - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 18 Generals or "Lords of War" ?~? At the Curmallion Communion Council Chambers on their Homeworld Curvani General Damira the Curmallion Communion Supreme Commander meets with Chancellors Giloni, Btzani and Kyino to report on defensive planning. Gen-Damira : " Chancellors! Our forces have reached optimal strength, and our allies have arrived in Bruvani. The Vilnavi Federated Kingdom has sent 700 Destroyers, the Wantigua Republic has sent 700 Destroyers, the Elmachi Empire has sent 1000 Destroyers, the Seatim Empire has sent 500 Destroyers and 200 Frigates, the Kulnet Dominion has sent 1000 Destroyers and the Qua Federation has sent 800 Destroyers! Combined with our remaining 2321 Curmallion Destroyers and 2963 Curmallion Frigates our force strength amounts to 7021 Destroyers and 3163 Frigates." Giloni : " So; We will make our last stand there?" Btzani : " There are 1.8 billion people on Bruvani!" Kyino : " We can''t afford to lose it!" Gen-Damira : " We won''t! The humans are bringing in about 2509 Galaxy Class Warships, and their allies from the minor worlds are bringing in about 2000 Galaxy Class Warships. Consequently we outnumber them. Their Galaxy Class Destroyers will be matched by Kulnet Dominion and Qua Federation Destroyers in size and technology. This won''t be like the Enthea campaign, we now know their capabilities, and we''ve made adequate preparations. However it must be understood that the 2509 Galaxy Class Warships from the humans represent about a third of their fleet, and even if we stop the 2509 Warships they would still have enough ships to start another campaign in a few months." Giloni : " What are you saying General?" Gen-Damira : " It won''t be enough to defeat them in this coming battle; Eventually we will have to negotiate." Kyino : " But on better terms!" Gen-Damira : " I don''t know about that? If they come back with 40% of their current force strength we may be forced to accept harsher terms. We don''t know how their population will react to a military defeat." Giloni : " They won''t risk losing more ships for a war that was never theirs to begin with!" Gen-Damira : " Let''s look at what we know. They have advanced Azleck Republic and O''con Federation technology, equal in power to the Kulnet Dominion and Qua Federation, a willingness to fight for others, some sort of moral sense and a great capacity for compassion." Kyino : " What are you trying to say General?" Gen-Damira : " I think they will return with even greater strength. Every time they''ve faced a greater opponent their society became whipped up into action, they rise to meet the challenge. It''s not in their nature to surrender, to despair! I think they''ll come after us. I think they''ll come after the Vilnavi Federated Kingdom, the Wantigua Republic, the Elmachi Empire and the Seatim Empire. But most terrifying of all, I think they''ll go after the Kulnet Dominion and Qua Federation." Giloni : " What?" with a surprised look "That would be insane!" Gen-Damira : " Every life they loose in this war will make it harder for them to turn back, to stop themselves. It''s a flaw in their design, something from their past; No retreat, No surrender." Kyino : " How do you know this?" Gen-Damira : " In the Ra system an African Federation Destroyer defeated 4 Elmachi Destroyers, and even though the African Federation could not afford to establish a colony in that sector its public demanded the establishment of the colony. Their public did not care that transit routes to the Ra system are complicated by the fact that there are no neighbouring systems to use as entry points, and the Ra solar system is surrounded by nebular systems. All officials who tried to stop the establishment of a colony in the Ra solar system were not re-elected to their parliament, and the Ra system was eventually colonised despite all the obstacles they faced. They don''t flinch from challenges." Btzani : " If what you say is true, then theres little we can do, choices are limited!" Giloni : " War is unavoidable!" Gen-Damira : " There is still time to find a solution! Hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk on both sides. The humans are reasonable; they would be willing to negotiate if the request came from the right People." Kyino : " You mean the Azlecks?" Gen-Damira : " The Humans love the Azlecks, but more than that they trust the Azlecks. If we could get the Azlecks to mediate talks we could reach terms that we could both accept, terms that do not cripple our economy and allow them to withdraw with something to show for their efforts. When the African Federation destroyed the Elmachi Warships it was the Azlecks who convinced them that the African Federation should admit fault. This is unheard off! They didn''t have to admit fault, and the Elmachi didn''t have the power to force them to admit fault, but this shows that the humans understood something that we still don''t understand. Might does not make right! The humans showed the entire region that they were different, and that they would not use force to trample on the rights of less powerful Nations. They showed all of us that we should respect each other, especially when we don''t agree with each other." Giloni : " Unfortunately events have overtaken us! War is imminent!" Kyino : " We will be at war by the time the Azlecks respond. However we''ll make contact with the Azlecks and set things in motion." Btzani : " I hope you''re right about the Humans General!" Gen-Damira : " For all our sakes, I hope Im right about them!" Soon after the meeting the Curmallion Communion contacted the Azleck Republic informing them of their willingness to meet with the Human representatives in an attempt to work out a solution under Azleck mediation. The Azlecks for their part informed the Galactic Alliance about the Curmallion request, but the Humans thought it was a delaying tactic designed to give the Curmallion Communion time to prepare for all out war with the human allied forces. The Humans knew the numbers they faced, and they did not want to commit more numbers until they had a full assessment of the capabilities of Kulnet Dominion and Qua Federation Warships. The 5 Human Governments had hoped to avoid direct confrontation with Galactic Alliance members, but now they found themselves between a rock an a hard place with no way out, and the less advanced Civilisations of the region now looked to the human race to change the region for all of them. For too long the Developing Interstellar Civilisations had been bullied by the Developed Interstellar Civilisation of the region, and now the Humans were changing all that. A new power was rising, they didn''t behave like the old regional powers, they respected other races, cared for them even, and that was changing everything. As always change would be painful, and many would feel the pain of the birth of a new order. Advanced technology accessible only to humans had allowed the Human race to rise beyond what would otherwise be normal, and this did not sit well with the other races. The Humans on the other hand knew that they owed their success to the access to the Lodians, the Hodians and the Crystalans. The components that powered the advanced robotics at the heart of the Advanced Technology were synthesized from the Metallic Crystals in Hodian blood and to a lesser extent in Lodian blood. The Crystalans for their part built Advanced Technological systems using their unique ability to grow Crystals, and all this meant that humans had technology that other races could not duplicate. Even when other races acquired advanced Human designs they simply could not produce the components that were required. This gave the human race a strategic advantage, and it helped that the humans are very good at assimilating technology from other races. The Advance Forces of the 5 human fleets jumped into the Bruvani system as a prelude to the larger force of StarShips. The 5 fleet Commanders Admiral Brown of the United Atlantic Federation, Admiral Nkuna of the African Federation of City States, Admiral Suresh of the United Indian Federation, General Abdul of the Islamic Alliance and General Lao of the Asian Consortium would command the battle from the Atlantis Class BattleCruiser UAS Moscow B2239. Joining the human Commanders onboard the UAS Moscow: Sky-Lord Jwinda of the Zlarfh Empire, General Zap of the Pretovus Federation, General Frali of the Zolak Kingdom, General Vran of the Cromed Republic, Commander Amil of the Antora Consortium and Guardian Naole of Crystalorb. Each Admiral/General/Commander would command their part of the Taskforce, but from onboard the BattleCruiser UAS Moscow B2239. Analysis and jump locations were being relayed to the fleet from the Advance Scouting Force, and with that the fleet was ready to jump. Admr-Brown : " Jump locations confirmed! Jump Coordinates locked in!" The Admiral then looks at the other Commanders "Is everyone ready?" Admr-Suresh : " Ready when you are!" Gen-Lao : " AC Contingent Ready!" Gen-Abdul : " IA Contingent Ready!" The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Admr-Nkuna : " All AF elements good to Go!" Admr-Brown : " Then lets do it!" after a brief pause "Hit it!" Hundreds of wormholes open into the Bruvani system beyond visual range of the Curmallion allied fleet. The 2000 Corvettes and Frigates offered by the human allied Nations followed the human ships into the Bruvani system. Admr-Suresh : " Are you seeing this?" Gen-Lao : " Reading 7021 Destroyers and 3163 Frigates!" Gen-Abdul : " We are heavily outnumbered" Admr-Nkuna: " Numbers aren''t everything!" Admiral Nkuna then opens a channel to all African Federation ships including Crystalorb ships "This is Admiral Nkuna broadcasting on channel 2156, Authorization 110 Mega Sigma Fruitra" the systems on the African Federation ships confirm Voice codes and source verifications "To all African Federation Elements; report RedCon One!" The African Federation ships confirm the change of status to RedCon One "Battle carry Thunder!" The African Federation elements charge their Enhanced Weapons Array in preparation for attack. Admr-Brown : " Lets talk to them!" Admr-Suresh : " Give both our peoples a final opportunity to avoid bloodshed!" A Communications Channel is opened with the Curmallion allied fleet. Admr-Brown: " This is the United Human Civilisation Security Council Expeditionary Taskforce in pursuit of Curmallion Communion war criminals for their crimes against the Enthori people." Gen-Damira : " This is General Damira Supreme Commander of the Curmallion Communion Space Navy! You are in violation of Curmallion Communion territory, and you have no jurisdiction in this area!" after a brief pause "Leave now, or be destroyed!" Admr-Brown: " General; Hand over all those responsible for ordering the bombing of Enthea, agree to compensate the Enthori for the distraction of their cities, and our Expeditionary Taskforce will have no reason to be in this area." Gen-Damira : " What about your attack on our facilities? Is that not a crime? Aren''t we entitled to compensation?" Admr-Brown: " We are in pursuit of Criminals General; Mass murderers! Comply, or we will use force!" Gen-Damira : " You are outnumbered; you can not hope to win. Admr-Brown: " Numbers aren''t everything General; This is your final warning! There is still time to avoid destruction!" Gen-Damira : " Your terms would destroy the Curmallion Communion anyway!" Admr-Brown : " So unwise!" Gen-Dapil : " This is General Dapil of the Kulnet Dominion!" Brief pause "The Curmallion Communion is under Kulnet protection" another brief pause "Please leave now, or we will have to remove you forcibly!" Admr-Brown: " The United Human Civilisation has no quarrel with the Kulnet Dominion! However we do have a duty to the Enthori, and we will not allow the Kulnet Dominion to interfere with our ability to carry out the full extent of our responsibility to the Enthori people." Gen-Dapil : " We both know that this is no longer about the Enthori! This is about the Human race spreading their ideology across the region. You want to spread your influence to our region, and your using this conflict with the Curmallion Communion over what used to be a Curmallion Garrison to spread human influence. The Curmallion are a proud people, and we''ve had good relations with them for generations; they would never accede to your terms. You know that! Why do you persist in a course of action that would lead to the death of millions of lives?" Admr-Brown: " That would be their choice! We would prefer that they hand over all those responsible for ordering the bombing of Enthea, agree to compensate the Enthori for the distraction of their cities!" taking a moment to reflect "When the Curmallion bombed Enthea it was under our protection as evidenced by the cooperation agreement signed with crown Prince Kintora of the Enthori." Taking a deep breath "Despite what the Kulnet Dominion, the Qua Federation and all your other allies believe the Human race has no ambition to conquer the region, nor do we wish to go to war with the major powers of the region. We would rather focus our resources elsewhere!" Gen-Dapil : "Yet for some strange reason an Armada of your Finest Warships is Here? Ready to destroy all Curmallion Communion Space infrastructure!" Admr-Brown: " We can not fight evil from the other side of the Galaxy while ignoring the evil that is right next to us!" shaking his head "On some level you have to understand this!" Gen-Dapil : " Is there no limit to Human arrogance?" Admr-Brown: " This isn''t about power! It''s about Justice! Why can''t you understand that?" Gen-Dapil : " What we understand is that you know youre outnumbered, outgunned and outclassed! So now youre trying to use persuasion to weaken our resolve" The General laughs "It''s not working! Try something else!" Admr-Brown: " Okay! Understand this; If you insist on joining this fight we will have no choice but to focus our firepower on the Kulnet Dominion and the Qua Federation ships." Slight anger in Admiral Brown''s tone "By that measure you are outnumbered. We will deal with the rest once the Kulnet Dominion and the Qua Federation ships are out of the way." Gen-Dapil : " There is that Human arrogance! You think you can crawl out of the cave and make demands on the rest of us!" also now visibly angered "Where do you get the nerve?" Admr-Brown: " This is unfortunate General! Truly unfortunate!" putting his head down "Hear this General; At the End this day we will all find out who has the superior technology, but what ever the result your people will be the first to Die." Gen-Dapil : " At the End of this day the Human race will learn something about respect!" Admr-Brown: " Brown Out!" the Communications Channel is terminated "Looks like its war!" Admr-Nkuna : " And so it begins!" Gen-Abdul : " Allah give us strength!" Admr-Suresh : " May God be with us!" Admr-Brown : " Mobilize!" Gen-Lao : " Let''s kill these fools and be done with it!" The Commanders or perhaps "Lords of War" would determine the fate of thousands of lives under their command. The words of the Generals and Admirals would now become the words of the Gods; Is it Life? Or is it Death? Life for this one! Death for the other! War by its very nature is Death, it taints the soul, contaminates the heart, and no amount of good intentions can change this. As the saying goes; "The Road to hell is paved with good intensions". Unfortunately the Generals and Admirals are not the decision makers, and though they are the Lords of War they lack the power to make the truly meaningful decisions, such as the power to choose the road less travelled; the path of peace. The Crystalans understood the dynamics of war, and even placed it in their Crystalorb Charter; Order and Chaos are Eternal Partners/Rivals, therefore the only way to secure lasting peace is to create a balance between Order and Chaos. The Crystalans believe that peace requires a little conflict, and that people must always be reminded about the horrors of war, otherwise people forget the pain of war and end up making choices that inevitably lead to war. The Hodians hold the same belief, but the only problem is that the Hodians have an obsession with controlling their own Destiny, and that often meant that they would impose their will on others to further their aspirations. This limiting of the freedom of others is considered repugnant by the Crystalans and the Lodians, and it goes against the fundamental rights enshrined in the Crystalorb Charter which states; "Freedom is the right of every Sapient Being" As the Human allied fleet began to move in on the Curmallion allied fleet it became clear that the Humans were not intimidated by the size of the Curmallion allied fleet, and onboard the Kulnet Command ship many began to wonder why the humans were so confident. Gen-Damira : " At current rate of movement we estimate they will reach firing range within ten minutes!" Gen-Dapil : " This is madness! They have to know they can''t win! What are they thinking?" Gen-Damira : " Last time they decimated a large number of our force with just a few ships from the African Federation''s Crystalorb Elite Guard! Should we bring in telepaths to determine their strategy?" Gen-Dapil : " Telepaths are useless against the Humans! They''ve found a way to shield themselves from telepathic Scans! If you try it they will use some sort of Psionic wave to kill all your telepaths." Gen-Damira : " What about Nanobot mines?" Gen-Dapil : " Nanobots have proven completely ineffective against them; they can drain the Nanobots of their energy!" Gen-Damira : " We are reading some 390 Casara Class Cruisers operating in a fleet defence formation" Gen-Dapil : " So that''s what they are planning!" General Dapil smiles "Colonel Ival; Concentrate fire on the Casara Class Cruisers!" Col-Ival : " Sir! We are having trouble locking on!" Gen-Dapil : " Use visual systems!" Col-Ival : " We''ve just lost visual on the Casara Class Cruisers and the black ships Sir!" Gen-Dapil : " Fire pulse Torpedos! Full dispersion pattern!" Col-Ival : " Yes Sir!" Gen-Damira : " At this range they will see the missiles coming?" Gen-Dapil : " I''m not trying to hit them!" General Dapil looks at Colonel Ival "Detonate!" When the pulse Torpedos detonate they generate an energy wake that interacts with the shields of the stealthy Casara Class Cruisers, Vanguard Class BattleCruisers, Nubia Class Destroyers and Valiant Class Corvettes Col-Ival : " We got their locations sir" Gen-Dapil : " It wont last, they''re compensating even as we speak! Weapons prepare to fire! Standby to Fire pulse Torpedos!" Col-Ival : " Energy spike! They''re almost within their Firing range" Gen-Dapil : Launch all fighters on designated targets!" General Dapil turns to look at General Damira "Use them or lose them General!" Gen-Damira : " All ships Fire long range missiles! I repeat Fire!" Gen-Dapil : " Fire at will!" On the other side. Admr-Suresh : " This is fleet command! Take out those missiles" Gen-Lao : " All ships Fire long range Weapons" Admr-Nkuna : " Target main warships with long range Thunder" Admr-Brown : " Fusion Beams; Fire!" Gen-Abdul : " Fire at will!" As the Human ships fired their own barrage of long range missiles it began to look like the battle was now truly under way, but then both parties detected 200 wormholes forming between the two fleets. Admr-Suresh : " Wormholes forming at 9 O''clock" Gen-Lao : " As I live and Breathe!" Admr-Brown : " Ooh my God!" Gen-Lao : " Sky Dragons!" The 100 Electric Eel shaped ships and the100 Cephalopod shaped ships targeted and destroyed all the missiles from both sides. Gen-Abdul : " Who are they?" Admr-Nkuna : " How?" Naole : " Electrophorus Electricus!" Naole then turns to Admiral Nkuna "I''m receiving a Psionic message!" Admr-Nkuna : " What kind of message?" Gen-Lao : " Who are they?" Gen-Abdul : " Whose side are they on?" Naole : " Theyre telling us to stand down!" Admr-Brown : " Were in the middle of a battle here!" Gen-Lao : " We can''t stand down!" Gen-Abdul : " That would be insane!" Admr-Nkuna : " Are you sure Naole?" Naole : " Yes Sir!" Admr-Nkuna: " All African Federation Elements; This is fleet Command! All Stop! Halt your advance!" Gen-Lao : " What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?" Gen-Abdul : " I don''t believe this!" Admr-Brown : " I suppose that we should also stand Down!" Naole : " To All African Federation Crystalorb Elements, this is Guardian Naole! Prepare to surrender!" The other Commanders react with shock at Naole''s order to the Crystalorb Elements, however all the Human ships stood down and stopped their advance. Gen-Damira : " The Humans are pulling back!" Gen-Dapil : " We should do the same! The Carmaks don''t play around!" Gen-Damira : " Those are the Carmaks?" Gen-Dapil : " The Carmaks and the Hildrano!" Gen-Abdul : " But to surrender?" Gen-Lao : " I never thought I''d see the day; a Crystal Guardian cowed!" Naole : " Listen to me! The Electric Eel shaped Ships are called SkyGliders, and they are the main warships of the Hildrano Enclave. The Cephalopod shaped Ships are called SkyStriders, and they are the main warships of the Carmak Republic" Naole generates holographic images from his Guardian Armour "The Carmaks are one of the oldest races in the galaxy. The original Gods of War! Almost as powerful as the Andronians and the Migon." Admr-Brown : " What do you mean by; Gods of War?" Naole : " The older races use some kind of self regenerating molecular Armour. A kind of living metal. The main advantage of the Armour is that it regenerates faster than even our Refractive-Reflective Bio-genetic Organic Crystalline Armour, but because its metal it also helps to enhance their shields making it even more difficult to destroy. The O''con Federation received this advanced technology when they joined the Galactic Alliance, and the O''ltana are now implementing the technology on their ships. The advanced Armour requires exotic amounts of energy, the kind of energy we can''t produce, and the minerals required are very rare." Admr-Brown : " Yes, but what about the Gods of War thing?" Naole : " You think its a coincidence that we all recognize the Hildrano Enclave SkyGliders as Sky Dragons? Why is it that we all think of Heaven as a palace in the Sky? Why is it that in all our myths the Gods always lived in the Sky?" Gen-Abdul : " What are you trying to say?" Naole : " Most of the human race isn''t ready to hear the truth!" Admr-Suresh : " What truth?" Naole : " When I went to Andronus as part of an O''con Federation escort I met Vinach the Andronian Ambassador to the Galactic Alliance, and he indicated that the last time he saw a human was 100000 years ago." Gen-Lao : " We''ve met them before?" Naole : " In all likelihood, yes!" a brief pause "Everything points to this! We don''t fully understand how contact with an extremely Advanced Civilisation affects a relatively primitive race. However we think our original concepts of the Gods come from our experience of contact with Advanced Civilisations." Gen-Abdul : " Lies! Godless lies!" Admr-Brown : " Just a theory!" Admr-Suresh : " Our faith is not an Illusion or a figment of our imagination!" Admr-Nkuna: " The African Federation has no religious objections because we don''t subscribe to a fixed religious faith; we only seek the truth about ourselves." Gen-Abdul : " Wow!" General Abdul looks Admiral Nkuna in the Eye "Are there any free thinkers left in the African Federation? Or are you all puppets of the Crystalans?" Admr-Nkuna: " For generations Crystalorb has given us loyalty. Even now they send us their Oldest, and place him under my command. We trust them implicitly!" Naole : " Like I said; Most of the human race isn''t ready to hear the truth." Coms-O : " We''re picking up transmissions from the Carmak SkyStriders." Admr-Brown : " Show me!" The Curmallion Allied ships also receive the same transmissions from the Carmak SkyStriders, and it''s Crimola the Carmak Republic Ambassador to the Galactic Alliance. Amb-Crimola: " Greetings! I''m Crimola; the Carmak Republic Ambassador to the Galactic Alliance!" after a brief pause "The Galactic Alliance has agreed to allow the Azleck Republic to mediate in this conflict, and we now wait for the Humans to reach consensus. There is no need for you to fight, not when there is a chance for a peaceful resolution to your problems." There is an extended pause as data is sent to the opposing Fleets. The Admirals and Generals Establish Communications with their respective Governments "When we created the Galactic Alliance we decided to make it a strictly Military Alliance and not a political Alliance because we did not want to compromise the rights of the Younger races. Freedom is your right! We did not want any of you substituting our Judgement for your own. We want all of you to be able to determine your own destiny!" after a brief pause "These wars are a failing of the Spirit. We''ve seen these kinds of wars before, and when two Advanced Powers collide the less Advanced Interstellar Civilisations always pay the price. The Kulnet used to be a lot like the Humans, and long ago you used to also fight for others, but war changes the soul of a Civilisation. Even an Advanced Interstellar Civilisation can become militaristic and obsessed with perceived power. The influence they wield can contaminate even their most cherished principles." after a brief pause "We for our part were not so different. There was a time when we also paddled influence, spreading our Ideology. In the end the result was war, death and destruction. Do not make the same mistakes we made! Do not make the same mistakes that countless others have made! Choose life!" after a brief pause "Many races have been consumed by war, leaving nothing left, whole Civilisations destroyed! Extinct! Lost forever! Death at the hands of other Civilisations, but mostly at their own hands in a mad attempt to destroy another with a biogenetic plague." after a brief pause "The Humans are a young Civilisation, and they don''t understand that wars can take on a life of their own, they dont understand that conflict with an equal power can result in endless war that could consume entire Civilisations, but the Kulnet should know better! As a Civilisation that''s a little older than the human race you should guide the younger races, you should be an example for them." after a brief pause "For a Thousand years we have kept the Evil Ones at bay, held them within their Evil Realm. Worked to give all of you time to prepare for the inevitable. The Doom-Bringers watch you from their Evil fortresses, waiting for a opportunity to come here and destroy." after a brief pause "They are Very old, and Very Powerful! You waist your resources fighting each other, making us all weaker, creating opportunities for them to come here and destroy. Don''t you understand that the only way any of us are going to survive the Doom-Bringers is if we work together? The alternative is death for all of you, and eventually even the Older Civilisations would have to run or die!" after a brief pause "Analysis indicated that the Migon have been rebuilding their Fleets, and soon they will mobilize. We must all be ready to meet their advance when they move, and if we can defeat their advancing fleets will have a brief opportunity to pursue them into their Evil Realm, an opportunity to end the war without end. We all need each other! Remember that! We stand together or we all fall!" - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 19 ─ Transition - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 19 Transition ?~? Following the Galactic Alliance intervention the Curmallion Communion, the Enthori Conclave, the Kulnet Dominion and the 5 Human Governments met on Arun, and after months of wrangling they worked out a settlement that the four main parties found acceptable. The 5 Human Governments agreed to pay 0.005% of their combined GDP to the Curmallion Communion for 10 years as reparations for the destroyed Curmallion instillations located in officially accepted Curmallion Communion territory. The Curmallion Communion agreed to pay 4.5% of their GDP to the Enthori Conclave for 20 years as reparations for the destroyed cities on Enthea. At first the 5 Human Governments were unwilling to make any kind of symbolic payment to the Curmallion Communion, but after extensive private consultations with the Azlecks the 5 Human Governments finally agreed to make payments to the Curmallion Communion. The 5 Human Governments also agreed to a Kulnet request that no Human Warship come within 50 LightYears of Curmallion Communion space without Curmallion approval or Notification. The 5 Human Governments had been forced to make significant Political concessions, and because of the differences in the sizes of the economies the human payment to the Curmallion Communion while negligible to the humans it amounted to 0.08% of the Curmallion GDP. With the projected increases in the sizes of the Human economies it could be expected that the final human payment would amount to 1.612% of the Curmallion GDP. The 5 Human Governments However understood that this was just a means to an End, and they knew that getting the Curmallion Communion to pay reparations to the Enthori Conclave was a moral and Political victory. Having been denied a military victory, the 5 Human Governments gladly accepted a political victory. After the military stand off with the Curmallion allied forces many regional Developing Interstellar Civilisations formed Military cooperation agreements with the 5 Human Governments as a way to deter those who were allied to the Curmallion from attacking them. The 5 Human Governments were all too happy to offer military support to any of the Developing Interstellar Civilisations that wanted closer relations with the Humans. The Humans had come into contact with some of the most powerful races in the Galaxy, and having witnessed the warships of the Powerful Carmaks and the Reclusive Hildrano the humans were more worried than ever. The question in the minds of the Humans was; "What kind of power would intimidate the Powerful Carmak and the Reclusive Hildrano?", and the second question became; "Would the Human race survive the kind of power that could threaten the Powerful Carmak and the Reclusive Hildrano?" The Humans now had a profile on the Hildrano Enclave SkyGliders and the Carmak Republic SkyStriders. From their display of power it was easy to see why any primitive race might mistake them for Gods, and the fact that they stopped thousands of missiles with relative ease had even the Humans wondering whether they were not in the presence of beings much greater than themselves. The Cephalopod shaped Ships Carmak Republic SkyStriders are: 1? 18.2317 km in Length and 4.3837 km in Width on the main body, with 15 km long tentacles. 2? On the main body of the SkyStrider there are 8 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons and 4 High Energy Particle Beams Polyhedron Prisms, and High Energy Particle Beams Polyhedron Prisms at the tip of each of the 40 tentacles. The Electric Eel shaped Hildrano Enclave SkyGliders are: 1? 53.2317 km in Length and 2.4317 km in Width. 2? 5 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons at the head and 4 at the tail, and High Energy Particle Beams Polyhedron Prisms along the length of the SkyGlider. The 5 Human Governments decided to hold a security conference at the United Human Civilisation Security Council headquarters in New York to decide on future security needs of the United Human Civilisation. Present at the meeting was Ambassador Kent of the United Atlantic Federation, Ambassador Ntadu of the African Federation of City States, Ambassador Singh of the United Indian Federation, Ambassador Tao of the Asian Consortium. Ambassador Barrack of the Islamic Alliance, Admiral Brown of the United Atlantic Federation, Admiral Nkuna of the African Federation of City States, Admiral Suresh of the United Indian Federation, General Abdul of the Islamic Alliance, General Lao of the Asian Consortium, Grandlord Kimna Ralefa chairman of the Hodian High Council, Grandlord David Ralefa chairman of the Council of the Light of Destiny, Guardian Commander Cyris of Crystalorb and Guardian Naole of Crystalorb. The Political, Military and Financial officials were accompanied by their respective staff of analysts and advisors. After long discussions on various subjects the subject turned to weapons sales/transfer to Human Allied Developing Interstellar Civilisations. Amb-Kent : " Having reviewed all the relative documents on the possible security requirements of Human Allied Developing Interstellar Civilisations the United Atlantic Federation propose that United Human Civilisation Security Council approves the sales/transfer of advanced weapons technology, and if they can afford it the Apollo Class Destroyer." Amb-Singh : " I''m not sure any of these nations can afford full deployment of the Apollo Class Destroyer!" Amb-Barrack: " Are we sure these Nations can be trusted with our most Advanced Technology?" Amb-Ntadu : " The Human Allied Developing Interstellar Civilisations have shown us loyalty, and we must return that loyalty with trust." Amb-Kent : " The Apollo Class Destroyer is designed to be fully upgradeable, which means that once one is built it could be in operation for hundreds of years. Over time the Human Allied Developing Interstellar Civilisations can build up to full deployment." Amb-Singh : " Besides we don''t have the resources to give them adequate protection from the Curmallion Communion and the Elmachi Empire. Furthermore we need to transfer these advanced technologies before we join the Galactic Alliance because once we join we won''t be able to share our technology due to Galactic Alliance restrictions on technology transfers." Amb-Tao : " What about the Valiant Class Corvette? Surely we cant share such an advanced warship with nations that don''t have the capacity to adequately protect its sensitive technology?" Amb-Ntadu : " The Valiant Class Corvette uses Advanced O''con Federation technology that is governed by our agreements with the O''ltana. We therefore can''t share that technology, and that includes the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser and the Nubia Class Destroyer. However the O''ltana have approved the construction of 4 Vanguard Class BattleCruisers for the Azleck Republic." Gen-Lao : " What do the Azlecks want with the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers? They have advanced BattleCruisers of their own that are arguably better than the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers." Amb-Ntadu : " Admiral Nkuna please explain to the others!" Admr-Nkuna: " The Azleck Republic learned about Crystalorb''s Esara Class SkyCruiser which is based on the O''con Federation''s Elmak Class SkyCruiser. The Azlecks want the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers to experiment on, to study the Enhanced Weapons Array Weapons System, and to develop their own version of the Esara Class SkyCruiser. The Esara Class SkyCruiser is Crystalorb''s attempt to build a warship that can destroy a Migon BattleSphere, and the Esara Class SkyCruiser would be Crystalorb''s first dedicated warship, but they ran into some problems." Gen-Abdul : " What sort of problems?" Amb-Ntadu : " Guardian Naole can elaborate on that." Naole : " The Crystalorb Council of Elders wanted to explore the limits of warship design, and the need arose from the expectation that the Migon Federation will move against us." Taking a brief pause "It''s not a question of if, but a matter of when? Crystalorb analysis of the when indicates that they will attack the Human race in about 50 years; give or take a few years!" Amb-Kent : " How did you come up with that figure?" Ambassador Kent interrupts "I mean, why do you think they will attack in 50 years and not 10 or 15?"Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Naole : " In truth we can''t be sure. However from Azleck records the Migon Federation has in the past targeted certain Developing Interstellar Civilisations based on known characteristics! 1? A Civilisation''s Energy Production 2? A Civilisation''s Military Capabilities 3? A Civilisation''s Technological Level." Amb-Singh : " Why is A Civilisation''s Energy Production important?" Naole : " Advanced Nuclear Fusion Reactors generate more Advanced Nuclear Fusion Reactors with each generation of Advanced Nuclear Fusion Reactors building on the next. It''s an incremental cycle. The more the energy at a Civilisation''s disposal the more the Civilisation can produce advanced materials, and the better a Civilisation''s materials the better the energy production methods. It''s how the Older Galactic Civilisations were able to develop their Advanced Nuclear Fusion Reactors that also act as Antimatter Reactors. Over time the Energy technology becomes increasingly more Exotic, and their self regenerating molecular Armour or living metal require an extraordinary amount of these exotic energies. The Crystalorb Research Division believes that the Human race will become increasingly more energy intensive over the next fifty years, and that will bring us at the beginning stages of the development of these advanced metals." Amb-Tao : " Which is why you think that they will attack us directly?" Amb-Barrack: " To stop us from becoming too dangerous?" Naole : " Exactly!" Gen-Lao : " Ambassador Ntadu said you ran into problems with your Esara Class SkyCruiser? Can you elaborate?" Naole : " We simply don''t have enough resources to build the Esara Class SkyCruiser. At a population of just 15 million Crystalans there simply isn''t enough Crystalans to bring the Warship into full production while maintaining the production of other devices, equipment and products. We think that by 2275 we should have enough people to begin limited production, and in the mean time we will continue to produce more Casara Class Cruisers with the hope that we will have sufficient numbers to be effective in the event of an attack." Amb-Ntadu : " Explain about your projected Numbers ratio!" Admr-Suresh : " Numbers?" Naole : " From Azleck records we think that at current levels we will need 50 Apollo Class Destroyers for every Migon BattleSphere" Admr-Nkuna : " Or 50 Nubia Class Destroyers for every Migon BattleSphere" Naole : " Yes!" a brief pause "At their level of power the differences between the Apollo Class Destroyers and the Nubia Class Destroyers are negligible, and with 50 years of development the ratio will only shift slightly! Our only real hope is that we join the Galactic Alliance and therefore receive Galactic Alliance protection through the deployment of warships from the Older Galactic Civilisations like on Arun." Admr-Brown : " The Older Galactic Civilisations only protect Homeworlds." Gen-Lao : " We would have to defend Our Colonies." Gen-Abdul : " How can we?" The conference continued with discussions moving on to strategic planning for security purposes, and the 5 Human Governments developed plans to deploy Wormhole detectors in a radius of 600 LightYears around Earth. The 5 Human Governments wanted to be able to at the very least see the Migon coming even if there was little they could do to stop a Migon Fleet of significant size or numbers. After the conference was concluded the Crystalans, the Lodians and the Hodians decided to meet and see if they could create synergies in technological development for the benefit of all man kind. The main parties introduce their associates to each other moments before the official meeting begins. David : " Good to see you again Cyris!" presenting a tall Caucasian male "This is the Lodian chief strategist Luke Carter Cyris : " Cyris Lesedi of Crystalorb" extending his hand to Luke "Guardian Commander!" Luke : " Pleased to meet you sir!" Cyris : " Let me present Naole Olen of Crystalorb." Naole steps forward "Engineering Guardian!" David : " Naole Olen?" taking Naole''s hand "Thought you''d be older!" Naole : " Pleased to meet you, your Honour." Cyris : " He is old! He just doesn''t look it!" Naole : " Pleased to meet you!" as Naole takes Luke''s hand "Interesting?" Luke : " Pleased to meet you Guardian." Naole : " Are you sure you''re a Lodian?" Naole sends an energy burst into Luke''s hand causing Luke''s skin to briefly transform into a Clear Crystalline Form, and when Naole lets go Luke turns back to normal "Part Crystalan." Luke : " What happened?" with a look of complete Surprise "What did he do to me?" Thinking out loud "I''ve never been able to transform before?" Naole : " After the meeting you must come with us to Crystalorb and see your legacy! Should you choose it, we will teach you how to walk like a Crystalan." Luke : " Me? In Crystalorb?" Naole : " It is your right as a Crystalan! I''ve already informed Crystalorb about you, and you will be included in the Crystalorb Trust." Luke : " Crystalorb Trust? I have a twin sister." Naole : " She will also be included in the Crystalorb Trust. Unfortunately you grew up outside Crystalorb, and because of this being Crystalan could prove difficult, but if you can master the courage you could fit right in." Luke : " I thought Crystalans are black, I mean African. How is it possible?" Naole : " 80% of Crystalans are African, but the other 20% come from a mix of all sorts of people! Part of the Hodian legacy!" Naole turns to look at Cyris "The Hodian Grandlords are arriving Commander!" Naole turns to look at Luke "We will talk on the flight to Crystalorb" Luke : " Ok!" Naole and Cyris move off to greet the Hodians, and Luke Turns to Grandlord David "What just happened?" David : " I can''t believe your luck" smiling "You''ve just become incredibly wealthy!" Luke : " What are you talking about?" David : " The Crystalorb Trust. Think Millions of Atlantic Dollars as your share of annual dividends." Luke could not quite understand what had happened to him, but the idea of access to unlimited amounts of cash without ever having to work for it seemed appealing, and as David explained to him that Crystal Valley Industries was owned by the Crystalorb Trust he could begin to understand that he would never have to work for money again. As the meeting of the three factions of humans with special abilities got under way the Hodians made several proposals, but their main concept troubled the Lodians and the Crystalans. Kimna : " We all know that the only difference between the human race and the other Developing Interstellar Civilisations is advanced robotics, and without advanced robotics we would have to rely on human labour, which means our Civilisation would be limited by human limitations. I know that most of the UHC is bound by moral or religious objections to the implanting of Micromachines in human brains, but think of the benefits that it could bring to Human Civilisation! Our robotics technology is limited by the programming limitations of our software, but Hodian and Crystalan advanced robotics has no such limitations because our robots are effectively controlled by our minds. Can you imagine what the Human Civilisation could create with more minds working on the problems that face Humanity?" Cyris : " The religious organizations will never accept this. You are talking about introducing Microbots into the biology of the entire Human population? The risk is more than considerable. A lot of people could be harmed." Kimna : " Nevertheless it''s a risk we will have to take! We simply dont have the time to introduce the technology over hundreds of years. However this will accelerate Human evolution, make the human race more than they ever thought possible. Every Human child will instantly have access to the knowledge of a million scientists. Schooling will become an obsolete concept, and all our children will grow up in a world of infinite wisdom." David : " Are Human minds ready to control such complex machinery?" Cyris : " They will have to be! Let''s face it, we all knew that this day was coming, but I doubt it will be as easy as Kimna believes. Connecting Microbots to the Human brain will be much more complicated than you think. The Kulnet have been working on this for hundreds of years, and they are still not at the truly Technorganic level. Crystalorb has been moving in that direction for generations, but our physiology is designed to make us Technorganic. The Chest Crystal is a Technorganic organ, and it allows us to interface with standard technology. The Hodian and Lodian physiology contains the Metallic Crystals that would make it relatively easy to fully connect the brain to Microbots, but the normal Humans would have to be slowly interfaced, and even then there could be rejection, confusion, madness, brain damage and so forth." Kimna : " Then we will proceed cautiously!" David : " If there''s no other way?" Cyris : " This does not guarantee human survival, but at least it gives us a fighting chance." Kimna : " If I know the Crystalans as well as I think I do you probably have an Exit strategy or maybe I should call it a survival strategy. Should the worst happen, should the human race fall or should we fail." Cyris : " My advice to you is that you should all also make survival plans." David : " We are not so fortunate as to have friends like the O''ltana that could give us sanctuary." Kimna : " Ultimate safety lies between the stars." Cyris : " Or the darkness of Hyperspace! Unless the Galactic alliance finds a way to defeat the Migon the whole galaxy will fall. They can''t hold them back forever! Not even O''con Federation Space can offer permanent protection! True security must be determined by the power of our weapons. The other option is to run, to travel to other galaxies, to go too far for them to care to chase us." after a brief pause "We would prefer to stay and fight!" The discussions continued as the 3 parties worked out the details of their plans to transform the Human Civilisation into a cybernetic Human Civilisation. After the meeting a Crystalan Baby Ship arrived to pick up Cyris, Naole, Luke and the rest of their party and transport them to Crystalorb. At the Crystalorb Gates they were met by Luke''s sister Jane, and Naole immediately recognized her as a high class Escort/Consort working for an organization based in Crystal Valley City. Naole had used her services before, and Jane immediately recognized Naole although she had never known that his first name was Naole having always referred to him by his last name Olen. They are met at the Gate by Jilan; Deputy Engineering Guardian, permanently stationed in Crystalorb serving as head of Engineering operations in Crystalorb and liaison to the Council of Elders. Jilan is about the same age as Commander Cyris at around 170 years old, but their physical appearance is similar to the 40 year old Luke. Naole on the other hand Naole looks more like a 28 year old than someone who is 260 years old. After the initial greetings Jilan seeks the attention of Commander Cyris. Jilan : " Commander Cyris! The Council of Elders would like to see you immediately!" Cyris : " Do you know why?" Jilan : " Something about an Alliance security meeting on Arun!" Cyris : " Galactic Alliance security meeting?" Jilan : " They didn''t explain Commander!" Cyris : " Alright!" Cyris turns to Naole See you later?" Naole : " Ok!" Jilan : " The Council of Elders would like to see Naole after they hear from Commander Cyris!" Naole : " Is it about Arun?" Jilan : " No! It''s about a different matter." Naole : " Then what is it about?" Jilan : " It''s has to do with something we can not discuss in front of our guests." gesturing at Luke and Jane "Classified!" Naole : " When am I scheduled to see them?" Jilan : " In about 45 minutes!" Naole : " Ok!" Naole turns to look at Luke and Jane as Cyris says his goodbyes and leaves them "Sorry that I wont be able to show you around Crystalorb, but duty calls." Jane : " We understand!" Luke : " Clearly youre very busy!" Jilan : " I will show you around, and take you to your accommodations" Naole : " It was good to meet you Luke!" Luke : " Likewise Naole!" Naole : " We will talk later Jane!" Jane : " Ok!" As Naole walks away Jilan leads the 2 guests into Crystalorb, and after the high speed transit sphere trip downwards that seemed almost instantaneous they emerge into Crystalorb''s main cavity. Luke : " Man that was quick" this as they climbed out of the transit sphere, and Luke gets his first look of Crystalorb Wow!" Jilan : " Yeah! Crystalorb has that effect on all first timers!" Jane : " It''s beautiful!" Jilan : " It is that!" Luke : " It''s hard to believe that we''re over 2 kilometres underground?" Jilan : " We could''ve taken the transit sphere straight to your accommodations, but I wanted you to walk through the streets of Crystalorb." Jane : " And Naole comes from here?" with a look of wonder in her eyes "It''s an entire city, underground." Jilan : " By the way!" he stops to gain their full attention "Most Crystalans won''t like it if you keep referring to Master Naole by just his first Name" Jane : " Master Naole?" Luke : " He doesn''t seem to mind?" Jilan : " He wouldn''t; He likes to be seen as a normal individual, but anyone who has been a Guardian for longer than the lifespan of a normal Crystalan receives the title Master." Jane : " What''s the lifespan of a normal Crystalan?" Jilan : " 180 to 230 years" Jane : " Are you saying that Naole is over 180 years old?" Luke : " But he looks like a 30 year old! Unless?" he pauses to reflect "He couldn''t be? It''s not possible, is it?" Jilan : " Yes!" Luke : " How?" Jane : " What are you talking about?" Jilan : " Master Naole!" Luke : " He''s not just a Crystal Guardian, he''s the Blue Guardian; The very same Blue Guardian! One of the Nine! Over 250 years old!" Jane : " You can''t be serious? He looks younger than me!" with a confused expression "What Nine?" Luke : " The 9 Crystal Guardians with the power to summon the spirits of the dead." Jilan : " Naole is the Envoy of the Forbidden; A former Nexus Power!" Luke : " Why former?" almost interrupting Jilan "Did he somehow loose his abilities?" Jilan : " No! In fact he''s become more powerful than ever!" after a brief pause "Nexus Powers come in pairs; Ralefa and Lesedi, Olen and Casara, Esara and Nalen, Naole and Casara." after a brief pause "They are like Strange Attractors, and everything that happens around them is defined by the interaction between the Nexus Powers. They generate a pull around them, and everyone who interacts with them is forever changed by the experience." Jane : " How do you know that there''s always 2?" Jilan : " It''s not that there are just 2, but that they occur in pairs." after a brief pause "It''s not just in Crystalans, but a human phenomenon. Look at human history and you will find infinite examples of this phenomenon. Always two centres of power! Two there always is!" Luke : " The legendary Blue Guardian!" Jane : " And youre saying he''s this powerful person with this great power?" Jilan : " Let me ask you a question" after a brief pause "Have you ever seen Naole''s Chest Crystal?" Jane : " I never even knew he had a Chest Crystal? How is it that he was able to detect Luke''s Crystalan heritage from a simple touch? I''ve spent many hours with him over the years, but he''s never sensed my heritage?" Jilan : " When Naole was with you he suppressed his Crystalan abilities; blinded himself to who you are, and he was not wearing his Crystal Armour. It''s an incredible burden being a living Crystalan Legend; Few Crystalans see past the legendary figure, and even fewer recognize the gentle soul that is Naole Olen." Luke : " Legend says that the Blue Guardian has the power of illusion." Jilan : " It''s much more complicated than that, but in simple terms he''s one of the few that are skilled enough to have control on the visual perceptions of others. Naole is an Ascended Crystalan; he can go as far as to make you feel what he wants you to feel. Naole is a Power beyond your current ability to understand!" after a brief pause "The first of the Crystalans to become Immortal, never aging, but growing stronger, becoming more powerful; a symbol of hope and a promise of what we can all become." Jane and Luke began to understand that being a Crystalan was more complicated than being a Lodian, and it involved a rich history, complex energies, but most of all it would require extreme mental development. 【VAF】Chapter║: 20 ─ The Old and the New - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 20 The Old and the New ?~? At the Council Chambers Naole prepares to hear from the Council of Elders, and Lady Scarlet is now the oldest member of the Council of Elders. Lady Scarlet is essentially the Brain of what was once the Indigo Class Ship Scarlet, and when she accepted her election to the Council of Elders her brain was remove from the Crystalan Ship and placed in a containment unit allowing her to serve on the Council of Elders. Once the brain of a Crystalan Ship is removed the body dies, and the brain itself can only survive outside the ship for approximately 165 years. On 02-03-2235 Lady Scarlet became the first Crystalan Ship to become an Elder, and after the death of Lord Ralen, Lady Scarlet became the oldest member of the Council of Elders. Naole''s grandson Maole is also on the Council of Elders along with Casara''s grandson Kilan. Kilan''s granddaughter Isis is the new Expeditionary Guardian, and she''s married to Maole''s Grandson Jalen the new Research Guardian. Scarlet : " Good to see you again my old friend!" after a brief pause "We have need of your services Naole." Naole : " I''m ready to serve Ladyship!" Scarlet : " We have been more than pleased with your work on the Crystalorb Moon, and because of your tireless work we are on course to reach a population of 65 million by 2275." after a brief pause " However Jalen the new Research Guardian has suggested that we find other ways to accelerate the development of our population, and he''s developed new methods that will see us reach 500 million people by 2295." Kilan : " This is a revolution that goes beyond anything we ever thought possible!" Maole : " A breakthrough in advanced Biotechnology!" Naole : " Have you developed Cloning for Crystalans?" Scarlet : " No!" after a brief pause Im afraid that is still quite impossible!" after a brief pause "We will let Jalen explain Jalen approaches "Jalen; Step forward and speak!" Jalen : " Honoured Elders! Master Naole!" a brief pause as Jalen bows " We can produce more offspring/Children, the problem is that raising them is becoming increasingly difficult with larger numbers of children" after a brief pause "To answer this problem we developed a method based on Master Naole''s brain containment technology designed to grow the Brains for the Casara Class Cruiser and the forthcoming Esara Class SkyCruiser. Once a baby is born we can keep them in the Containment capsule for 18 years, and this will allow them to develop to adulthood without the need for active parents." after a brief pause "While they are in development they are able to interact with other Crystalans through Crystalorb''s virtual environment, and it''s through this that the Spirit Stone can act as parent to them until they are old enough to learn what the Spirit Stone truly is." after a brief pause "Once they emerge they can seek out their true parents and relatives and join the family as adult members. This will allow the Crystalan population to expand more rapidly than we ever thought possible." Naole : " By the Source!" Scarlet : " The process has been tested, and we are now ready for full implementations. We need you to accelerate the development of the Crystalorb Moon, prepare to make a home for Hundreds of millions of Crystalans on the Crystalorb Moon. That means adequate water and food supplies. You will finally have the resources you need to reach the true potential of the Crystalans." Naole : " Until this moment I didn''t truly believe in the ''Nexus Powers Theory'', but now its become all too obvious. And the fact that the Nexus Powers come in pairs is self evident. Today I stare into the mirror and I see myself reflected in Jalen! I see my Father in him, I see my Son in him! It was always there, I just refused to see it. In Isis resonates the reflections of Esara, Casara, and Isara! They come in Pairs!" Maole : " What are you saying Naole?" Naole : " Jalen and Isis are ''Nexus Powers''! Each responding to the needs of the other!" after a brief pause "One creates and the other destroys!" after a brief pause "Ever since the death of my sister Casara I''ve felt somehow limited! Less than I used to be! Not in terms of actual power, but as if I''m no longer propelled by some external force." after a brief pause "I couldn''t understand it, but now its clear to me, and the future of our people will be guided by the next generation of Nexus Powers." Kilan : " Are you saying that youre no longer a Nexus Power?" Naole : " Where two powers converge I see Purpose! Providence!" Naole smiles "It''s not that there are just 2, but that they occur in pairs! So there can be more than one pair. However with my Nexus partner gone I''ve lost the ability to interact with her, and it''s that interaction between the Nexus Powers that defines everything that happens around them. There may come a time when I find a new partner, someone who connects with me at a spiritual level, and when that day comes I will once again become a Nexus Power." after a brief pause "I have work to do now! The new Nexus Powers have inspired new hope for the survival of our people. Ideas are once again flowing in my mind, and I now see the path before us. We must all work to support those who inspire us. Help them in their destined path." after a brief pause "Before Casara died we talked about creating a sky base or star base, and for decades I''ve had a picture in my mind on what the Nalen Class SkyGarrison would look like, but because such a project would require enormous amounts of resources, I thought that I would have to wait another 200 years before I could build it. However the emergence of the new Nexus Powers has brought with it the possibility of building/growing the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons" Scarlet : " Nalen Class SkyGarrison? How large is it?" Naole : " Its big!" Crystal Armoured Naole produces holographic projections of the Nalen Class SkyGarrison "Between 150km and 200km in Length, a maximum of 15km in Width and Height. Nalen Class SkyGarrisons will be equipped with 100 Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystals similar to the ones on the Crystalan Ships. For all intensive purposes the Nalen Class SkyGarrison would be a Crystalan Ship." Scarlet : " Crystalan Ships cant grow to that size. Well, at least not in less than several hundreds of years, possibly thousands of years." Maole : " Even with the power of the Spirit Stone its impossible!" Kilan : " And we can''t build something that size!" Naole : " The Esara Class SkyCruiser is about the limit of what we can build with current Crystalorb technology, but if we decided to grow the SkyGarrisons the limitations can be overcome." after a brief pause "Working around the limitations of Bio-Organic Crystalline skin growth will be Jalen''s responsibility!" Naole looks at Jalen "Can you do it? Can you be the one we need?" Jalen : " It won''t be easy!" Finding new confidence "I can! I will be!" Naole : " Excellent! I''ve identified 265 asteroids in the Ra Solar System that can be transformed into Nalen Class SkyGarrisons. They contain sufficient amounts of solid minerals to form a base for the Ships, and I will instruct my people to start towing them towards the local star. We will use the energy of the Star to power the growth, we will get as close to the star as possible. We will need about 265 fragments of the Spirit Stone!" Scarlet : " Why?" Jalen : " The Fragments will be essential for the growth of the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons." Jalen''s mind is immediately going to work "Yes! We''ll drill into one of the eggs and collect developing genetic material, and coupled with a specific energy of the fragments of the Spirit Stone we should be able to stabilize growth. A Five Brain Hive Mind configuration should be optimal! This may be the thing Isis needs to confront the Migon! We will begin working immediately."Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Maole : " What''s happening?" Kilan : " Naole was right!" Scarlet : " There are new Nexus Powers!" Naole : " Earliest Completion date 2290!" Scarlet : " One more thing!" Naole waits for Lady Scarlet to continue "Ambassador Timal will be attending the security meeting in Arun, and an Elmak BattleGroup will arrive shortly to collect Timal, onboard the Elmak Class SkyCruiser is Ambassador Cuvil; the Andronian Federation envoy to the O''con Federation. Ambassador Timal and Ambassador Cuvil want to see the progress on the Crystalorb Moon. They''re considering giving the area additional protection! You will accompany them to the Ra System and give them a tour of our Ship building facilities there." Naole : " On your Command!" Upon arrival on the Crystalorb Moon Naole takes Ambassador Timal and Ambassador Cuvil on a tour of the Ship building facilities using a Crystalan Baby Ship. Naole then finally brought them to the sight where the Esara Class SkyCruiser was being built Naole : " It''s just a skeletal crew now, and full scale production was not scheduled to begin until 2275 ESD, but recent developments in Crystalorb have led to a change in our plans." Amb-Cuvil : " What sort of developments?" Amb-Timal : " They found a way to raise their children without actually having to physically go through the years of rearing. The children will grow up in a virtual environment and emerge as adults 18 years later." Amb-Cuvil : " Interesting! Are you sure you want to go down this road? There have been others who decided to use the same kind of process in Cloning rather than birth and rearing. Over generations the results were disastrous." Naole : " We don''t intend to maintain this process forever, and the Council of Elders have already decided that once our population reaches 500 million we will stop. For years we''ve been implanting 1 million Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women per year, but now because of the new process we will stop implanting Crystalan embryos in Hybrid women. Already 5 million Crystalan couples have made themselves available for the new process being developed. The regenerative capabilities of Crystalans mean that just 5 pregnancies by each of these couples will produce 100 million in about 15 years." Amb-Timal : " At that rate you''ll reach 500 million in 40 years." Naole : " That''s the plan Your Excellency. Once we reach that number we will Stop and go back to the old ways of having children though it may take some doing. Crystalans understand what is at stake, and they understand why we have to ask the coming generations to make such sacrifices." Amb-Cuvil : " With a larger population you will be able to build more of these Esara Class SkyCruisers?" Naole : " Yes your Excellency! The Chest Crystal is critically important in the building process, and not just of the ships, but for every thing we build. Every Structure we''ve built on this moon is made possible by our ability to grow Crystals with our Chest Crystals. The specific energy of the fragment of the Spirit Stone keeps Crystalans adequately supplied with Spirit Stone energy." Amb-Cuvil : " How is the fragment of the Spirit Stone connected to the Spirit Stone on Earth?" Amb-Timal : " I''ve often wondered about that?" Naole : " We don''t really understand it! We opened an infinitesimal wormhole from Earth to Hyperspace, and then we opened a similar wormhole from the Crystalorb Moon to the same location in Hyperspace. The location in Hyperspace is infinitesimal, and somehow the 2 wormholes began to join creating some kind of Inter-dimensional Pocket." Amb-Cuvil : " An Inter-dimensional Pocket?" Amb-Timal : " How can you be sure its an Inter-dimensional Pocket?" Naole : " During the Battle for Enthea we lost some of our Crystalan Ships to an unexplainable phenomenon. When we searched Normal space and Hyperspace for debris of the ships in question we found nothing." after a brief pause "Thus the question becomes if the debris is not in Normal space or Hyperspace, then where is it? Excellencies; Things don''t just disappear your?" Amb-Cuvil : " Did you ever find it?" Naole : " No your Excellency; We never found any of the debris." after a brief pause "Further analysis indicated that when the Curmallion Ships collided with our ships the force of the impact prematurely activated the Bio-Organic Crystalline Jump Drive generating an unstable Jump sequence. The solution is that during a battle we reduce the energy of the Bio-Organic Crystalline Jump Drive to 30% of Normal." after a brief pause "We now think that what killed the Crystalan Ships was some sort of unstable Inter-dimensional Pocket." Amb-Cuvil : " A new type of Weapon!" Naole : " We also recognize the weapons potential and capabilities of an Inter-dimensional Pocket. However we lack the technical capabilities to fully develop such a weapon system." after a brief pause "We will share our data with the O''con Federation and they will pass it on to the other Older Civilisations. Perhaps all of you can find a way to weaponize the Inter-dimensional Pocket." Amb-Cuvil : " The Inter-dimensional technology is actually Phaylon Technology, and the fact that you''ve stumbled upon it points to the truth about your origins; the fact that you are in a very small way part Phaylon." Amb-Timal : " I heard about your intension to build a SkyGarrison? Are you sure you''ll have enough energy to manoeuvre such a large vessel?" Naole : " It''s Human nature to reach beyond our perceived limits your Excellency. The Nalen Class SkyGarrisons will give us the ability to project power beyond the Null sector." Amb-Cuvil : " You actually believe that you''ll ever be able to reach Migon Space?" asking with an almost sarcastic tone in his voice "They will see you coming with something that large." Naole : " With respect Your Excellency; Everything the Galactic Alliance has done for the past Thousand years has not surprised the Migon Federation, but every thing they''ve done has surprised the Galactic Alliance. It''s time for something different Your Excellency." Amb-Cuvil : " You are Bold! I''ll give you that!" after a brief pause "Unfortunately boldness isn''t enough. Truthfully speaking, we would be better able to Fight the Migon Federation if we didnt have to protect all the younger Civilisations, but every time we''ve withdrawn our forces in order to launch an offensive the Migon Federation responded by destroying entire worlds." Naole : " Planet Killers?" Amb-Cuvil : " If enough Migon BattleSphere focus their attack on a single target, a single point on a planet''s surface the results can be catastrophic." a brief pause as Ambassador Cuvil reflects "Entire Civilisations wiped out! We were left with a choice; Either we sacrifice the younger Civilisations or we fight to protect them." after a brief pause "It''s true that the Migon knew that we would not abandon the younger Civilisations to their fate, they use all of you as hostages, forcing us to defend you and thereby losing the ability to launch a major offensive against them." Naole : " And that has given them enough time to prepare for their own offensive!" Amb-Cuvil : " However there is new hope!" after a brief pause "The emergence of the O''ltana has caught the Migon by surprise, and even now they are working to build fortifications on their border with the Null Sector. The presence of the O''con Federation has forced the Migon to re-evaluate their offensive capabilities, and as the O''con Federation becomes more involved the human race will play a more active role in the war without end." Amb-Timal : " The O''con Federation is building more BattleGroups, and we will soon have sufficient numbers to be more useful in the war against the galactic evil that threatens all life. However the advanced materials used in the hulls of the Ships require enormous amounts of energy, and we''ve had to increase the amount of energy our ships generate. We are working to integrate the energy systems and technologies for more effective Ships." Naole : " I think we will have comparable Ships sooner than your Excellencies expect." Amb-Cuvil : " How do you mean?" Naole : " Each of the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons will carry more than 200 Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors, and have a 750m thick Bio-Organic Crystalline Hull. However the main reason is that every Nalen Class SkyGarrison will carry a fragment of the Spirit Stone." Amb-Cuvil : " What does that have to do with anything?" a brief pause as Ambassador Cuvil reflects "I see! Your Spirit Stone also stores energy!" Amb-Timal : " And if each Ship has access to the reserves it means that you''ll have optimal power!" Amb-Cuvil : " How many Fusion Reactors do you have here?" Naole : " We have 600 Fusion Reactors on the Crystalorb Moon, but we plan to have at least 2000 by the time the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons enter service. We are also building a series of stations that will help us capture 2% of the local star''s energy and feed it to the Spirit Stone through one of the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons" Amb-Cuvil : " This is truly innovative!" the Ambassador smiles "Your not going to waist time trying to duplicate the technology of the Older Civilisation, instead your going to enhance your unique technology. Very clever Indeed! The Migon will no doubt be watching, and if they realise that your SkyGarrisons will be much more powerful than their BattleSpheres they will move against you before you have time to prepare." Amb-Timal : " Then perhaps we should give you additional protection. The O''con Federation will send one of our BattleGroups to the Ra system to function alongside the BattleGroup stationed in the Earth system and the 5 BattleGroups stationed in Arun Space. Hopefully this will be enough to deter the Migon from attacking the Ra System." Naole : " There is more." Amb-Timal : " What else is there?" Naole : " The Crystal Armour that we wear is made by the Spirit Stone, from the Spirit Stone. Therefore the Crystal Armour is in some way a part of the Spirit Stone. Meaning it could be classified as a fragment of the Spirit Stone. Well at least in theory." Amb-Timal : " Are you saying that the Crystal Armour could have direct access to the Stone?" Naole : " That is a possibility! As the Spirit Stone grows more powerful it gains new and interesting abilities. It''s as if the increased energy unlocks its hidden capabilities." after a brief pause "Crystal Armour is alive, and we don''t quite understand how? We know that Crystal Armour is alive because it has the same Bio-Organic Crystalline make up as that on the Crystalan Ships, and that includes Bio-Organic Bio-Nanomachines. However unlike the Crystalan Ship the Crystal Armour does not have a Bio-Organic Brain. After years of research we''ve concluded that the Crystal Armour is alive in the same way the Spirit Stone is alive, and that the Crystal Armour may very well be a part of the Spirit Stone." Amb-Cuvil : " If you are correct, then the possibilities are limitless!" Amb-Timal : " Interesting possibilities!" Naole : " We still need to understand what role Divine Light plays in the energy exchange?" Amb-Cuvil : " What is Divine Light?" Naole : " When Negative Psionic Energy and Positive Psionic Energy produced by the Spirit Stone collide resulting in an annihilation effect the Energy is transformed into Divine Light. We believe that Divine Light is the Energy at the centre of the Energy Spectrum. The energy of both Order and Chaos. Both Negative Psionic Energy and Positive Psionic Energy. The energy of both Creation and Destruction." Amb-Timal : " How can it be both?" Amb-Cuvil : " And why haven''t we been able to detect it?" Naole : " We think that Divine Light is extremely reactive, and contact with Negative Psionic Energy or Positive Psionic Energy starts a chain reaction that results in the dilution of the potency of the other forms of energy. It explains why Negative Psionic Energy used by the Hodians and Circleans seems more potent than the Positive Psionic Energy used by Crystalans." Amb-Timal : " So you think that Divine Light is the key to harvesting Infinite power for your Spirit Stone?" Naole : " Yes! Though I fear that we lack the intellect and mental discipline to use the Crystal Armour to tap into the Infinite power of the Spirit Stone. Though we suspect this is hardly a surprise to the older races since the Stars at the hart of your ships are also a source of Psionic Energy. Its clear that you realised that the Matter Antimatter annihilation going on at the heart of Stars produces miniscule amounts of a type of exotic energy that enhances your Psionic Energy. Conversion happens too fast in Stars." Amb-Cuvil : " The mental capabilities you seek will come with time, and the older you get the more control you''ll have." The Andronian Ambassador was very pleased to discover that the Crystalans were preparing to fight the Migon, and Ambassador Cuvil understood that Humans were unique in that they were keenly aware of the danger the Migon Federation posed to the Human Civilisation, but this did not deter them from preparing to meet this danger head on. Most Civilisations faced with the same situation would naturally conclude that the only way to survive was to run, but the Human race wanted to rise to the challenge, reach beyond their limits, and become more than they ever thought possible. It didn''t take long for the O''con Federation BattleGroup to take station in the Ra Solar System, and Naole began to accelerate his work on the Crystalorb Moon. The Crystalorb Engineering Division increased its army of robots to 20 Billion Spherical Crystalorb Robots, and most of the work was on energy production systems for millions of adult Crystalans that would one day take up residence on the Crystalorb Moon. The Crystalorb Engineering Division was increasing the energy supplied to the Spirit Stone because of projected future needs of the Nalen Class SkyGarrison. Though the Spirit Stone would require enormous amounts of energy for its development/growth the local star Ra would provide all the energy needed. The Crystalorb Engineering Division was building a network of satellites that when completed would harvest 10% of Ra''s energy for the Spirit Stone. Harvesting 10% of Ra''s energy was by far the most ambitious project undertaken by the Crystalorb Engineering Division, and it was projected that once complete in 2305 it would save enormous amounts of reactor fuel. If the project proved cost effective Crystalorb could move to harvest the energy of nearby stars, and this time more satellites would be deployed and that would bring the energy absorbed to 21% of the energy produced by a star. Even though none of the Crystalans could explain how the Spirit Stone stored energy they all trusted the ability of the Spirit Stone to do so. Every Crystalan was aware that the Spirit Stone was their only hope of survival, and the Crystalans understood that the Spirit Stone was a part of them. The activities of the Crystalans in relation to the Spirit Stone had always been a closely guarded secret, only Crystalans, a few humans and the Older races knew what the Spirit Stone was. 【VAF】Chapter║: 21 ─ The power of a Guardian - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 21 The power of a Guardian ?~? On 02-05-2254 almost 2 years after the Battle for Enthea Guardian Commander Cyris and Expeditionary Guardian Isis came to the Crystalorb Moon to Inspect the containment facilities that held 9.215 million Crystalan Children in capsules as they developed. The containment facilities were being expanded and at full capacity would be able to hold 100 million Crystalan Children in capsules for the duration of their development. Guardian Isis brought with her Luke and Jane on their first visit to the Crystalorb Moon. Luke and Jane had recently taken their Vows of Honour, and the two were at the beginning stages of their Vanguard training with the Ilesian Guards. Luke and Jane Stanley were born and raised in Canada, but at age 23 they moved to Crystal Valley City to live in a society that was majority Hybrid or Lodian. Crystal Valley City is the traditional home for Hybrids and 90% of its 80 million population is either Hybrid or Lodian. Crystal Valley City provides a safe and discrimination free environment for Hybrids, but the City''s most valuable quality to Hybrids or Lodians is that Crystal Valley City is a major financial and industrial centre. This above all was the primary reason why most Hybrids desired to live in Crystal Valley City. Crystal Valley City is the headquarters of Crystal Valley Industries and its wholly owned subsidiary Crystal Valley Investment Bank. Historically Crystalans without Chest Crystals have been responsible for the management and running of Crystal Valley Industries, and Crystalans with Chest Crystals would traditionally only act in support of the Crystalorb''s Ilesian Guards, but the massive expansion on the Crystalorb Moon had required more involvement from Crystalorb''s other divisions. Crystalans without Chest Crystals are preferred for the management and running of Crystal Valley Industries because they can move freely amongst other humans without their secret Crystalan heritage being discovered. Few humans outside Hodians and Lodians knew about the Chest Crystal, and even fewer humans in general knew about its origins, but those who knew about the origins of the Chest Crystal understood the need for the secrecy. Crystalans with Chest Crystals gave the human race both a strategic advantage and disadvantage; with the primary concern being that should the Migon learn about the origins of the Chest Crystal they would move to destroy the human race to prevent the human race becoming a threat to them. For that reason most Humans understood the Crystalans to be an African Federation based organization of Hybrids. As the 90m long Intrepid Class Baby Ship landed on the platform the Guardian Armoured Naole Flanked by 2 Guardian Armoured individuals on each side approached the only access point on the Crystalan Ship. Crystalan Ships don''t have a landing gear, and they rely on the platforms to support their weight or they simply hover above the ground. Crystalan Ships have only one access point on its hull, and it''s positioned between the Back Energy Weapons Crystal and the Bottom Energy Weapons Crystal. The access point on the Crystalan Ships is called mouth because its major use for consuming asteroids for processing, but the Crystalan Ship''s has other important uses including; cargo loading and unloading, crew entry, and small craft entry. Once inside the mouth of the Crystalan Ship the Ship would then guide the individual to his or her desired destination onboard the adult Crystalan Ship. When the mouth of the Intrepid Class Baby Ship opened Naole and the other 4 Guardian Armoured individuals banged on the platform with their Crystal Lances holding them with their right hands, and then they extended their right hands such that the Crystal Lances made a 45 degree angle with their bodies and the platform. Electrical energy connected the tips of the Crystal Lances forming electrical arcs in the Air. This is the traditional Guardian Salute, and is usually reserved for Guardians departing for or arriving from a combat mission, but it was also used to Honour Elders or the Guardian Commander when they arrived on a ship or base. Naole : " Guardian of Guardians!" Naole bows "Welcome to the Crystalorb Moon Guardian Commander!" Cyris : " Thank you Master Guardian!" Naole : " Welcome to the Crystalorb Moon Commander Isis!" Isis : " Thank you Master Guardian!" Isis bows to Naole "Guardian my Master!" Naole : " How are you my friend?" Isis : " Can''t complain Master." Naole : " Good" Naole turns to Luke and Jane "Good to see you again friends! Welcome to the Crystalorb Moon Vanguard Trainees!" Jane : " Thank you Master Guardian!" Luke : " Thank you Master Guardian!" Naole : " Well then lets get to it!" Naole turns to Guardian Commander Cyris, and they begin to walk ahead leaving Isis and the others behind "Commander everything is ready for the Guardian Conference, and the other Guardians will be arriving shortly" Cyris : " Good! Do you know how many Guardians will be attending the Guardian Conference?" Naole : " We''ve received confirmation from 206 Guardian Armoured Crystalans" As Naole and Cyris continue to talk about the Guardian Conference Luke begins to enquire about the purpose of the secretive Conference of Guardians. Luke : " Why is information on the Conference of Guardians restricted? I''ve been trying to look it up on the Crystalorb Network but it requires Guardian level clearance. Why is a Conference restricted?" Isis : " The Guardian Conference is a gathering of Crystalorb''s Guardians held every 2 years, and it allows the Guardians to interact freely while sharing information and Ideas. Only Guardians can know the details of the activities that occur at the Guardian Conference." Isis stops to look Jane and Luke in the eyes "The fact that you even know that the Guardian Conference is about to be held is an extraordinary privilege afforded to you because of your special situation. Most Crystalans never know about it until it happens." Jane : " Why is it so important that its kept secret?" Isis : " The Guardian Conference is not a Conference in the way you might think of a Conference, but a training or sparring session. Every Guardian is required to participate in a Conference once every 8 years. The Guardian Conference provides the Guardians an opportunity to test their fighting skills against some of the most powerful Crystalans, and to learn from some of the most skilled warriors alive." Jane : " Like Master Naole!" Isis : " Yes like Master Naole!" Jane : " It''s strange, he doesn''t seem all that powerful to me." Luke : " I still don''t understand the need for secrecy! If everyone knows that they are going to fight, then why keep it a secret?" Isis : " The secrecy is a societal requirement. Designed to keep the Guardian Conference from becoming a competition. The Guardian Conference is suppose to provide a pressure free environment for Crystal Guardians to practice the Guardian Techniques." Jane : " Guardian Techniques?" Luke : " The legendary fighting Techniques or Methods of the Crystal Guardians." Isis : " Exactly! As you can probably understand the Crystal Guardians generate a tremendous amount of energy, and in modern Guardian Armour the energy rises exponentially. It therefore makes sense that we should want to keep this power hidden, and our allies inform us that the Migon have spies everywhere, so Crystalorb has to be careful, because if the Migon should learn of the source of our power the human race will be destroyed. We need time to prepare! Time to increase our capabilities! You two can help us stay hidden." Jane : " How?" with a puzzled look in her face "We are just barely beginning to understand who we are, how could we possibly be of use to Crystalorb?" Isis : " In the race to increase the Crystalorb population the Council of Elders restricted the growth of Crystalans without Chest Crystals to 5%, and the view was that we needed more Crystalans with Chest Crystals because of their ability to stimulate Crystal growth, but we forgot that Crystalans without Chest Crystals are our eyes and ears amongst the rest of the human race. The two of you can go where most Crystalans with Chest Crystals cannot follow, and because of the massive amounts of energy produced by the Chest Crystal even a standard scanner can detect us when we are not in Crystal Armour. We need the Crystalans without Chest Crystals to run Crystal Valley Industries, and the fact that the two of you actually grew up outside Crystalorb makes you perfectly suited for interacting with other humans. You''ve no doubt noticed that Crystalans society is different to that of the rest of the human race."This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Jane : " That''s an understatement." Isis : " Because of the risk we pose to humanity we''ve had to become increasingly more Isolated!" Luke : " I was hoping to become an Ilesian Guardian." Isis : " You know that 9 of the 22 Ilesian Guardians were trained by Master Naole? Luke : " But he has a Chest Crystal, how would he be able to control Ilesian Crystal Armour?" Isis : " You have much to learn Vanguard." laughing "After you took the Vows of Honour you were injected with Bio-Organic Bio-Nanomachines; Technology that has its origins in Naole''s Physiology! All Crystalans have these Bio-Organic Bio-Nanomachines, and they create a 9 millimetre sphere in the frontal lobe of the brain." Jane : " What?" Luke : " Are you saying that we have an object in our brains." Isis : " I thought you understood this; Didn''t anyone explain to you how this works?" Jane : " They told us that the Bio-Organic Bio-Nanomachines would help connect to the Crystalorb Network, and that we would develop the ability to control Ilesian Crystal Armour." Luke : " No one said anything about them forming a sphere in our brains." Isis : " Sorry about that! Someone should have explained that thats how it works!" Isis pauses to reflect "The Crystalorb Network is not a digital Network but a Psionic Link. The Spirit Stone connects us all!" Jane : " Are you saying that we are all connected to the Spirit Stone?" Isis : " Yes! The sphere in your brain is a replica of the Chest Crystal; originally developed for the brains of the Crystalan Ships, but later expanded to all Crystalans. Because you dont'' have a Chest Crystal you need a brain implant to join the Crystalorb Network. Once your spheres come on line the Spirit Stone is able to connect to you, know your deepest inner thoughts, and share its knowledge with you." Luke : " The dreams?" Jane : " Is this why I suddenly know things I couldnt possibly have known before?" Isis : " The Spirit Stone allows all Crystalans access to its knowledge thorough the Crystalorb Network, and that means that every Crystalan has access to not just human knowledge, but the knowledge of all the Civilisations who were willing to share their information with us." Jane : " Does that mean we have access to the knowledge gained from the O''con Federation? The wisdom of the O''ltana?" Isis : " Yes! Access to the Spirit Stone is the right of every Crystalan! However access comes with responsibility, and you must understand that for as long as you live you''ll have to guard the knowledge you gain from the Spirit Stone." Luke : " Even from Telepaths" Isis : " You won''t have to worry about that; Your brain is too powerful now! Telepaths are the weakest of the Psionics; its the others that may pose some risk." Jane : " The others?" Luke : " Empaths, Psychokinetics, Remote viewers and so on! Those that can read your emotions without accessing your mind, and those that can see into your past!" Isis : " Fortunately 260 years ago the Hodians developed a Psionic block to shield themselves from the power of the Spirit Stone, and that technology is widely available in the form of the telepathic block." Luke : " The block is Hodian technology?" Isis : " Yes! You''ll find that a substantial amount of technology was developed by the HOD, and because of our common goals we have to cooperate with them to improve our own systems." Jane : " Aren''t we supposed to be rivals?" Isis : " We are! We''ve always been! However that doesn''t mean that we''re enemies. Granted we used to be enemies, but those days are long gone, and the last time the HOD made a move against us it led to the African Federation becoming a militaristic police state. The HOD don''t like any limitations on their freedom, and in the end they worked to overthrow the African Federation military government they helped bring to power" after a brief pause "After that mess they realised what we had also come to understand." Luke : " Which is what?" Isis : " They need us as much as we need them." Jane : " Crystalans need Hodians?" Luke : " During my time with the Lodians I''d often hear the Council of the Light of Destiny speak of the Balance! Is this what you mean?" Isis : " Lodians walk the Middle. Hodians and Crystalans have a tendency to walk the extremes." Jane : " Extremes?" Isis : " We seek to limit Internal competition between Crystalans, but the HOD encourages Internal competition between Hodians. Crystalans seek extreme physical power, and so do the Hodians." after a brief pause "Both our peoples seek to insure the survival of the Human race! The Hodians are a mirrored reflection of our soul." Jane : " I see what you mean. Crystalans seem to frown on competition amongst themselves, but they welcome competition with Hodians or Lodians." Isis : " Limiting Internal competition has allowed Crystalans the freedom to follow the calling of their Hearts." Luke : " Calling of their Hearts?" Isis : " Let me put it this way." after a brief pause "By removing the concept of wealth Crystalans don''t need to earn a living, and that means that Crystalans can choose a life partner based on qualities that don''t involve income or earning potential. This has also removed the concept of class, and because of this Crystalans have been able to overcome the primitive concept of provider, resulting in true equality between the genders." after a brief pause "Access to the knowledge of the Spirit Stone means that there isn''t any knowledge advantage that one Crystalan has over another. However there are things like passion that forms the distinctions in our personalities, and these distinctions forms the basis of the Calling of one''s Heart." Jane : " But there are people who are truly exceptional?" Isis : " You are thinking of Naole and those of us with Red Chest Crystals aren''t you?" Jane : " Yes! It''s impossible to ignore that those with Red Chest Crystals seem more powerful or perhaps more capable than those with Clear or Gold Chest Crystals." Isis : " I can assure you that it only seems that way, but the differences are notable, and in time you''ll come to understand that the power of the Blue, Gold and Red Chest Crystals come at a cost. The Clear Chest Crystal gives the individual the power to heal, restore life, and at its optimal the power to accelerate growth." Luke : " I don''t believe it! It can''t be?" Isis : " Search the Network and you''ll understand! Its like Nalen said; The mind is the weapon, not the Crystal!" Jane : " That''s the Motto of the Vanguards!" Isis : " Yes! Understand your own mind and youll have untold power! Todays Ilesian Vanguard Crystal Armour is more powerful than Guardian Armour from 200 years ago, and standard Vanguard Crystal Armour is even more powerful." Luke : " How is that possible?" Isis : " Once you gain full use of your Vanguard Crystal Armour you''ll understand the true extent of the power your entrusted with." Luke : " And standard Vanguard Crystal Armour is even more powerful?" Isis : " You have to understand that the Ilesian Vanguard Crystal Armour is a derivative of what we call standard Crystal Armour. Consequently there are inherent limitations due to the fact that Crystalans without Chest Crystals can''t make a direct Crystal connection to the Crystal Armour. This results in the Ilesian Crystal Armour being only 45% the power of Standard Crystal Armour." Luke : " Clearly the Hodians and Lodians don''t know about the advances youve made to the Crystal Armour, because most Lodians estimated the Crystal Armour to be 10% as powerful than it actually is." Isis : " Our time in the O''con Federation yielded an incredible array of improvements to our technology, and that has created a revolution in Crystalorb Technology. The O''con Federation has trusted us with its secrets, and for our part we''ve honoured the request by the O''ltana to protect their advanced knowledge." Jane : " Speaking about Honour!" Taking a moment to phrase her question "What happens when a Crystalan is found to have acted dishonourably? What happens when one makes a mistake?" Isis : " In simple terms contrition is required. Then the offending party is required to work to regain their Honour." Jane : " How do you know when that particular person has regained their Honour?" Isis : " That will be determined by the Spirit Stone. Only the Spirit Stone can examine every part of an individual and make a judgment. Once the Spirit Stone determines that a person is once again Honourable no Crystalan will question that particular person''s Honour." Jane : " What happens in relationships? How does contrition work when for example you don''t really feel sorry for falling in love with someone else? Or you think that youre justified in seeing someone else?" Isis : " That kind of thing doesn''t happen to Crystalans. Not even to Crystalans without Chest Crystals. Crystalan Love is different, like an addiction, and the longer you are with a person the stronger the bond gets. The bond is extremely powerful, and another person just doesn''t fit." Luke : " Addiction? What do you mean by addiction?" Isis : " When Crystalans fall in love their Crystals make a connection, and the closer they get the more they bond emotionally. Every time they touch they exchange energy, and over time the Crystals in one body begin to crave the specific energy of the other just like an addiction. Every Crystalan has a unique and specific energy signature that no other Crystalan can produce, and when Crystalans are bonded they become extremely addicted to each other''s energy. It''s like a drug that only the one you love can give you, therefore falling in love with someone else is not only improbable it''s impossible." Jane : " Isn''t there a choice?" Isis : " No! When you gain full power you''ll come to see how beautiful and elegant this is." after a brief pause "But it can also be incredibly dangerous. Which is why Crystal Guardians are always encouraged to only partner with other Crystal Guardians? Fortunately most people have found their life partner by the time they reach the age where the Chest Crystal has grown enough to wield the power of a Crystal Guardian." Jane : " Dangerous How?" Luke : " At what age does one become a Crystal Guardian?" Isis : " For Clear Chest Crystals the age is 170 years for those who don''t train regularly, for Gold Chest Crystals the age is 120 years for those who don''t train regularly and for Red Chest Crystals the age is 80 years for those who don''t train regularly. Those who actively seek the power of Crystal Guardian gain a 30 to 60 year advantage. My husband and I gained the Guardian Armour at age 65." her tone become serious "The Guardians were originally formed as the Guards of the Spirit Stone, Crystalorb''s Elite Guard, and the Guardian Order was a natural follow on from the original protectors of the Spirit Stone." after a long pause "Becoming a Crystal Guardian is a choice that requires discipline, focus, determination and sacrifice! Jane : " And what about the danger?" Isis : " If a Crystal Guardian partners with someone who''s not as powerful as the Guardian the weaker person becomes increasingly more addicted to the higher energy levels produced by the Crystal Guardian, and over time they become completely dependent on the Guardian''s energy, needing constant contact with their partner. This means if the Crystal Guardian dies the energy dependent partner will also die! Death can also occur if the two are separated for long periods." To Luke and Jane it seemed puzzling that love could be so dangerous, but they were coming to terms with the society that was their heritage, and Luke was pleased with the special importance given to Crystalans without Chest Crystals. Guardian Isis was then called away, and Jane and Luke were taken to the Vanguard facilities where they could interact with other Vanguards from the Mobile Assets Defence Division also known as the Ilesian Guards. At the Guardian Conference the power output of the Guardian Armours were equalized as always, and this was to insure that when the Crystal Guardian fought each other there is no advantage for a particular Crystal Guardian. In team scenarios the Crystal Guardian with the lowest power level is taken as the basis, and all other Guardians are adjusted to that level for the duration of the team battle. For generations the Clear Chest Crystal has proved superior to the Red and Blue Chest Crystals at the Guardian Conference, and that was because the Clear Chest Crystal outperformed the other types of Chest Crystal in endurance. In equalized form not even the great Naole could compete against those with Clear Chest Crystal. The Guardian Conference had always proved difficult for Naole, and he always seemed to struggle more than any other participant. At the end of the Guardian Conference the Guardian who completed all his/her tasks while expending the least amount of energy was declared Conference Champion. This was a title recognizing the analytical and energy management skills of a particular Guardian. Naole with a Blue Chest Crystal and the other Guardians with Red Chest Crystals were always amongst the highest energy expenders, consequently the title of Conference Champion was always beyond their reach. However every Guardian at the Guardian Conference knew that few Guardians could master the strength and power to rival Naole; Without Armour, but in his Indigo Form, Naole is stronger than most Armoured Guardians. Absent in ambition Naole welcomed the opportunity to explore his limitations, an opportunity provided by the Guardian Conference. Most Armoured Guardians knew the importance of control, and most importantly the ability to conserve energy in a time of crisis. A new dawn was breaking and the era of the Gold Guardian was at hand! In a few decades the first of the children to be born with the Gold Chest Crystal would begin the arduous clime to the level of Crystal Guardian. They would seek the legendary power of the Crystal Guardian, and the endurance of the Clear Chest Crystal combined and tempered the extreme power of the Red Chest Crystal would answer the call of their spirits and a new type of Guardian would be born; The Gold Guardian. The rise of the Gold Guardian held the promise of ending the domination of the Red Guardian, but that would only be numerical because no Gold Guardian could ever hope to match the tremendous power of the Red Guardians. The change simply meant that the Gold Guardians would dominate the Expeditionary Division, and that would be their natural place in the Crystalorb''s defence structure. At the end of the Guardian Conference Isis approached her master for guidance, she was having trouble adjusting to her relatively new role as a Nexus Power, and she wanted the advice of the only former Nexus Power still alive. Isis : " Ever since you declared Jalen and I to be Nexus Powers I''ve noticed a change in my status. The others treat me like a Master Guardian." Naole : " What can I say, its Providence!" Isis : " I''m afraid of making a mistake." Naole : " There are no mistakes." Isis : " Lessons from the Spirit Consciousness?" Naole : " The Nexus Power Theory speaks of Divine Purpose. Every step is important, even the wrong steps, because if we don''t make mistakes we never learn where the pitfalls are." Isis : " So youre saying that Jalen and I must make mistakes?" Naole : " It''s the only way to identify the cosmic wrong turns." Isis : " But the stakes are so high?" Naole : " The stakes are always high young Guardian." Isis : " Are you saying that the path of the Nexus Powers is about the mistakes?" Naole : " It''s always been that way; The Nexus Power is the light that illuminates the dark corners. The Council of Elders knows this; they will follow you into the darkness and make sure you do not fall into the abyss." Isis : " The Council of Elders knows this?" Naole : " Its Providence!" Naole smiles In my youth I was impulsive, obstinate and defiant. However Love tempered my heart, and in that I found purpose. Things were different then, and Crystalans had more room to make mistakes, but now with the impending war against the Migon many Crystalans feel like there is no room for errors. The Nexus Power is there to remind us that there is more than one way of achieving objectives, and that noble purpose is Divine." Isis : " Divine purpose?" Naole : " Providence young Guardian; Providence!" Naole reflects "Contrary to popular belief what connects us to the Spirit Stone is not the Chest Crystal, but love! Divine Love! Lesedi''s love for his children, His children''s love for their children and so on and so on. Divine Love!" Isis : " Divine Love?" Naole : " Yes!" Naole puts his hand on her shoulder "Divine Love is Divine Providence!" As the Guardians depart for their respective commands Naole is relieved that the Guardian Conference is now behind him, and it will be another eight years before he is once again forced to participate in the tiring activities of the Guardian Conference. The limitations placed on the abilities of the Red Guardians and the Blue Guardian are taxing for them, and for the duration of the Guardian Conference the limitation systems keeps their energy level at almost depleted levels. The Red Guardians and the Blue Guardian functioned at significantly higher energy levels than other Guardians, and the limitations imposed on them for duration of the Guardian Conference left them feeling weak, but once the Conference ended they could begin to slowly rebuild their energy level to normal. The Red Guardians and the Blue Guardian Naole more than anyone understood the importance of control, and even though he disliked being limited, he understood the importance of the lessons learned by the Red Guardians. The Red Guardians needed to be reminded that they need to conserve energy, and they needed to be reminded that Ultimate power comes at a price. The Red Guardians needed to be reminded that a Guardian first and foremost is a commander of protectors. 【VAF】Chapter║: 22 ─ The New Hope - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 22 The New Hope ?~? A few days later Naole went to the Guardian School of Leadership, to welcome in the next group of Vanguard Trainees for their final year of training. Every Guardian is required as part of his/her duties to: Run an Academy, Train Vanguard Trainees following the completion of their initial phase of their training, Train newly qualified Vangleads in the discharge of their duties and produce the next generation of Guardians. Naole is preparing to make his annual address to mark the start of the training year. Naole : " To those of you who have been waiting to join my class! To those of you who have been chosen by fate! To those of you who have worked extremely hard to be accepted by the academy! To all of you, welcome!" Naole pauses for applause "You have been selected for the most intensive training in the history of mankind!" pause for applause "I''ve been around for a long time, and I have a lot to teach you in a very short period of time" after a brief pause "You''ve probably heard all sorts of stories about me; myths, rumours, legends; Well let me tell you right now; I''m not interested in stories!" pause for cheers "I''m not interested in the names of your ancestors, or in your family''s lineage!" pause for cheers "What I am interested in, is your breaking point!" Naole pauses for cheers and applause "We will tear you down, and you will rebuild yourselves a new!" pause for cheers "We will break your bones, and you will heal them!" Naole pauses to an eerie silence "We wont teach you how to command Fleets, or even how to Interface with ships" pause " We will teach you how to be the best that you can be!" applause "To be all that you can be!" cheers and applause "A warrior who does not know his or her own limitations is the worst kind of warrior. Doomed to consistently overestimate themselves! Prone to overstretching their capabilities! Risking lives unnecessarily!" after a brief pause "Leadership is a choice not a Destiny!" brief pause "No one is born to be a Crystal Guardian!" brief pause "No one is Destined to be a Crystal Guardian!" after a brief pause "I was not born to lead, in fact for a long time I refused to lead, and for most of my youth I chose to do my own thing. It was not until I made a choice that my path changed, and the choice was to protect. Everything else followed from that choice!" after a brief pause Therefore the power of a Crystal Guardian emanates from a choice! A choice that many of you will not make." brief pause "Many say that my methods are obsolete in the age of Galaxy Class Warships, but let me ask this questions; Why is it that 70% of all Ascended Crystal Guardians are my former Students?" Naole pauses for cheers and applause "Why is it that my former Students are the best performing commanders in the Crystalorb Fleet?" there is applause Unfortunately I won''t always be here to teach you, and I shouldn''t; A time is coming when all of you must choose to lead! Choose to protect! However my betters think that I''m stuck in the past, and it may be that they''re right" the crowd shouts No! "Maybe my time is over!" the crowd shouts No! "Maybe I should move aside and let a new generation of Crystal Guardians lead the way!" the crowd shouts No! Unfortunately its unavoidable; the Spirits think that my continued presence has made Crystalans complacent! They say that Crystalans look to me and not to themselves! They say that I must go away for generations! Go where the Spirit Stone can not locate me! Seal myself in a Stasis capsule for centuries! A minimum of 500 years!" Naole pauses and the crowd is silent "Maybe I''m not ready to go just yet!" The crowd erupts in cheer "Maybe I want to stick around a little longer!" more cheers "That day is coming, but not today!" more cheers " That hour is nearing, but not today!" even louder cheers " I''ll be dammed if I''m going to miss the fight to determine the destiny of human kind! after a brief pause "In recent times there has been attempts to draw parallels between Crystal Guardians and Generals or Admirals, but that can''t be!" after a brief pause "A Crystal Guardian is by nature a protector. A Crystal Guardian is not a soldier, but a warrior!" applause "A Crystal Guardian does not just give orders, but leads!" applause "A Crystal Guardian does not hide behind defensive lines, but leads from the front!" applause and cheers "On the ground or in the sky a Crystal Guardian is the line!" applause and cheers " How do I know this?" after a brief pause "I know this because I am a Crystal Guardian!" cheers and applause "I know this because I chose to protect!" applause and cheers " Chose Service, Duty, Honour!" applause and cheers "A Crystal Guardian knows that Sacrifice is the price of Duty!" applause and cheers "A Crystal Guardian knows that the value of Duty is in its Purpose!" applause "A Crystal Guardian recognizes that Virtue is its own reward!" applause "A Crystal Guardian knows that Eternal Vigilance is the price of Honour!" applause and cheers "We are who we choose to be!" cheers and applause Choose! Soon after Naole''s address full orientation began, and the next day training got underway. Vanguard Graduates of the Guardian School of Leadership were some of the highly trained individuals in the Human Civilisation, and even though most humans didn''t know of their existence, those who knew were glad to have such people on their side. Admirals and Generals knew that the Human Civilisation owed its very survival to the existence of such individuals. A year later the Vanguard Trainees Graduated from Master Naole''s Guardian School of Leadership and became full Crystal Armoured Vanguards. Amongst the Graduates were Luke and Jane. No Crystalan ever failed to complete the training at the Guardian School of Leadership, but the training course would be impossible to pass for non-Crystalans; not even a Lodian or a Hodian. Only a Crystalan possessed the necessary genetic material to interface with the Spirit Stone, and only a Crystalan could learn from the Spirit Stone how to control Vanguard Armour. Following the Graduation ceremony the Vanguards would receive their assignments, and the Vangleads would return to their Divisions, but the newly Guardian Armoured would remain at the Guardian School of Leadership for a further six months to complete additional training in the elementary Guardian techniques. The modern era Guardian needed to be able to intuitively perceive the needs of those under his/her command, and this was a delicate technique that requires openness and trust. A Guardian needed the trust of those under his/her command, and that trust would allow the subordinates to let the Guardian into the deepest inner fears and thus a Guardian be able to share his/her spiritual strength with the subordinates in a time of crisis. The spiritual strength of a Guardian was often described as an overwhelming feeling of confidence, purpose and inner peace.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. First applied by Guardian Esara, the spiritual strength of a Guardian allows the subordinated to cast aside their fears and inspires absolute confidence in their purpose. The power of a Crystal Guardian comes in response to a need, but it is governed by choice. Like with the Nexus Phenomenon, Legends of great abilities in ancient times that had their origins in a response to a need, and Crystal Guardians were simply a modern manifestation of the phenomenon. The Power of a Crystal Guardian has its roots in the abilities of ancient African mystical protectors; Guardians that came before Crystal Guardians. Legend says that ancient Guardians used to protect their villages from powerful evil spirits, and that ancient Guardians would grow stronger as the despair of the villagers grew, that the ancient Guardians were driven to protect by ancestral spirits. Parallels could be drawn between mystical protectors of ancient times and Crystalorb''s Crystal Guardians. Crystalorb''s Crystal Guardians were legends in their own right, and they were credited with saving an entire Civilisation; the Edo from Endo. The Human Civilisation was at war with an enemy they''ve never met, the most chaotic force in the Galaxy, Crystalorb''s Crystal Guardians could feel the despair of the entire Human Race, and this Empowered Crystalorb''s Crystal Guardians. Master Naole took time from his hectic schedule to interact with some of the graduating Vanguards, and amongst them were Luke and Jane. After the interactions with the Vanguards Luke and Jane followed Naole as he went to check on Indigo''s repair progress. The ship building section of the space port is by any measure massive, a true testament to Crystalan ingenuity. Luke and Jane had never seen the ship building facilities and they were extremely shocked by the scale of the facilities. Luke : " I''ve never seen anything like this!" he is lighting up as they fly over the facilities in their Crystal Armours "This is even larger than those operated by the Federations." Naole : " They were designed to hold the Esara Class SkyCruiser." Luke : " I''ve heard about that, it will be the largest Class of Ship operated by humans." Naole : " The Esara Class SkyCruisers will help us fight the true enemies of sapient life, and they will guarantee a future for the human race" Naole veers to the left and Luke and Jane follow "There! The AFS Esara B2290C; Due to be completed in early 2290." Luke : " Amazing!" Naole : " The Esara Class SkyCruiser will be our frontline warship in the coming war with the Migon. This will allow us to move the Crystalan Ship to the scouting role, which is less risky, and will insure the survival of the Crystalan Ships." Jane : " How much do these SkyCruisers cost?" Naole : " The costs are hard to quantify, but from a resources point of view we could build 10 Vanguard Class BattleCruisers for every SkyCruiser we build." Luke : " Then wouldn''t it be better to build more Casara Class Cruisers?" Naole : " It comes down to energy output. The Esara Class SkyCruiser is larger and has more Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors, and that will make it more than 80 times more powerful than a Casara Class Cruiser. The Esara Class SkyCruiser will incorporate the most advanced Azleck Republic, Solte Federation, Nabi Federated Kingdom, O''con Federation and Crystalorb technology." Jane : " And that will make them equal to Migon ships?" Naole : " More than equal; Three to Five times more powerful than a Migon BattleSphere, but we can''t be sure until it''s tested in battle." Luke : " Then how can you make such projections?" Naole : " The science isn''t exact but it is accurate; Azleck historical records give a good description of the capabilities of Migon BattleSpheres, and before the O''con Federation joined the Galactic Alliance they shared with us their detailed information on the Migon BattleSpheres." after a brief pause "Let me point out that from what I''ve seen it''s going to be tough, and many humans will inevitably die at the hands of the Migon." Jane : " What do you mean by many?" Luke : " Is there anything we can do?" Naole : " Unfortunately there''s very little we can do; The timeline has been set. The clock is ticking, and hundreds of millions, possibly billions will die. They will come like a shadow in the night, and with a flash of light the age of man will be over." Jane : " But there is Hope" Naole : " Yes! If we join the Galactic Alliance before the Migon attacks the probability of survival increases exponentially." Luke : " Then that''s what the United Human Civilisation must do." Naole : " Easier said than done! The Human race has made a lot of enemies, powerful enemies, and many of them are members of the Galactic Alliance." Jane : " Like the Kulnet Dominion." Luke : " And the Qua Federation." Jane : " The older races seem to like Humans?" Naole : " They like Crystalans! I''m not sure that they''re all that concerned about the rest of humanity. Even the O''con Federation has very little contact with the rest of the Human race. It may be that they feel the Human race is not ready for prolonged contact with such highly evolved beings, but they seem to have no problems having frequent contact with Crystalans. I just don''t know the answers to those questions, and trying to get clarification from the older races has been confusing." Jane : " Can''t you read their minds?" Luke : " They say that you''re the most powerful Crystalan Psionic." Naole : " You can''t invade the mind of an O''ltana or any of the older races. They''re just too powerful, and they have Psionic blocks like I''ve never seen. I suspect the Migon are also powerful Psionics, and with their genetic manipulation they must be able to do things we can''t imagine. However the relationship we''ve developed with the O''ltana makes us confident that we can trust them implicitly, the Andronians have been very helpful to Crystalans, and they understand that we are a part of Humanity." Jane : " How do they feel about Lodians and Hodians?" Naole : " Andronians tend to regard Lodians and Hodians as negative Psionics, but they recognize the distinctions between the Lodians and Hodians." Luke : " Is it because of the use of Negative Psionic Energy?" Naole : " We recognize that not all Lodians use Negative Psionic Energy, but the fact that some 40% of Lodians use Negative Psionic Energy to enhance their power makes it difficult to make the distinction. I''ve always..." Naole receives a priority Communications Channel from Commander Cyris "Hold on I''m receiving a signal from Crystalorb." Cyris : " Good evening Master Guardian." Naole : " Good evening Guardian Commander." Cyris : " Master Naole we have a situation that requires your immediate attention." Naole : " What sort of situation Commander?" Cyris : " It''s about a discovery uncovered by a United Atlantic Federation Destroyer; the UAS Boston A2251. It''s a 10000 year old wreck on a moon of the gas giant GG54171 in sector 06H20 at R = 6000 LightYears. The UAS Boston is the formation leader of a six ship deep space Exploration BattleGroup consisting of 3 Destroyers, 2 Frigates and 1 Corvette." after a brief pause as Cyris sends images to Naole "The wreck is buried under 600 meters of ice, and getting to the ship safely is only part of the problem. The Ship''s shields are somehow still active, and the United Atlantic Federation research team suspects that the Ship''s defence systems are still active." Naole : " Why do they think the Ship''s systems are still active? Have they detected something?" Cyris : " As you can see from the data; the researchers used plasma to dig through the ice, but that may have triggered the Ship''s defence mechanism. They want to salvage the Ship, and secure the Ship''s data. There may be useful technology onboard." Naole : " Do they know if there are any life forms onboard?" Cyris : " This is one of the reasons the United Atlantic Federation requested Crystalorb assistance. Crystal Armour can offer us the kind of protection that others don''t have, and they think that we might be able to better interface with the Ship." Naole : " Why is that Commander?" Cyris : " As you can see!" more images and data is sent to Naole "The Ship had a Metallic Crystalline superstructure capable of changing colour, and its density seems to be similar to the Casara Class Cruisers" Naole : " Why me? Why not Jalen or someone from Crystalorb Command?" Cyris : " You''re our chief expert on Ship building!" after a brief pause "However we are also sending Isis and Jalen, they are en-route as we speak." after a brief pause The Council of Elders want you there for the unexpected." Naole : " In case there are aliens onboard the ship?" Cyris : " Yes! The Crimson will arrive in 30 minutes to pick you up. Vanglead Kiran has been briefed and she will act as your official Guardian Armoured escort." Naole : " What about battle group support? And have you told the older races about the discovery?" Cyris : " Isis is bringing in the Intrepid BattleGroup, and yes we''ve told the O''ltana, but the United Atlantic Federation does not want the Galactic Alliance involved for fear that one of them might claim rights over the wreck. The O''con Federation has agreed to keep things quite until an assessment is made." Naole : " I Understand" Cyris : " You have your orders!" after a brief pause "Cyris out!" Naole : " Aha!" Naole looks at Luke and Jane "I have to leave, but before I leave I''ll give you two your assignments." Jane : " Assignments Sir?" Naole : " Yes! The two of you are to return to Crystal Valley City where you''ll take up positions in Crystal Valley Industries as part of the Mobile Assets Defence Division''s Ilesian Guards. You will be trained in surveillance techniques, and when you''re ready you''ll form part of the watchers." Luke : "Watchers?" Jane : " What are the Watchers?" Naole : " We think that the Migon have spies everywhere, and the human Civilisation as an Interstellar Trading Civilisation is not an exception. The Watchers are Ilesian Guards tasked with identifying possible infiltrators and collaborators. We need to know who they are working for, and we need to know how they are being paid." Luke : " Why would humans spy for the Migon?" Naole : " Self interest! But it''s unlikely that they know that theyre helping the Migon. They may think that they selling information to one of the weaker Developing Interstellar Civilisation, but the information may be resold to Migon allies, or the particular Developing Interstellar Civilisation may be secretly allied to the Migon. Any number of scenarios may be at play." after a brief pause "You have your orders! Go Now! Fulfil your duties in the name of Crystalorb!" Jane : " On your command!" Luke : " On your command!" Naole then rockets into the sky where he will rendezvous with the Crystalan Ship Crimson. 【VAF】Chapter║: 23 ─ Echo in the Dark - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 23 Echo in the Dark ?~? As Naole arrives onboard he is met by Guardian Armoured Captain Kiran of the Crimson, and Naole immediately senses the presence of a force similar to that of the Crystalan Ship Indigo. Kiran : " Welcome aboard Master Guardian!" Naole : " Thank you Captain!" Kiran : " We have someone onboard who''s very eager to meet you." Captain Kiran is interrupted by a Coms link from the Navigation Officer "Yes!" Nav-O : " We are ready to jump Captain!" Kiran : " Lock in coordinates and execute!" Exec-O: " Activate Jump sequence!" Nav-O : " Aye Sir!" The Crimson opens a wormhole and jumps to the Nth Dimensional Hyperspace. Naole : " Are we travelling alone?" Kiran : " No! We''ve been assigned 2 Casara Class Cruisers as escort, but once we reach the Intrepid BattleGroup the Cruisers will return to their station." Naole : " You said something about someone eager to meet me?" Kiran : " Oh yes!" suddenly remembering "Let me show you." Kiran leads Naole to the Hanger where three baby Ships are resting, and as they walk in Crimson''s voice becomes audible. Crimson : " Settle down you two!" Crimson talking to the 2 younger Ships Kiran : " I''ll let Crimson make the introduction." Crimson : " Good to have you onboard Naole; It''s been a long time." Naole : " Good to see you again old friend." Crimson : " The larger Baby Ship is my daughter Violet." light illuminates the Crystalan Ship Violet Shes 10 years old. To her right is my son Craven" light illuminates the Crystalan Ship Craven "He''s just turned 2 years old! The last is ...!" Naole interrupts Naole : " Cobalt!" Crimson : " Yes! How did you know his name?" Naole : " Because he''s the only ship that I seeded, and I can feel the blue energy of his Crystals." Kiran : " Blue Energy?" Crimson : " Cobalt is 4 years old, but has the physical appearance of a one year old, and we haven''t been able to bond him to anyone." Naole : " An Indigo Class Ship needs to be bonded to accelerate development." Crimson : " When Cobalt''s mother Lady Scarlet became an Elder she entrusted him as an egg to me. I carried him for the next 17 years, gave birth to him, and tried to raise him, but I''ve been unable to give him what he needs! Lady Scarlet carried him for 22 years before giving the egg to me!" Naole : " He should have been given to Indigo, but then again Indigo is not able to receive eggs. He just doesn''t have that ability, it''s an ability of Crystalan Ships that were born; not made like Indigo." Crimson : " You are his last hope at a complete life! He was born of you, and is therefore connected to you." Naole : " Lets give it a shot." Naole moves towards Cobalt and touches his forward crystal "Hello!" Cobalt : " Hi there!" Naole : " Indigo Form!" Naole then gathered all his energy and focused it into his entire body, and as the Crystals his cells became energized they began to transform Naole''s skin to a deep Blue Crystalline form "Do you know me?" Kiran : " He''s done it!" smiling "He''s Ascended!" Naole : " Do you know me?" Cobalt : " You are Master Naole. Guardian of the Crystalorb Engineering Division." Naole : " No! That''s not it?" Naole pushes more of his life force energy into Cobalt''s forward crystal "Dig deeper! Do you know me?" Cobalt : " I know you!" Naole : " You do?" Cobalt : " I know you!" Naole : " Then, who am I?" The energy exchange between Naole and Cobalt becomes intense; making it difficult for Kiran to see what is happening "Look closely!" Cobalt : " You are the Echo of what once was. The reflection of my spirit! You are me, and I am you." Naole : " In knowing me you''ll open the door to your own Spirit." Cobalt : " I dreamt a dream, and that dream was you! The source of my power! Envoy of the Forbidden!" Naole : " Now! Who are you?" Cobalt : " I am the Key! Your Key! The Key of the Forbidden!" Naole : " That''s the way!" Cobalt : " Your knowledge! Your power is my power!" with the realization of who he is Cobalt began to change as the blue crystals began to assert their dominance, and this was changing his skin to blue "I Need more power!" Kiran : " What''s happening?" Crimson : " He''s activating his Fusion Reactor" Crimson almost panicked "Cobalt stop!" Kiran : " He''s too young!" Naole : " He has my power, he can do it!" Cobalt : " Just a little further!" Kiran : " No!" Naole : " Focus! You''re almost there!" Cobalt finally manages to activate his fusion reactor "You''ve done it!" Cobalt : " Such power! Pure energy!" Kiran : " By the Source!" Crimson : " No Crystalan Ship this small has ever been able to activate its Fusion Reactor." Kiran : " Crystalan Ships usually have to be 10 times larger to be able to activate their Fusion Reactor." Naole : " How do you feel?" talking to Cobalt Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Cobalt : " Better than I''ve ever felt! Thank you Master Naole!" Naole : " Youre welcome!" Crimson : " Why is Cobalt''s skin blue now?" Kiran : " It used to be light Red, but now it''s deep blue!" Naole : " The skin was light Red because only the Red Crystals were energized, but Red Crystals only make up 20% of his skin, Clear Crystals only make up 10% of his skin and Blue Crystals make up 70% of his skin. In fact Cobalt''s entire physiology has the same proportions of Crystals." Kiran : " How was he able to activate his Fusion Reactor?" Naole : " Pound for Pound Cobalt is the most powerful Crystalan Ship I''ve ever seen." Kiran : " More powerful than Indigo?" Naole : " He will be!" After a long journey the Crimson was now ready to jump into a location where it would rendezvous with the Intrepid BattleGroup. Naole arrives at the Ship''s command Bridge/Centre to find that the ships command staff is already there. Kiran : " Master Naole! We are ready to make the jump." Coms-O : " Captain we are receiving communications channel from our escort Cruisers!" Kiran : " On screen!" Capt-Madira : " This is Captain Kao Madira of the Crystalorb Cruiser Raven Broadcasting to Crimson! Confirm?" Kiran : " Acknowledged Raven!" Capt-Madira : " This is as far as we go Captain! We are turning back!" Kiran : " Understood Madira!" Capt-Madira : " Good Luck Kiran! Raven out!" Kiran : " Navigation lock-in coordinates and take us in!" Nav-O : " Aye Captain!" The Crimson opens a wormhole into normal space emerging some distance from the Intrepid BattleGroup. Surv-O : " Intrepid BattleGroup Coming up!" Kiran : " On screen!" Tact-O : " Assuming designated position!" Nav-O : " Docking speed!" Coms-O : " In coming Communications channel Captain!" Kiran : " Show me" Isis : " It took you long enough?" Kiran : " Had to pick up an old man!" both Isis and Kiran laugh Isis : " Are you ready?" Kiran : " Good to go!" Isis : " All Ships execute jump sequence 116!" All the ships in the Intrepid BattleGroup jump into hyperspace and emerge near GG54171 and make their final approach to the staging location. At the staging location the Intrepid BattleGroup finds that all parties have already arrived. Guardian Isis establishes communications with the formation leaders of the United Atlantic Federation deep space Exploration BattleGroup and the African Federation Exploration BattleGroup; consisting of 3 Nubia Class Destroyers and 1 Valiant Class Corvette. Isis : " This is Commander Isis Olen of the Crystalan Ship Intrepid Broadcasting on frequency 220! Requesting permission to enter grid GG54171" Capt-Andrews :" This is Captain Jim Andrews of the United Atlantic Federation Destroyer Boston; Designated Expedition leader! Permission Granted! Good to have you with us!" Capt-Kondi : " This is Group Captain Thana Kondi of the African Federation Destroyer Venga! Welcome to GG54171!" Thana Kondi is one of the few women in the African Federation to hold the rank of Group Captain, and that''s because in the African Federal Security Force there''s intense competition for senior positions, meaning that having a family becomes a disadvantage. Thana Kondi is next in line for promotion to Fleet Captain which has the rank of Rear Admiral, and would mean taking command of a Vanguard Class BattleCruiser. Isis, Jalen and Naole join Capt-Andrews and Capt-Kondi onboard the UAS Boston A2251 for a planning session before they embark on the expedition. Naole travels onboard the Cobalt on its first major mission. Capt-Andrews: " Welcome aboard the UAS Boston A2251!" Isis : " Thank you Captain!" Capt-Kondi : " Thank you Captain!" Isis : " Let me present my people." pointing at Jalen Guardian Jalen Olen; Head of the Crystalorb Research Division!" Jalen : " I''ll be handling the Artefact entry protocol." Isis : " Dr Jalen Olen is my husband." then pointing at Naole May I present Guardian Naole Olen. Dr Naole Olen is the Head of the Crystalorb Engineering Division." Naole : " In the words of the Council of Elders; I''m here for the unexpected!" Isis : " Naole is Crystalorb''s Chief Ship builder! He, more than anyone available understands StarShips" Capt-Andrews: " All of you! Welcome to the team!" Capt-Kondi : " If I may?" Captain Kondi looks at Naole "Any relation to the Naole who commanded Crystalorb''s contingent during the Enthea Campaign?" Isis : " He''s the very same!" Capt-Kondi : " But he''s so young?" turning to look at Isis "He can''t be more than 30 years old." Isis : " Trust me when I tell you that Naole only looks like a young man!" Jalen and Isis laugh "He''s the oldest man on this ship!" Naole : " Were you at the battle for Enthea?" Capt-Kondi : " Yes! I commanded the AFS Harare A2198; A CVI updated Apollo Class Destroyer." Naole : " The Harare took some serious hits didn''t it?" Capt-Kondi : " Yes she did! I''m surprised you remember! After Enthea I was assigned the AFS Venga A2252." after a brief pause "I thought you were a Fleet commander, not a scientist? Where''s your ship the Indigo?" Isis : " Naole is a Knowledge Guardian. Naole designed the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser." Capt-Kondi : " Wow!" Isis : " He''s the highest ranking Crystalan on the Moon Crystalorb!" Naole : " Indigo still has a year of repairs to go." Capt-Kondi : " That''s a long time!" Naole : " Crystalan Ships are alive and therefore take longer to heal, but Indigo should be ready for the 2257 five year anniversary of the Enthea Campaign." Capt-Andrews: " Getting back to business!" everyone looks at the screens "The ship is 825 metres long, 250 metres high and 283 metres wide. The hull is made from a material we haven''t been able to identify. However further analysis of its hull indicates similarities to those used by the older races. From its size we concluded that its probably a scouting ship of some kind." after a brief pause "I''ll now hand over to my Science officer for further details." Sci-O : " As you''ve all seen in our data pack we dug into the ice, and have been stopped by a powerful shield! We can only speculate as to the exact nature of the ship''s power source, but what we know is that it survived the extensive damage that occurred during the crash. We want to enter the ship without causing further damage to the vessel, and we hope to preserve the ship for transport to our research facility on Atlantis Colony." after a brief pause "The shield modulation is as expected to be beyond even quantum computational limits. However we think that the reactive nature of your Energy Weapons Crystal could generate a localized breach in the ship''s shield without damaging the hull, and that will allow us to stabilize the breach using reflector modules. Then we can send in our teams to investigate." Jalen : " What about the hull? If it''s as advanced as you think it is, then how do you plan to penetrate it?" Sci-O : " We''ve identified what we believe is some sort of access port, and we intend to use a plasma torch to cut our way in." after a brief pause "It will of course take a while." Jalen : " Perhaps we can help with that!" Naole : " Please excuse me" Naole''s helmet face cover activates, sealing off his face " I''m getting a signal from Cobalt." Now on a private channel to Cobalt "What is it?" Cobalt : " Requesting permission to leave sir. I''m Hungry!" Naole : " Ok" Naole opens face cover to speak to Isis "Cobalt is hungry! Is there a Juvenile in the BattleGroup?" Isis : " No! But Intrepid has extensive reserves." Isis activates the Joint Communications Channel allowing her to simultaneously speak to all Crystalan Ships and Guardians "Intrepid! Cobalt''s fusion reactor has recently become active, he''s hungry, and he needs mineral resources, guide him onboard and give him what he needs." Intrepid : " Will do Guardian!" taking a moment to locate Cobalt and establish Communications "Isn''t he a little young to have an active fusion reactor?" Isis : " It must be the blue Crystals!" Intrepid : " Got him! Intrepid out!" Isis : " Cobalt is onboard the Intrepid!" Naole : " He told me." Naole turns his attention to the science officer "Please continue!" Capt-Andrews: " Wait" Captain Andrews stops the science officer and looks at Isis and Naole "Did the just have a conversation with the Ship?" Isis : " Yes! He''s a living, feeling, person!" Capt-Andrews: " You hear about it, but it''s a different thing to actually see it!" Isis : " Intrepid, A''ltana and Indigo hold the rank of Guardian, and they are part of the Guardian Council." Jalen : " A Deputy Guardian holds the rank equivalent authority of a Rear Admiral, a Guardian has the rank equivalent authority of a Vice Admiral, a Deputy Guardian Commander holds the rank equivalent authority of an Admiral, and a Guardian Commander holds the rank equivalent authority of a Fleet Admiral or an Admiral of the Fleet. However the rank of Deputy Guardian Commander and the rank of Guardian Commander are functional ranks, and as such are attached to duties and responsibilities, once those duties end they revert to the rank of Guardian." Capt-Andrews: " Are you saying that your people will actually take orders from a ship?" Naole : " It''s not just a Ship, it''s a person!" Isis : " In my absence Intrepid assumes command of the Intrepid BattleGroup, and that''s 40% of the time." Capt-Andrews: " I see!" Captain Andrews looks at the science officer "Please continue!" Sci-O : " As I was saying, once we enter the ship we expect Crystalans to lead the way." after a brief pause as he looks at Jalen "Your Crystal Armour can give you the kind of protection we can only dream about. new data appears on the screens "We think that this area is the ships Bridge." a section of the ship is highlighted on the screens "This is where we will start our analysis, and once that area is secure we can begin searching the ship for possible survivors; though we don''t expect to find any." the images on the screens change "We think that whoever built this ship had to be very advanced, and by extrapolation we''ve calculated that the Civilisation capable of building such a vessel would have to be at least 200000 years old." Capt-Kondi : " Why 200000 years? I mean why not 100000 years or 50000 years?" Sci-O : " This is not an exact science, but then its been shown that; the more Advanced a Civilisation becomes the more Advanced the Civilisation''s materials. From this we are able to create Civilisation Development Charts." some Civilisation Development Charts appear on screens "For example The Azleck Republic with its population of a little over Three hundred million consumes energy that is equivalent to that consumed by 20 billion humans. The Nabi Federated Kingdom is another example of the phenomenon." Capt-Kondi : " Is that a chart for the Moon Crystalorb?" Sci-O : " Yes!" Capt-Kondi : " Where did you get your Data?" Sci-O : " I''m afraid that''s classified! I don''t know where that information comes from." after a brief pause "All I know is that the data points to the fact that Crystalorb has a population estimated at about 20 million, but they consume energy that is the equivalent of 80% of that consumed by the Azleck Republic." Capt-Kondi : " Do you have any Idea how dangerous that information is?" Capt-Andrews: " How so?" Isis : " The Migon have been known to target Civilisations for destruction based on the amount of energy they consume. Fortunately your information is speculative, and there is no definitive proof of the Data." Naole : " Theres only one group that has the technical capabilities to gather such information, only on group that has the ability spy one our facilities on the Moon Crystalorb." Capt-Kondi : " Hodians?" Isis : " Hodians would never be that reckless!" Jalen : " The Circle!" Isis : " Circleans don''t care about the survival of the human race, they see themselves as superior to Humans, they''ve long made the distinction between themselves and other humans, and all they''re interested in is their own survival." Sci-O : " But they are Crystalans; Aren''t they?" Naole : " Rogue Crystalans!" Isis : " They may look like us, but they are not us!" Jalen : " They will destroy the human race if you give them the opportunity!" Naole : " They can''t help being destructive, it''s the nature of the Negative Psionic Energy!" Capt-Kondi : " Information about Crystalorb must be kept in the highest confidence! I can''t stress enough how important this is!" Capt-Andrews: " If we have this info, then it''s probable that others have it too. I mean the developments on the Moon Crystalorb have been the most rapid on record." shaking his head "None of the races in the region have ever done anything like this. Something like this does not go unnoticed." looking at Isis "In just a few decades you''ve built the largest cities in the history of Human Civilisation. Two Cities, each more than 800km across, and at the rate you are going the Cities will be 2000km across in a decade. This while you simultaneously build some of the most powerful Cruisers in the galaxy." after a brief pause "This information might be dangerous, but we are not the only ones watching." Sci-O : " Getting back to current business." The screens show details of the ship "Once we are inside our main focus will be to study the power source, and once we understand the intricacies we will turn off the shield and weapon systems, then we will raise the ship from the ice." Jalen : " What''s your time line?" Sci-O : " 48 hours!" Naole : " Then we will be ready by then" The meeting is adjourned and the parties return to their battle groups. Onboard the Intrepid Isis, Jalen and Naole open a Joint Communications Channel with Commander Cyris and the Council of Elders. Isis : " Honoured Elders!" brief pause "We''ve learnt something that demands Crystalorb''s urgent attention!" Scarlet : " What is so important?" Isis : " The Circle has been watching and monitoring our activities, but more importantly they are selling their analysis of our capabilities." Scarlet : " Selling to who?" Jalen : " To Human Governments, Companies and possibly others." Cyris : " How accurate is their analysis?" Naole : " About 40% accurate! Looks like it was a good Idea to place our Fusion reactors deep underground. They don''t know about our programs to rapidly expand our population, and it seems their technology is still far behind ours, but their stealth technology means that we have to double our search efforts in order to prevent them from learning more of our secrets." Scarlet : " They must not find out about our plans to place Spirit Stone fragments on the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons!" Cyris : " The Spirit Stone shields us from their power, and it will protect the SkyGarrisons from their Negative Psionic Energy technology." Jalen : " We must accelerate our plans and place Spirit Stone fragments on the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons as soon as possible." Naole : " We must accelerate the plan to harvest 20% of the energy of stars near the Ra system, this is critical to empowering the Spirit Stone, and with the Spirit Stone empowered we will be able to defend ourselves should the Migon attack." Scarlet : " We will do what we can to accelerate our development programs." As the scientist prepared to enter the wreckage of a StarShip from ancient times they could not help but hope that the journey into the unknown would bring with it new discoveries that would change the known world forever. After 48 hours of planning scientists from the United Atlantic Federation, the African Federation of City States and Crystalorb were ready to proceed. Crystalans did not believe that the wreck could bring any new technological knowledge, but they were interested in the historical knowledge of the ancient Interstellar Civilisation that had built the vessel. Crystalorb already had in its possession advanced knowledge from their friends the O''ltana. On the surface of the Iced over planet size moon the 130 metre long, 12 year old, Intrepid Class baby Crystalan Ship Strab was transporting equipment from his mother Inara into the tunnel that led to the wreck. The Intrepid Class Crystalan Ship Inara would be the one to supply the Electrolaser required to break through the shields of the wreck. This was delicate work that could not be entrusted to a baby Crystalan Ship, and it required precision and control that baby Crystalan Ships don''t have. When everything was in place and it was time to break through the ship''s shields and hull the other Crystalans left it to Jalen to make a record for the Crystalorb archives. Jalen : " Earth date 05-12-2256! Guardian''s Log; Having completed our planning we are ready to proceed as planned. I can only hope that there are no traps inside the vessel since I''m to enter first. As is tradition amongst Crystalans, Guardians lead the way! Captain Jim Andrews of the United Atlantic Federation the official Expedition leader would prefer to send marines in first to secure the area before the research team can enter, but I''ve managed to convince him that my rank of Guardian is not just a title. However Captain Andrews found it difficult to believe that the head of research could also be a warrior. Fortunately Group Captain Thana Kondi of the African Federation assured him that the African Federation would not hold him responsible for any harm that I might suffer. I would be lying if I said that I''m not afraid, but it brings me comfort to know that my wife is here with me, and that we have the Intrepid BattleGroup, but most of all it''s that we have Master Naole watching over us. I think that the Council of Elders must have known that we would be afraid, and that they sent Naole with us to put our minds at ease. It''s hard not to feel confident when you know that the Legendary Blue Guardian is watching over you. I see the anticipation in the eyes of the young men and women who are about to follow me into the unknown, and I wonder if I''ll be leading them to their deaths. This is why I''m a scientist; I don''t like making life and death decisions!" Insulated from the freezing cold by the Crystal Armour Jalen then leaves the Strap and joins the rest of the Expedition at the end of the 15m diameter tunnel through the Ice. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 24 ─ Encounter - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 24 Encounter ?~? Jalen : " Is everyone ready?" Capt-Andrews: " Good to go!" Capt-Kondi : " Lead the way!" Isis : " Ready!" Inara : " Ready!" Jalen : " Ok then! Execute!" Inala uses her bottom Energy Crystal to produce the required Electrolaser, and when the artefacts shields react defensively Inara modulates the Electrolaser to match that of the shields being produced by the artefact. This process allowed a hole to form on the artefacts shields. And the science team could then proceed to cut a hole in the wreck and enter the vessel. Sci-O UAF : " The Shield breach is stable!" Jalen : " Alright people lets do this! Breach team 3 follow me in!" after a brief pause as Jalen approaches the hole in the Hull of the vessel "Entering artefact!" Capt-Andrews: " Breach team 1 Entering artefact!" Sci-O UAF : " Breach team 2 Entering artefact!" Isis : " Setting up security parameters!" after a moment "Security grid active!" Jalen : " Searching for life signs!" pause "Multiple bio signatures detected, but are of insufficient quantity; possibly food stores." Sci-O UAF : " Internal Temperature reading; 8 degrees Celsius. Atmosphere; 5% oxygen. 25% methane, 11% carbon dioxide, 7% helium and 52% Nitrogen." Jalen : " Isis!" he turns to look at his wife Secure the bridge!" Isis : " Will do!" Isis gives instructions to 3 Vanguard teams and they immediately leave the group for the vessel''s bridge All teams go Coms silent until bridge is secure!" A moment later the 3 Vanguard teams arrive at the bridge, and Guardian Armoured senior Vanglead Kepo Lesedi reports. Kepo : " Bridge is secure Guardian!" Isis : " Good!" Kepo : " Sending data!" Isis : " I see!" this as Isis receives data on the secure route to the vessel''s bridge. Isis then turns to face Jalen "Everything is in place! Jalen : " Mission Command!" Capt-Andrews: " Acknowledged" Jalen : " First objectives met; We are proceeding to the bridge." Capt-Andrews: " Proceed!" Jalen : " All research teams proceed to the Bridge!" Capt-Kondi : " Will do!" Sci-O UAF : " Aye sir!" At the bridge the Crystalorb Research team begins work on making a data link between the wreck''s computers and Inara. This would allow the advanced computational capabilities of the Inara to analyse the vessel''s systems and find the data storage centres. Once the data link was established Inara quickly found the vessel''s stored data, and the most easily accessible information was the vessel''s Captain''s/ Ship''s Log. Once Inara finished the decryption she reports to Jalen. Inara : " Video logs decrypted Guardian!" Jalen : " Show us the Captain''s Log! Start with the last entry!" The Volumetric displays on Jalen''s Guardian Crystal Armour activate with automatic translations. Vilze : " This is Captain Vilze of the Vipun Empire broadcasting on emergency frequency 110! This is Vipun Imperial Frigate # 4152! To any allied ship; we''ve experienced critical systems failure as a result of Migon fusion beam weaponry! There are 50 people onboard, and because this class of vessel does not have stasis modules we cannot survive prolonged exposure to the cold! We made a crash landing on this moon because we new that Ice would soften our landing, but since our propulsion systems were destroyed during the battle we can''t hope to leave this moon without assistance." Jalen : " Inara search for records of the initial Migon attack" Inara : " Searching!" after a brief pause "Found 7 records!" Jalen : " Show us!" Inara : " Sending!" Vilze : " 220000 years ago, when our race was in its infancy we were visited by the Entig Republic. They chose to make contact with our pre-Civilisation culture because we have something that most Civilisations don''t; Our natural ability to bend light. It''s this ability that eventually drew the Dark ones to us!" pause "They came out of nowhere!" A Holographic Video projection of 1000 wormholes appears; showing 1200 BattleSpheres emerging and targeting a single location on the surface of the planet with Advanced Fusion Beam weapons. This single attack caused the section of the planet targeted to erupt in a massive Supervolcano, blanketing the planet in volcanic ash, and toxic gases. Nothing can explain the look of horror in the faces of the researchers as they began to understand the true power of the enemy the human race would one day face. Capt-Andrews : " Oh my God!" Capt-Kondi : " Gone in just seconds!" Sci-O UAF : " Planet Killers!" Jalen : " How can this be?" Isis : " So that''s how they do it!" Captain Vilze continues. Vilze : " They made no demands! They gave no explanation! They just simply arrived and destroyed our homeland in just seconds." the tentacles on his head turn bright red as a sign of anger "Billions of Narvpun were killed! This is the price we paid for our arrogance! We ignored the warnings of our friends the Entig, and our leaders were convinced of our ability to repel a Migon attack, but we were wrong." pause "For the next 4 Earth years we fought the greatest enemy our people have ever faced, we brought our full might to bear against this ancient evil, but it was not enough. Our 40000 ship strong fleet was soon reduced to 4000 Galaxy Class Warships!" an Image of a large MotherShip appears "In a final act of survival we expanded our last colony ship and placed 1 million of our people in stasis modules onboard the Ship we named Last Hope. However the Migon attacked and we were forced to launch the Last Hope into Nth Dimensional Hyperspace before the new jump drives were installed. The ship is on course to the Entig Republic, and it may take many millennia to reach the target locations moving slowly in Hyperspace. My ship and others were given the responsibility of leading the Migon away from the Last Hope, and its route is unknown to us, but all of us hope that we have fulfilled our responsibilities and our duty. This is Captain Vilze of the Vipun Empire onboard the Vipun Imperial Frigate # 4152, and I make this recording as a warning to any who finds this message; Prepare yourselves, Save yourselves, Evil is coming!"This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Jalen : " Inara; search for any records of Hakum and alliance!" Inara : " Ok!" pause "There!" Vilze : " 150000 years ago the Entig Republic returned to our homeland Vipun and found our Civilisation prospering. The Entig were very pleased to discover that our Civilisation had survived the initial stages of our development. We soon learned that the Entig had returned to warn us, to help us survive the dangers that were to come. For a long time we could not understand what kind of power would make the Entig afraid. The Entig Republic gave us Hyperspace technology and Advanced Weapons. We gained Advanced knowledge on Galaxy Class Interstellar Warships designs that transformed us into a major Galactic Civilisation. 60000 years ago we made contact with our only neighbours the Naw Consortium and the Bunar Federation, and together we formed the Vipun Alliance. Though the Naw and the Bunar were not as advanced as the Narvpun they made good progress, and when the time came they were ready to fight. The first indication that our Civilisations were under attack came with an assault on a Naw colony by the reptilian allies of the Migon 600 years ago. Until that initial attack our peoples began to believe that the Migon were a myth, and that the Entig Republic was afraid of ghosts. The Hakum seem to be the only known allies of the dark ones, and for whatever reason they serve as the heralds of the Migon Federation. Our analysis indicates that there are 3 Classes of Hakum; ?1? The Scouting Division that looks for Civilisations and minerals, ?2? The Colonial Division that colonizes areas of valuable resources and ?3? The Migon Escort Division who''s primary role is to escort Migon BattleSpheres into battle. The Migon Escort Hakum Division is the most powerful of the Hakum, and the colonial group is of medium strength, with the scouting group being fairly basic in their capabilities." The screen begins to show large battles showing Naw Consortium, Bunar Federation and Vipun Empire capital Ships involved in a large battle with Hakum Sky Blades, Hakum Sky Daggers, Hakum Sky Swords and Hakum Sky Spears Jalen : " By the Source!" Capt-Andrews: " Are those Fusion Beams?" Capt-Kondi : " Hakum Sky Blades, Hakum Sky Daggers, Hakum Sky Swords, Hakum Sky Spears armed with Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons?" Isis : " This must be the Migon Escort Hakum Division." The broadcast continues. Vilze : " We think that the Hakum Migon Escort Division use the same type of vessels as the other Hakum Divisions precisely to confuse their enemies. The first time we encountered the Hakum Migon Escort Division we assumed that they were the same as the other Hakum ships we faced before, but we were wrong, and many of our people paid the price for making that mistake. The Hakum Migon Escort Division Ships have more Advanced Armour, and they use materials similar to those used by Migon BattleSpheres. Our analysis indicates that these ships may have been built by the Migon themselves." Hakum ship schematics appear on screens "The shapes and sizes are identical to other ships of the classes, but these ships only carry 2 plasma Cannons, and additional Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons. The Hakum Sky Blades, Hakum Sky Daggers and Hakum Sky Swords all carry 2 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons of progressively powerful output. The Hakum Sky Spears and Hakum Sky Super-Spears carry 4 and 6 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons respectively. The hulls of the ships of the Hakum Migon Escort Division are made from advanced Migon materials, and the Ships seem to have massive Migon energy generation and reserves. How ever there is hope!" the tentacles on his head turn blue as a sign of him being calm It looks like the hulls of the ships of the Hakum Migon Escort Division are not as thick as those of the Migon BattleSpheres, and if a ship has enough energy reserves to overcome their shield they can destroy them. Larger may actually be better in this case!" with a hopeful demeanour "This is Captain Vilze of the Vipun Empire onboard the Vipun Imperial Frigate # 4152, and I make this recording as a message of hope, so that any who finds this message may learn the secrets of victory! That there is always hope!" After they view the message Jalen opens a channel with mission command. Jalen : " Mission command this is Jalen!" Capt-Andrews: " Acknowledged Jalen!" Jalen : " Have the principals been informed of what weve just learnt?" Capt-Andrews: " The decrypted data has been sent to our Governments. The United Atlantic Federation has designated the recovery of the Vipun Imperial Frigate # 4152 to be of highest strategic value. To that end they are sending 3 BattleGroups including the Atlantis BattleGroup." Jalen : " What about the African Federation?" Capt-Andrews: " They indicated that all they have to spare at the moment are 4 Nubia Class Destroyers." Jalen : " Is that enough?" Capt-Andrews: " We have more than enough, but then again after what we''ve seen?" Jalen : " I agree!" Joint Communications Channel from Naole interrupts "Yes?" Naole : " I''m feeling anxious!" Capt-Andrews: " We are all feeling anxious!" Jalen : " You don''t understand Captain!" Capt-Andrews: " I do, and now that we''ve seen what we face we are all a little afraid!" Jalen : " No you don''t understand! If Naole is anxious, it means that the Council of Elders is anxious! We are all connected!" Capt-Andrews: " What would make your Council of Elders anxious?" Jalen : " The Council of Elders as a unit is intuitive!" Jalen does not disclose that the Spirit Stone is also extremely intuitive, and that it is the Spirit Stone''s power that senses the danger. The existence of the Spirit Stone remains a closely guarded secret "They can sense intent!" Captain Kondi joins in. Capt-Kondi : " What sort of intent?" Capt-Andrews: " I''m guessing bad intent!" Naole : " The Elders are having difficulty seeing us clearly, and that can only mean that negative energy is close!" Isis : " Could it be Hodian?" Naole : " No! The energy is potent, possibly Circlean; Either way we have to prepare." Isis : " I Understand!" She extends the Joint Communications Channel to all Crystalan Ships "This is fleet command! Activate Red-Con One! Assume battle formation! Inara send Strab to pick us up! Master Naole, please return to Crimson, I may need you to...!" Naole : " Ooh Hell!" Naole interrupts Isis as 50 wormholes form some 2000 km from the BattleGroups "Something is coming through!" Isis : " Identify!" Naole : " It''s the Hakum!" Hakum ships emerge and open fire "Take cover!" Onboard the UAS Boston Captain Andrews was trying to keep his people calm in the face of overwhelming numbers. Capt-Andrews: " Damage reports!" Eng-O : " We have hull breaches on deck 16,19,26 and 27 Sir! 2 Reactors offline, and energy supply down by 20%" Capt-Andrews: " Weapons?" Wpns-O : " Weapon systems active" Capt-Andrews: " Fire at will!" Wpns-O : " Aye sir!" Capt-Andrews: " Coms open a channel to fleet command!" Coms-O : " Aye!" Capt-Andrews: " This is Captain of the United Atlantic Federation Destroyer Boston broadcasting on EarthCom 001; we are under attack at grid GG54171! Requesting assistance!" The captain now turns his attention to bridge officers "Surveillance talk to me!" Surv-O : " I''m reading 18 Sky Blades, 30 Sky Daggers, 12 Sky Swords and 8 Sky Spears! All Fusion armed!" Capt-Andrews: " Tactics?" Tact-O : " They''re focusing their fire on the Crystalorb Group!" Coms-O : " Captain the Intrepid wants us to regroup in Hyperspace!" Capt-Andrews: " I''m not taking orders from a ship! We have people on that moon!" Exec-O: " We have more people on the ships Sir!" Tact-O : " If the Crystalans leave we''ll be destroyed sir" Surv-O : " I''m picking ups the blue baby ship Cobalt heading straight for us sir!" Capt-Andrews: " Coms, inform Cobalt that we''re regrouping, tell him to follow us in! Navigation retreat to designated position" Nav-O : " Aye Sir!" Coms-O : " Aye Sir!" In the relative safety of Hyperspace the Expedition regroups and conducts repairs on their damaged Ships. Crystalan Ships being more heavily armoured have survived the brief battle better than the other Ships in the Expedition, and only one Crystalan Ship the Icnus took serious damage as it protected the Intrepid from multiple Fusion Beams aimed at the Formation leader. One of the 3 Nubia Class Destroyers forming part of the African Federation Exploration BattleGroup had been destroyed, and the United Atlantic Federation deep space Exploration BattleGroup had lost one of its 3 Apollo Class Destroyers and one of its 2 Frigates. With the destruction of each of the ships came the possible loss of thousands of lives, and more lives were still at stake because those who survived the destruction of the ships faced a cruel death at the hands of the Hakum. Onboard the Intrepid Naole is on Joint Communications Channel with all Crystalan Ships and Commanders. Naole : " How are we doing?" Icnus : " Emergency procedures are under way! My systems are stable!" Intrepid : " All other ships are reporting Minor damage to their skins, but all in all we are Battle ready" Naole : " Protocol says that as the highest ranking officer I''m to assume command of the BattleGroup, and we all know that we are not suppose to leave our people behind. I can''t make this decision alone! Do we wait for reinforcements, or do we go back in for our people?" Naole puts it to a vote, and all senior staff indicate a desire to return to the battlefield "Icnus, you''ll have to stay here with the baby ships and the non-essential personnel." Icnus : " Will do commander!" Intrepid : " We need a plan, because we are outnumbered!" Inara : " But we are not outgunned!" Crimson : " Though the odds are not in our favour!" Naole : " We need to decide on objectives!" Icnus : " Personnel transfer is almost complete Commander!" Intrepid : " What if we ignore the smaller ships!" Naole : " It''s risky!" Crimson : " We would all take serious hits!" Naole : " Yes, but then we could focus our attacks on the Fusion Beam Cannons of the 12 Sky Swords and 8 Sky Spears!" Intrepid : " Yes! If we don''t try to destroy them, but only aim to eliminate their offensive capabilities we remove them as a factor in the battle!" Inara : " What about the 18 Sky Blades and 30 Sky Daggers?" Crimson : " That''s a total of 96 Fusion Beam Cannons!" Kiran : " There in lies the problem! We don''t have enough Ships! The longer we are in there the higher the probability that we''ll never get out!" Naole : " First we take out the offensive capabilities of the Sky Swords and Sky Spears, and then we take out the offensive capabilities of the Sky Blades and Sky Daggers. If the Hakum are smart they''ll run, and that''s what we want." Intrepid : " It is?" Naole : " Yes! We don''t need a total victory, but what we seek is a symbolic victory!" Crimson : " Convince them that even their most advanced warships are no match for Crystalan Ships." Naole : " Exactly!" Icnus : " Personnel transfer complete Commander!" Naole : " Alright! Its time!" Intrepid : " Let''s do it!" Onboard the UAS Boston Captain Andrews is overseeing repairs, the surveillance and tactical officers notice the activities of the Intrepid BattleGroup and bring it to the Captains attention. Surv-O : " The Crystalans are making a move Sir!" Capt-Andrews: " What are they doing? Are they leaving?" Tact-O : " I think they''re going back for their people Sir!" Capt-Andrews: " What? Against those odds?" Tact-O : " Looks like they''re going in Captain!" Capt-Andrews: " Get me Captain Kondi of the AFS Venga!" Coms-O : " Aye Sir!" Capt-Andrews: " Captain I''m looking at my screens, and I don''t understand what I''m seeing!" Capt-Kondi : " I see it too Captain!" Capt-Andrews: " Are you planning to go back in without us?" Capt-Kondi : " Mission objectives have changed Captain! Your BattleGroup profile does not meet current objectives!" Capt-Andrews: " I''m in command of this mission Captain!" Capt-Kondi : " You were the Designated Expedition Leader! However since the Expedition is over, and the Vipun Imperial Frigate # 4152 is destroyed, things have therefore changed! Fleet Command has ordered that I follow protocol!" Capt-Andrews: " And that is?" Capt-Kondi : " The Highest ranking officer assumes command of the African Federation Forces, and in this case that is Field Commander Naole!" Capt-Andrews: " Field Commander?" Capt-Kondi : " Yes, the rank of an Admiral!" Capt-Andrews : " God dammed it Kondi! I have people down there!" Capt-Kondi : " So do I Andrews!" Capt-Andrews : " I need to be there!" he signals his Coms officer "Get me Naole!" Coms-O : " Aye Sir!" Capt-Andrews: " Commander! Admiral! Guardian!" his head sinks into his shoulders "If you''re going back in, then I want to be part of it!" Naole : " This isn''t a rescue party Captain!" Capt-Andrews : " Then it''s payback?" Naole : " This is about sending a message to the Hakum!" Capt-Andrews : " A message? You''re going back into the fire to send a message?" Naole : " This is about more than this moment Captain, and if the Hakum leave here believing that they''ve shaken Human resolve then many more of this type of ships will return, costing more human lives. We must draw the line here Captain!" Naole''s face filled with resolve and intent "They must understand that even their most Advanced Warships are not enough!" Capt-Andrews : " I get it, and I still want to go!" Naole : " Do you understand what you''re asking for? We won''t think any less of you if you stay!" Capt-Andrews : " I do!" Naole : " Then talk to your people and remove all nonessential personnel from your ships and transfer them to Icnus!" Capt-Andrews : " Will do!" Naole : " Captain Kondi!" Naole gains Captain Kondi''s attention "You and Andrews wont be jumping in with us, but you''ll be conducting long range manoeuvres. Once we draw the Hakum forces away from GG54171, you must move in and conduct recovery operations on the moon, save as many as you can! If some of the Sky Blades come for you then you''ll be on your own, but I''m confident you have enough to deal with them! Good luck!" Capt-Kondi : " Likewise Commander!" Onboard the Intrepid Naole is on Joint Communications Channel with all Crystalan Ships, Crystalan Commanders, Captain Andrews and Captain Kondi. Naole : " To all Crystalorb Elements! We are going in hot, therefore reaction times will have to be quick, and there is an increased possibility of collisions. So do your best to avoid them! Keep a tight formation! We are going to cut straight through them!" Naole''s face gets serious "The Hakum have tipped their hand, but then again we also have a few tricks up our sleeves! Today the reptiles will understand that we are not prey! Today they will understand that we are not inferior! Today the reptiles will know with certainty that they can not win!" Naole is on the Joint Communications Channel with all Ships "To all ships! You know what you have to do! You know what must be done! Most of all you know what''s at stake!" Naole''s voice becomes calming "It''s OK to feel fear! It''s OK to be afraid! But it''s not OK to be a coward! This is our moment! Our time! And if this is our last, then so be it! War is hell people, and by God we will give them hell!" There are Cheers on all the ships in the BattleGroups "Here we go again!" pause "Execute!" The Intrepid BattleGroup opens wormholes to normal space and enters them. 【VAF】Chapter║: 25 ─ Into the Fire - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 25 Into the Fire ?~? The Intrepid BattleGroup emerges from Hyperspace at the edge of the Hakum BattleGroup. Moving at high speed the Intrepid BattleGroup ploughs into the Hakum BattleGroup while simultaneously targeting the Fusion Beam Cannons of the12 Sky Swords and 8 Sky Spears with Thunder Force Strikes and Electrolaser Particle Beams. The Point Deflector Shields and the Refractive-Reflective Skins of the Crystalan Ships proved to be extremely effective against Fusion Beams, and this help the Intrepid BattleGroup survive the initial phase of their assault on the Hakum BattleGroup. By moving straight through the Hakum BattleGroup the Intrepid BattleGroup threw the Hakum into a chaotic state resulting in friendly fire incidents, and that created hesitation on the part of the Hakum ship commanders, giving the Crystalans the opportunity they needed to complete their task of taking out the offensive capabilities of the Hakum capital Ships. The speed of the Crystalan attack clearly caught the Hakum by surprise, and in all their planning they did not include Crystalan boldness in their calculations. As the Intrepid BattleGroup emerges on the other side of the Hakum BattleGroup there is a clear path across, and the Hakum are beginning their pursuit of the rapidly moving Intrepid BattleGroup. On the surface it looked like there had been little damage to the Hakum BattleGroup, and It took a moment for the Hakum commanders to realise that the Fusion Beam Cannons of the 12 Sky Swords and 8 Sky Spears had been destroyed by Thunder Force Strikes and Electrolaser Particle Beams. With their big guns gone the Hakum would have a tougher time dealing with the Intrepid BattleGroup, and to the Hakum the Intrepid and Indigo Class Crystalan Ships could be classified as BattleCruisers; equivalent to their Sky Spears. While the Hakum recognized that the Crystalan Ships were very advanced, they did not realize that the Crystalan Ships are actually; living, feeling, Sapient beings. The ability of the Crystalan Ships to think for themselves meant that they could analyze and react without requiring input from a control source. This meant that given enough distance the Crystalan Ships could deflect even a Fusion Beam using their Point Deflector Shields and their Refractive-Reflective Skin; this was because Fusion Beams are slower than Scalar Lasers and other Particle Beams, and given enough time the trajectory of a Fusion Beam can be calculated. In normal space the Crystalan Ships are faster than even the advanced Hakum Migon Escort Division Ships, and this allowed the Crystalan Ships to create the space they needed to employ counter measures against Fusion Beams from Hakum Sky Blades and Hakum Sky Daggers. The Hakum elected to pursue the Crystalan Ships with everything, leaving only 2 Sky Daggers to continue to search for human survivors from their initial attack taking shelter on the moon of GG54171. The pursuit of the Intrepid BattleGroup moves the Hakum further and further away from GG54171, and this provides and opportunity for United Atlantic Federation and African Federation forces to return and do their part of the plan. Onboard the Intrepid Naole is on Joint Communications Channel with all Crystalan Ships and Crystalan Commanders, keeping constant contact as the Intrepid BattleGroup manoeuvres and changes formations to avoid and deflect Fusion Beams. The Crystalan Ship Inara sends a priority message to Naole. Inara : " Ventral thrusters hit! Unable to sustain acceleration!" Naole : " Acknowledged! To all ships assume line formation! Attack pattern 110!" All Crystalan Ships answer in the affirmative, and the Ships change their formation. Naole then gets priority Coms from the Crystalan Ship Crimson and its captain Kiran. Crimson : " Lead ships coming through! Taking point!" Naole : " Kiran theyre heading straight for me, let them in, and give them a little bump!" Kiran : " Understood!" Crimson : " Setting up manoeuvre!" Intrepid : " Contact in 3,2,1,...!" As the 12 Sky Blades and 15 Sky Daggers attack while attempting to pass through the battle line of the Intrepid BattleGroup, the Crystalan Ships position themselves to implement their unorthodox manoeuvre. To the surprise of the Hakum the Crystalan Ships do more than just return fire, the Crystalan Ships use their sides to bump the Sky Blades and Sky Daggers, and this causes some of them to loose Trajectory and navigational control. The temporary losess in trajectory control sends the bumped lead Sky Blades and Sky Daggers into collision courses with other Sky Blades and Sky Daggers resulting in spectacular collisions and subsequent explosions. After the destruction of 9 Sky Blades and 7 Sky Daggers the Hakum decide to abandon GG54171 and through everything they have against the Intrepid BattleGroup. From the original 18 Sky Blades, 30 Sky Daggers, 12 Sky Swords and 8 Sky Spears the Hakum now had 9 Sky Blades, 21 Sky Daggers, 12 Sky Swords and 8 Sky Spears. About 90% of the Hakum Fusion Beam Cannons had been destroyed, and this meant that the Hakum had lost the advantage, but the Crystalan Ships of the Intrepid BattleGroup had taken serious damage from initial Hakum Fusion Beam Cannons. The Hakum commanders could not understand why the humans had returned to GG54171 after their initial escape, it didn''t make sense to the Hakum, but they were beginning to understand that humans were not like other Races. This was the intent of the Crystalan''s return; to make the Hakum understand that raids won''t work against humans, and to make the Hakum understand that only a large scale assault will work. A large scale attack that the humans will inevitably see coming. Onboard the Intrepid Naole opens a Communications Channel with Captain Jim Andrews of the UAS Boston A2251 and Captain Thana Kondi of the AFS Venga A2252 Naole : " The path is clear; Move in!" Capt-Andrews : " Will do Captain" Capt-Kondi : " Aye sir!" The United Atlantic Federation ships and the African Federation ships waiting in Hyperspace jump into GG54171 and begin operations to rescue survivors of the initial Hakum attack. The search for ejected life pods would take time, but time was the one thing they did not have because they did not know how long the Crystalans could hold the Hakum at bay in their heavily damaged state. As the battle raged it looked like the Hakum still held the advantage, and even though they were losing their smaller ships their capital ships were still intact. The Hakum Fusion Beam Cannons were their primary weapons, but not their only weapons, and because of their increased energy reserves their Multidirectional Particle Beams were extremely powerful, causing significant damage to the skins of the Crystalan Ships. The Hakum needed a victory against the Crystalan Ships, and they were not prepared to walk away from the battle without a symbolic victory against the most powerful ships in the Human Fleets. The Hakum knew that failure would mean that the best ships they had were simply not enough against the best ships in the Human fleet. Hakum commanders knew that the humans would find a way to grow stronger, and they wanted to capture one of the Crystalan Ships and study it. The tactics of the Crystalan Ships made it difficult for the Hakum to focus their fire, and the fact that the Crystalan Ships were in a line formation meant that they effectively split the Hakum force into smaller groups, forcing the Hakum to also take a battle line formation with fighters used as gun multipliers. The enhanced Armour of the Hakum could withstand even the incredible power of the Thunder Force Strike, but multiple strikes could destroy even their most advanced Armour. As the battle continued both sides knew that it was only a matter of time before human reinforcements arrive, and in particular Crystalorb reinforcements. The Hakum were eager to end the battle before more human ships arrive, and they knew that every second that passed brought the advancing human ships closer. With most of their Fusion Beam Cannons destroyed the Hakum could not fight a larger Human force, and they needed to end things quickly. The Crystalans knew that time was on their side, and the longer they held out, the larger the probability of survival. However the fact that these Hakum ships could challenge Crystalan Ships for supremacy in the skies meant that the fate of the Intrepid BattleGroup hung in the balance, but for the Crystalans this was about more than just this particular battle, for Crystalans this was about the right to choose their own destiny. Naole was worried, and with good reason! For generations the Crystalan Ships reigned supreme in the skies; few ships had the power, speed, and Armour to match the mighty Crystalan Ships. The Crystalan Ships had become the symbol of Human advancement, all the Interstellar Civilisations in the region recognized the superiority of Crystalorb technology, and by extension Human technology. For the first time in nearly 140 years Crystalorb''s Crystalan Ships were being beaten by Hakum ships, and it was clear that at their full capabilities the ships of the Migon Escort Hakum Division were pound for pound slightly more powerful than Crystalorb''s Crystalan Ships. Clearly this particular class of Hakum ships incorporated extremely advanced technology; advanced technology that could only have come from the Migon. The Intrepid; Designation 0001, Transponder code = AFS Intrepid-B0001C, Formation leader of the Intrepid BattleGroup, Flagship of the Crystalorb Expeditionary Division. Even in this particular battle the Intrepid had no equal in power, but one ship does not a navy make. The Intrepid is one of three of the most powerful ships in the Crystalorb Fleet. At slightly more than 15 km in length the AFS Intrepid-B0001C is one of the largest ships in the Human fleet. The destruction of the Intrepid would be more than just a military victory, but a symbolic victory for the Hakum, and this is why they concentrated much of the fire power on the formation leader. However the other Crystalan Ships used this focus on the Intrepid to their advantage, consistently taking direct aim at the ships attacking the Intrepid, and because the skin of the Intrepid is twice as thick as that of the other Crystalan Ships it could take 3 to 4 times the amount of damage that could breach the skins of the other Crystalan Ships. Crystalorb commanders knew that the Intrepid, the A''ltana and the Indigo would become obvious targets in a major battle, so they developed strategies to use their enemy''s focus on the larger ship against them. However in this case the thicker skin of the Intrepid would not be enough, so two other Crystalan Ships moved closer to Intrepid''s sides to offer him more protection. Onboard the Intrepid Naole opens a joint Communications Channel with the Crystalorb Command Centre; establishing contact with the Crystalorb Leadership. Naole : " This isn''t going well!" Naole shakes his head in frustration "Dammed it Cyris!" visibly annoyed "Where the hell are my reinforcements?" Cyris : " ETA is 15 minutes!" Naole : " I don''t know if we can hold them off that long Commander?" Cyris : " You''ll have to! We''ve sent Two 11 Ship Cruiser BattleGroups! 4 more Cruiser BattleGroups will arrive in 36 minutes!" Lady Scarlet enters the conversation. Scarlet : " What''s you status?" Naole : " It''s a blood bath! We''ve lost 3 Crystalan Ships! 2 more are heavily damaged, and the others also have taken significant damage" Scarlet : " Hold on Naole!" Cyris : " Remember what this is about Naole" Naole : " I do Sir! we...!" Just then a Sky Dagger collides with the Intrepid causing the ship to shake violently. Naole''s attention shifts to the battle "Target Main Cruiser!" Intrepid : " Target Locked!" Naole : " Fire Thunder Force! Maximum power!" Wpns-O : " Aye sir!" The Intrepid and the Crimson attack and destroy the Hakum Sky Spear that had been determined to be the formation leader. Naole : " All ships reform the Battle line! Heavily damaged ships behind us!" Naole''s attention returns to the Crystalorb Command Centre "We will try and hold on, but you see what we''re up against. These Hakum know how to fight, they''re not like the ....!" An impact by another Sky Dagger leaves the Intrepid shaking violently and cuts off communications. Cyris : " Naole?" brief pause "Come in Guardian!"Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Scarlet : " What Happened?" Cyris : " We lost the link! Re-establishing joint Communications Channel!" Scarlet : " By the Source!" After a moment Naole stands up. Naole : " Damage Report!" Intrepid : " Multiple shield projector failure! Hull breach in deck 21 to 40! Critical damage to primary Reactors! Energy at 25% and falling! Propulsion at 35%! Weapon systems at 10%! Enemy ships converging on our position sir!" Naole : " Activate emergency action 3948! Authentication; Naole 48273426 Blue!" Intrepid : " Voice Authentication confirmed! Chest Crystal Authenticated!" Intrepid begins a broadcast to all ship personnel "Emergency action 3948! Abandon ship! I repeat Abandon ship!" The Intrepid''s personnel begin the evacuation of the Crystalan Ship, but Naole settles in, connecting with Intrepid as he takes over the weapons control. Naole : " So they''re converging on us, going to finish us off?" Naole smiles "Maybe we''ll finish them off!" Intrepid : " You should be leaving sir!" Naole : " Negative! I won''t let you face this alone! If this is the End, then so be it" Naole smiles "Besides I never wanted to live forever!" Intrepid : " You can''t die here Naole! You are too important to our people!" Naole : " No one is irreplaceable; Not even me!" resolve in Naole''s eyes "Since I outrank you, you can''t make me go!" Intrepid : " Sir?" Naole : " Yes!" Intrepid : " It''s been an Honour!!" Naole : " Likewise!" Intrepid : " Here they come!" Naole : " I can''t do a power bond, but maybe a power bind" Intrepid : " It''s worth a try!" Naole : " Your strength to mine! Your will to mine!" the spirit of Intrepid begins to connect with the spirit of Naole, they''re becoming one "One mind! One Heart! Your power to Mine!" Intrepid : " I''m moving faster than I should be able to move! My shields are stronger than they should be! You can''t possibly have this much power in you?" Naole : " Focus Intrepid!" pause "I am the light on the hill!" Intrepid : " The line in the sand!" Naole : " Here and no further!" Intrepid : " Enemy ships are firing!" Naole : " First we take away the light!" Intrepid''s Energy Weapons Crystal produces an energy field that absorbs all forms of Electromagnetic Radiation creating a cloud of darkness "Add a little speed!" The Intrepid begins to accelerate even faster "Then we introduce a little Thunder!" Intrepid : " How are you doing this?" Thunder Force Strikes light up the darkness as they make contact with Hakum ships, followed by multiple collisions as Hakum ships collide with the Intrepid and each other. When the darkness lifts several Hakum ships have been destroyed, and the 5 remaining Sky Spears move in on the Intrepid''s position. The Intrepid is no longer under any power having lost all of its reactors, and Naole''s knocked temporarily unconscious. As Naole wakes from his short slumber he finds Crimson desperately trying to reach him on the Joint Communications Channel. Crimson : " Come in Naole!" Naole : " I read you! Lost consciousness for a little bit" Crimson : " Moving to your position! How is Intrepid!" Naole : " Intrepid?" Intrepid : " 96% shield projector failure! Multiple Hull breaches! Fusion Reactors offline! Energy reserves at 3%! Propulsion at 1%! Complete Weapon Systems Failure! I''m reading 5 Sky Spears converging on our position!" Crimson : " Hold on!" Naole : " Looks like our time has come" Intrepid : " Yes!" Naole : " Then we will stand firm and go honourably!" Intrepid : " Like true warriors!" Naole : " Enemy is firing!" It looked like the end for Naole and the Intrepid, but just as all hope seemed lost 6 wormholes opened as a United Atlantic Federation BattleGroup responding to Captain Andrew''s distress message came through. Crimson : " Reinforcing United Atlantic Federation BattleGroup coming through! Formation leader UAS Atlantis C2255" Naole : " Just in time!" As the Reinforcing United Atlantic Federation BattleGroup emerged from Nth Dimensional Hyperspace they opened fire on the Hakum ships. The UAS Atlantis C2255 used its revolutionary Fusion Convergence technology to destroy 2 Sky Swords and 1 Sky Spear. On seeing this the Hakum Commanders decided that it was time to retreat, and since most of the Hakum ships had lost their Fusion Beam capabilities they could not fight the United Atlantic Federation Reinforcing BattleGroup. From the original 18 Sky Blades, 30 Sky Daggers, 12 Sky Swords and 8 Sky Spears only 5 Sky Blades, 6 Sky Daggers, 10 Sky Swords and 4 Sky Spears escaped to Hyperspace. The battle had come at a significant cost for Crystalorb Forces; with 5 Crystalan Ships dead and the rest having suffered more than 60% damage. The United Atlantic Federation Reinforcing BattleGroup had arrived just in time to save the remaining Crystalan Ships. 5 minutes after the United Atlantic Federation Reinforcing BattleGroup arrived Crystalorb''s Two 11 Ship Cruiser BattleGroups arrived, and with the Hakum gone the human ships could begin full recovery operations. The surviving Human ships had been seriously damaged and would need extensive assistance returning home, and the immobile Intrepid would need significant repairs before it would be mobile again. This had been one of the most brutal battles any of the survivors had faced, and on many occasions all of them believed that they would not live to see another day. For the first time in Crystalorb history Crystalans had been rescued by others, and it was a great surprise since Crystalans were usually the ones doing the saving. Though many had died many more had survived When things settled Guardian Isis, Guardian Jalen and Guardian Naole join Capt-Andrews and Capt-Kondi onboard the UAS Atlantis C2255 to meet with the Commander of the United Atlantic Federation Reinforcing BattleGroup; Admiral Brown Everyone in the conference room stands as Admiral Brown enters the room. Admr-Brown : " Welcome aboard the UAS Atlantis C2255!" Capt-Andrews : " Thank you Admiral!" Isis : " Thank you Admiral!" Capt-Kondi : " Thank you Admiral!" Jalen : " Thank you Admiral!" Naole : " Thank you Admiral!" Admr-Brown : " Good to see you again Naole." Naole : " Good to see you too Admiral" Admr-Brown : " So what do you think? Does it live up to your expectations?" Naole : " It''s impressive." Admr-Brown : " What does Crystalorb think?" Jalen steps forward. Jalen : " We certainly didn''t expect the UAF to produce a working prototype this quickly!" Isis : " I''m surprised the Executive Council of the United Atlantic Federation agreed to send a prototype of their most advanced Warship into a hot zone." Admr-Brown: " They refused, but protocol demands that all nearby warships respond to the distress call of other warships." Isis : " This could mean trouble for you?" Admr-Brown: " They can''t touch me!" the Admiral smiles "After the Enthea campaign they publicly declared me to be a national hero, gave me command of the elite Sigma Division!" Isis : " Thank you Admiral! You have Crystalorb''s eternal gratitude!" Jalen : " We are in your debt!" Admr-Brown : " Glad we could help!" Capt-Kondi : " I see 2 Nubia Class Destroyers and a Vanguard Class BattleCruiser in your BattleGroup; I didnt know that the UAF had built this type of ships ...?" Admr-Brown: " We had to acquire them. The AF agreed to sell them to us off the assembly line! The Atlantis Class SkyCruiser uses a lot of Crystalorb Technology, so we acquired these 3 ships to help bridge the learning gaps." Capt-Andrews : " Isn''t the Atlantis Class a BattleCruiser?" Admr-Brown: " The Atlantis Class BattleCruiser is due to be designated Aries Class BattleCruiser! The Atlantis Class will from then on be a SkyCruiser" Capt-Kondi : " Why use the Nubia Class Destroyers and a Vanguard Class BattleCruiser?" Admr-Brown: " The Fusion Convergence technology of the Atlantis Class SkyCruiser is based on the Enhanced Weapons Array of the Nubia Class Destroyer and the Vanguard Class BattleCruiser! The Point Deflector Shields are also similar, and the ship used Crystalorb''s advanced Fusion reactors." Naole : " So you''ve finally been able to build a ship more powerful than a Crystalan Ship!" Admr-Brown: " Yes we have!" proudly "The Atlantis Class SkyCruiser is the first of a new generation of warships developed to fight the Migon! Once they are fully deployed we may have a fighting chance." Naole : " Now that we''ve seen a little of what we face, we must prepare for a battle the likes of which we''ve never seen." Admr-Brown : " The clock is ticking; They will come for us!" The Atlantis Class SkyCruiser is the product of a joint project involving all 5 Human Governments, but projected operating costs led to the withdrawal of the Islamic Alliance and the Asian Consortium. The Islamic Alliance and the Asian Consortium favoured their Dragon Class SkyCruiser; a design that called for less width for optimal operating costs. The United Indian Federation designated their Atlantis Class SkyCruiser the India Class SkyCruiser. The African Federation is not a full partner in the project, but is expected to order small scale production as a fill in for a standard material version of the Esara Class SkyCruiser designated the Afruika Class SkyCruiser. The Afruika Class SkyCruiser and the Esara Class SkyCruiser are expected to incorporate all the latest technologies including; Fusion Beam Convergence, Point Deflector Shields ?PDS?, Multidirectional Particle Beams, Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystals and an Enhanced Weapons Array. The 5 Human Governments had plans to incorporate Fusion Beam Convergence technology into Vanguard Class BattleCruisers, Aries Class BattleCruisers, Nubia Class Destroyers, Apollo Class Destroyers, Juggernaut Class Frigates and Valiant Class Corvettes. This meant the introduction of Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, and an increase in the number of Fusion Beam Cannons. On the SkyCruisers Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence focused 3-60 Multidirectional Fusion Beams on a single point for maximum damage. The updating of the Human fleet was expected to take at least 25 years to complete, and the cost would be astronomical, but Humans would not be deterred by economic costs, because the 5 Human Governments understood the danger they faced from the Hakum and their masters the Migon. The SkyCruiser profiles The Atlantis Class SkyCruiser: 1? 26950 meters in length. 2? 9000 meters width at the back and 1500 meters width at the front. 3? 8100 meters Height at the back and 1200 meters Height at the front. 4? 300 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 60 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 500 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 60 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 40 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 75 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The India Class SkyCruiser: 1? 26950 meters in length. 2? 9000 meters width at the back and 1500 meters width at the front. 3? 8100 meters Height at the back and 1200 meters Height at the front. 4? 300 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 60 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 500 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 60 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 40 Gunships of 175 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 75 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Dragon Class SkyCruiser: 1? 27500 meters in length. 2? 6700 meters width at the back and 750 meters width at the front. 3? 6200 meters Height at the back and 600 meters Height at the front. 4? 275 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 55 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 12 Plasma Cannons, 350 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 32 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 70 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 50 Gunships of 175 meter length, 8? Jump capabilities of 70 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Afruika Class SkyCruiser: 1? 30km in Length. 2? 8km Maximum Width on the 18km long and 8km wide Cylinder. 3? 310m Armoured Hull with 20m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A large forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 240 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 60 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 5 Plasma Cannons, 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 30 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons. 7? 80 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 8? Four Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 9? Carry 2 Crystalorb Black Crystal coated Gunships of 180 meter length, 50 Drone Fighters and Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 30000 people. 10? Jump capabilities of 80 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 11? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 12? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. The projected profiles of the Updated Crystalorb/Crystalan Ships The Esara Class SkyCruiser: 1? 30km in Length. 2? 8km Maximum Width on the 18km long and 8km wide Cylinder. 3? 430m Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull. 4? A large forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 240 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 80 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons. 7? 80 Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 8? Ten Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 9? Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 10000 people. 10? Jump capabilities of 96 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 11? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 12? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. The ?Updated? Casara Class Cruiser: 1? 16000 meters in Length. 2? 3000 meters Maximum Width on the 12000 meter long and 3000 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 90 meter thick Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull. 4? A forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 180 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array, and 40 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons. 6? 10 Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? One Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 8? Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 2000 people. 9? Jump capabilities of 85 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 10? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 11? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. Intrepid/Indigo Class Ships: 1? 21.5km in length, 2? 3.95km maximum height, 3? 4km maximum width, 4? Six Energy Crystals of the Enhanced weapon systems, 5? 3 layer 300m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 90m thick, and the third 120m thick. Intrepid/Indigo Class Flagship: 1? 28.5km in length, 2? 4.6km meters maximum height, 3? 5km meters maximum width, 4? Six Energy Crystals of the Enhanced weapon systems, 5? 3 layer 400m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 120m thick, and the third 160m thick. The projected profiles of the Fusion Convergence updated Warships would be: Juggernaut Class Frigates: 1? 4250 meters in length. 2? 2000 meters width at the back and 400 meters width at the front. 3? 1800 meters Height at the back and 310 meters Height at the front, 4? 28 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 3 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 4 Plasma Cannons, 100 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 15 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 12 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 8 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 50 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. Apollo Class Destroyers: 1? 5850 meters in length. 2? 2900 meters width at the back and 600 meters width at the front. 3? 2400 meters Height at the back and 500 meters Height at the front. 4? 28 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 4 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 162 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 18 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 12 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 50 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Aries Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9920 meters in length. 2? 3500 meters width at the back and 800 meters width at the front. 3? 3100 meters Height at the back and 700 meters Height at the front. 4? 35 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 8 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 250 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 32 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 20 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Indus Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9920 meters in length. 2? 3500 meters width at the back and 800 meters width at the front. 3? 3100 meters Height at the back and 700 meters Height at the front. 4? 35 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 8 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 8 Plasma Cannons, 252 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 32 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 20 Gunships of 175 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Asia Class BattleCruiser: 1? 11500 meters in length. 2? 3000 meters width at the back and 600 meters width at the front. 3? 2400 meters Height at the back and 500 meters Height at the front. 4? 30 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 8 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 12 Plasma Cannons, 200 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 32 Missile Tubes/Launchers/RailGuns. 6? 30 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 22 Gunships of 175 meter length, 8? Jump capabilities of 58 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9930 meters in Length. 2? 3600 meters Maximum Width on the 7230 meter long and 3600 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 65 meters thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 12 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 5 Plasma Cannons, 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 30 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 120 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 25 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 2 Crystalorb Black Crystal coated Gunships of 180 meter length and 40 Drone Fighters. 8? A Primary Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 9? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Secondary Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Nubia Class Destroyers: 1? 6500 meters in Length. 2? 3000 meters Maximum Width on the 3650 meter long and 3000 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 45 meter thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 12 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 5 Plasma Cannons, 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 35 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 60 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 19 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 2 Crystalorb Black Crystal coated Gunships of 180 meter length and 20 Drone Fighters. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Primary Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Secondary Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Valiant Class Corvette: 1? 950m in Length. 2? 500m Maximum Width on the 550m long and 500m wide Cylinder. 3? 20 meter thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 3 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 3 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 6 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array arranged in groups of 3 at 2 levels. 6? 5 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 3 Drone Fighters. 8? Jump capabilities of 70 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Enhanced Weapons Array Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 26 ─ The Doctrine of Unintended Consequences - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 26 The Doctrine of Unintended Consequences ?~? On returning to Earth Admiral David Brown was invited to Crystalorb where he would be formally thanked by the Council of Elders for his decision to rescue the Crystalans in the battle of GG54171 system. Present in Crystalorb are Military and Government officials from the United Atlantic Federation and from the African Federation of City States At the bottom of the pyramid in Crystalorb Admiral David Brown is called to the podium. Scarlet : " For Honourable Courage and Distinguished Service, Crystalorb awards Admiral David Brown of the United Atlantic Federation the Crystal Heart! The highest honour Crystalorb can bestow on an individual" Commander Cyris hangs the miniature replica of the Spirit Stone around Admiral Brown''s neck "Admiral Brown defied the Executive Council of the United Atlantic Federation, and chose to act honourably, to follow the calling of his duties! This has earned him the respect of the Guardian Council, and that of the Council of Elders!" Admr-Brown: " Thank you Guardian Commander!" Shaking Guardian Cyris''s hand Thanks!" The ceremony then moves on to Naole. Scarlet : " In recognition for his Distinguished, Selfless and Courageous service the Crystalorb General Council, the Guardian Council and the Council of Elders have decided to promote Guardian Naole to the rank of Guardian Commander! Naole will from now onwards be known as the Governor of the Crystalorb Moon and Deputy Guardian Commander of the Crystalorb Engineering Division! The protection and defence of the Crystalorb Moon will now form part of your responsibilities! Thank you Master Guardian!" Naole : " Thank you for this great Honour! Thank you all for the trust you''ve shown me and the people who serve under my Command!" Following the conclusion of the ceremonies Naole shows Admiral Brown around Crystalorb. Admr-Brown : " This place is incredible, words can''t describe it!" Naole : " You should see the Crystalorb Moon, the work that we''re doing there will ensure the survival of the Human race!" Admr-Brown: " Speaking of the Crystalorb Moon! You must be happy to have reached the rank of Deputy Guardian Commander?" Naole : " The promotion is just a ruse; For over 200 years no Deputy Guardian Commander has been directly involved in a battle." Naole laughs "The Crystalorb General Council is unhappy with my decision not abandon ship on GG54171, and they think that by promoting me to Deputy Guardian Commander they will be able to keep me safe." Admr-Brown: " I know what you mean, I''m also being promoted to Fleet Admiral, and that often means a desk." Naole : " Fortunately I''m a scientist at heart, and I don''t mind taking a back seat and letting the younger generation handle the heavy lifting, but I don''t care to be retired." Admr-Brown : " Me too! But you still look young?" Naole : " Looks can be deceiving! My spirit is tired of these endless wars! I hunger for peace! I hunger for simple pleasures!" Admr-Brown : " What about your Family?" Naole : " I''ve outlived my children, and soon all my grandchildren will be gone, but I remain! I don''t know if longevity is a blessing or a curse!" Characteristic of the Hakum, there was silence; no secondary raid, no trace of their activities in the region, nothing! It was as though the battle in the system of GG54171 was just a test of Human capabilities, and having found out what they came for they left. However some believed that the Hakum had been drawn to the area by Vipun Imperial Frigate # 4152, and by destroying it they achieved their objective. Crystalans were amongst those who believed that the Hakum were brought to the area by Vipun Imperial Frigate # 4152, and the Narvpun may have know something that the Hakum did not want us to know. Crystalans believed that since the Vipun Empire was once one of the most powerful Interstellar Civilisations in the region they had to have come into serious contact with the Hakum, and may have information on locations of their Capital planets. Crystalans believed that the Migon and the Hakum would have made the destruction of any Vipun Imperial knowledge a high priority. However most experts disregarded the concerns of the Crystalans, and only the African Federation took them seriously. Over the 3 decades that passed the Crystalorb Forces had withdrawn from an active military role as more BattleCruisers and SkyCruisers became available. The role of Crystalorb Forces as a fighting force had become less pronounced at the insistence of the African Federation. The African Federal Security Force took on more of the roles that used to be performed by the Crystalorb Forces, and the African Federal Parliament insisted that Crystalorb focus more on economic and strategic matters. Of particular interest was the development of the Nalen Class SkyGarrison. The African Federal Parliament needed Crystalorb to continue building more products for the Interstellar Trade Markets, and this generated the revenue that they used to secure more minerals for African Mineral Reserves. The African Federal Government and the Crystalorb Leadership believed that the Hakum would return in larger numbers, and that it would mean the beginning of the Migon advance. The other 4 Human Governments believed that they had sufficient numbers to repel any future Hakum attack, and because there had not been any Hakum attacks in 31 years they felt confident in their beliefs. To avoid being ridiculed by the other 4 Human Governments the African Federal Government and the Crystalorb Leadership worked in secret to prepare for what they believed would be a defining moment in human history. In the 31 years since the battle in the system of GG54171 the 5 Human Governments had invested a lot of resources in deploying their respective SkyCruisers, and this meant additional ships to serve as SkyCruiser escort. Enormous resources were expended in a race to full deployment before the next Hakum attack. By 01-01-2287 there had been established Human colonies on 72 nearby Solar Systems. The United Atlantic Federation had 22 colonies, United Indian Federation had 15 colonies, Islamic Alliance established 12 colonies, Asian Consortium had 17 colonies and the African Federation of City States had reduced their number to 6 colonies. The Silenia 5 Colony is a joint project belonging to all 5 Human Governments. The African Federation''s Ra Solar System Colony had become a major settlement with nearly 4.38 Billion people living in the system, and that includes the 1.08 Billion Crystalans living on the Crystalorb Moon. The focus on the Ra Solar System had led to the reduction of the number of African Federation Colonies to Six. The other 4 Human Governments lamented the fact that the African Federation participated less in the frontier defence of routes to earth since the 5 African Federation Colonies were very close to earth and therefore needed less forces for protection. The Bulk of the African Federation Forces were based in the Ra system, and the protection of the system was a primary focus of the African Federation. In 2261 the African Federation restricted access to the Ra Solar System to African Federation ships and Military vessels from the other 4 Human Governments. This meant that only African Federation registered ships could enter the Ra Solar System. The African Federation moved all their ship building facilities to the heavily defended Ra Solar System. The 4 Human Governments were puzzled by the behaviour of the African Federation, and from time to time they would conduct spying operations to determine the size and strength of the African Federal Security Force. The spying proved difficult since African Federation ships use Crystalorb stealth technology that make them difficult to detect. The Ra system Construction facilities consisted of; 6 Construction docks for the Afruika Class SkyCruiser, 8 Construction docks for the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers, 32 Construction docks for the Nubia Class Destroyers, 6 Construction docks for the Apollo Class Destroyers and 20 for the Valiant Class Corvettes It was during this time that Crystalorb updated its fleet of Crystalorb Ships and Crystalan Ships; Introducing thicker Armour and increasing the size of Crystalan Ships, Increasing the Crystalan Ship''s Energy Crystals to Six by including an Energy Crystal on each side, Increasing the density of the Crystalan Ship''s Energy Crystals and lengthening the Casara Class Cruisers to give them more reserves. The updated Casara Class Cruisers have a slightly diminished Cargo storage capacity, but their large numbers allow them to still fulfil this role. By 01-01-2287 the Human fleet had grown in size to; United Atlantic Federation fleet consisted of: 111 Atlantis Class SkyCruisersThis book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. 297 Aries Class BattleCruisers 10 Vanguard Class BattleCruisers 30 Nubia Class Destroyers 1780 Apollo Class Destroyers 222 Juggernaut Class Frigates 498 Valiant Class Corvettes 8500 Additional Gunship Class StarShips United Atlantic Federation Total = 2948 Galaxy Class StarShips African Federal Security Force fleet consisted of: 88 Afruika Class SkyCruisers 174 Vanguard Class BattleCruisers 840 Nubia Class Destroyers 241 Apollo Class Destroyers 401 Valiant Class Corvettes 6000 Additional Gunship Class StarShips African Federation''s African Federal Security Force Total = 1744 Galaxy Class StarShips The Crystalorb Fleet Contingent consisted of: 475 Adult Intrepid Class Ships 153 Juvenile Intrepid Class Ships 260 Intrepid Class Baby Ships 91 Adult Indigo Class Ships 45 Juvenile Indigo Class Ships 58 Indigo Class Baby Ships 300 Esara Class SkyCruisers 1411 Casara Class Cruisers African Federation''s Crystalorb Fleet Contingent Total = 2793 Galaxy Class StarShips African Federation Total = 4537 Galaxy Class StarShips The United Indian Federation fleet consisted of: 92 India Class SkyCruisers 216 Indus Class BattleCruisers 1010 Apollo Class Destroyers 233 Valiant Class Corvettes 7800 Additional Gunship Class StarShips United Indian Federation Total = 1551 Galaxy Class StarShips Islamic Alliance fleet consisted of: 74 Dragon Class SkyCruisers 187 Asia Class BattleCruisers 865 Apollo Class Destroyers 220 Valiant Class Corvettes 7500 Additional Gunship Class StarShips Islamic Alliance Total = 1346 Galaxy Class StarShips Asian Consortium fleet consisted of: 92 Dragon Class SkyCruisers 247 Asia Class BattleCruisers 1552 Apollo Class Destroyers 293 Valiant Class Corvettes 11000 Additional Gunship Class StarShips Asian Consortium Total = 2184 Galaxy Class StarShips Human Total = 12566 Galaxy Class StarShips On 12-11-2287 Earth Standard Date the United Human Civilisation with its 5 Human Governments formally joined the Galactic Alliance. All Human territories celebrated the joining of the Galactic Alliance, and the hope for increased security was at last a reality. The United Human Civilisation would now gain access to restricted Galactic Alliance technology, but more than that, the United Human Civilisation would gain access to new and larger Interstellar Markets. For the first time Humans would be free to purchase advanced military technology from Galactic Alliance Civilisations. Human military analysts and scientists were eager to get their hands on Galactic Alliance Fusion Beam technology, and with Galactic Alliance Fusion Beam technology they hoped to increase the energy output of the Human Fusion Beam Cannons, something that had so far eluded Humans. Unique Fusion Beam Convergence technology had allowed for an increase in the energy output of the Human Fusion Beam Weapon systems. A Single Human built Fusion Beam Cannons energy output range from 4 to 60 megatons of energy per second ?max = 200.68 Petawatts? with a build up time of 90 - 300 seconds depending on how long the previous Fusion Beam lasted. Crystalorb Fusion Beam Cannons energy output range from 15 to 84 megatons of energy per second with a build up time of 30 - 90 seconds. Fusion Beam Convergence technology gave Humans more firepower than they would otherwise be able to achieve. Human ships could Convergence multiple Fusion Beams, Particle Beams, Plasma balls and in the case of African forces also Thunder Force Strikes on a single point for maximum effect. This particular ability gave Human SkyCruisers attack capability that is only equalled by the more highly Advanced Interstellar Civilisations. On 15-11-2287 Earth Standard Date, and 19:30 GMT, a little over 2 days after the United Human Civilisation formally became a member of the Galactic Alliance a United Atlantic Federation BattleGroup conducting routine patrols of the Silenia cluster detected coded transmissions at the edge of the Zilenia Solar System. The Silenia Cluster is 4 stars surrounding Silenia that mark the only safe routes into the Silenia Solar System. The Vilenia Solar System is 16 LightYears from Silenia, the Pilenia Solar System is 29 LightYears from Silenia, the Zilenia Solar System is 32 LightYears from Silenia, and the next star is Cutela, a Solar System which is 93 LightYears from Silenia Silenia 5 is the Fifth planet in orbit around the Star Silenia, and Silenia 5 is a Mars size planet with Nitrogen, oxygen and methane atmosphere not suitable for human Breathing, but with significant Teraforming potential. The moon of Silenia 5 has a Joint Operations Military Base and the primary Cargo Freighter loading area. The Silenia 5 colony had grown to a population of 756 million; 60% of whom were Human. When the United Atlantic Federation Fleet Command received reports of coded transmissions in the Zilenia Solar System they despatched 3 Apollo Class Destroyers to the Zilenia Solar System with a mission to investigate. UAF Fleet Command expected to find a probe from one of the neighbouring Developing Interstellar Civilisations, and from time to time unauthorized wormholes were detected in the Vilenia, Pilenia, Zilenia and Cutela Solar Systems. The Vilenia, Pilenia, Zilenia and Cutela Solar Systems are called Gate systems, and on each there''s 2 Apollo Class Destroyers on permanent station protecting a Joint Observation Post under the command of the Joint Operations Military Base on the moon of Silenia 5. The Joint Observation Posts are tasked with controlling traffic to Silenia 5, and their secondary function is a parameter defence. Each Observation Post is commanded by a Watch Officer ?Watch-O?. As per the Silenia Defence Agreement, the 5 Human Governments have each stationed; 12 Destroyers, 2 BattleCruiser BattleGroups and one SkyCruiser BattleGroup supported by an additional 1000 Gunships from each of the 5 Human Governments. However the United Atlantic Federation, the United Indian Federation and the Asian Consortium use the Silenia Solar Systems as a base to support peace keeping operations in the region. African Federation and the Islamic Alliance are not that heavily involved in peace keeping operations, electing to conserve their resources, but the UAF, the UIF, and the AC had been supplying many of the regions Developing Interstellar Civilisations with advanced weapon systems, and they therefore felt a responsibility to keep the peace. The last thing they wanted was for these Developing Interstellar Civilisations to kill each other using advanced Human made weapons. With the expectation to find smugglers , spy ships or probes on the outskirts of the Zilenia Solar Systems, the UAF Fleet Command sent 3 Apollo Class Destroyers System Action Group as a mere formality. The Silenia Defence Agreement demanded that every breach in security be investigated, and the Federation running patrols that week was responsible for the Investigation of the Breach. The Formation leader of the UAF System Action Group is the Apollo Class Destroyer UAS Curtland A2278; Commanded by Group Captain Maria Bennet. The UAS Curtland A2278 is an updated version of the Apollo Class Destroyer; Equipped with 4 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons The UAS Curtland A2278 and the other 2 Apollo Class Destroyers arrive in Zilenia Solar System. Onboard the UAS Curtland Captain Bennet checks in with the Observation Post before she begins the search. Capt-Bennet : " Control this is Group Captain Maria Bennet of the UAF System Action Group Curtland reporting in!" Watch-O: " Confirmed Group Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " We have directive 4868 in this System" Exec-O: " We''re almost at the site Captain!" Watch-O: " Tasking Confirmed Group Captain! Good Hunting!" Capt-Bennet : " Curtland out!" Capt-Bennet : " I want a full spectrum Search of the Area!" Exec-O: " Aye Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Tactics; Find out who''s been near Zilenia in the past month, and cross reference with signal broadcasts and cargo logs!" the captain turns her attention to the surveillance officer "Surveillance; If it''s a probe it will be small like the others, so look where they wouldn''t expect you to look! Tact-O : " Aye Captain!" Surv-O : " Aye Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Such a waist of time!" talking to the Executive officer "Every time these clowns send a probe we have to go looking for it." Exec-O: " Yes! And the worst part is that when we find it, it self-destructs. Leaving no evidence." Capt-Bennet : " Always chasing shadows!" Exec-O: " Why would anyone keep sending these probes?" Capt-Bennet : " They''re testing us! Testing our coordination capabilities! Timing our response times! Acquiring tactical profiles of our Warships." a brief pause "The kind of information that would be valuable to any number of Nations." Exec-O: " You think that someone is out there, watching us?" Capt-Bennet : " Definitely!" speaking cautiously "Don''t tell anyone I said this, but the Crystalans believe that the Hakum and the Migon are watching all of us!" Exec-O: " Is this why theyve been in seclusion for 25 years?" Capt-Bennet : " Perhaps!" shrugging her shoulders "The Crystalans are a complicated bunch! Now these days the Africans have began to behave more and more like the Crystalans." Exec-O: " Military strategists think that the African Federation and their Crystalorb Guard like to play up the Migon factor to the rest of Humanity to encourage us to buy their weaponry. It''s believed that now that we''re in the Galactic Alliance we''ll have access to a wider range of technologies, and we won''t be so dependent on O''con Federation based Crystalorb Technology." Capt-Bennet : " The Military strategists are forgetting human history, and in particular the history of the Crystalorb Guard." shaking her head "The Crystalorb Guard was always advanced. Long before they even met the O''ltana! And for some strange reason Crystalans are very close to the O''ltana! There are rumours that the Crystalans have independent relations with the Andronians. Some say that Andronians have been seen on their Crystalorb Moon." Exec-O: " Is it true?" Capt-Bennet : " I don''t know, but you have to wonder?" Exec-O: " Wonder what?" Capt-Bennet : " What is it that the Crystalans know that the rest of us don''t know? Why are they so concerned? Why are they ...?" Coms-O : " Sorry Captain!" the communications officer interrupts Captain Bennet "We are receiving a priority message from Fleet Command!" Capt-Bennet : " On screen!" Coms-O : " On screen Aye!" Admiral Jim Andrews appears on screen. Admr-Andrews: " This is Admiral Jim Andrews of the United Atlantic Federation; Commander of the UAF Silenia Operations. Under section 214 of the Silenia Defence Agreement I''m authorizing Alert Status One! Weve detected coded transmissions on the outskirts of the Vilenia, Pilenia, Zilenia and Cutela Solar Systems. The Cutela Solar Systems experienced multiple contacts with Probes! A long range Cargo Freighter reported possible contact with an armada. Now we don''t know who''s responsible for all this, but we have to react accordingly. All Human Warships in the area are to make their way to Silenia 5 in preparation for a possible assault on the Joint Human Civilisation colony!" Transmission ends. Exec-O: " What the Hell?" Capt-Bennet : " Navigation; Set a course to base! Maximum speed!" Nav-O : " Aye!" Exec-O: " What the fuck is going on?" Capt-Bennet : " I don''t know, but well find out soon enough." The UAF System Action Group disappears behind wormholes into Hyperspace. When the UAF System Action Group approaches Silenia 5 it''s greeted by full military mobilization. Capt-Bennet : " Fleet Command this is the UAF System Action Group Curtland reporting in! Requesting clearance to vector 12364S!" UAF Fleet ComD: " Curtland this is Fleet Command! Take vector 12364S to station, and await further orders!" Capt-Bennet : " What''s the turn around? Because I''d like to go to base Command" UAF Fleet ComD: " Hold steady Captain! All ship personnel are to remain onboard until further orders!" The link with Fleet Command is terminated. Exec-O: " Are those Casara Class Cruisers? There''re about a hundred of them!" Capt-Bennet : " Yes! And their Enhanced Weapons Arrays are activated and active! Looks like the Crystalorb Guard is expecting trouble!" Exec-O: " For a while I forgot that they aren''t just Cargo Freighters!" Capt-Bennet : " I think that''s the intent! This way they have a fully deployed fleet everywhere; Even within the borders of our trading partners. A fleet capable of reacting at a moments notice." Exec-O: " That''s why they were able to get here so quickly! Rapid Mobilisation!" Capt-Bennet : " I can''t help getting the impression that the Crystalans are smarter than the rest of us! They''ve been preparing for this type of situation for over 50 years!" Exec-O: " I guess we wait now." Capt-Bennet : " Yes! Run a full systems check! If this thing goes hot, I want to make sure we''re in top form!" Exec-O: " Aye Captain!" Onboard the Atlantis Class SkyCruiser UAS Rome B2265 the 5 Fleet Commanders meet to discuss strategy. The 5 Fleet Commanders are; Admiral Jim Andrews of the United Atlantic Federation, Admiral Thana Kondi of the African Federation of City States, Admiral Mahidra of the United Indian Federation, General Aziz of the Islamic Alliance and General Chan of the Asian Consortium. Representing Crystalorb is senior Vanglead; Luke Carter. Admiral Andrews welcomes everyone and explains all the data that had been gathered by UAF intelligence. The strategic proposals begin. Admr-Andrews: " The overwhelming feeling is that this is a Hakum probing force." Admr-Mahidra: " We think that they may just be trying to determine our regional expeditionary capabilities." Gen-Chan : " They could be targeting one of the less capable Nations in the region?" Gen-Aziz : " There have been reports of a force of significant size very close to the Silenia Cluster." Admr-Kondi : " We think that they''re coming here!" Admr-Andrews: " Why? Would they risk a direct assault on a heavily fortified base?" Admr-Kondi : " Yes! Crystalorb believes that the battle of GG54171 was to hide something from the Human race, and now we are about to find out their secret." Gen-Aziz : " We haven''t seen any data to support this view, or is this another one of the assertions derived from Crystalan feelings?" Admr-Kondi : " I''ll let Luke explain" Luke : " I''m a senior Vanglead with the Crystalorb Ilesian Guards!" Gen-Chan : " Youre a spy?" Gen-Aziz : " Why didn''t Crystalorb send a Guardian?" Luke : " We prefer to call ourselves watchers! The Crystal Guardians are in seclusion. They''ve been in seclusion for 25 years now, and it will continue until they understand what they need to do to fulfil their purpose." a pause "The Crystalorb Council of Elders thinks that the Hakum will attack a large human settlement. They are convinced of this because the Crystalorb Council of Elders as a unit is intuitive." with a serious expression on his face "They can sense intent." Shaking his head "I know this is difficult for some to believe, but it''s true. This isn''t about strategic military objectives on the part of the Hakum or the Migon. This is about terror! They want to spread terror throughout the region, and there''s no better target than the most recent members of the Galactic Alliance." Admr-Andrews: " I''ve seen this ability of the Crystalorb Council of Elders, and it''s a real phenomenon." Admr-Mahidra : " If Crystalorb''s Council of Elders thinks that the Hakum will attack here, then why didn''t they send a larger force?" Gen-Aziz : " In any case we must secure the Cutela Solar Systems" Gen-Chan : " They would have to come through the Cutela Solar Systems." Admr-Andrews: " That would split our force!" Admr-Mahidra : " However if they take the Cutela Solar Systems, the could cut us off from reinforcements" Gen-Chan : " If we are going to dig in, then we must make sure that we can reinforce our positions" Gen-Aziz : " This shutdown of our major trading outpost will cost our economies tens of billions of Dollars!" Admr-Kondi : " We think that we should secure Silenia! Abandon the gates! At least until the reinforcing BattleGroups arrive. If they arrive!" Admr-Mahidra : " What do you mean by if?" Admr-Kondi : " We Humans have a tendency of thinking that the Hakum are mindless monsters, and we don''t think that they''re able to come to the same conclusions we have. We don''t know what their force size is? And until we have some Idea of their numbers we can''t split our force! The Hakum obviously know that there are reinforcing BattleGroups on the way, so whatever it is that they''re sending is big enough to hit us and finish the job before reinforcing BattleGroups arrive." The Screens come alive with activity as the Cutela Observation Post broadcasts a Hakum raid showing the destruction of the Observation Post and its 2 Apollo Class Destroyers. The broadcast is terminated by the apparent destruction of the Cutela Observation Post The Fleet commanders do their best to hide their anxieties. Admr-Andrews: " We have confirmation, it''s the Hakum! And they''re within jump range!" Gen-Chan : " There had to be at least 100 Sky Spears and Sky Super-Spears!" Admr-Mahidra : " Too late to evacuate Silenia!" Gen-Aziz : " We still have a fighting chance!" Admr-Andrews: " Perhaps!" Admr-Kondi : " Those ships are the ones we know about. Hakum Sky Spears and Sky Super-Spears tend to have a large escort." She stands "I must get back to my ship; the Hakum will be here at any moment now." The Fleet Commanders return to their respective SkyCruisers. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 27 ─ Probing Force - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 27 Probing Force ?~? 37 minutes after the Fleet Commanders ended their meeting hundreds of wormholes appeared near Silenia 4, and from those wormholes emerged 1000 Hakum ships. Onboard the Atlantis Class SkyCruiser UAS Rome B2265 Admiral Andrews is surprised by what he sees. Admr-Andrews: " Its just Hakum Sky Swords, Sky Spears and Sky Super-Spears! No Hakum Sky Blades or Sky Daggers! Why?" the admiral opens a Coms channel with the other Fleet Commanders "Are you all seeing this?" Gen-Chan : " Our goose is cooked!" Gen-Aziz : " Migon Escort?" Admr-Mahidra : " Most likely!" Admr-Kondi : " Do we run, or do we die?" Admr-Andrews: " We fight!" Gen-Chan : " We don''t run from Hakum!" Gen-Aziz : " Let them come" Admr-Mahidra : " We stand our ground!" Admr-Kondi : " Then it''s Death!" Onboard the UAS A2278 Curtland Captain Bennet receives her orders. Capt-Bennet : " It looks like we''re going to stick it out" Exec-O: " It''s going to be a fight!" Capt-Bennet : " Engineering; Reactors to Maximum!" Eng-O : " Aye Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Navigation; Put us on assigned battle station! Ahead one Third!" Nav-O : " Ahead one Third Aye Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Weapons; I''m authorizing fire control release! Fire at will!" Wpns-O : " Aye Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Tactics; I''ll need a constant read on their manoeuvres!" Tact-O : " Aye Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Surveillance; We have to coordinate our attack with the others! Keep the data link system active, and synchronize us with the Fleet!" Surv-O : " Aye Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Coms; I need a continuous link with Fleet Command!" Coms-O : " Aye Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Security; I need your people to help with the injured!" Scrt-O : " Aye Captain!" The Human Fleet was definitely outnumbered, and victory was never a real possibility, but that did not stop the humans from trying. As the two forces collided in an exchange of fire, more and more human ships were drawn away from Silenia 5 because more of the Hakum assault was directed at Silenia Five''s moon; where the military instillations were located. To human commanders it seemed that the Hakum wanted to deal with the defensive human forces on the moon before their assault on Silenia Five. Understanding Hakum military strategies was complicated by the fact that no one could discern their strategic objectives. Understanding what the Hakum were planning was always difficult, and Humans had never been able to decipher their cryptic logic, but extensive war gaming made the humans prepared for all sorts of scenarios. The big problem was that the Hakum were in all likelihood combining their own objectives with those of their masters the Migon. To the Humans the attack on Silenia Five did not make any kind of sense, and there was no strategic value in the destruction of the outpost because the area was surrounded by Developing Interstellar Civilisation that could host Galactic Alliance forces in the event of an emergency. Therefore destroying the military base in Silenia could not weaken any long term Human military presence in the region. Analysis pointed to something else at work, and Human military strategists feared that this assault might point to a full scale mobilization of the Migon Federation. Onboard the UAS A2278 Curtland Captain Bennet is trying to keep things together in the largest battle of her career Capt-Bennet : " Turn to the right!" the ship shakes as a result of Fusion Beam hull Impact "Dispersion fire on 220!" Nav-O : " Aye!" Wpns-O : " Aye!" Capt-Bennet : " Damage report!" Eng-O : " Hull breach on deck 69! Emergency measures holding!" Capt-Bennet : " Redirect energy!" Eng-O : " Aye!" Surv-O : " Wormhole forming at 6 O''clock!" Exec-O: " On screen!" A wormhole forms near the planet Silenia Five, and from the wormhole emerges three 4-5 km diameter asteroids moving at high velocity in the direction of Silenia Five, then the wormhole closes. Capt-Bennet : " Inform Fleet command!" Coms-O : " Aye Captain!" Surv-O : " Another Wormhole forming at 5 O''clock! More asteroids Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " What the hell?" Surv-O : " Another Wormhole forming at 7 O''clock! More asteroids Captain!" The wormholes continue to form for a second, release asteroids, close and open on another location near Silenia Five. Tact-O : " They''re popping up everywhere! Reading Hundreds of asteroids Captain!" Capt-Bennet : " Ooh God no!" hand over mouth "Its some sort of mass driver!" Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. When the series of Wormholes stopped the entire Hakum force jumped into Nth Dimensional Hyperspace leaving the Hundreds of asteroids to plummet to the surface of Silenia Five. Because of the initial speeds of the asteroids their impacts with the planet were more pronounced than would occur with natural asteroid impacts, and the force of their collision was biblical; destroying everything in sight. The Hakum Fleet suffered no casualties, and they were able to escape with most of their ships largely undamaged. The human Fleet on the other hand had suffered major casualties with the destruction of; 2 Aries Class BattleCruisers, 1Vanguard Class BattleCruiser, 12 Apollo Class Destroyers, 2 Nubia Class Destroyers, 4 Juggernaut Class Frigates, 3 Valiant Class Corvettes and 236 Gunships. The human fleet could do nothing but watch as the devastation on Silenia Five unfolded, the asteroids were moving too fast and they were too far away for their weapons to be effective. The people on Silenia Five knew what was coming, and they sought shelter from the coming storm. For the first time the Human race understood the true extent of the Hakum capabilities, and nothing would ever be the same again. As the human fleet observed the asteroid impacts on Silenia Five the preparations for full scale evacuation of survivors got underway. Crystalorb''s 100 Casara Class Cruisers were the only large ships in the area capable of Atmospheric manoeuvring, and they were being prepared to rescue survivors on the planet Silenia Five. Crystalorb instructed its commanders to begin rescue operations as soon as the planetary Atmosphere was stable. When the recovery operations got underway the scale of the devastation was beyond belief, the near total destruction of Silenia Five. The Joint Silenia Five Colony belonging to all 5 Human Governments had been the Human Civilisation''s premier Outpost, and the Joint Silenia Five Colony had grown to become the largest Interstellar Trade port for 1000 LightYears in any direction. Fortunately the Silenia Five Interstellar Trade port was still intact, along with the Joint military base, and from it the 5 Human Governments could continue to maintain a military presence in the region. As the mobile StarShips positioned themselves to assist with the evacuation of Silenia Five information about the attack started to spread through the Internet; The Internet now referred to Interstellar Network a Subspace Communications network that evolved from the original Internet of Earth''s 20th centaury. The Developing Interstellar Civilisations of the region went into a panic as connections to the human based Interstellar Network gave them access to human news channels, and the realization that there was a Hakum Planet Killer in the region spread through the populations of all the worlds within 2000 LightYears of Silenia Five. The Developing Interstellar Civilisations weren''t the only ones afraid, even the Developed Interstellar Civilisations were afraid, but the Advanced Interstellar Civilisations kept calm and prepared for war. The United Atlantic Federation, the United Indian Federation, the Islamic Alliance and the Asian Consortium believed that the attack on Silenia Five was to prevent the Human Civilisation from intervening to protect the region from Hakum attacks, but the African Federation did not share the views of the other Human Governments. The African Federation along with Crystalorb took the view that since this was an attack by the Hakum''s Migon Escort Division, and it implied the beginning of a Migon advance. The Crystalorb Leadership had been observing the events on Silenia Five, and 1.08 Billion Crystalans living on the Crystalorb Moon and on Earth had witnessed the battle in Silenia Five as part of their Crystalorb Network. It was Crystalorb policy that the Council of Elders and the Crystalorb Leadership not hide from Crystalans any military activity taken in the name of Crystalorb, and on behalf of Crystalans. This gave Crystalans real time battle information, allowing them to influence their elected representative in the Crystalorb General Council when decisions were being made. Crystalorb was in constant contact with the African Federation''s Federal Executive Council; preparing to coordinate and synchronize strategies with the Federal Executive Council and the African Federal Security Force. As casualty numbers became available the death toll was estimated at 597 million; 52% of whom were Human At the UHC headquarters in New York the United Human Civilisation Security Council was in an emergency session to determine a collective course of action in response to the Hakum attack on Silenia Five. They were represented by; Ambassador Cross of the United Atlantic Federation, Ambassador Jadu of the African Federation of City States, Ambassador Muntra of the United Indian Federation, Ambassador Lee of the Asian Consortium and Ambassador Issack of the Islamic Alliance. Ambassador Jadu of the African Federation invited Maole of the Crystalorb Council of Elders to address the UHC Security Council as part of their planning process. Amb-Cross : " We should decide on the size of the Reinforcing BattleGroups" Amb-Lee : " Our Allies in the area are screaming for assistance" Amb-Issack : " Our military analysts think that we should at the very least each send 10 BattleCruiser BattleGroups and 5 SkyCruiser BattleGroups Amb-Cross : " The UAF agrees with the IA''s analysis" Amb-Muntra : " The UIF also agrees!" Amb-Lee : " As does the AC" Amb-Jadu : " The AF cannot support such a position, our analysis indicates the possibility of problems." Amb-Lee : " You mean Crystalorb analysis?" Amb-Issack : " What sort of problems?" Amb-Muntra : " We have to Reinforce our people on Silenia Five." Amb-Cross : " This isn''t the time for the African Federation to be dragging their feet!" Amb-Lee : " We''ve just experienced the most severe attack on humans in over 170 years." Amb-Jadu : " The African Federation won''t ignore the obvious." Amb-Issack : " What do you mean?" Amb-Jadu : " You people are in such a hurry to go to war that you have not taken the time to try and understand the enemy''s strategies." Amb-Cross : " We are an Alliance member now! We are getting support from our allies in the Galactic Alliance! Their ships are en-route as we speak!" Amb-Jadu : " It''s only been a few days. The Galactic Alliance protection detail has not arrived yet, and you want to weaken our perimeter defence by sending ships 29000 LightYears to protect the already destroyed Silenia Five Colony?" Amb-Muntra : " I don''t believe this?" Amb-Lee : " What has happened to your Humanity?" Amb-Issack: " All that Crystalorb technology inside you has made you less caring, this is about lending support to people in our joint colony" Amb-Cross : " Besides; you don''t participate in long range perimeter defence; your colonies are closer to earth." Amb-Lee : " Has the African Federation been completely taken over by Crystalorb?" Amb-Jadu : " I don''t know what you people have against Crystalorb! However we have no problems with the improvements they''ve made to our society, and our people leave more secure and fulfilling lives" Amb-Lee : " They''ve implanted your entire population with their neural implants, and we believe that they somehow manipulate behaviour and moods, which is why there''s such little expression of an independent will amongst your population. We think that they''ve somehow interfered with your genetics to make you more like them, and that is why only you seem to be able to understand them. Your Utopian society has come at the cost of your freedom!" Amb-Issack: " Now most of your people have adopted their religious beliefs, you''ve abandoned most of your long held traditions and the African Federation has become increasingly more secretive; just like Crystalans! You''ve restricted access to your Ra system, and these days not even tourists are allowed in the Ra system. What are you hiding?" Amb-Jadu : " The African Federation understands your concerns, but your perception of Crystalans is simply wrong! Most of you make the mistake of Thinking of our friends the Crystalans as a different human racial group, and you fail to understand that Crystalans are Africans! I know you would me more comfortable if Crystalans were more integrated like; Lodians and Hodians. But their way of life has set an undeniable example for African communities, and by learning from their example we''ve become a better people. We in the African Federation have the most Egalitarian human society, and this transformation has been inspired by Crystalorb. No people respects an individual''s freedom more than Crystalans. They would never interfere with an individual''s right of choice. The technological enhancements to our bodies are no different to the ones available to the rest of Humanity, we''ve just made them freely available to all our people, and that has allowed us to build a public network and database for wireless information access. Our children no longer have to spend years learning how to read and write because the Crystalans have found ways to introduce that knowledge directly into our brains, and they can also give any citizen of the African Federation any skill he or she desires. The Crystalans have simply found a way to implant Knowledge." Amb-Cross : " That''s part of the problem! If they can somehow program your brain, then what would stop them from making you agree with everything they say? And why is the technology only available to the African Federation? Have the Crystalans explained how the technology works? Why wont they share that technology with the rest of Humanity?" Amb-Jadu : " We know how the technology works, and all implanted knowledge is approved by the Department of Information." shaking his head "Getting back to the point! In 2260 the African Federation and Crystalorb sent a joint taskforce to within 1000 LightYears of sector 02H10 at Galactic Radius 27000 LightYears. Crystalorb was initially hesitant to undertake such a mission because they believed it too dangerous, and until then any ship other than those of the Older Interstellar Civilisations did not return from such expeditions, but after some talks the Crystalans agreed to contribute 2 Crystalan Ships and 4 Casara Class Cruisers to support our 3 Nubia Class Destroyers and 6 Valiant Class Corvettes. We needed to get within 1000 LightYears of sector 02H10 to be able to deploy our long rage probes. The objectives of the taskforce were to survey the disposition of the Migon forces, and to determine if they were preparing to move against our region. After four years of operations deploying a total of 3000 probes our taskforce returned home safely, the probes are still operational, and they continue to report wormhole activity. Over the past 6 months we''ve noticed an increase in wormhole activity, and we think that it''s because there are significantly more ships in sector 02H10 than there used to be. We''ve passed on our information to the Galactic Alliance and they''ve indicated that they''ll send a long range scouting group to the Migon border to investigate." Amb-Cross : " It''s possible that the activity you''ve detected was the Hakum fleet that is currently in the region, and since we joined the Galactic Alliance we''ve been receiving Galactic Alliance security reports, recent reports indicate increased Migon activity in sector 00H35 their frontline border! The Older Interstellar Civilisations believe that the attack on Silenia Five may be an attempt to force the Galactic Alliance to thin their reinforcing BattleGroups in sector 00H35" Amb-Lee : " We''ve all seen the reports, and I know the African Federation has also seen them! What I don''t understand is why you think the Migon will attack here?" Amb-Muntra : " Does the O''con Federation share your concern?" Amb-Jadu : " The O''ltana don''t believe that the Migon pose an Immediate Threat to them, but they do consider the Migon to be a long term Threat." Amb-Lee : " If the O''ltana do not see the danger, then perhaps the danger does not exist!" Amb-Issack: " And why would they? The O''con Federation has 900 Eleven ship SkyCruiser BattleGroups!" Amb-Cross : " That''s Over 9000 extremely advanced Warships! Not to mention the fact that they have an additional 400 Elmak Class SkyCruisers protecting their frontline outposts" Amb-Jadu : " And that''s precisely why we think that they will come here! They won''t try to confront the O''ltana directly, but a strategic strike against the Human race could weaken the Galactic Alliance in the region and leave the younger races at the mercy of the Hakum." Amb-Lee : " All this sounds like Crystalan thinking to me! They want us to pull back our forces and be reclusive like they are! Keep our heads down and all that!" Amb-Issack: " Ever since the Crystalans had to be rescued in GG54171 they''ve been a little gun shy!" Amb-Jadu : " This isn''t about the Crystalans!" Amb-Cross : " Why haven''t we heard from the Crystalans? What have they been doing the past 25 years? Ever since we built the SkyCruisers we haven''t needed them as much, and none of us has seen a Crystalan Ship in 27 years. All we see these days is their Casara Class Cruisers, and Silenia Five is their first combat role since the GG54171 Battle. Why have they pulled back?" Amb-Muntra : " Why haven''t they sent someone to talk to us?" Amb-Jadu : " Actually they did send someone to speak to the Council" he signals the doorman, and when the door opens three Guardian Armoured individuals enter the room "May I present Lord Maole Olen of Crystalorb!" Lord Maole then proceeds to greet the members of the United Human Civilisation Security Council. Maole : " Thanks for hearing me at this our critical hour! The Crystalorb Council of Elders has sent one of their own so that you would believe when we tell you that Crystalorb is convinced that the Migon will attack the Human race. We don''t know when, but all the signs point to that unavoidable reality." Amb-Cross : " Lord Maole! Why attack us and not the Azlecks? Surely the Azlecks pose a greater threat to the Migon than we do?" Maole : " Do they? If you examine the facts you''ll notice a pattern! The Humans are one of the youngest planetary Civilisations to ever survive a Hakum attack! The Human Civilisation is the youngest Civilisation to build Fusion Beam armed Galaxy Class Warships! The Human Civilisation is the youngest Civilisation to build SkyCruisers, and now we''re the youngest Civilisation to develop Fusion Beam Convergence technology capable of destroying even the Migon Escort Hakum ships. Our rise in power has been the fastest on record! We''ve achieved in 200 years what many races have not been able to achieve in 2000 years! Something like this does not go unnoticed!" after a pause "It''s the doctrine of Unintended Consequences! Our rise has led to us being noticed by the Migon." Amb-Lee : " The Galactic Alliance does not share your concerns Lord Maole! In any case we cannot abandon our friends in their hour of need." Maole : " We understand that the United Atlantic Federation, the United Indian Federation, the Islamic Alliance and the Asian Consortium have made commitments that cannot be abandoned, and that''s not what we are asking. Fortunately the African Federation of City States did not sign mutual defence treaties with Developing region Civilisations in return for comprehensive access to their markets, and because of this we are free to focus on our security needs. As we speak 500 Casara Class Cruisers and 70 Esara Class SkyCruisers along with 30 Afruika Class SkyCruisers, 60 Vanguard Class BattleCruisers and 240 Nubia Class Destroyers are heading to the Earth system as part of the African Federation''s strategy to defend against a Migon assault. We don''t expect that Migon will want a prolonged engagement with Arun so close to Earth, so their likely strategy would be a strategic raid designed to cripple the human race, and thereby prevent us from mounting a full scale campaign against their Heralds. The Hakum that attacked Silenia Five are Migon Heralds, and their presence indicates the start of the Migon Campaign! We don''t know when they''ll be here, and it could be anything from now to 12 months, but our best bet is that they''ll want to conduct their raid before the Galactic Alliance deploys their Capital planet protection detail." Amb-Issack : " That''s just seven days!" Amb-Lee : " Our perimeter defence systems would see such a force coming" Maole : " You''ve seen the video data we received from the Vipun Imperial Frigate # 4152! You must''ve notice the speed of their assaults! I don''t think any of us can prevent a Migon raid. What we can do is prevent them from destroying our planets!" Amb-Muntra : " With respect, there hasn''t been a Migon advance in 1000 years, and even if they''ve rebuilt their fleet the other Older Civilisations have also been preparing for the next campaign!" Maole : " Crystalans are intuitive! We see intent! The Crystalorb Council of Elders can harness that ability and amplify it so that we can focus it! We sense an intent to kill or raid the Human Civilisation, an intent to cripple us, to cut us down to size, and to remove Humans as a factor." Amb-Cross : " Why?" Amb-Lee : " We are not much of a threat to them! Why not the O''ltana or the Azleck?" Maole : " The Migon are afraid of what we might become! The emergence of Humans as an Interstellar Civilisation has been Historic. The speed of the rise of the Humans Civilisation to a Developed Interstellar Civilisation has propelled us into a legendary status. Fortunately most Civilisations recognize the Crystal technology as having its origins in the original Azleck Kingdom, and they believe accelerated Human Development to be some sort of long term Azleck project. Thankfully the Azleck Republic has been good enough to take responsibility for the accelerated Human Development, and this is the message that Crystalorb in particular has been spreading throughout the Galaxy! You all know that this is the truth; Hodians, Lodians and Crystalans are an accidental product of Azleck experiments. What must always be kept secret are the initial inputs. The Migon must never find out about this or the Human race will be extinguished. Because Hodians, Lodians and Crystalans hold the power that may one day eclipse even that of the Older Civilisations." Amb-Issack : " And where have the Crystalans been the past 25 years? What have you been doing? Why did you withdraw?" Amb-Jadu : " The African Federation wanted Crystalorb to focus on projects that could one day help the Human race turn the tide against our Enemies. We needed them to work in secret until they understood all the variables." Maole : " Unfortunately the Migon have mobilized before our preparations are complete, and we have not yet gained full understanding of what we needed to learn. However working in secret has given us an element of surprise, and our enemies will find that our ships have been greatly improved. Our technology has moved a step further, and were better equipped than we otherwise would have been." The United Human Civilisation Security Council votes to delay the deployment of the Silenia Five Reinforcing SkyCruiser BattleGroups until the Galactic Alliance deploys their Capital planet protection detail on Earth. However the 5 Human Governments agree to replace all destroyed and damaged Warships in Silenia Five, and they send in recovery teams to assist with the evacuation of Silenia Five. 【VAF】Chapter║: 28 ─ Instinct - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 28 Instinct ?~? 10 hours later 3 O''con Federation SkyCruiser BattleGroups arrived in Earth space to pick up Ambassador Timal who along with Ambassador Cuvil of the Andronian Federation were due to attend a security conference on Arun. The Crystalorb Council of Elders decided to send Guardian Naole and Guardian Isis as the Crystalorb representatives, and the 5 Human Governments all sent their senior military representatives. High Commander Azori of the Azleck Republic, General Onlec of the Folong Empire, Sky Commander Khilag of the O''con Federation and Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation would also attend. From the regional powers; General Dapil of the Kulnet Dominion, General Guquil of the Qua Federation, General Bavi of the Solte Federation and High Commander Razod of the Nabi Federated Kingdom Guardian Naole was scheduled to depart with the O''con Federation SkyCruiser BattleGroups, but before he could leave he had to give his quarterly report to the Council of Elders detailing all the progress made since his last report. When Naole finished his detailed report the Council of Elders called in Commander Cyris and Guardian Isis to give their account, and when they were finished all three section heads remained for additional questions. Cyris, Isis and Naole stand in front of the Council of Elders. Scarlet : " For 30 years we''ve been trying to understand how Naole did what he did on GG54171, but not even Naole has been able to duplicate it." Kilan : " For a moment you were able to channel the power of the Spirit Stone Naole! Do you have any Idea how?" Naole : " I think the power comes in response to a need, not a desire! For what ever reason I''ve always been able to call upon the power of the Heart of Crystalorb!" Kilan : " Could it be the Blue Chest Crystal?" Naole : " I don''t think so! I do however believe that it might have something to do with the age of the Chest Crystal! Maybe Crystal content is also a factor? But the most likely answer is the age of the Chest Crystal!" Cyris : " This is your 294th year alive!" Isis : " And as Crystalans get older they get more powerful!" Maole : " This must somehow increase your connection to the Spirit Stone!" Scarlet : " I''m almost as old as Naole, but my connection to the Spirit Stone is relatively the same as it''s always been, and since I became an elder Ive had more direct contact with the Spirit Stone" Kilan : " We have to remember what the Spirit Stone is!" Maole : " It is essentially a Chest Crystal" Scarlet : " Therefore Crystalan Ships and Crystalans without Chest Crystals would always experience limitations in their connection with the Spirit Stone! However the bonding of Crystalan Ships and older Crystalans with Chest Crystals can amplify the connection with to the Spirit Stone." Cyris : " I''m not sure I like the Idea of bringing our elderly out of retirement so that they can enhance and amplify the connection of the Crystalan Ships with to the Spirit Stone." Isis : " Wouldn''t it be easier to just create more Fragments of the Spirit Stone?" Scarlet : " Fragments of the Spirit Stone expose the Spirit Stone to dangerous Negative Psionic Energy, and as such must only be placed on vessels that have maximum defence capabilities like the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons!" Maole : " If the Migon capture a Fragment of the Spirit Stone it could be deadly for all Crystalans" Kilan : " We will find our oldest and wisest and place them on Crystalan Ships as Crystal Oracles! They will be the eyes of the Spirit Stone!" Scarlet : " Isis and Naole!" Isis and Naole focus their attention on Lady Scarlet "Go to Arun in the name of Crystalorb. Inform the Oltana and our other friends what we plan to do. Tell them of the progress we''ve made." Isis : " On your Command!" Naole : " On your Command!" The path to Arun is specific and heavily defended. The entry into Arun requires 8 jumps of 30 LightYears, and any deviation from this path will solicit a military reaction from the Azlecks. The Azlecks arent colonial, and because of this they only have two large colonies on nearby systems, but they have hundreds of military outpost in a radius of 350 LightYears around Arun. The Azleck''s military outposts provide perimeter defence for Arun. Arun itself is protected by 300 orbital stations that form the planetary defence system. Arun''s 3 moons have massive military instillations to support the defence stations, and the moons serve as primary military ports. Arun''s defence systems were specifically designed to defend against a Migon assault, and because the Azlecks are one of the few races to survive a direct Migon attack they had a good approximation of Migon capabilities. Unlike most Advanced Interstellar Civilisations the Azlecks operate more BattleCruisers than Destroyers, and they were studying designs of the Esara Class SkyCruiser with the hope of developing their own version of the Enhanced Weapons Array. The O''con Federation was helping the Azlecks develop Thunder Force Strike capabilities, and the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers they''d previously acquired were useful as test beds for Azleck Enhanced Weapons Array technologies. As the security conference gets underway Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation explained the Galactic Alliance response to the attack on Silenia Five and the presence of a planet killer in the Developing region. The Galactic Alliance Council had decided to send a Jiquam Federation led taskforce to hunt the Hakum fleet with a particular focus on destroying the planet killing mass driver. Admiral Quanite explained that Galactic Alliance scouting ships were already in the area near Silenia Five searching for signs of the Hakum Fleet. Admiral Quanite indicated that the Jiquam Federation was sending 120 StarCruisers to Arun as part of the Galactic Alliance preparations for a possible Migon advance, and that the Folong Empire was also sending 120 StarCruisers to the Nabi Federated Kingdom. Ambassador Cuvil of the Andronian Federation indicated that for the first time in 1000 years the Andronian Federation would deploy a capital planet protection force of 100 SkyStriders on O''con to help the O''con Federation to better defend themselves in the event of an all out Migon assault. The enigmatic Andronians don''t normally participate in capital planet protection, but the O''con Federation was a special case, and the Andronians and the O''ltana had become fast friends. The similarities between the Andronians and the O''ltana were undeniable, and their Civilisations were kindred spirits. In the O''ltana the Andronians has finally found a partner Civilisation like; the Carmaks and the Hildrano, and the Folong and the Jiquam. Older Civilisations tend to operate in pairs or groups, and the Andronians had for a long time operated on their own because they had no cultural similarities with the other Older Civilisations. The Andronians are the oldest of the original 6 Older Civilisations, and the Andronians Civilisation is nearly 90000 years older than the Migon, and 200000 years older than the Carmaks. Most of the technology of the 5 Galactic Alliance Older Civilisations has its origins in Andronian technology, and proof of this was the similarities between Andronian Federation SkyStriders and Carmak Republic SkyStriders. The fusion of Cephalopod and Electric Eel shape; Andronian Federation SkyStriders are: 1? 28.5317 km in Length and 8.1837 km in Width on the main body, with 19.348 km long Electric Eel shaped tentacles. 2? On the main body of the SkyStrider there are 9 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons and 10 High Energy Particle Beams Polyhedron Prisms. 3? At the tip of each of the 8 Electric Eel shaped tentacles is; an Advanced Fusion Beam Cannon and a High Energy Particle Beams Polyhedron Prism. At the security conference the Galactic Alliance decided to assist the 5 Human Governments with security on Silenia Five, and the Nabi Federated Kingdom was selected to help the 5 Human Governments to secure Silenia Five. The Galactic Alliance understood the importance of the Human military presence in the Developing region, and the fact that the 5 Human Governments had become extensive military suppliers to most of the Developing Interstellar Civilisations made a continued Human military presence critical to regional security. For 25 years the 5 Human Governments had been selling Apollo Class Destroyers, Juggernaut Class Frigates, Gunship Class StarShips and Multidirectional Particle Beams to the Developing Interstellar Civilisations. The Multidirectional Particle Beams sold were intended for Mobile and Immobile defence platforms developed by the Developing Interstellar Civilisations. The selling of this advanced weaponry was part of the Human Civilisation''s integrated security development plan for the region. The 5 Human Governments had been aware that they were on course to join the Galactic Alliance, and that the joining would restrict some of their technology from being transferred to Human allies in the Developing region, but the 5 Human Governments still had obligations as a result of bilateral agreements and treaties. Therefore the 5 Human Governments accelerated the sale of advanced weaponry to Human allies in the Developing region.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The end result is that the Human allies in the Developing region quickly found themselves with advanced weapon systems and platforms that they could not duplicate or repair. This meant that they would need Human technical support for the foreseeable future. However the Human allies in the Developing region would benefit from weapons and systems designs which would enable them to produce similar systems in the future. The 5 Human Governments were not worried about the possibility of Human designs ending up in the hands of those Civilisations that were not friendly to Humans, and that was because Human technology is largely based on Crystals harvested from Hodian and Lodian blood together with Crystalorb''s Crystal Technology. Crystal Technology is extremely specific, and could not be duplicated. Following the security conference Naole and Isis held private consultations with Ambassador Timal of the O''con Federation, Ambassador Cuvil of the Andronian Federation, General Onlec of the Folong Empire, Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation, Sky Commander Khilag of the O''con Federation and High Commander Azori of the Azleck Republic. The purpose of the consultations was to inform the advanced Civilisations about Crystalorb''s plans, activities and progress. The 2 Crystal Guardians gave a detailed presentation on Crystalorb''s activities, they explained Crystalorb''s plans, and presented Crystalorb''s current developments. The Crystal Guardians then showed the delegates images of the 63% complete Nalen Class SkyGarrisons. After the presentation the Crystal Guardians invited questions. Admr-Quanite : " These SkyGarrisons you speak of would become immediate targets for the Evil ones! Are you sure they can take sustained assault from Migon BattleSpheres?" Isis : " The Nalen Class SkyGarrisons are equipped with our most advanced technologies, and because they carry a fragment of the Spirit Stone they''re backed by the combined energy output of 5000 Reactors on the Crystalorb Moon and 11% of the energy output of 15 Stars! If thats not enough, then I just don''t know!" Gen-Onlec : " When the Migon discover what you''ve been doing they will come after you! Doesnt that concern you?" Isis : " Crystalorb does not plan to be dependent on the Galactic Alliance for its long term security needs. We think that the Migon will attack sooner than the Galactic Alliance expects, and our strategies are in line with that view point!" Naole : " We are not building the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons as defensive tools, but as offensive tools! The primary role of each Nalen Class SkyGarrisons will be to support and supply up to 1000 Esara Class SkyCruisers, 6000 Casara Class Cruisers and 200 Crystalan Ships!" Azori : " How many of these SkyGarrisons do you have?" Naole : " We have 265 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, but once they''re fully operational we will be able to use them to gather even more resources than we are currently able to process. We will then use the additional resources to build more SkyGarrisons. The plan is to have 1000 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons in 200 years" Isis : " Historical records indicate that the Galactic Alliance has been fighting this war on the Migon Federation''s terms. Crystalorb does not intend on following Galactic Alliance example! Crystalorb intends to take the fight to the Migon Federation." Gen-Onlec : " You are actually naive enough to believe that you can win?" Admr-Quanite : " Do you think that you can succeed where we''ve failed?" Azori : " Your overconfidence will be your undoing!" Naole : " I understand your apprehension, and your concerns are not without merit. However Crystalorb has no intension to live in fear of the Migon." Isis : " Most of the Galactic Alliance has been content to let the Andronian Federation do your fighting for you." Admr-Quanite : " Hey!" the admiral interrupts "We do our fair share of the Fighting!" Gen-Onlec : " So do we!" Azori : " The Azleck Republic has always fulfilled its role!" Isis : " We mean no disrespect! All we are saying is that the Andronians seem to carry most of the war load on the front lines!" Naole : " Ever since Humans joined the Galactic Alliance we''ve been granted access to Galactic Alliance shared knowledge and records, and as you all know our Spirit Stone has some special abilities that allow us to integrate Galactic Alliance shared knowledge into Crystalorb knowledge. Consequently we now have extensive knowledge of Galactic Alliance Battle history, and from that we''ve been able to calculate each members historical contribution to the fight against the Migon. The Andronian Federation contribution has been calculated at 33.658%, and the other 4 Older Civilisations contributions have Each been calculated at 10.86497%, leaving the rest of the Galactic Alliance members at 22.88212%." Admr-Quanite : " The Galactic Alliance Council agreed on those responsibility divisions based on careful analysis of military capabilities of each member." Isis : " That still does not change the facts! We at Crystalorb don''t want to be dependent on others for our security. Over the next Hundred years we will expand our security capabilities to put us on par with other advanced Civilisations, but we do not intend to deploy our forces as part of Galactic Alliance operations because the 5 Human Governments will actively fulfil that role. Crystalorb''s role will shift to assisting in the protection of the 5 Human Federations. We have constitutional obligations to the African Federation of City States, and those commitments will continue. We will serve the people alongside our counterparts in the African Federal Security Force, and we will continue to share our technological development with the African Federation. The African Federation will continue to support our efforts to Advance Human Civilisation." Amb-Cuvil : " Why not share your technology with all the 5 Human Federations?" Isis : " The simple answer is that we don''t trust the other 4 Human Governments, and the feeling is mutual. Crystalans are a kind of Hybrid human, and that unsettles them; It always has. They''ve never trusted our motives, and we''ve always seen them as uncooperative. Officials of the other 4 Human Governments don''t trust what they cannot control, and this has always been a source of Crystalorb''s tensions with the United Atlantic Federation, the United Indian Federation, the Islamic Alliance and the Asian Consortium." Naole : " The African Federation shares our beliefs and goals. Like us they seek to improve their society, and we are able to find common ground on most issues. The other 4 Human Governments have all sorts of expansionist agendas, and they''ve expressed a desire to become a major power in the Galaxy. The African Federation and Crystalorb want a more understated approach, and we seek to be more introspective in our development. We don''t want the kind of progress that comes at someone else''s expense." Azori : " What about shared security?" Naole : " We will continue to participate in Galactic Alliance security projects as and when the African Federation makes that request. The O''con Federation has a direct line to the Crystalorb Council of Elders, and our leaders will answer any call for assistance the O''ltana request of us! What we won''t do is be part of failed long term Galactic Alliance strategies against the Migon Federation! The time is coming when the Older Civilisations will once again be required to lead, and all Civilisations will have a choice on the direction that leadership points our shared destiny." Admr-Quanite : " Now you question our ability to lead the Galactic Alliance?" Gen-Onlec : " I believe they are!" Amb-Cuvil : " And they should! When we formed the Galactic Alliance we made a decision to focus our efforts on protecting the younger Civilisations, and this was done to give them time to prepare. We cannot contain the Migon forever, and the Crystalans are giving all of us an opportunity to end this war without end. This is exactly the kind of thing we''ve been hoping for!" Gen-Onlec : " Cuvil! The Andronian and the O''ltana indulge the Crystalans because you see yourselves in them. It may be true that they hold the key to eventual victory over our foes, but are you willing to risk their lives to find out? " Admr-Quanite : " You shouldn''t encourage them Cuvil. They are young, and they don''t understand the danger they''re putting themselves in." Amb-Cuvil : " I know it''s easy to see Crystalans as a young species, but let''s not forget what they are. A part of them is older than we are!" Gen-Onlec : " Which is why we should not risk them so easily!" Azori : " Unfortunately the Crystalans are not asking for permission. They''ve already decided on their course of action!" Naole : " The brightest light is worth nothing hidden in the dark!" Isis : " It''s true! Crystalorb has decided! We would be foolish to do this alone, but if it comes to it, Crystalorb will go alone." Amb-Timal : " The O''con Federation will never allow Crystalorb to stand alone." Amb-Cuvil : " Then we will stand together at the edge of the abyss!" Naole : " We would be Honoured!" Admr-Quanite : " This is madness! But then again what about it is different in this galaxy of insanity. I suppose your going to drag all of us into the storm with you." Admiral Quanite understood that Andronian involvement would mean the involvement of all the Older Civilisations, but he knew that most members of the Galactic Alliance would refuse to join an operation started by humans, even if the humans are Crystalans. Since Ambassador Timal and Ambassador Cuvil were due to return to O''con together Naole and Isis took the Intrepid BattleGroup on a direct heading for Earth. Ambassador Timal was going home for extended consultations with the High Council of the O''con Federation. Naole and the Crystalan Ship Indigo had travelled as part of the Intrepid BattleGroup, and Indigo would have to return to Earth to receive a Casara Class Cruiser BattleGroup escort to the Crystalorb Moon. The jump sequence from Arun is relatively short, and Crystalan Ships with their large energy reserves could complete the jump sequence in under an hour. However moving through the Human security patrols tended to take anything from 1 to 3 hours depending on the day, but because Crystalan Ships used African Federal Security Force transponder signals they were guaranteed access to military routes, and could therefore avoid long delays. At 400 LightYears from Earth the Intrepid BattleGroup begins its entry sequence, Onboard the Intrepid Isis prepares herself and sits comfortably for what she believes might be a protracted process. Isis : " Intrepid; Contact African Federal Security Force Fleet Command and request transit clearance!" Intrepid: " Aye Commander!" Intrepid then opens a channel with Federal Security Force Fleet Command "Fleet Command; this is the Intrepid BattleGroup, requesting secure transit route." Coms-O : " Intrepid; the primary secure transit routes full! Please Hold!" after a few seconds "Authorization granted for route 110!" Intrepid: " Acknowledged Fleet Command!" Coms-O : " Be advised that there''s full mobilization in United Indian Federation Space! Strict adherence to Navigational protocol is strongly advised." Intrepid: " Will do Fleet Command. Intrepid Out!" Coms Channel between Intrepid and Federal Security Force Fleet Command is closed. Isis : " Lock in coordinates and prepare for jump sequence!" Intrepid: " Jump sequence Locked in Commander!" Isis : " Observe all speed and Navigational protocols!" Intrepid: " On your Command!" At the Joint Forces Command Centre on Earth''s Moon the Five Fleet Commanders were observing operations as ships moved in and out of the Earth system from their respective colonial systems. The largest joint security operation was underway, and some 1800 Galaxy Class Warships were in the Earth system. There were 5000 additional Galaxy Class Warships patrolling the near Earth colonial systems, and the African Federation''s Ra System Colony was protected by 3200 Galaxy Class StarShips from the Crystalorb Fleet Contingent and 1000 Galaxy Class Warships from the African Federation''s Federal Security Force. Since the attack on Silenia Five the 5 Human Militaries had been in full mobilization, and they were running constant security patrols on a 400 LightYears radius around earth. By United Human Civilisation Security agreements the Joint Forces Command Centre on Earth''s Moon has Five Force Commanders active at all times; one Force Commander from each of the 5 Human Governments. The Five Force Commanders form the Joint Forces Command Council; which has the shared responsibility for the security of the United Human Civilisation. Each of the active Force Commanders would have the authority to make decisions in the name of his/her Federation. The rank of Force Commander is the equivalent of Fleet Admiral or an Admiral of the Fleet. Each of the 5 Human Militaries had to appoint a minimum of 5 Force Commanders, and this was to make sure that the Joint Forces Command Council is always active. The Force Commander had a six hour shift, and every 6 hours there would be a changing of the guard. By United Human Civilisation Security agreement each active Force Commander is in command of all Military assets of that particular Federation within 250 LightYears of Earth. The United Atlantic Federation had 15 Fleet Admirals, the African Federation of City States had 12 Fleet Admirals, the United Indian Federation had 14 Fleet Admirals, the Islamic Alliance had 14 Force Commanders and the Asian Consortium had 16 Force Commanders. The Joint Forces Command Network is a network of Observation posts and wormhole detectors set up between 350 and 530 LightYears from Earth, and its purpose is to provide the Joint Forces Command Centre with detailed real-time data about incoming and outgoing traffic. The Joint Forces Command Network is essentially an early warning system. On 19-11-2287 at about 20:00 GMT the active Joint Forces Command Council was; Admiral Miller of the UAF, Admiral Sutra of the UIF, Admiral Borega of the AF, General Aziz of the IA and General Tao of the AC. At the Joint Forces Command Network continuous observation is carried out by personnel from all 5 Human militaries, but each military has a separate centre that also monitors the Joint Forces Command Network and feeds the data to the Fleet. A UAF Analyst observing the incoming data notices something. Surv-O UAF : " Sir! I''m picking up a problem with one of our medium range Wormhole detectors!" Admr-Miller: " Where?" Surv-O UAF : " Grid 351/186; 520 LightYears sir!" Admr-Miller: " Despatch a Frigate to investigate!" Surv-O UAF : " Aye sir!" the officer sends the order and a frigate is despatched "UAS Kingston en-route!" Admr-Miller: " Make sure that the..!" Then suddenly the screens light up, and warning alarms go off. Surv-O AC : " Wormhole Detector Failure on Grid 151/306 at 527 LightYears!" Surv-O IA : " Wormhole Detector Failure on Grid 251/283 at 505 LightYears!" Surv-O AF : " Wormhole Detector Failure on Grid 101/120 at 525 LightYears!" Surv-O UIF : " Wormhole Detector Failure on Grid 051/223 at 529 LightYears!" Surv-O UAF : " Wormhole Detector Failure on Grid 350/096 at 530 LightYears!" Wormhole Detector Failure reports continue to stream in. Admr-Miller: " Holy shit!" The Force Commanders speak to their respective Fleets. Gen-Tao : " Activate Red-Con-One!" Gen-Aziz : " Activate Red-Con-One!" Admr-Sutra : " Activate Red-Con-One!" Admr-Borega : " Activate Red-Con-One!" Admr-Miller: " Activate Red-Con-One!" Ships from the 5 Human Federations prepare for Battle; activating their weapon systems and deploying Gunships. Gen-Tao : " There are failures all over the place!" Gen-Aziz : " We don''t know where to focus our forces!" Admr-Sutra: " I think that''s the Intent" Admr-Borega : " The Dragons are coming for us!" Admr-Miller: " We don''t know that!" Gen-Tao : " Either way we can''t make a move until they do!" Admr-Borega : " The African Federal Government has ordered all AF citizens into shelters!" Gen-Aziz : " We don''t have the extensive underground network the AF has!" Admr-Sutra : " We must prevent who ever is doing this from targeting inhabited planets" Admr-Miller: " Most of the colonies are protected because the structures are underground. Earth is exposed" a message from UAF fleet Command comes in "On screen!" Captain Donald James of the UAS Kingston B2273 reports in Capt-James : " Electromagnetic Radiation readings are of the charts Admiral!" Admr-Miller: " Nuclear device?" Capt-James : " Preliminary analysis indicates that it may have been an antimatter device sir!" Admr-Miller: " Can you locate source" Capt-James : " Still searching sir!" the Captain''s attention turns to his displays and to his crew "What is that?" Asking his surveillance officer "Near that moon!" Surv-O : " I can''t get a good reading on it Sir!" Capt-James : " Move us in Closer! Take us near that moon and launch Gunships!" Nav-O : " Aye Sir!" Tact-O : " I don''t like it Sir! The minerals in that asteroid field are radioactive; someone could hide an entire BattleGroup in there!" Surv-O : " Launching Gunships" Capt-James : " All stop" Nav-O : " All stop Aye Captain" Capt-James : " Full reverse! Deploy probes!" Nav-O : " Reverse Aye!" Surv-O : " Deploying probes!" Capt-James : " Shields to Maximum" Surv-O : " Energy spike!" Capt-James : " Oh Hell!" Admiral Miller had been observing the activities. Admr-Miller: " What is it Captain?" there''s no response from Captain James "Report Kingston!" there''s still no response, so the admiral turns to his surveillance officer "Have we lost the Coms link? Get them back!" Surv-O UAF : " We can''t get them back sir! They''re gone Sir!" Admr-Miller: " What?" Surv-O UAF : " Sir! We''re picking up multiple Wormhole signatures on all fronts!" Admr-Miller: " Bloody Hell!" The surveillance officers from the other Federations also report multiple Wormhole signatures in their territories. Migon BattleSphere: 1? 5km in Diameter. 2? Armoured Hull. 3? Have 350 spikes; each spike stands 237m from the surface of the sphere. Each Spike is a weapon: 300 Spikes are Advanced Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 50 Spikes are Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons making it difficult for their enemies to distinguish between Particle Beam Cannons Spikes and Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons Spikes. 4? Carry 50 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons; with each Fusion Beam Cannon capable of delivering 200 megatons of energy per second. 【VAF】Chapter║: 29 ─ Migon - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 29 Migon ?~? Migon BattleSpheres emerged from Hyperspace and began a total assault of Human military outposts at the edge of human territories. Migon BattleSpheres have stealth capabilities similar to Crystalorb''s stealth systems, and that made them difficult to detect, but the Human military outposts that were being attacked reported 3 sources of directed energy weapons. The Human military outposts also reported that the Migon used powerful spatial warping Deflector Shields. The Migon BattleSpheres moved inward like a deflating Sphere, and when they reached the larger and more heavily defended colonies the Migon raiding parties included 100-150 BattleSpheres. Each Migon raid lasted less than 150 seconds, but the destruction to mobile Human military assets was extraordinary. It quickly became clear that the objective of the Migon raids was not to destroy the Human Ships, but cause enough damage to them to make them temporarily immobile. The Migon BattleSpheres suffered little or no damage from the initial encounter with Human ships, but the Migon commanders clearly knew that larger Human numbers would become a factor in longer engagements. The speed of the assault created confusion amongst the Humans, and Force commanders were struggling to coordinate an effective response. Migon BattleSpheres seemed to be able to just crush through Human defences; knocking them aside like they were nothing. At the Joint Forces Command Centre. Admr-Borega : " Intrepid BattleGroup is Coming through; Naole is on the Coms" Gen-Tao : " Put him on!" Naole : " Admiral; Crystalorb''s analysis indicates that they''ll bypass main colonies and hit Earth directly." Gen-Aziz : " What?" Admr-Sutra : " There are 10 Billion people on Earth!" Gen-Tao : " Are you sure?" Naole : " They didn''t come all this way to destroy a few Colonies; Galactic Alliance Reinforcements will arrive in about 45 minutes. They''ll want to get the job done quickly. We have to stop them from attacking Earth with missiles and Fusion Beams!" Admr-Borega : " Understood" Admr-Miller: " Godspeed!" Onboard the Intrepid Isis is on Joint Communications Channel with the Crystalorb Command Centre. Isis : " Is everyone ready Commander?" Cyris : " Fleet is mobilized and ready Isis! We have 50 Crystalan Ships, 500 Casara Class Cruisers and 70 Esara Class SkyCruisers. We''ll split the Crystalorb Force into 3 Divisions. You, Naole and I will each command a division. Formation leaders are; the Intrepid, the A''ltana and the Indigo." Isis : " I''ve received the Data! How long do we have?" Cyris : " Maximum; 5 minutes!" Isis : " Enemy fleet estimates?" Cyris : " 1200 to 1600 Migon BattleSpheres!" Guardian Naole joins the JCC. Naole : " They''re ready to jump; The Spirit Stone can sense their Intent." Wormholes open and the Migon fleet begins to jump in. Isis : " By the source!" Cyris : " May the Crystal Source give you Strength!" As the battle began the Human fleets tried their best to hold off the Migon force, and in an exchange of firepower the Migon had a clear advantage despite the larger Human numbers. The only ships that were able to hold their own against them belonged to the O''con Federation''s BattleGroup, but the Migon quickly surrounded the O''con Federation''s BattleGroup and the O''ltana were in serious trouble. The Cyris division of the Crystalorb moved in to assist the O''con Federation''s BattleGroup, and that offered the O''ltana reprieve from the Migon assault. The new Casara Class Cruisers were more effective against Migon BattleSpheres, and the ability of the Casara Class Cruisers to combine their Thunder Force Strikes enabled 3 Casara Class Cruisers to destroy a Migon BattleSphere. However the Migon BattleSpheres fought in such a way that isolating a single Migon BattleSphere for a combined assault was incredibly difficult. The Migon had more battle experience, and they quickly adapted their strategies to compensate for changing human tactics. The rapid fire mechanism of the Migon BattleSpheres devastated human ships, and laid waist to large numbers of Human ships. For the most part the Migon BattleSpheres seemed to ignore Gunships, and they rarely targeted the Gunships, choosing to focus their fire on the larger Human ships. The Migon BattleSpheres fought in such a way that nuclear missiles were made redundant, and that was because the 2 fleets were intertwined. The Fusion Convergence capabilities of the Migon BattleSpheres were being used to great effect against the Human ships. Five minutes into the battle a quarter of the Human ships were destroyed, and a fifth was damaged and immobile, but only 89 Migon BattleSpheres were damaged. With the human fleet cut down to size, 500 Migon BattleSpheres broke off from the fight and approached Earth for a planetary assault. In their approach to Earth the Migon BattleSpheres quickly destroyed the planetary defence stations; leaving Earth completely vulnerable. The 500 Migon BattleSpheres then began to Converge their Particle Beams and Fusion Beams on a single point on the surface of the planet. The other Migon BattleSpheres blocked attempts by human ships to interrupt the 500 Migon BattleSpheres attacking Earth. The battle grew in intensity as the Human ships launched an all out assault in an attempt to save their Homeworld from imminent destruction. Ramming into the Migon BattleSpheres quickly became the most effective way to damage a Migon BattleSphere, but the Migon BattleSpheres have rapid nuclear acceleration and can quickly move out of the way. On board the Indigo Naole is on Joint Communications Channel with Isis and Cyris.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Isis : " No!" looking at the Migon attack on Earth "No!" Cyris : " They''re Killing Earth!" Naole : " Not on my watch; I''m going in!" talking to his division "Jump sequence 113; Activate!" The Naole Division jumps into Hyperspace and emerges near the 500 Migon BattleSpheres attacking Earth. Isis : " He''s in!" Cyris : " Provide cover" They move in to support Naole''s Division. Naole : " Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma! Fire!" The ships of the Naole Division feed Indigo their energy, increasing the energy output of Indigo to astronomical proportions, and this allows the Indigo to simultaneously attack and destroy 4 Migon BattleSpheres. When the Indigo destroys another 4 Migon BattleSpheres the Migon begin to respond to the Indigo by despatching 50 ships from those attacking Earth and a titanic battle ensues. Indigo : " They''re still attacking Earth sir!" Naole : " Ramming speed!" Indigo : " All Ships activate Emergency action 110! All personnel abandon ships!" As the ships of the Naole Division speed towards the Migon BattleSpheres attacking Earth. Crystalans are ejected from Crystalorb Ships and Crystalan Ships. Naole : " Is every one out?" Indigo : " Yes sir! You should leave Sir!" Naole : " Negative! We go together!" Indigo : " It''s been an Honour Sir!" Naole : " Likewise my Friend!" The Naole Division speed towards the Migon BattleSpheres attacking Earth and collide with the BattleSpheres in a spectacular explosion. Moments before impact Indigo forcibly ejected Naole into space using his energy, but Naole was still caught in the shock waves of the explosions 50 Migon BattleSpheres then quickly moved in and helped to finish the job of attacking Earth, and once that was completed the entire Migon fleet vanished into Hyperspace. The 61 Damaged Migon BattleSpheres self destructed in a fusion explosion destroying all data and technology, and all that was left of the BattleSpheres was molten metal. The Migon made their way out of Human space and eventually disappeared into the Null Zone. The Migon had lost 211 of its 1500 BattleSpheres; 61 Damaged Migon BattleSpheres self destructed, 59 lost to Crystalorb''s Fleet, 13 to the O''con Federation BattleGroup, 78 to the Combined Human ships. The 5 Human Federations had lost nearly 6000 Galaxy Class Warships and 23615 Gunship Class StarShips. Crystalorb had lost 421 Crystalorb Ships and 43 Crystalan Ships, including the flagships: the Indigo and the A''ltana. The O''con Federation lost its entire Elmak BattleGroup. The Humans had suffered a near total loss to its defence stations in the Earth system and on the surrounding colonies. The Migon raids had left the 5 Human Federations with no real defensive capabilities, and most of the surviving ships would need significant repairs before they would be battle ready. The Joint Forces Command Centre on Earth''s Moon was left largely intact because most of the facilities were buried deep underground, but the port facilities were destroyed. On Earth it soon became clear what the Migon had done to the planet. The Migon BattleSpheres Converged their Particle Beams and Fusion Beams on: The Transform Faults: The San Andreas Fault, the Dead Sea Transform, the New Zealand Alpine Fault, the Chaman Fault, the North Anatolian Fault, the Queen Charlotte Fault. Convergent Faults: The Eurasian plate and the Indian plate, the Pacific plate and the North American plate, the Nazca plate and the South American plate, the Pacific plate and the Australian plate, the Eurasian plate and the African plate. Polar Ice caps and Glaciers The Migon attack melted the contact point of the Transform Faults and thereby reduced the friction allowing for the release of the built up tension. The reduction in friction allowed the plates to move further than they would normally move, resulting in Earthquakes of Moment Magnitude 10. This combined with the Migon attack on the Convergent Faults resulted in a chain reaction of Earthquake swarms and storms across the planet as the Tectonic plates realigned themselves. The Earthquakes triggered a series of Tsunami Waves that raced across the world''s oceans and destroyed coastal cities. The energy of the Earthquakes accelerated the cycles of affected volcanoes, and the build up to eruptions started. Volcanic Explosivity Index of 8 ?VEI-8?; volcanoes Lake Taupo Volcanic zone, Lake Toba and Yellowstone began to build up to their Super-eruptions. The VEI-7 volcanoes of Kikai Caldera and Campi Flegrei also accelerated their cycle, but first to erupt were the active VEI-5&6 volcanoes. The attacks of the polar Ice Caps released glacial sheets into the Oceans triggering more Tsunami Waves, and the attacks also destabilized methane hydrates at the bottom of the Oceans. Some 400 million tons of methane locked in methane hydrates was suddenly floated to the surface, and dissipated into the atmosphere. The climate of the planet would now rapidly spin out of control creating even more devastation. Four hours after the Migon''s departure 90 Elmak Class O''con Federation BattleGroups arrived as support of the reinforcing Galactic Alliance BattleGroups that arrived three and a half hours earlier. The 5 Human Force Commanders forming the Joint Forces Command Council were coordinating recovery operations, and they were also trying to get an accurate assessment of the devastation on Earth. The Five Force Commanders at the Joint Forces Command Centre turned to Crystalorb for a detailed scientific explanation of what the Migon had done to Earth. Guardian Jalen appears on the screens to explain Crystalorb''s analysis. Jalen : " We are looking at a total loss to the coastal cities, and the destructions caused by the Earthquakes and Tsunami Waves has been unimaginable. We expect the first super-eruption within the hour. However the African Federation shelters have survived intact, and once the waters begin to recede we can begin rescue operations. Crystalorb analysis indicates that when the cycle is complete we''ll be looking at 87% loss of life on Earth as a whole! The African Federation loss is estimated at 30% because they were more prepared. The figures rise as time progresses, and unless we implement full scale evacuation of Earth it will get worse." Gen-Tao : " 8.7 Billion lives?" Admr-Sutra: " Hard to imagine!" Jalen : " We think that this was the intent! To scar the human race forever!" Gen-Aziz : " And so they have!" Admr-Borega : " Is there no way for Crystalorb to stop the Super-eruptions?" Jalen : " I''m afraid not; In the five minutes that the Migon BattleSpheres attacked Earth they delivered a minimum of 628.75 million Megatons of Energy! That''s 1080.53 Zettajoules of additional energy that is currently locked into Earth''s system! With the planetary weather control mechanisms destroyed we have no ability to influence the weather, and nature will now take its course. We expect the global temperature to increase rapidly, and that will be followed by a prolonged period of cooling. We don''t expect most of the vegetation to survive, and we expect that Earth will not be habitable for at least 100 years." Admr-Miller: " 100 years? What are we suppose to do?" Jalen : " Survive!" Gen-Tao : " How? Earth is the centre of the Human Civilisation''s Commerce. All our economies are tied to Earth." Gen-Aziz : " The loss of Earth will cripple our Economies for generations!" Jalen : " We must not let that happen! The Crystalorb Council of Elders has ordered 50 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons to the Earth systems to assist with the evacuation of the civilians to Mars. Crystalorb will not allow the human race to fall apart. We will use every resource we have to make sure that the human race is not permanently crippled by this. The scar the human race now carries is no different to that of the Azlecks. They have survived much worse." Admr-Sutra: " You had the power to stop the Migon fleet? You did nothing?" Admr-Miller: " Why didn''t you bring your SkyGarrisons into the fight?" Admr-Borega : " The Nalen Class SkyGarrisons are not ready for battle! They''re only about 65% complete. Bringing them into a fight prematurely would only Guarantee a total Migon Victory at a later stage. It''s the doctrine of Unintended Consequences! The emergence of the Human SkyCruisers has led us to a direct assault by the Migon Federation, and now how we deal with this crisis will define the Human race. I for one want to believe that we are the phoenix! We will rise from the ashes of our Homeworld stronger! Wiser! And ready for round three!" Jalen : " The Night is darkest before the Dawn! But Dawn is breaking! Crystalorb will stand with the rest of humanity, and together we will rise to new heights! There are Hard times ahead for all of us, the war with the Migon Federation will intensify, but we will be ready to meet that challenge! Our Nalen Class SkyGarrisons will usher in a new age of security for the Human Civilisation. Once the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons are fully operational they''ll harvest much more minerals than the Intrepid and Indigo Class Crystalan Ships, and that will allow Crystalorb to increase the size of its fleet exponentially." After Jalen concludes his briefing of the Joint Forces Command Council he enters the Council Chambers of the Crystalorb Council of Elders to give an hourly report of the devastation on Earth. The Guardian Council is also present to account for security planning, and the only senior Guardian not present is Naole. Scarlet : " The Crystalorb Council of Elders has reached a decision on the future of Crystalorb. We''re relocating to the Crystalorb Moon." Kilan : " We will hand over the original Crystalorb to the African Federation of City States, and they will use it as a permanent presence on Earth. We will help to maintain the systems, but this is our last day in this our home for the past 393 years." Maole : " The Crystalorb Moon will be our home for the foreseeable future! We''ve informed the African Federal Government and the African Federal Parliament about our decision, and we''ve agreed to assist in the relocation of African Federation Citizens to the Ra system." Scarlet : " We will use the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons to accelerate construction on Mars, and because the SkyGarrison Carry a fragment of the Spirit Stone they''ll be able to build much faster than would otherwise be possible. We will make Mars a home for all of Humanity." Kilan : " At least until Earth is fully restored" Maole : " Cyris; What progress can you report?" Cyris : " We have an accurate count of our losses, and we''re conducting repairs on all damaged Ships! We''ve recovered most of our injured and dead, but there''s still a lot of work to be done. 8 million Crystal Armoured Crystalans have been mobilised to assist with the evacuation of Earth, and the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons are bringing with them another 2 million Crystal Armoured Crystalans to help with the evacuation of Earth." Scarlet : " Isis; What progress can you report?" Isis : " We''re making an assessment of security risks, and we''ve deployed 8 scouting BattleGroups to find out how the Migon were able to move a fleet to this region undetected. We''ll place millions of long range probes throughout the region and create the largest network of wormhole detectors in the region. We''ve tasted defeat, and we now know the power of our enemies. The Migon are a power like no other. Crystalorb will have to rise to new levels to meet this growing threat." Kilan : " And for that we look to our Knowledge Guardians. Any news about the fate of Naole?" Cyris : " We''ve been searching for hours, but the debris of Indigo is making it difficult to detect Naoles Armour energy signature. We don''t even know if he''s still alive." Kilan : " He''s alive! The Spirit Stone can still sense him!" Maole : " The time for Naole''s departure is at hand. The Spirit Stone speaks of Naole''s absence as necessary. It is for this reason that Naole will in all likelihood not go with us to the Crystalorb Moon." Cyris : " He would leave us at this our hour of need?" Scarlet : " Yes! He has to leave! It is the will of the forbidden! The will of the Spirit Stone! His spirit needs time to rest, time away from the demands of Crystalorb, time away from the needs of our people." Maole : " For the next 500 years Naole will rest; Sleeping and surviving on energy. Hopefully Naole will return to a better Crystalorb society." pause "Jalen; What progress can you report?" Jalen : " As we can all see the changes to the climate are accelerating, and we estimate that the weather will achieve relative stability in about 36 hours. Evacuation should therefore begin in 36 hours. However there is an immediate problem that we must deal with; The debris of thousands of destroyed ships is in a decaying orbit around Earth. We estimate that in 3 hours the debris will begin to impact Earth if we don''t find a solution! We are talking about millions of tons in StarShips." Isis : " Most of these Warships carry nuclear missiles!" Jalen : " Their impact could exacerbate an already awful situation" a transmission comes through from the Juvenile Crystalan Ship Cobalt "Search teams are receiving a priority signal from Cobalt!" Scarlet : " Put him on screen!" Cobalt : " Honoured Elders! Respected Guardians! I''ve located Deputy Commander Naole!" Scarlet : " Good work Son!" Kilan : " Is he Okay?" Cobalt : " He''s unconscious, and his Crystal Armour has suffered extensive damage, but he is intact!" Scarlet : " Recover him, and bring him straight to Crystalorb!" Cobalt : " Will do mother!" Transmission ends! Juvenile Crystalan Ships are allowed to break protocol, and as such Cobalt can refer to Lady Scarlet and Deputy Guardian Crimson as mother. Isis : " With Indigo gone Naole will now be solely bonded to Cobalt!" Jalen : " And even though Naole has to leave that Bond will endure!" Moments later the Executive Council of the United Atlantic Federation appeared on Interstellar news networks. Senator Paul Arthur the senior member of the UAF Executive Council began to address the citizens of the United Atlantic Federation. Sen-Arthur : " Today we came face to face with the Enemy! Face to face with the most powerful race in the Galaxy! An absolute evil!" a brief pause Our scientists have just informed us that in a few hours Earth will no longer be habitable. With this in mind the Executive Council of the United Atlantic Federation has ordered the evacuation of Earth. From this day onwards the capital of the United Atlantic Federation will be the Atlantis Colony!" after a brief pause "The ease with which the Migon knocked our combined human fleet aside has led us to conclude that they''re more dangerous than we initially anticipated, and that means that there''s hard work for all of us ahead." after a brief pause "To survive we will need to embrace new and advanced technologies! We need to cooperate more closely with the other Human Federations to accelerate the construction of warships and defence platforms." a brief pause "Now that we''ve seen first hand what the Migon are capable of, we can no longer afford to be complacent. We can no longer afford to be driven by narrow political interests! We must be more than we''ve been in the past! Focus our energies on building a better Civilisation than the one we''ve lost!" after a brief pause "I have no words to express the sadness I feel over the loss of so many of our fellow citizens! No words of comfort for all those who''ve lost loved ones!" after a brief pause "With my own words failing me, I''ll borrow from the poet Tennyson" pause "Though much is taken, much abides, and though we are not now that strength which in old days moved Earth and Heaven; that which we are, we are! One equal temper of heroic hearts! Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will! To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield!" 【VAF】Chapter║: 30 ─ Returning to the Beginning - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 1: Ascendance - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 30 Returning to the Beginning ?~? Two hours later Naole is awake and his Crystal Armour is fully repaired after making direct contact with the Spirit Stone Naole stands before the Crystalorb Council of Elders to give his final report as Governor of the Crystalorb Moon and Guardian of the Crystalorb Engineering Division. Naole : " I''ve often wondered if longevity is a blessing or a curse; Perhaps it''s both! My spirit is tired of these endless wars. I hunger for peace. I hunger for simple pleasures. The Spirit Stone senses this in me. The Spirit Stone believes that on some level I want to die, to join those who''ve already crossed over. The Spirit Stone wants me to leave because even though I feel like I''m no longer needed; the Crystal Source feels that my function as Envoy of the Forbidden is still necessary. I am an Envoy of the Forbidden. I now understand that my life may not be my own. A part of me died 261 years ago, and when I was reborn I brought with me the energy of the Forbidden. The Spirit Stone believes that when I return, I will have an opportunity to begin again." brief pause "The Spirit Stone has recognized the danger posed by the debris of thousands of destroyed ships in a decaying orbit around Earth, and the Crystal Source has instructed me to call upon its power to solve this problem. In a moment Cobalt will pick me up, together we will call upon the power of the Crystal Source, and use it to prevent this impending disaster." pause "When I leave Crystalorb, I will not return for at least 500 years. Only the Spirit Stone knows where I''m going, and the Crystal Source will not reveal my location unless it''s of critical importance. We don''t have advanced stasis technology that could prevent me from experiencing 500 years of sleep, but I will use one of our Containment capsules that is not connected to the Crystalorb Network. I''ve also built a modified version of the Casara Class Cruiser called AFS Cada A2286C. This particular ship will serve as my transport, but the variant will serve as a long range scouting ship. The variant is designed to be able to operate with a minimal crew, and I will be the only passenger of the Cada." pause "Please, don''t try to look for me! However if something goes wrong and you need to find me; I''m returning to the Beginning!" If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Moments later Naole and Cobalt went into orbit around Earth with a Fragment of the Spirit Stone. Cobalt : " I take it you have a plan?" Naole : " I do! Bring us close to Indigo''s debris" Cobalt : " Will do Sir!" the ship accelerates towards Indigo''s debris "His brain was taken, and his soul has along with others been joined to the Spirit Stone. What do you want with his body?" Naole : " Indigo was not born, but made. Indigo''s Crystal is my Crystal! It came from me, and it remains connected to me. Therefore the Crystal remains alive as long as I''m alive." Cobalt : " I get it! We''re here sir!" Naole : " Good! Let''s begin" Naole then uses his Chest Crystal to connect to Cobalt''s systems "I call upon the power of Guardian past! The power of the Crystal Source! Mighty Spirits hear my call!" Cobalt : " I feel something!" Naole : " Heart of Crystalorb! Heart of the people! I call upon your sacred power! I call upon your divine light!" Guardian Naole begins to channel the power of the Spirit Stone, increasing Cobalt''s energy output exponentially Cobalt : " The Spirit Stone is doing this?" Electrical energy begins to emerge from Cobalt''s Energy Weapons Crystals connecting to the fragments of Crystals from Indigo, and the energy brings the Crystals back to life forming millions of spherical Crystals of various sizes. Then Naole used the Blue spherical Crystals to absorb all the debris around them, and this caused the spherical Crystals to grow larger. As the spherical Crystals grew in size they began to absorb the wrecks of larger ships, and that cleared all debris threatening earth. With the Fragment of the Spirit Stone in had Naole''s energy output increases making the electrical energy connected to the spherical Crystals rise, and the spherical Crystals begin to divide into smaller spherical Crystals until there were billions of 0.2 m spherical Crystals. The spherical Crystals then begin to collide with Cobalt''s skin, and the collisions cause the spherical Crystals to be absorbed by Cobalt''s skin. This was causing Cobalt to change and grow. When the process was complete Cobalt had been transformed into: 1? 55km in length, 2? 7.3km maximum height, 3? 9km maximum width, 4? Enhanced weapon systems, 5? 3 layer 800m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 240m thick, and the third 320m thick. Naole returns control back to Cobalt, and Cobalt comes to terms with the changes that have occurred. Naole : " It will take a while before all the new systems are fully integrated, but the advanced metals from Migon BattleSphere Armour will give you unique capabilities. You will watch over them now." Cobalt : " But I feel so heavy!" Naole : " Indigo''s Crystal is denser than yours, but you''ll get used to it. All of Indigo''s power has been preserved in you. You will now wield my power in my name. Find someone in my bloodline who''s compatible enough to be your partner. It doesn''t have to be a perfect fit like with me; it just has to be close enough to work." Cobalt : " I understand!" Naole : " Goodbye my young friend; I will return for you." Cobalt : " I will be waiting!" Naole : " Until then!" Naole leaves Cobalt for the AFS Cada A2286C. Onboard the O''con Federation command ship Ambassador Timal and Ambassador Cuvil of the Andronian Federation were observing Naole''s activities. Amb-Cuvil : " So this is the true power of their Crystal Source?" Amb-Timal : " Yes!" Amb-Cuvil : " The speed with which the Crystals absorbs other materials is astounding." Amb-Timal : " When they come of age they will be a power like no other." Amb-Cuvil : " If they survive! Protecting them will be incredibly difficult!" Amb-Timal : " Yes! We will do all we can to keep them alive long enough for them to become what they''re meant to be!" They receive a communications channel from Naole. Naole : " The time for my departure has arrived. Could I trouble your Excellency for an escort?" Amb-Timal : " I''ll despatch a BattleGroup immediately." Naole : " Thank you Excellency." Amb-Cuvil : " Do you really have to go?" Naole : " I have to your Excellency. If I stay, I will die! And that will not serve the needs of my people because I would have failed in my mission as their Envoy of the Forbidden. The true power of the Spirit Stone is the combined knowledge of the Crystalan dead! I''m the only thing outside the Spirit Stone that can link directly to the Crystalan dead. I''m a living manifestation of the Crystal Source! I finally understand that. My power was born as a result of an instability in the Chest Crystal, an instability that no longer exists. The current generations of Chest Crystals are balanced. I must therefore be preserved as insurance; I understand that now. When I return, I will have an opportunity to begin again." Amb-Cuvil : " Having seen the power of your Crystal Source I understand why Crystalans have such faith in it; I hope that Crystalans survive long enough to be who you are meant to be. Have a good rest. We will be here when you return." Amb-Timal : " Until the next time my friend." Naole : " Until then your Excellency." The AFS Cada A2286C and the O''con Federation BattleGroup disappear into hyperspace taking Naole with them. At the designated location the AFS Cada A2286C separates from the O''con Federation BattleGroup and takes a route known only by Naole and the Spirit Stone. 【VAF】 Arc 2: Forward - - - Crystal Guardian Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. - - - Forward Return of the Crystal Guardians Crystal Guardian tells the story of how Overconfidence and Arrogance led to the Fall of Crystalorb, which then results in the decline of the United Human Civilisation. This story speaks of the fact that despite the advances of Crystalans they remain fundamentally Human, and as such are subject to human flaws. This story explores the weaknesses of Crystalorb''s ideology, and the effects of Crystalorb''s influence over the Human Civilisation. This is the story of how the Crystal Guardians fight to regain Crystalorb''s destiny, a story about the struggle to restore hope to a defeated humanity, and a story of a quest to restore the bonds of friendship and fellowship. The Return of the Crystal Guardian speaks about the return of the ideals of Crystalorb - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 31 ─ Prologue 『Despair』 - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 31 Prologue Despair ?~? Earth date 16-07-2608; Some 321 years after the first Migon attack on Humans and the largely frozen Earth hosts a population of just over 200 million people. The 5 Human Federations are still waging a struggle against the Migon Federation and the Hakum. The Galactic Alliance war with the Migon Federation had been brutal, and the Migon had destroyed many Civilisations in their campaign against the Galactic Alliance. The 5 Human Federations have become a shadow of their former selves, and the protracted war has left them battered and weakened. With the United Human Civilisation in decline the entire region has fallen into despair, and fleets of Hakum and Migon ships have conquered and enslaved countless worlds. This has left many once powerful Civilisations roaming the Interstellar space lanes aimlessly as refugees. At the Chambers of the Council of the Light of Destiny Captain Atola Lesedi begins to speak to the Council of Light; Captain Atola needs the Council of Light to approve her mission. Lord Brown of the Council of Light gives her permission to speak. Capt-Atola : " Honoured Leaders! I''m here to seek the Council''s support on a mission of critical importance, and I ask that the Council give my request careful consideration." she takes a moment "I descend from Lodians, Hodians and Crystalans! I therefore carry within me the legacy of Crystalorb. However with Crystalorb gone that legacy will be extinguished! The only surviving Crystalans with Chest Crystals are on O''con protected by the O''con Federation. The O''ltana keep them in stasis until Naole returns, but I fear that we don''t have time to wait another 200 years for Guardian Naole to return. The last 120 years have been difficult for the Human race, and many believe that not even the legendary Guardian Naole can save us, but those of us who have Crystalan blood flowing within our vanes know that the Envoy of the Forbidden is the only one who can save us." Brown : " What can one man do against such reckless aggression? What can one man do against such Power? " Capt-Atola : " The Envoy of the Forbidden is not just a man, but a link, a link to the Crystalan dead!" she takes a moment "Guardian Naole is the Envoy of the Forbidden; He has the power to recreate the Spirit Stone." Brown : " What are you talking about? The reason the O''ltana keep the remaining Crystalans with Chest Crystals in stasis is because they could not breed without their Spirit Stone. The O''ltana hope to somehow find a way to help them breed in the future, they''re not waiting for Naole. Those of you who descend from Crystalans without Chest Crystals simply cannot accept the fact that Crystalorb is gone. Over the past 150 years we''ve sent a hundred expeditions to try and find the resting place of Guardian Naole with no positive results, and the only thing we''ve learnt is that he''s not on the thousands of planets we''ve searched." Capt-Atola : " Naole''s final words to the Council of Elders were; Please, don''t try to look for me. However if something goes wrong and you need to find me, I''m returning to the Beginning!" she takes a moment "I think that we now understand what he meant by returning to the Beginning." Brown : " You think?" Capt-Atola : " Having looked everywhere else, we can only conclude that Naole didn''t mean the beginning of an event in his life, but the beginning of the Crystal." Brown : " What Crystal?" Capt-Atola : " Lesedi''s Crystal!" Brown : " You think he''s on Earth?" Capt-Atola : " The Crystal did not begin on Earth, but on an Azleck Kingdom Warship." Brown : " An Azleck Kingdom Warship which was destroyed." Capt-Atola : " Yes, but the Idea of the Crystal began with Zao on the planet Azleck." Brown : " Azleck is a dead planet! You think Naole would go to that radioactive wasteland?" Capt-Atola : " Naole is a Knowledge Guardian; To him the beginning of an Idea is the same as the beginning of a project. He would naturally consider planet Azleck to be the beginning." Brown : " Even if youre right, Azleck is a big planet, and Crystalorb stealth technology would make it nearly impossible to locate Naole. This has been the prevailing problem with finding Naole." Capt-Atola : " Yes, but I am a Crystalan! Naole''s Guardian Spirit will respond to my call." Brown : " You are only part Crystalan. All the pure blooded Crystalans are gone or in stasis." Capt-Atola : " I am Crystalan enough." Brown : " I hope it is Enough." Capt-Atola : " It will be my Lord." Brown : " You certainly have the heart of a Crystalan. All right then! The Council of the Light of Destiny will sanction and endorse your mission. Select you team, and be ready to depart in 2 Standard Earth Days ?SED?. The routes out of this region are crawling with enemy forces, but since the Ra system is one of the Galactic Alliance''s stations in the region we can request that your ship be part of the next BattleGroup to leave the System. Once you leave here you''ll move through the outer edges of the Galaxy, and make your way to Azleck. Keep out of sight! Don''t make contact with anyone!" a brief pause "Good Luck! For all our sakes, I hope you''re right." Capt-Atola : " My thanks to the Council of Light! The return of Guardian Naole will mark the return of the Crystal Guardians!" Atola secretly prepared her crew for departure, and because of the secrecy surrounding her mission only the senior staff knew about the nature of the mission. Atolas vessel the AFS Nala D2586L is a Lodian replica of the Valiant Class Corvette, and even though it had been 152 years since Crystal Valley Industries produced their last version of the Valiant Class Corvette, the CVI design was still unmatched. The Lodian version of the Valiant Class Corvette is identical to that produced by the Engineering Division of the African Federation of City States. Most of the Crystals used in the production of the Valiant Class Corvettes is synthesized from Lodians, Hodians and surviving Crystalans without Chest Crystals. However the ships produced by Crystal Valley Industries 152 years earlier were still 50% more powerful than current versions. However the African Federation of City States still operated a respectable fleet due to the protection provided by the Galactic Alliance on the Ra Solar System. The other 4 Human Federations had been more exposed, but they had survived with sufficient numbers to begin to rebuild their fleets. It seemed as though the Migon were waiting to see what the Galactic Alliance would do before they made their next move. Onboard the AFS Nala D2586L, Commander Bruce Lesedi the Executive Officer awaited the arrival of Captain Atola, and as he waited his mind wondered to the mission ahead, he could not shake the feeling that this would be another wasted effort, but this was a high visibility assignment, assuring him of his own command when he returned; If they returned? As the Captain arrives on the command Bridge the watch officer sounds the call to attention. Capt-Atola : " At ease!" she looks at Commander Bruce "Is everything ready?" Bruce : " We''re good to go Captain!" Capt-Atola : " All right then! She opens a Channel with Fleet Command "This is Captain Atola Lesedi of the Lodian Corvette AFS Nala, requesting confirmation of transit authorization!" Coms-O : " Transit authorization confirmed! You are to transit to Grid 1235 where you''ll rendezvous with the Galactic Alliance BattleGroup!" Capt-Atola : " Understood!" Coms-O : " Good luck Captain!" Capt-Atola : " Thanks, Atola Out!" she looks at Commander Bruce "Take us into Hyperspace!" Bruce : " Aye Captain!" The AFS Nala D2586L then proceeds to rendezvous with the Galactic Alliance BattleGroup. Once the Galactic Alliance BattleGroup moves far enough away from the front lines the AFS Nala D2586L leaves the Galactic Alliance BattleGroup and stats its journey to its destination. The L in designation AFS Nala D2586L signifies that the ship does not belong to the African Federal Security Force, but forms part of the African Federation aligned Lodian Militia. The African Federation of City States officially recognizes 3 Militia Organizations; the Lodian Militia, the Hodian Militia and the Crystalorb Militia. Each Militia Organization is granted official military status, and as such can be called upon by the African Federal Government or African Federal Parliament to perform official duty for the African Federation of City States. The African Federation is the only one of the 5 Human Federations to grant Militia Organizations official military status. The Militia Organizations are not allowed to be designated defensive Organizations, and as such are not allowed to undertake Offensive military operations without authorisation from the African Federal Government. The weapons technology used by the Militia Organizations is restricted military technology, and that means that the Militia Organizations cannot share any part of that technology without authorisation from the African Federal Government. However the Crystalorb Militia had previously been granted more rights. On 02-12-2454 the African Federal Parliament gave Crystalorb Independence as an African Federation Commonwealth Nation, and Crystalorb was then formally known as the Crystalorb Commonwealth. This limited freedom gave Crystalorb the freedom to act freely in Interstellar matters without endangering the stability of the African Federation. Crystalorb would remain part of the African Federation, but would not be subject to most African Federation Laws. Crystalorb would only be subject to those African Federation Laws that the Crystalorb General Council agreed to. Crystalorb had not requested Independence, and for 20 years resisted the Idea of Crystalorb becoming an Independent African Federation Commonwealth Nation, but it was clear that Crystalorb Independence was necessary. Crystalorb did not want Independence, but in the end they accepted it. Crystalorb had become too powerful to be subject to African Federation policies, and the African Federation was at risk of complete collapse. In terms of Numbers; Crystalorb operated a fleet 25 times the size of the African Federation fleet. The African Federation Economy was dominated by Crystal Valley Industries, but that was not the main problem, the problem was that the African Federation was becoming absorbed by Crystalorb. Even though the African Federation had a larger population than Crystalorb there was no balance between them. Crystalorb Military, Economic and Social power could be felt throughout the African Federation. Crystalorb Ideology found expression in every facet of the African Federation. Legislators began to harmonize the laws of the African Federation with the Laws of Crystalorb, and this began to impact the rights of the citizens of the African Federation of City States. Soon the views of the Crystalorb Leadership became more important than the views of the Federal Executive Council; Thus de-legitimizing the democratically elected leaders of the African Federation in favour of the powerful Crystalans. This was not a deliberate act of usurpation on the part of the Crystalans, but it came as a consequence of the power wielded by Crystalorb in Galactic Alliance Politics. As Crystalorb military power grew so did its influence in Galactic Alliance, and the close relationship with the O''con Federation who themselves had close ties to the Andronian Federation gave Crystalorb unusual access to the Older Interstellar Civilisations. Visits by the Entig, the Andronians, the Carmaks, the Hildrano, the Folong and the Jiquam to the Crystalorb Moon elevated Crystalans in the eyes of the citizens of the African Federation and in so doing minimized their own leaders. Onboard the AFS Nala D2586L, Commander Bruce looks out the windows of the observation deck as the ship rebuilds its energy reserves before the next jump sequence. Captain Atola approaches the standing commander. Capt-Atola : " We''re moving through uncharted territories to hide our course. We''ve been ordered to move in a way that will conceal our eventual destination." she notices displeasure on Bruce''s face "What is it?" Bruce : " Permission to speak freely Captain!" Capt-Atola : " Granted! Speak freely Bruce." Bruce : " This is a waste of time Atola; We are chasing myths and legends!" Capt-Atola : " You''re a Crystalan Bruce; Just Like Me. You of all people should understand why it is so important that we find Naole." Bruce : " I grew up watching stories of the legendary Crystal Guardians of 150 years ago, and my grandfather grew up on the Crystalorb Moon. He would tell us all the time that we are descendents of a mighty people, that the name Crystalorb once reverberated throughout the Galaxy, but that time is over! Crystalorb is gone, and for 150 years we''ve taken shelter amongst the Lodians. My father was like you Atola! A true believer, but in the end he died chasing nothing. In one of the expeditions to find the fabled Blue Guardian they were attacked by a Hakum Sky Sword and he was killed. He never found what he was looking for! It''s foolish to think that one man can save us!"Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Capt-Atola : " Naole is not just a man; He''s the Envoy of the Forbidden. A Knowledge Guardian! A Crystalan warrior of the Highest Order!" Bruce : " I just don''t believe in a messiah. What can one man do against such evil?" Capt-Atola : " He can give us hope!" Bruce : " I want to believe, but he left us, left his people to their fate. Can such a man give hope to a people who''ve been scattered to the wind?" Capt-Atola : " This is not a question of faith Bruce; It''s a matter of fact, and when we find him you''ll see our people reborn." Bruce : " I wish I had your confidence Atola." Capt-Atola : " The light of Crystalorb will return, of that I''m certain!" The two look out into Hyperspace in silence as the ship moves through the darkness. Only the CVI Version of the Valiant Class Corvette is atmosphere capable, and since the AFS Nala D2586L is Lodian it could not land on the surface of Azleck. Two months of travel had brought them to the other side of the Galaxy, and there on the lifeless desolate planet they hoped to find the sleeping Crystal Guardian, a legendary Crystal Guardian who wielded a power like no other. Captain Atola now had a new task ahead of her, and after the long journey searching an entire planet seemed like an easy job. They had moved through some of the most heavily patrolled areas of space undetected, and now all they had to do was find something that did not want to be found. To find Naole they would have to think like Naole, and that was because Crystalorb stealth technology made it virtually impossible to find a Crystalan on a structure the size of a planet or moon. On a planet Crystalorb stealth technology could blend into the environment and use the planet''s energy fields to shield Crystalorb structures from even the most advanced search technologies. Something shielded by Crystalorb stealth technology could not be seen with the naked eye, and it took considerable technical capabilities to be able to find it. Only Developed and Advanced Interstellar Civilisations had the skill to locate an object cloaked by Crystalorb stealth technology. Fortunately Captain Atola knew what to look for, but even though the AFS Nala D2586L had the technology to locate an object cloaked by Crystalorb stealth technology it would still be difficult to locate such an object on a planet that is essentially a radioactive wasteland. Captain Atola recognized that this would be a daunting challenge, and she was under pressure to produce results or at the very least find some sort of link between Naole and planet Azleck. At the AFS Nala''s surveillance centre Atola observes as the ship conducts planetary scans, and Commander Bruce walks in to report to the Captain. Capt-Atola : " Whats the word?" Bruce : " The Council of Light is expecting progress." Capt-Atola : " I know!" Bruce : " They took a big risk in sanctioning this mission, and if we don''t come back with some kind of sign it will strain the Lodian relations with the descendents of Crystalans." Capt-Atola : " Yeah! Some Lodians believe that descendents of Crystalans have too much influence over the Council of Light." Bruce : " How does it look Captain?" Capt-Atola : " The radiation is making it difficult to get accurate readings of Phaylon radiation; at this rate we''ll be better off going to the surface." Bruce : " A surface search will take forever." Capt-Atola : " Not if you know where to look." Bruce : " How so?" Capt-Atola : " Naole did not want to make it impossible to find him; He left clues for us to find him should we need to, so all we have to do is think the way he did; does. If Naole was returning to the beginning of an Idea, then he would most likely go to the original Azleck Kingdom Research centre. However since everything was destroyed by nuclear weapons we are using Azleck Republic records to pinpoint the exact location of the Azleck Kingdom Research centre." Bruce : " You think he will be buried there?" Capt-Atola : " Yes! He would have buried his Containment capsule deep underground as a form of protection." Bruce : " What about his ship?" Capt-Atola : " The AFS Cada A2286C is a 16km long Casara Class Cruiser. It would have been impractical for Naole to land it on Azleck; my guess is that it''s in Hyperspace." Bruce : " How far away do you think AFS Cada is?" Capt-Atola : " The AFS Cada is a Scouting Casara Class Cruiser. Therefore the ship has a maximum jump range of 92 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space, and that means the ship could be anywhere within 500 LightYears." Bruce : " Why 500 LightYears?" Capt-Atola : " That''s the optimal communications range of the Crystal Armour of the time. Once Naole''s awake he''ll be able to call the AFS Cada to him." Bruce : " Call the AFS Cada to him?" Capt-Atola : " Then we return home. Huh! I don''t know what happens after that!" Bruce : " You think he will know?" Capt-Atola : " Yes; He has to!" Bruce : " Even 321 years later?" Capt-Atola : " He is Naole; Envoy of the Forbidden!" Bruce : " I''m just saying that you should have realistic expectations of him." Capt-Atola : " At the very least Naole has the kind of technical knowledge that would help us regain some of the technology we''ve lost." Bruce : " Would it be enough though?" Capt-Atola : " It''s better than we have at this moment!" Bruce : " Legend says that he''s a genius; A powerful mind capable of anything." Surv-O : " Scan complete Captain" Capt-Atola : " Show me!" Holographic displays show detailed images of the entire planet. Capt-Atola : " Focus in on target location!" Surv-O : " Aye Captain!" The Holographic displays focus in on the historical site of the Azleck Kingdom research facilities. Capt-Atola : " There!" she points at something on the displays "Zoom in on that depression!" Surv-O : " Magnifying!" Capt-Atola : " That ground has been disturbed!" Surv-O : " Yes, but not recently; It could have been a natural event." Capt-Atola : " No! He''s there; I feel it!" she looks at Bruce "Prepare search teams Commander! We are going down there!" Bruce : " Aye Captain!" Capt-Atola : " Full Crystal Armour protocol!" When Atola''s search teams landed onboard a Gunship Class StarShip they moved to the designated site protected from the elements by their Crystal Armours. Their Crystal Armours are a derivative of the Crystal Armour that was once used by Crystalorb''s Ilesian Guards, and it gave them; energy shields, flight and advanced weaponry. With Crystal Armour they could move around in hostile environments that not even a Hodian could survive. Over the 1500 years that planet Azleck had been lifeless the oceans had absorbed a great deal of the nuclear radiation caused by Migon doomsday nuclear weaponry, and this had killed most of the ocean life, but microbial life is resistant to extinction level events, finding ways to survive in even the harshest environments. A type of phytoplankton in the ocean was absorbing the methane in the atmosphere and producing oxygen in increasing amounts. Few had visited Planet Azleck over the centuries, and they were therefore unaware of the miracle of life being reborn, but this would change once Captain Atola reported her findings. Even if the expedition never recovered Naole, the discovery of thriving microbial life in Azleck''s oceans would be hailed as a success for Captain Atola''s mission. However Captain Atola had not come to Azleck to make scientific discoveries and in her mind finding Naole would be the only success worthy of note. The designated site covered an area 2.1 square kilometres, and the acoustic scanning devices could only scan to a depth of 300 meters with the kind of sensitivity that would allow the accurate detection of Naole''s Containment capsule possible. This meant that Atola''s teams would have to dig several holes spaced at 500 meters apart to be able to cover the entire area, and the depths would have to increase every 300 meters once the scans were conducted. After 35 days ?Standard Earth Days or SED? there was still no sign of Naole''s Containment Capsule, and the crew of the AFS Nala was growing impatient. There was significant tension onboard the AFS Nala, and most of the crew felt that it was time to abandon the search and return home. Some suggested that it was time to search elsewhere, but Captain Atola would not waiver, and she remained convinced that they were in the right area. At the dig site Captain Atola stands at the edge of a 6 meter wide and 3km deep hole, looking into the hole as Commander Bruce rises from the depths of the hole. Capt-Atola : " Well?" Bruce : " Nothing Captain!" Capt-Atola : " Nothing?" Bruce : " Not a sign! Should we go deeper?" Capt-Atola : " Yes!" Bruce : " Look at the Sky Captain!" Capt-Atola : " I know! This entire valley will be flooded in a few hours, and we''ll have to stop digging for days; Believe me, I get it!" Bruce : " Our people need time to rest; a little R&R will go a long way towards restoring their morale." Capt-Atola : " You are probably right Commander! It''s this dammed search; I''m not thinking clearly! Andronus is only 3700 LightYears away; we can go there for R&R." Bruce : " We could all use a break Captain!" Capt-Atola : " Order our people back to the ship!" the rain begins to fall "I''ll be along shortly, I just need a moment" Bruce : " Aye Captain!" Commander Bruce gives the order for the search teams to withdraw back to the ship, and they immediately remove the diggers from the holes and fly them back to the Gunship for transport to the orbiting ship, but as they leave Bruce notices that Atola is still on the ground even as the rain grows heavier. Bruce then decides to leave the Gunship and join Atola on the ground. As Bruce approaches Atola he can hear her speaking, and she seems to be talking to the hole in the ground while water pours in. Capt-Atola : " I know you''re here; I can feel it! I know this is not the proclaimed hour, but your people need you. I need you! It is said that you are the Light Preserver! A Symbol of Hope! It is said that a Crystal Guardian will hear the call of a Crystalan; I therefore call upon the power of Naole, Crystal Guardian; Envoy of the Forbidden!" she falls to her knees Legendary Guardian of Crystalorb, in the name of every Crystalan still alive, I beseech you; Awaken mighty Guardian and return the Light of Hope to our people!" Bruce : " Oh Atola!" he touches her shoulder "He can''t hear you!" As Atola turns to look at Bruce the ground begins to rumble, and then massive amounts of light energy began to emerge from the holes from a light source deep underground. Atola and Bruce move into the air as the ground shakes violently. Capt-Atola : " By the Source!" Bruce : " I don''t believe it!" And then the ground exploded, sending debris into the air and as the debris fall to the ground Bruce and Atola noticed an 8m diameter sphere hovering above the ground. A holographic image of a Kemetian Ankh appeared in sky above the area, and then a voice became audible. Naole : " I hear you; I hear your Call!" Capt-Atola : " Naole?" Naole : " Yes! I will follow you to your ship!" As Bruce and Atola flew higher the sphere followed them. Onboard the AFS Nala D2586L the entire crew gathered on the flight deck where the sphere had landed. They all wanted to see the Legendary Blue Guardian. The Blue sphere opens to reveal Naole''s Containment Capsule, and from the Containment Capsule emerges Guardian Crystal Armoured Naole. Naole : " Permission to come aboard Captain?" Capt-Atola : " Permission Granted Guardian!" Guardian Naole then disengages his Crystal Armour, and everyone is surprised to discover that the Legendary Blue Guardian is nothing more than an unassuming young man with shoulder length dreadlocks. Naole then walks over to Atola and stretches out his right hand. Naole : " I am Naole Olen of Crystalorb; Knowledge Guardian! Envoy of the Forbidden!" Capt-Atola : " I am Atola Lesedi of the Lodian Militia!" she takes his hand "Captain of the AFS Nala D2586L." Naole : " Pleased to meet you Atola!" Naole sends an energy burst into Atola''s hand causing Atola''s skin to briefly transform into a Clear Crystalline Form, and when Naole lets go Atola turns back to normal "Part Crystalan!" Capt-Atola : " Wow!" she takes a moment to compose herself "Pleased to meet you Naole; May I present Bruce Lesedi" Naole : " You too?" Naole takes Bruce''s hand "Part Crystalan!" he turns to face the entire group "Good to see all of you!" Capt-Atola : " This way sir! We can talk in my office!" she leads Naole to her office "We''ve prepared data packs to give you an Idea of what''s happened in the past 321 years." Naole : " I take it things have gone bad?" Bruce : " That''s an understatement!" Capt-Atola : " Not now Bruce!" they exit the transit system and enter Atola''s office where the rest of her senior staff is waiting "This is where you can link to the ship''s database." Naole : " Huh?" he looks at Bruce "I sense a lot of doubt and anger in you." Capt-Atola : " Here Sir!" she shows Naole a chair, and this prevents Bruce from responding "The link is ready sir!" Naole uses his Chest Crystal to download the data packs directly into his brain, and this allows him to instantly become aware of the situation. Naole : " No! It can''t be?" Capt-Atola : " After the destruction of the Crystalorb Moon the Migon waged a merciless campaign against the rest of the human Federations." Naole : " I see! I need time to commune with the Ancestors. The journey to Andronus will give me enough time to hear from them! My ship the AFS Cada A2286C will be here shortly; though I should change its designation to CCS Cada A2286C. Prepare to leave for Andronus!" Capt-Atola : " Will do!" Moments later the CCS Cada A2286C arrived and Naole went onboard. The CCS in designation CCS Cada A2286C stands for Crystalorb Commonwealth StarShip Once onboard the CCS Cada A2286, Naole connected to the Internet ?referring to the Interstellar Network? and updated the Cada''s database, he then downloaded all historical information of the past 321 years into his brain. The CCS Cada then connected to the AFS Nala D2586L and downloaded all the AFS Nala data into its systems, and that data included tactical military information. From the data Naole learned that on 02-12-2454 the African Federal Parliament gave Crystalorb Independence as an African Federation Commonwealth Nation. Naole learned that following Crystalorb''s Independence the six Older Civilisations designated the Entig Republic as Crystalorb''s battle partner, but Crystalorb continued to have a close relationship with the O''con Federation. Naole learned that by 01-03-2455 Crystalorb had reached new heights in military power, and that''s when Crystalorb launched its major offensive against the Migon Federation. Crystalorb operated one of the largest fleet in the history of the galaxy. By 01-03-2455 the Crystalorb Fleet Contingent consisted of: 1000 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons 3475 Adult Intrepid Class Ships 2513 Intrepid Class Juvenile Ships 2094 Intrepid Class Baby Ships 770 Adult Indigo Class Ships 2166 Indigo Class Juvenile Ships 1816 Indigo Class Baby Ships 5000 Esara Class SkyCruisers 5000 Casara Class Cruisers Crystalorb Fleet Contingent Total = 23834 Galaxy Class StarShips Crystalorb''s SkyGarrison BattleGroup consisted of: 1 Nalen Class SkyGarrison 2 Adult Intrepid Class Ships 1 Intrepid Class Juvenile Ship 1 Intrepid Class Baby Ship 1 Adult Indigo Class Ship or 1 Indigo Class Juvenile Ship 1 Indigo Class Baby Ship 4 Esara Class SkyCruisers 4 Casara Class Cruisers Crystalorb''s SkyCruiser BattleGroup consisted of: 1 Esara Class SkyCruisers 5 Casara Class Cruisers 1 Adult Intrepid Class Ship 1 Indigo Class Baby Ship or 1 Indigo Class Baby Ship African Federation''s SkyCruiser BattleGroup consisted of: 1 Afruika Class SkyCruiser 4 Vanguard Class BattleCruisers 6 Nubia Class Destroyers 3 Apollo Class Destroyers 2 Valiant Class Corvettes Crystalorb''s Military build up had been swift, and with the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons fully operational the Crystalorb Leadership decided that it was time to launch their offensive against the Migon Federation. Crystalorb forward deployed 800 SkyGarrison BattleGroups in an offensive operation in the Null Zone with the purpose of creating a new front line against the Migon Federation. With the aid of the O''con Federation, the Andronian Federation, the Carmak Republic and the Entig Republic Crystalorb was able to open a new front line along the Migon Federation border with the Null Zone. While most of Crystalorb''s Fleet was away the 5 Human Federations would patrol 1800 LightYears radius around Earth to thwart any possible Migon Federation counterattack. However the Galactic Alliance Intelligence had underestimated the size of the Migon Federation Fleet, and Crystalorb had made a monumental blunder. By forward deploying 80% of its SkyGarrison BattleGroups Crystalorb had left itself open to a direct attack, and with only 200 SkyGarrison BattleGroups protecting the Ra System and surrounding Human territories from Hakum and Migon Attacks the door was wide open for a Fleet of significant size. The emergence of the Nalen Class SkyGarrison had led to overconfidence amongst the Crystalorb Leadership and that overconfidence would be Crystalorb''s undoing. Naole had designed the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons to support and supply up to 1000 Esara Class SkyCruisers, 6000 Casara Class Cruisers and 200 Crystalan Ships. The Crystalorb Leadership was using them as large warships and not as mobile bases as Naole had intended. The Crystalorb Leadership did not wish to commit the kind of resources required to build the Casara Class Cruisers and Esara Class SkyCruisers required to implement Naole''s offensive plans. The Crystalorb Leadership chose to simply deploy the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons as big guns near the Migon Battle lines. For the most part Crystalorb''s plans were working, and with the SkyGarrison BattleGroups moving as a single force they could break through Migon lines and push them back deeper into their territory. News of Crystalorb led Galactic Alliance victories against the Migon Federation spread throughout the Galaxy, and because of these victories the Galactic Alliance began to think that total victory over the Migon Federation had become a distinct possibility. What Galactic Alliance Intelligence didn''t know was that the Migon Fleet was not 30000 Migon BattleSpheres as they''d estimated, but lower estimates were 55000 Migon BattleSpheres. The Migon Federation had been planning a total victory of their own, and fortunately for the Galactic Alliance Crystalorb''s offensive had forced the Migon Federation to use its Expeditionary forces defensively. The Crystalorb led Galactic Alliance offensive had bought the Galactic Alliance time to build up military capabilities on hundreds of worlds. However this also tied the security of the Galactic Alliance to the fate of Crystalorb. By deploying the majority of the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons to the front lines Crystalorb created a gap between the majority of the fleet and home base, a gap the Migon Federation could exploit for a counterattack. The Migon Federation would need actionable Intelligence on Crystalorb and its weaknesses, but those Galactic Alliance Civilisations who were secretly allied to the Migon Federation could not provide such information. When the Migon Federation was desperate for solutions, one made itself available, one that senses the desperation of others, and has the same thirst for chaos as the Migon Federation; the Circle. Circleans had long resented Crystalorb for denying them access to the most potent form of Negative Psionic Energy, and because of the power wielded by Crystalorb the Circleans would not dare oppose Crystalorb openly. In return for Circlean assistance the Migon Federation would grant the Circle Dominion over all human kind. For their part the Circleans revealed the secrets of the Crystalans and for the first time the Migon Federation understood what they faced. Circleans revealed the source of Crystalorb''s power, and the Migon Federation understood that the only way to defeat Crystalorb was to destroy the Spirit Stone. The Circle also provided actionable Intelligence by monitoring the fleets of the 5 Human Federations, and giving the Migon Federation precise locations of Warships of the 5 Human Federations and Crystalorb ships. Circlean Intelligence reports would allow Migon Federation fleets to plot a path to the Ra System that would not be detected until its too late to launch an effective response. On 01-11-2455 the Migon Federation made their move, and with a fleet of 15000 Migon BattleSpheres they launched a direct attack on the Crystalorb Moon. The Migon Federation Fleet had slipped passed long range parameter detectors by travelling as close to the centre of the Galaxy as possible, and through careful navigation managed to get within 5000 LightYears of Earth undetected. The Migon Federation assault on the Crystalorb Moon ?known as the Battle for Crystalorb? was one of the largest battles on record, and it involved: 180 Full SkyGarrison BattleGroups and 350 African Federation SkyCruiser BattleGroups. Additional Crystalorb Units Included; 1475 Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 513 Intrepid Class Juvenile Ships, 70 Adult Indigo Class Ships, 300 Indigo Class Juvenile Ships, 900 Esara Class SkyCruisers, 800 Casara Class Cruisers The Battle for Crystalorb lasted 1 hour, and it''s believed that at the end of the battle the Crystalorb Leadership decided to destroy themselves and the Migon Fleet rather than have their technology fall into the hands of the Migon Federation. Analysts believe that Crystalans created some kind of spatial vortex that sucked in the Crystalorb Moon and everything around it, and that included 10083 Migon BattleSpheres. What continues to elude the military analysts is; why all the other SkyGarrison BattleGroups were also sucked into vortices despite the fact that they were thousands of LightYears away? Ultimately it was concluded that the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons were somehow connected to the Crystalorb Moon, and that they formed a connected network that somehow supersedes distance in normal space. All the Crystalan Ships were gone, but 300 Esara Class SkyCruisers and 420 Casara Class Cruisers survived. In the aftermath of the Battle most of the surviving 13000 Crystalans took refuge in the O''con Federation. 26% of the surviving 13000 Crystalans were Crystalans without Chest Crystals, and some of them eventually chose to hide amongst normal human, taking shelter under the protection of the Lodians. With the Spirit Stone gone the remaining 9620 Crystalans with Chest Crystals could not reproduce, and so the O''con Federation placed them in long term stasis until a reproductive solution could be found. By sheltering the Crystalans the O''con Federation incurred the wrath of the Migon Federation, and so began perhaps the bloodiest battle the Migon Federation had ever fought. The Migon Federation were intent on eliminating the threat posed by Crystalans, but the O''ltana would not surrender their friends, and after a year of fighting with major losses on both sides the Migon Federation concluded that it was better to contain the O''con Federation rather than try to destroy them. The Migon made it impossible for ships that were not part of a large armada to transit to O''con Federation Space, and this essentially meant that travel to O''con Federation Space was strictly limited to Galactic Alliance Armadas. With the O''con Federation effectively contained Human space became the new front line in the war against the Migon Federation. The defeat of Crystalorb had great implications for the region, and when SkyGarrison BattleGroups were sucked into vortices the Galactic Alliance forces could no longer hold the Migon Federation at their border with the Null Zone. Most of the Galactic Alliance forces were forced to retreat to O''con Federation Space. Things quickly went from bad to worse, with the Migon Federation attacking the Azleck Republic, Zlarfh Empire, Pretovus Federation, Zolak Kingdom, Cromed Republic, Drafon Federation, Antora Consortium, Valdez Empire, Solte Federation, Bitori Conclave, Nabi Federated Kingdom, Curmallion Communion, Elmachi Empire, Kulnet Dominion and the Qua Federation in a series of raids. Migon raids sent the entire region into a tailspin as the Nations panicked in a desperate attempt to survive. Confidence in the Galactic Alliance had been weakened, and the Migon Federation was targeting the weaker members of the Galactic Alliance as a way to test the military capabilities of the Alliances Advanced Interstellar Civilisations. The Migon knew that failure to respond would in a fact nullify the Galactic Alliance. In the aftermath of an inadequately coordinated Galactic Alliance effort fear reigned supreme, and most of the Advanced Interstellar Civilisations were reluctant to send warships as part of Galactic Alliance taskforces for fear that they would be attacked. The Migon Federation capitalized on that fear and they used it as a weapon against the Galactic Alliance to great effect, virtually paralyzing the Galactic Alliance. With Crystalorb gone the Human race no longer had the kind of rapid response capabilities that had previously been called upon by the Galactic Alliance during times of emergency, and the Humans had their own problems to deal with. It soon became clear that Crystalorb''s offensive had forced the Migon Federation to use its Expeditionary forces defensively, and that meant that the Migon''s confrontation with Crystalorb had weakened the Migon Federation''s Expeditionary capabilities. Even though the Crystalans had lost the war they had significantly weakened the Migon Federation, and had it not been for Crystalorb''s offensive the situation might have been much-much worse. Some believed that the Migon assault was a direct consequence of Crystalorb''s offensive, and that Crystalorb''s defeat had opened the door for the Migon Federation to permanently cripple the Galactic Alliance. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 32 ─ High Protector - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 32 High Protector ?~? Naole now understood the chronology of events, and it was now up to him as the only surviving Crystal Guardian to restore the legacy of Crystalorb. Naole''s mind raced with questions, and images of the Crystalorb Moon being sucked into a vortex plagued his mind. Naole needed answers, and to find the answers he would need to summon the knowledge of the Forbidden. Naole stands at the centre of what Crystalans call; a listening Chamber. Naole : " I Naole; Guardian of Crystalorb, call upon the Light of Crystalorb! I call upon the Light of knowledge! I call upon the Light of Hope!" Then Naole gathered all his energy and focused it into his entire body, and as the Crystals in his cells became energized they began to transform Naole''s skin to a deep Blue Crystalline form. Naole then used his Crystalline skin to produce an aura that then created an energy field shield "I call upon the Legend of Heart! Hear me Father!" Then Naole senses the spiritual presence of his father Nalen, and a Voice becomes audible. Nalen : " I am the Voice of reason! The voice of peace! The flame that can never be extinguished!" Naole : " Father!" Nalen : " I am always with you my son!" Naole : " I feel so lost Father! Crystalorb has been defeated, and I''ve awaken to find that the remnants of our people are in hiding, pursued by a relentless enemy. Our friends have made incredible sacrifices to ensure our survival, and the human race stands at the brink of destruction. I feel so inadequate!" Nalen : " To whom much is given, much is expected. You are equal to the task my son. Be the Light you need! To find the strength you need, you must look within yourselves!" Naole : " How?" Nalen : " The true power of a Crystal Guardian flows from the heart! The power of a Crystal Guardian comes in response to a need. The power of a Crystal Guardian emanates from a choice! Remember what it means to be a Crystal Guardian, and you will find all the strength you need to overcome your obstacles." Naole : " Is it really possible to remake the Spirit Stone?" Nalen : " The power of the Spirit Stone is its Knowledge! That Knowledge can never be destroyed!" Naole : " Then the Spirit Stone can be remade?" Nalen : " Ooh my son! The fact that I can come through to you without the proper ancient ritual to summon the dead means that the Spirit Stone is still in existence! I''m not talking about the ritual to cause the physical manifestation of the dead, I''m coming through to you as a thought manifestation, and I''m drawing Spirit Energy directly from your Chest Crystal! This is a Chest Crystal connection!" Naole : " Between your Chest Crystal and mine?" Nalen : " Yes! The Spirit Energy reserves in the body take much longer to replenish than other forms of Energy and because of this it will be at least 4 years before I can come through again. Only the Spirit Stone has long-term reserves of Spirit Energy!" Naole : " Then where is the Spirit Stone?" Nalen : " The Spirit Stone is in a place of infinite darkness. It is unable to leave because to leave, the door must be opened on both sides. Reach out to the Spirit Stone, and the Spirit Stone will reach out to you." Naole : " How do I do that?!" Nalen : " You must find the Spirit of a dead Crystalan, but still anchored in its Chest Crystal. Then use that Spirit of a Crystalan to open a door to the Spirits of those who are still in the Spirit Stone, and once the connection is made a fragment of the Spirit Stone will be able to come through in an appropriate Vessel." Naole : " I understand Father!!" Nalen : " You will need enormous amounts of energy for this process, and to find this energy you''ll need to call upon the friends of Crystalorb." Naole : " Thank you Father! I will return the Light of Crystalorb." Nalen : " Good Luck my son! I am always with you! Remember that! the voice begins to fade "Remember that!" Naole contacts the AFS Nala D2586L, and invites Captain Atola and her senior staff aboard the CCS Cada A2286C for an emergency conference at 3000 LightYears from Andronus. As Captain Atola and her senior staff come aboard the CCS Cada A2286C they can''t help but be fascinated by the advanced technology they find on the Crystalorb Ship, and they wondered what Naole wanted to talk to them about, but they were also eager to hear what Naole was planning. Those who believed knew that Naole would have made contact with the Forbidden, and they wanted to hear the message of the Forbidden. As they enter the CCS Cada''s Command centre they find an Armoured Naole sitting on his command chair, and Naole stands to welcome them. Naole : " I would have met you at the flight deck, but I had to authorize some upgrades." Capt-Atola : " We understand! I''m amazed that this large vessel can be operated by a single individual." Naole : " It was never meant to be maintained by an individual, but the ship virtually flies itself." Capt-Atola : " Incredible!" Naole : " I''ve been in contact with my father, and he says that the true power of the Spirit Stone is its Knowledge. He says that; that Knowledge can never be destroyed! That the Spirit Stone is in a place of infinite darkness! The Spirit Stone is unable to leave because to leave, the door must be opened on both sides. He says that, if I reach out to the Spirit Stone, the Spirit Stone will reach out to me." Capt-Atola : " How is that possible?" Naole : " I must find the Spirit of a dead Crystalan, but still anchored in the Crystalan''s Chest Crystal. Then use that Spirit of a Crystalan to open a door to the Spirits of those who are still in the Spirit Stone, and once the connection is made a fragment of the Spirit Stone will be able to come through in an appropriate Vessel." Capt-Atola : " Appropriate Vessel?" Naole : " Fragments of the Spirit Stone are a direct link to the Spirit Stone, and therefore require adequate protection." Bruce : " Where would you find the fused Chest Crystal of a dead Crystalan? All the remaining Crystalans with Chest Crystals are in stasis on O''con, and the journey to O''con is virtually impossible without an Armada of Warships." Naole : " I''ve been thinking about that, and I''ve found a solution to that problem! Circleans are also Crystalans!" Bruce : " What? You would risk breaking the peace treaty that has been holding for over 500 years?" Naole : " What peace? The Circleans have broken the peace treaty in more ways than I can mention." Bruce : " How so?" Naole : " How do you think the Migon knew how to defeat Crystalorb? Clearly the Migon Federation had inside help! The Circle has the kind of stealth technology that would have allowed them to monitor Human activities, and supply the Migon Federation with actionable Intelligence." Capt-Atola : " Why would the Circleans help the Migon Federation?" Naole : " Because the Migon are as evil as the Circleans have chosen to be! The evil of the Circleans is a failing of their Spirits, but the true failing was that of Crystalorb." Capt-Atola : " Crystalorb? How?" Naole : " The Crystalorb Leadership grew overconfident; Their pride was their undoing! They lost a healthy respect for an enemy who''s older and more powerful. The arrogance of the Crystalorb Leadership is the reason Crystalorb was defeated." Bruce : " I don''t believe this?!" Capt-Atola : " Bruce!" speaking in a commanding tone "This isn''t the time for your personal grievances!" Naole : " Let him speak Captain!" Naole approaches Bruce "As a non-Crystalan you have a right to freely address me on any issue!" he looks at Bruce in the eyes "You don''t owe me any allegiance as an officer of Crystalorb. You are free to disagree with me openly, even publicly." Bruce : " I am as much a Crystalan as Captain Atola!" Clearly angered, and his eyes firmly on Naole "You abandoned your people! Where were you when they needed you? Atola believes you to be our saviour; the Legendary Blue Guardian!" with obvious sarcasm "Now you presume to judge those who were there to make the hard decisions? They believe you can save all of us, but I see through the facade!" Naole : " You are right, I did abandon Crystalorb, but I did so at the explicit request of the Spirit Stone."Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Bruce : " Please????" Naole : " At the time I had outlived all my children, and I was about to outlive my grandchildren. The Spirit Stone sensed my desire to join those who had gone beyond the veil. I had become tired of life; Tired of endless war! If I had stayed I would have died, and then where would you be?" Bruce : " That still does not give you the right to judge those who were there!" Naole : " A Crystal Guardian has a right to make this judgement! You see; You would know this if you were a Crystalan!" Bruce : " I am a Crystalan!" Naole : " No your not! You have the essence, but you have not made the choice! Atola is a Crystalan by right, and by choice; This is why even buried under mountains of rock I could hear her call out to me! Only a true Crystalan can call out to a Crystal Guardian. For those born outside Crystalorb being a Crystalan is a choice." Bruce : " My father " Naole : " Your farther was a Crystalan!" Naole interrupts Bruce "Like Atola, your father made a choice, he accepted his legacy." Naole grabs Bruce''s shoulder "You will live to see the faith of man restored! Of that much I''m certain! A day is coming when courage will return to the hearts of man, and all human kind will be free of the fear that now torments their hearts!" Bruce : " But !" Capt-Atola : " Enough Bruce! a stern look at Bruce You still answer to me! I would like to understand why the Circleans would betray the entire human race?" Naole : " Circleans have never had any loyalty to the Human race. In fact, the Circleans tried to destroy the Human race during the Circlean Wars." Capt-Atola : " But why actively help the Migon?" Naole : " They must have made some sort of deal with the Migon Federation. The Crystalorb Leadership consistently failed to act against Circlean violations of the peace treaty, and in the end the entire human race paid the price. Hold on!" Naole''s attention shifts to something else "I hear you!" Capt-Atola : " Who?" Naole " Someone is calling out to me! The people on that planet!" the Holographic displays show the sixth planet in the system "Their pain, their despair, it calls out to me!" Capt-Atola : " We don''t have time to intervene in these matters! We have bigger concerns." Naole : " My father said that I should remember what it means to be a Crystal Guardian, and I will find all the strength I need to overcome my obstacles. The true power of a Crystal Guardian flows from the heart! The power of a Crystal Guardian comes in response to a need; I feel their need!" Capt-Atola : " Why is it that you have to respond immediately?" Naole : " When one becomes a Crystal Guardian the Spirit Stone arms you with the Guardian Compass. It''s a spiritual connection to other Crystalans, but it sometimes extends to other beings that have a deep connection to Crystalans. It''s the Guardian Compass that allowed me to hear you calling out to me on Azleck. It triggers the protective instinct of a Crystal Guardian. Some believe that this ability predates the Chest Crystal, and it is in fact a human ability." Capt-Atola : " But does it have to be now!" Naole : " I hear the call, hear the despair, I answer! Whether I can help is yet to be determined!" The CCS Cada A2286C moved into the high altitude Atmosphere of the sixth planet in the Solar System SSJ623189, the CCS Cada then began a scan of the planet to determine the location of the population. When the analysis of the planetary scans was completed it was discovered that the planet has a Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Methane and Helium Atmosphere. The Methane levels in the Atmosphere are essentially minimal, and that makes it possible for humans to breathe the planet''s air. Naole explains the report to Atola and her senior staff. Naole : " The planet seems to be dying; It''s the result of some sort of toxic contamination to the planet''s ocean, and the planet has only two continents the pollution has covered the entire planet. Most of the vegetation on the planet is dying, and that indicates that the toxic pollutants have made their way onto the land masses, but there is an aberration on the smaller continent." Images appear on Holographic displays "The vegetation at the centre of the smaller continent seems to be surviving, and it hosts an indigenous population of Humanoids." Capt-Atola : " Ape man!" she takes a closer look at the Image of a native Humanoid Theyre a kind of mix between a gorilla and a chimp, the green fir is different, and the tail is an interesting twist" Naole : " They are essentially a pre-Industrial Civilisation, and they live in a village right at the centre of the forest. Estimated population; 3000! I''m going down there to find out what has them so distressed." Capt-Atola : " I''ll come with you!" Naole : " No! I''m going alone!" Bruce : " Without security?" Naole : " What are they going to do? Throw sticks and stones at me?" Capt-Atola : " At least take your Crystal Armour!" Naole : " Don''t worry! My Crystal Armour will come to me if I need it! I''ve been immobile for 321 years; I need to stretch my legs." Naole then leaves the CCS Cada A2286C and sets a course for the outskirts of the village, armed only with his Manacle of Ilesia. Naole landed 20km away from the village and began to collect samples of the vegetation, insects and animal blood. Naole''s plan was to slowly make his way towards the village, he would circle the village, and then he would move in and study the natives, but Naole had no intension of making contact with the Apeman. If everything went according to plan the Apeman would never know that he was even there. As Naole quietly made his way towards the Apeman Village he came upon an Apeman hunting party, and though the Apeman could not see Naole they could somehow sense his presence. The Manacle of Ilesia was once the main tool of Crystalorb''s Ilesian Guards, but it now used only in covert operations in human territories, it allowed Naole to move unseen, and it amplified Naole''s natural abilities. When Naole realized that the Apeman could sense his presence, and that it unsettled them, he decided to back off a little. Naole remain close enough for his Manacle of Ilesia to continue to transmit video and audio to the CCS Cada A2286C for analysis. Once the CCS Cada A2286C completed language analysis, Naole could then use his Manacle of Ilesia for machine translation should it become necessary? Just as the Apeman were becoming more relaxed something startled them, and they began to run for their lives. The Apeman were being pursued by a reptilian creature that had the ability to change the colour of its skin in order to blend into the environment. The Apeman hunting party that included 18 adults and 15 sub-adults was quickly scattered into the jungle as they desperately tried to survive. Onboard the CCS Cada A2286C a priority transmission comes in form Naole. Naole : " Are you seeing this?" Capt-Atola : " Where did they come from?" Naole : " They don''t belong here" Capt-Atola : " We''re detecting six of them!" Naole : " I''m intervening!" Bruce : " I strongly advice against that!" Naole : " It''s only a few of them!" Capt-Atola : " Without Crystal Armour?" Naole : " I can take them!" Bruce : " It could be an incursion, and if they find out that youre a Crystal Guardian there could be trouble?" Capt-Atola : " Be careful sir, we don''t know how much weaponry they''re carrying." Naole : " Will do!" The link with Naole is suspended. Bruce : " This is reckless, why does he insist on battling the Hakum without Crystal Armour?" Capt-Atola : " He knows what he''s doing!" Bruce : " Your blind faith will be the end of him!" Capt-Atola : " His power is more than divination! They used to call him Master Guardian." Bruce : " This is still reckless" Capt-Atola : " Watch!" Atola and her senior staff watch as Naole battled the first of the Hakum. The Hakum are; about 2.4 meters tall, biped, with a 1.3 meters long tail, their muscular bodies encased in reptilian skin covered in scaly bone armour, their two hands are equipped with razor sharp claws designed to cut through flesh and the mouth is covered with razor sharp teeth along with a bite force capable of crashing bone. They watched as Naole easily grabbed the first of the Hakum by the throat, and as he squeezed the Hakum''s neck shattered. Three of the Hakum''s companions tried to come to his aid, but Naole used his Manacle of Ilesia to easily dispose of them with Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls. The remaining Hakums decided to run, but Naole would not let them escape, and because of Naole''s rapid flight capabilities the Hakum had no hope of escape. The fight was over in a flash, but the Apeman had seen Naole engage the Hakum, and they were coming closer to see the creature that walked like the ravenous beasts. The Apeman had witnessed Naole''s power, and even though they were afraid, they recognized something familiar about Naole, they could feel Naole''s aura, an energy that has some similarity to their own energy. One of the younger Apeman was bolder than the other Apeman, and so he approached Naole and got close enough to touch Naole, but then he quickly stepped back. Naole opens a Holographic Communications Channel with the CCS Cada. Naole : " Naole reporting!" Capt-Atola : " I read you Guardian!" Naole : " What is Crystalorb''s policy on first contact?" Capt-Atola : " Crystalorb didn''t make first contact anymore; they preferred that the African Federation or the other 4 Human Federations make first contact with other species." Naole : " Do you know why?" Capt-Atola : " It is said that the Crystalorb Leadership held the view that contact with Crystalans had the potential to radically change the course of a primitive Civilisation." Naole : " I''ve just broken protocol then." Capt-Atola : " How so?" Naole : " The Apeman can see me! That skirmish with the Hakum exposed me and compromised my stealth." Capt-Atola : " Has your Manacle of Ilesia been damaged?" Naole : " No! There is something special about the Apeman." Capt-Atola : " In what way?" Naole : " I think when I raised my energy output they were able to lock on to my aura!" Capt-Atola : " How is that possible? They are behaving like Crystalans!" Naole : " I think that we are the one behaving like them!" Capt-Atola : " What?" Naole : " Im not sure, but their DNA may have gone into the original Crystal." Naole''s attention shifts to the Apeman "Hold on!" Capt-Atola : " What is it?" Naole : " I think they want me to go with them!" Naole reflects "Huh! I''m going with them to their Village, and I''ll be in continuous contact." The Holographic Communications Channel with the CCS Cada is suspended. On the way to the village Naole used his Manacle of Ilesia to continue to transmit video and audio to the CCS Cada A2286C for language analysis, and by the time they arrive at the village the CCS Cada had completed language analysis, Naole could then use his Manacle of Ilesia for machine translation. When they arrived at the village the village security force arrested Naole and took him into custody. Naole allowed himself to be arrested because he wanted to study the Apemans justice systems. From CCS Cada''s analysis, Naole learned that the Apeman called themselves Velrovians, and they called their planet Crasla; which loosely translates to Our World in the Velrovians language. Naole learned that the Velrovian leaders believed him to be associated with what they called the beasts; the Hakum. The Velrovian leaders planned to execute Naole the following morning in the centre of town for all Velrovians to see. However the Velrovians who Naole had saved from the Hakum pleaded Naole''s case, but without a proper justice system their pleas fell on deaf ears, and further protests by those who wanted to help Naole would only lead to them sharing Naole''s fate. Naole was unconcerned, he told the Velrovians who tried to help him not to risk their lives, and that everything would be fine. The next morning tensions were high onboard the CCS Cada, and Atola''s senior staff wanted to intervene, but Naole had asked that they not interfere. A clearly agitated Bruce watches as the Velrovian security guards bring Naole to the centre of the village for a public execution. Bruce : " This is madness!" Capt-Atola : " It seems that way doesn''t it?" Bruce : " Are we just going to stand here and let this happen?" Capt-Atola : " Yes!" Bruce : " Why? He has the power to escape, why doesn''t he use it?" Capt-Atola : " You still don''t get it!" Bruce : " What? Have I missed something?" Capt-Atola : " These Velrovians can''t hurt Naole! They don''t have the tools to harm someone as powerful as Naole" Bruce : " What are you talking about? Even a Crystal Guardian can be poisoned or injured!" Capt-Atola : " Not this Crystal Guardian!" Bruce : " How can you be so sure?" Capt-Atola : " Naole is an ascended Crystalan! A Crystal Guardian with the power to transform to a Crystalline Form." Bruce : " I hope you know what you are doing" The disapproving Bruce continued to watch. The Velrovian leaders gathered at what Velrovians call the place of judgement, and a crowd quickly gathered to observe the execution of what they had been told was one of the vile forest beasts. Velrovian executions tended to be a bloody affair, with the toss of a coin deciding weather the victim is hung or decapitated. The tossing of the coin would be done by one of the Five village chiefs, and this time it was Carlet who would make the toss. Oracle Justa would confirm the results, and the execution would proceed. Chief Carlet throws the coin into the air. Carlet : " The coin has spoken, and rope it is!" Justa : " Fate has chosen the rope for the beast!" Carlet : " Then we will proceed!" They bring Naole onto the stone gallous, and when the executioner pulls the lever Naole falls through the hole, but because of Naole''s weight the rope breaks and he falls straight through and lands on his feet. Justa : " What?" he looks at Naole "Then it''s the Axe!" The crowd cheers as the guards led Naole back onto the platform and tie him to the chopping block. Carlet : " Off with the beast''s head!" The executioner raised his large axe and when he brought it down there was a loud clang! As though metal forcibly came into contact with metal. The Axe had been bent and broken, but Naole was unharmed, and the Axe never even broke his skin. Shock reverberated through the crowd, and some began to run away. Justa : " What is this?" he looks at Naole What kind of monster are you?" Then the crowd moves back even further as Naole easily brakes off the metal Chains that were used to restrain him. He begins to speak using his Manacle of Ilesia for machine translation. Naole : " I am Naole Olen of Crystalorb! Knowledge Guardian! Envoy of the Forbidden!" one of the guards moves towards Naole, and Naole turns and points a finger at the guard "Do not try my patience!" Carlet : " Why have you come here?" Naole : " I''m here because you called out to me!" Justa : " We? How could we have called you? We don''t even know what you are!" Naole : " I am a Guardian! Somehow your despair called out to me." Carlet : " A Guardian of what?" Naole : " A Knowledge Guardian! I protect the Knowledge of Crystalorb! I protect the Light of Knowledge!" Justa : " What sort of knowledge?" Naole : " All of Crystalorb''s accumulated Knowledge!" Carlet : " What is Crystalorb?" Naole : " My home! My world!" Justa : " What do you know of the beasts?" Naole : " The beasts are called Hakum; they are the servants of the Migon Federation. My people have been at war with the Migon Federation for generations. The Hakum that are here crashed on this planet some 1600 years ago. They were transporting toxic materials to Migon Federation space, but something happened to their freighter and it crashed on this planet. The toxic materials killed most of the life of this planet, but somehow this village and the surrounding forest were able to survive." Carlet : " Our Oracles have the power to make plants grow!" Naole : " Show me!" Justa then proceeds to make a small plant grow a little by using his eyes'' which incidentally are Clear Crystals. Justa : " A few of the Velrovian are born with Oracle eyes, and these eyes allow us to see into the shadows and accelerate plant growth. Oracles of ancient times kept this forest from dying, and we use our power to help our people farm all the food they need." Naole : " I see!" Naole opens his Guardian robes to reveal his Chest Crystal to the surprise of the Velrovians, and then his Chest Crystal flashes three times "We too have what you would call an Oracle eye!" Naole had used his Chest Crystal to summon his Crystal Armour to him. Naole also sends a message to Atola asking her to deliver additional equipment. Carlet : " On your chest?" Naole''s Crystal Armour arrives and hovers in front of Naole. The Velrovians are now even more afraid than before, but Naole''s energy somehow calms them. Naole then touches the Crystal Armour sphere. Naole : " I am the light on the hill!" The Guardian Armour sphere begins to open "The line in the sand!" Light energy increases, making it hard to see Naole "Here and no further!" Crystal Armoured Naole then uses the Clear Crystal that formed Naole''s Blue Guardian Armour''s Left hand Energy Crystal to make another small plant grow a little. Justa : " You are like Velrovians?" Naole : " Crystalan abilities incorporate Velrovian abilities; This is why I was able to hear you calling out to me." Carlet : " So there are others like you?" Naole : " Yes! I must leave now, but before I leave I will give you four Classes of tools; 11 Sceptres of Leadership to make you better leaders, 12 Amulets of Knowledge to enhance your understanding, 120 Rings of Power to enhance your physical strength and 500 Manacles of Power to help you defend yourselves against the Hakum." Captain Atola and Bruce land with the equipment and the solar powered charging mechanism "These tools are not to be used to assert the authority of Velrovian leaders, and should be used for the benefit of all Velrovians." Justa : " Before you leave, there is an issue that must be resolved." Naole : " What is it?" Justa : " In our custom; if you save a life, then you are responsible for that life! Therefore the ones you saved in the forest are your responsibility. They are in your service; If you are leaving, then they must leave with you." Capt-Atola : " That''s not possible! We have dangerous work to do that they are not prepared for" Justa : " The ones you saved in the forest have named you their Ultora!" Naole : " Ultora?" Justa : " Velrovian for High Protector!" Naole : " What if I release them from my service?" Justa : " Only fate can release them from your service. If they die in your service then their children remain in your service, and this will continue until you die." Capt-Atola : " But Naole does not age?" Carlet : " Our law says that they would not exist without your intervention. This binds them to you, and such a bond cannot be broken." Justa : " However you can decree that the next generation serve your interests here on Crasla, but this generation must go where you go!" Naole : " Then so be it! I will take these 18 adults and 15 youths with me, and I will teach them the ways of Crystalorb. In time the next generation will return to Crasla and the Crystalorb Knowledge they gain will help to build a just and prosperous Velrovian society." A few hours later Naole and the CCS Cada A2286C left Crasla, taking with them Naole''s new servants. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 33 ─ Entig - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 33 Entig ?~? Onboard the CCS Cada A2286C Naole opens a Holographic Communications Channel with the High Council of the O''con Federation to speak to Lord Bital of the O''con Federation High Council. Naole : " Greetings my Lord!" Bital : " Greetings to you Naole! Good to have you back!" Naole : " I am saddened to hear of the hardships the O''ltana have had to endure on Crystalorb''s behalf." Bital : " The loss of Crystalorb has been an awful sadness for the O''con Federation." Naole : " The Forbidden have informed me that the true power of the Spirit Stone is its Knowledge. They say that, that Knowledge can never be destroyed. That the Spirit Stone is in a place of infinite darkness. The Spirit Stone is unable to leave because to leave, the door must be opened on both sides. They say that, if I reach out to the Spirit Stone, the Spirit Stone will reach out to me! But I need access to incredible amounts of energy to accomplish this task." Bital : " How much energy are you talking about?" Naole : " The output of Earth''s sun for 260 hours!" Bital : " That''s enough energy to destroy a planet!" Naole : " Yes! However in this case I will use it to open a door to the realm where the Spirit Stone is trapped. To focus the energy I will have to sacrifice this vessel." Bital : " We can''t get to you at this moment Naole. However we will talk to the Andronian Federation and see if they can''t be of assistance, but you''ll get little support from the rest of the Galactic Alliance, and that is because most Galactic Alliance Civilisations blame Crystalorb for what has happened to the Galactic Alliance." Naole : " I understand my Lord!!" The Holographic Communications Channel with Lord Bital is suspended, and Naole''s attention turns to Atola and Bruce. Capt-Atola : " Sacrifice the ship?" Naole : " It is the only way! The Older Civilisations have in their possession Ships that can generate the kind of energy we need, but they are unlikely to avail them to us." Bruce : " They have Planet killers? Why haven''t they used them?" Naole : " They would have had to build them, but these are weapons of last resort! A type of final solution for the Migon problem." Capt-Atola : " How can you be sure that they have them?" Bruce : " And what do you mean by Final Solution?" Naole : " It''s the result of Natural progression! As the Advanced Interstellar Civilisations become even more advanced the energy output of their vessels increase exponentially, and in the end they reach planet destroying capabilities. There''s only one way to defeat the Migon, and it requires a Civilisation to do the unthinkable!" Capt-Atola : " They would have to destroy Migon worlds!" Naole : " Yes! Which means killing hundreds of billions of slaves, and if that does not work, they would have to destroy all the weak Civilisations that can easily fall victim to the Migon." Bruce : " A war of attrition!" Capt-Atola : " Unthinkable!"The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Naole : " Exactly!" Bruce : " Do you think the Andronian Federation will help us?" Naole : " The Andronian Federation has always had faith in the promise of Crystalorb!" Capt-Atola : " What is the promise of Crystalorb?" Naole : " The Older Civilisations believe Crystalans to be Proto-Phaylon! That implies that Crystalans are destined to evolve to be similar to the Legendary Phaylon. The Older Civilisations believe Crystalans are at an early stage of the evolution to a state where we would be like the Phaylon. Crystalorb holds the promise of accelerated Evolution to a Psionic state. Once we achieve this, the Older Civilisations will know how to transition to a Psionic Energy state of being." Capt-Atola : " Do you, like the Older Civilisations believe that Crystalans will evolve to be similar to the Legendary Phaylon?" Naole : " To be honest, I want to believe it, but I can''t be sure. Maybe the Older Civilisations know something we don''t!" The Holographic Communications Channel with Lord Bital reactivates. Bital : " Naole, I''ve been in contact with Ambassador Vinach of the Andronian Federation, and he wants you to immediately deviate to Entig Republic space, he believes that there are too many eyes on Andronus. He does not want a cruiser belonging to the supposedly dead Crystalans showing up in public for all to see." Naole : " I understand my Lord!" Bital : " Ambassador Vinach is expecting your call! I''m sending you Andronian Federation Communications protocols." Naole : " I appreciate your assistance my lord!" Bital : " You are welcome Naole!" The Holographic Communications Channel with Lord Bital ends. Naole turns to Atola and Bruce. Naole : " Inform your ship that we are changing course!" Capt-Atola : " Will do!" Captain Atola establishes contact with her ship. Bruce : " Do the Entig know that we are coming?" Naole : " Probably!" Bruce : " Why don''t the Andronians divert us to their territory? Wouldn''t they have the energy you need?" Naole : " You mean the energy We need!" Naole clearly emphasizing the WE in that statement "Andronian Federation space is at the heart of what is often called the ancient region, or the ancient realm, and also referred to as Quarantine Space. To get to the heart of Andronian Federation space we would have to move through the territory of one of the 4 other Older Galactic Alliance Civilisations, and as you all know there are many Civilisations that live at the edge of quarantine space. We would have to move through these many Civilisations to get to quarantine space, and any one of them could inadvertently disclose our movement to the Migon." Bruce : " You are saying that they might tell others who might in turn inform the Migon about the passage of the CCS Cada A2286C through their space." Naole : " Yes!" Captain Atola rejoins the conversation. Capt-Atola : " I''ve instructed my crew to inform the Council of Light that we''ve left Azleck, and that we are on route to Entig Republic space for consultations with the Entig, but I did not disclose in any way that we have found you Naole." Naole : " Good!" Bruce : " Why don''t you want the Council of Light to know that you''re back?" Capt-Atola : " He''s afraid of security issues!" Naole : " Circleans have eyes everywhere! With Crystalorb gone they''re probably watching everything Hodians and Lodians do!" Captain Atola and Bruce leave to allow Naole to have private Communications with the Andronians as they prepare to put him through to Ambassador Vinach. Naole establishes a Holographic Communications Channel with Ambassador Vinach. Naole : " Thank you for taking my call your Excellency!" Amb-Vinach : " Lord Bital has informed us of your plan to summon your Crystal Source to this dimension, and I''ve been informed of your energy requirements." Naole : " Yes your Excellency; We need the output of Earth''s sun for 260 hours." Amb-Vinach : " That is a substantial amount of energy, how do you plan to contain it?" Naole : " The plan is not to contain it your Excellency. I plan to use it as fuel to power the process of opening a tunnel to the Inter-dimensional Pocket where the Spirit Stone is trapped." Amb-Vinach : " So you believe that the entire Crystalorb Moon was sucked into an Inter-Dimensional Pocket?" Naole : " It''s the only plausible explanation! Generating a wormhole that creates an Inter-dimensional Pocket is relatively easy, but once youre in the Inter-dimensional Pocket you need an anchor in normal space to Generate a wormhole that leads out of the Inter-dimensional Pocket." Amb-Vinach : " Then what do you believe caused the vortices to also suck in the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, Crystalan Ships and Crystalorb Ships?" Naole : " I''ve theorized that the source of the Inter-dimensional Pocket was the Spirit Stone, and because all the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons carry a connected fragment of the Spirit Stone they were also sucked into the same vortex. The Crystalan Ships and Crystalorb Ships may have been just too close to the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons when the vortices formed!" Amb-Vinach : " Do you think that any of the Ships survived?" Naole : " Unlikely! From the data on Crystalorb research saved by survivors I''ve been able to understand that inside an Inter-dimensional Pocket the pressure is extremely high. Crystalorb experimentation with Inter-dimensional Pockets reveals that inside the Inter-dimensional Pocket the spatial pressure is equivalent to 150 times the gravity of Earth. Therefore I would expect that all the ships, including the 10083 Migon BattleSpheres would have crushed on the Crystalorb Moon" Amb-Vinach : " So you don''t expect that there would be Crystalan survivors?" Naole : " That would be too much to hope for. But I am confident that the Spirit Stone survived! The Spirit Stone would have known that without it Crystalans would be extinguished. Therefore the Spirit Stone would have recognized that the only way to save Crystalans as a people would be to do what it did." Amb-Vinach : " So even if the Spirit Stone returns, it would take generations for Crystalorb to return to its former glory?" Naole : " I''m afraid so your Excellency! We would have to restore the Crystalorb population before we can be useful in any kind of military strategy. Crystalorb was once an Advanced Interstellar Civilisation, but what will return will be the remnants of a once powerful Civilisation." Amb-Vinach : " At the heights of the Crystalorb Civilisation you wielded power similar to the Entig Republic, and many Civilisations regarded Crystalorb as the saviours of the Galactic Alliance. We can only hope that when you once again regain your place amongst the community of Civilisations you will do better." Naole : " We''ve paid a terrible price for our arrogance! Crystalorb will act with others and not alone!" Amb-Vinach : " Good!" he takes a moment "We''ve spoken to the Entig Republic, the Jiquam Federation, the Folong Empire, the Carmak Republic and the Hildrano Enclave about your needs. The Carmak Republic, the Andronian Federation and the Entig Republic have agreed to help you meet your energy requirements on the Entig Republic''s Nilrig colony deep inside Entig Republic space." Naole : " We will set course for the planet Nilrig immediately!" Amb-Vinach : " Good! I see that you''ll need something else before you can proceed?" Naole : " Yes! I''ll need the Chest Crystal of a dead Crystalan. The Chest Crystal of a dead Crystalan is in a lot of ways similar to the Spirit Stone, and the main difference is that the Spirit Stone has the accumulated Knowledge of entire generations of Crystalans." Amb-Vinach : " Then where will you find the Chest Crystal of a dead Crystalan?" Naole : " I was hoping that the Andronian Federation would provide some assistance in this regard!" Amb-Vinach : " How so?" Naole : " Circleans are also Crystalans! I need to find one and kill him or her, but finding a vulnerable Circlean is easier said than done. However, given the fact that Andronians are more sensitive to negative Psionic energy, I was hoping that you might be willing to allow a few Andronians to come with us and help us locate Circleans on the fringes of human society." Amb-Vinach : " You want Andronians to walk amongst a human population?" Naole : " Not necessarily! I will do the hunting; I just need to know where to look. I can''t risk going to the larger human colonies where there''ll be more Circleans. I''m targeting a Circlean who does not have access to significant amounts of negative Psionic energy; someone the other Circleans won''t miss, someone I can remove without arousing the suspicion of The Circle." Amb-Vinach : " Ill send 3 Andronian Soldiers to Nilrig; they''ll travel with you to help you find what you need. Good luck!" Naole : " Thank you, your Excellency!" When the CCS Cada A2286C and the AFS Nala D2586L arrived at the Entig Republic''s Nilrig colony Naole met with the three Andronian Soldiers; Velnah, Silta and their Lieutenant Juvil. The 3 Andronian Soldiers are considered young by Andronian standards; Velnah and Silta are 150000 years in age, and Lieutenant Juvil is about 50000 years older than Velnah and Silta. Andronians rarely get an opportunity to go on these types of missions, and the 3 relatively young Andronian Soldiers welcomed the opportunity to prove themselves in an actively hostile environment. Agreeing to send the 3 Andronian Soldiers was a sign of the extraordinary confidence Andronians had in Naole''s capabilities, and the Andronian Federation was confident that Naole could protect the 3 relatively young Andronians. The risk posed by Circleans to young Andronians was significant, and the Andronian Leadership understood the danger posed to the galaxy by the Circle in general. Naole met with Commander Elrig; one of the Entig Republic''s 7 military chiefs of staff. Commander Elrig informed Naole that the Entig Republic had been coordinating with the Carmak Republic and the Andronian Federation to ensure that everything will be ready for Naole''s process. All Commander Elrig needed was for Naole to give him a timeline for when the warships should gather on Nilrig, or at the very least be close enough to Nilrig to participate. Commander Elrig calculated that he needed; 5 Andronian Federation SkyStriders, 7 Carmak Republic SkyStriders and 15 Entig Republic StarCruisers. The rest of the energy would be provided from the Entig Republic''s Nilrig colony. The 3.61296X10E32 Joules needed would then be channelled into the CCS Cada A2286C, and the process is expected to destroy the CCS Cada, but what happens after that no one knew for certain. 【VAF】Chapter║: 34 ─ Negative Psionic Energy - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 34 Negative Psionic Energy ?~? After consultations with Entig officials on Nilrig, the AFS Nala D2586L and the CCS Cada A2286C set course for human territories. Captain Atola had some Ideas about where to start the search for the elusive Circleans. The Circle had established a primary colony on a planet called Circlecs, and this was where most of the Circleans lived, but they would periodically leave Circlecs to go on harvesting missions on human and other worlds. Circlecs is firmly located in the developing region, and the planet Circlecs used to be a long range colony of the Seatim Empire, but it was abandoned following a Migon Federation attack on the Seatim Empire Homeworld. Circlecs is 2600 LightYears from the Silenia Solar System, at a galactic radius 3700 LightYears. The Circleans renamed it planet Circlecs after the long range colony was abandoned. On Circlecs the Circleans are free to implement their plans, and with Crystalorb gone there was none willing to stop Circlean atrocities. There are 2 million Circleans on Circlecs, and they keep 55 million Hybrids as their energy slaves. The Circleans keep the Hybrids artificially alive, but the Hybrids are brain dead. Most of the Hybrids on Circlecs were captured on Human worlds, but in recent times the Circleans have been experimenting with cloning technology. However Circleans don''t have the kind of patience required to feed brain dead Hybrid clones until they develop to adulthood, they prefer to pounce on unsuspecting Hybrids and humans on Human worlds and export them to Circlecs. The Circle has essentially murdered 55 million people, and they keep them in a vegetative state as a constant supply of the most potent form of Negative Psionic Energy. This is what the Circleans had planned for all humans and other species that inhabited the galaxy. The Circleans would convert all human territories into human farms, and they would periodically harvest the older humans for Negative Psionic Energy. In the Circleans the Migon Federation had found a group even more sadistic than themselves, and an alliance with what the Migon called the Proto-Phaylon would guarantee the Migon Federation security. Onboard the AFS Nala D2586L Captain Atola receives a Holographic Communications Channel from Naole. Naole : " Good evening Atola!" Capt-Atola : " Good Evening Sir!" Naole : " I''ve just learned that Circlean activities are limited on larger human settlements, so we must set course for the closest heavily populated human colony in the region." Capt-Atola : " That would be the Atlas Colony of the United Atlantic Federation!" Naole : " Yes! I can''t show up in a Crystalorb Commonwealth StarShip, so when we are closer we''ll transfer to your ship." Capt-Atola : " To get clearance to travel into United Atlantic Federation space I''ll have to inform the Council of Light of our travel plans." Naole : " Don''t worry about that! As of this moment we''ve been specifically requested by the Entig Republic to pick up one of their researchers in United Atlantic Federation space. The Entig scientist is studying human social behaviour on a number of UAF colonies." Capt-Atola : " The Entig Republic is providing cover for us?" Naole : " Yes!" Capt-Atola : " So the Council of Light has been informed?" Naole : " Yes! They will be in touch with you shortly, and they will insist that you maintain secrecy. Knowledge of my return must be kept secret, the Council of Light must not know about my return until all the elements are in place" Capt-Atola : " Elements?" Naole : " The fragment of the Spirit stone!" Capt-Atola : " I understand!" Naole : " Good!" Capt-Atola : " Are the Apeman coming with you?" Naole : " They''re Velrovians!" Capt-Atola : " Sorry Guardian!" Naole : " They insist that at least one of them must come with me!" Moments later Captain Atola receive confirmation from the Council of Light wile she was reporting in. The AFS Nala D2586L followed the CCS Cada A2286C through a series of jumps as they made their way to Atlas Colony. Onboard the AFS Nala D2586L Captain Atola is in Communications with UAF planetary security for Atlas colony. Naole, the Andronian Soldiers and Naole''s Velrovian Bodyguard Seltha are onboard the Nala. Seltha is armed with a Manacle of Ilesia that Naole specifically built for the Velrovians in his service. Unlike the Manacle used by the Velrovians on Crasla, the Manacle of Ilesia used by the Velrovians attached to Naole includes amongst other things Crystalorb stealth technology. Naole enters the AFS Nala''s command centre as a massive wormhole opens and an Atlantis Class SkyCruiser comes through. Captain Atola looks at multiple screens as AFS Nala navigates through the UAF Fleet. Capt-Atola : " Now that''s a big ship!" Naole : " I take it there are fewer of them than there used to be?" Capt-Atola : " Yes! Most of the Human SkyCruisers were destroyed in the battles that followed Crystalorb''s defeat, and without Crystalorb supplying the mineral resources building the SkyCruisers is extremely expensive. The Human race can only build 10% of what we used to be able to build." Naole : " It''s strange you know?" Capt-Atola : " What''s strange?" Naole : " I went to my long sleep believing that I would awake in a time the Human race had moved forward, but instead I''ve returned to find that the Human race has moved Backwards." Capt-Atola : " It must be disappointing?" Naole : " Yes! For too long we at Crystalorb believed that the fact that the United Human Civilisation consisted of 5 separate Federations did not create vulnerabilities to the Human Civilisation as a whole, but clearly we were wrong. My analysis of the past 120 years of fighting indicates that the 5 Human Federations have not coordinated as effectively as they did during the time when Crystalorb was around, and that leads me to conclude that Crystalorb was the glue that held the United Human Civilisation together." Capt-Atola : " This is why we came looking for you; The Council of Light recognized this simple truth a long time ago, and they sent ships across most uncharted systems looking for you in the hope that you might know how to rebuild Crystalorb. The Council of Light knew that by rebuilding Crystalorb you would also be reuniting the Human Civilisation." Naole : " The 5 Human Federations are a mere shadow of their former selves, but when the Spirit Stone returns to this realm the faith of man will be restored, and our people will be reborn!" Capt-Atola : " Can the Spirit Stone do that? Can it reunite the Human race?" Naole : " The Spirit Stone is a power like no other! Come young Crystalan, we must continue your Education." Capt-Atola : " Education?"A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Naole : " I''ve been teaching you how to walk like a Crystalan since I met you." Atola, Naole and the 3 Andronian Soldiers leave AFS Nala for the surface of planet Atlas. Located in sector 08H00 at high Galactic Radius 2800 LightYears, about 5000 LightYears from Earth Atlas Colony is one of 3 deep range Human colonies, the other colonies were; the Ra System Colony of the African Federation of City States and the Silenia 5 United Human Civilisation Colony. With a population of 837 million Humans the Atlas Colony is the fourth largest of the United Atlantic Federation. The Atlas Colony was established in 2265 as a United Atlantic Federation mining Colony, but after the 2287 Migon attack on Earth the United Atlantic Federation established a ship building facility on one of the 3 moons orbiting planet Atlas. Over the next hundred years the United Atlantic Federation used Galactic Alliance Teraforming technology to create a breathable atmosphere for humans. Following the defeat of Crystalorb the Atlas Colony became a Galactic Alliance supply centre, and because of its position Atlas Colony along with the Ra System Colony provides parameter defence for Arun; the capital of the Azleck Republic. Arun is considered a forward base, and from Arun the Galactic Alliance launches missions to protect human territories around the Earth system. For over a hundred years following the defeat of Crystalorb the Galactic Alliance had struggled to sustain a Station on the Earth system, and it was eventually concluded a permanent Galactic Alliance presence in the Earth system put humans in greater danger. After the Galactic Alliance withdrew to more secure stations Migon raids on human colonies near Earth stopped, and the Migon began to focus their attention on the Azleck Republic and the Nabi Federated Kingdom. The Azleck Republic and the Nabi Federated Kingdom are the next major powers that the Migon Federation seems intent on isolating, and if the Migon succeed the O''con Federation would be cut off from the Galactic Alliance. For 152 years the Galactic Alliance has kept the O''con Federation adequately supplied with rare minerals, and this has been instrumental in the O''con Federation''s continuing resistance to Migon offensives against the O''ltana. The Migon Federation calculated that without the Galactic Alliance stations the Galactic Alliance would no longer be able to operate in the region, and the O''con Federation would grow weaker over time due to a war of attrition. The Migon Federation was not too concerned about the Human race, and they knew that without Galactic Alliance support the 5 Human Federations could be easily defeated. As Naole''s party lands on planet Atlas they are met by a John Olsen; a member of the Atlas Colony planetary Council. John Olsen was eager to catch a glimpse of the Andronians, and he knew that Andronian technology gave them invisibility, but the Andronians would have to reveal themselves upon making contact with the Entig scientist to prove that they were indeed the Andronians, The Entig also used stealth technology that gave them invisibility. Councilman John Olsen extends a hand to greet Captain Atola. Only Bruce and Atola are visible; Naole and the Andronians remain invisible. John Olsen: " Welcome to Atlas Captain Atola!" Capt-Atola : " Thank you sir!" she takes his hand "Thank you for having us sir!" John Olsen : " Is the rest of your party here?" Capt-Atola : " Yes!" the Andronians make their presence known by allowing their energy fields to shimmer "They are here!" John Olsen : " I see!" Capt-Atola : " They are eager to get started sir!" John Olsen : " What did you do to earn yourself such a privilege Captain?" Capt-Atola : " We were just at the right place, at the right time sir." John Olsen : " Well, we''ve arranged for a security detail to escort you around Atlas. I must tell you that we know that the Entig scientist is here, but we''ve never seen him!" Capt-Atola : " My associates can locate him!" John Olsen : " Then finding him will not be a problem?" Capt-Atola : " They have to be within 50km to detect his presence, so we may have to fly over a few cities!" John Olsen : " Our security detail will fly you over any of the 23 cities on this planet." Capt-Atola : " Thank you sir!" John Olsen : " Call me if you need anything else." After flying over six of the cities of planet Atlas the UAF escort security detail set the executive shuttle on a course for Aldera; the second largest city on Atlas, the largest being Atlas City. As soon as the shuttle began flying over Aldera the Andronians immediately started picking up Negative Psionic Energy. A more focused Arial search revealed the source of the Negative Psionic Energy to be a Circlean. Naole did not wish to endanger the City''s population by engaging the Circlean in the City, and so he began to device a plan to draw the Circlean out of Aldera to an open field some 40km away where he could safely attempt to kill the Circlean. Naole knew something he did not tell his companions, and that was that only the most powerful Circleans dared to venture out of the Circlean communities alone. The Circlean on Aldera was alone, and that meant that he is powerful enough to protect himself from any foreseeable threat. Few things could threaten a Circlean, and with Crystalorb defeated only a Hodian Grandlord or a Lodian Grandlord could threaten a Circlean Centinel. The Circlean Centinels are the opposite of Crystalorb''s Crystal Guardians, and they are the most powerful warriors of The Circle. The Circlean Centinels take their orders directly from the 9 Eldons of The Circle''s Inner Circle, and each Centinel usually has more than 180 Centurions under his/her command. However from time to time the Circlean Centinels were sent on solo missions to seek out powerful Hybrids for The Circle''s cloning programs on Circlecs, and this was the mission of the Centinel found in Aldera. After the escort security landed the executive shuttle on the outskirts of Aldera Captain Atola instructed the UAF escort security detail to take the shuttle back into the air and wait at an altitude of 15000 meters. The Andronians wear Technorganic Armour comparable to Crystalorb''s Crystal Armour. With the UAF escort security detail gone Naole makes himself visible. Naole : " Here''s the plan!" he looks at Bruce and Atola You two will raise your energy by transforming to your Crystalline Form, and when the Circlean picks up you energy he''ll come straight for you." Bruce : " That''s your plan?" Capt-Atola : " So we''re bait?!" Naole : " Yes! Because of your Crystalan heritage your Crystalline Form is more powerful than that of other Hybrids, but because you are also Hybrids the Circlean will mistake you for ordinary Hybrids." Capt-Atola : " I get it!" Naole : " You have to know that we are dealing with a Crystal Armoured Circlean Centinel." Bruce : " What?" Naole : " Do worry Bruce! The Andronians and I will protect you!" Naole turns to speak to the hovering invisible Lieutenant Juvil "I need you to make sure that the Circlean Centinel does not send communications to his people." Lt-Juvil : " We will contain his transmissions." Naole : " Then let''s begin!" Atola and Bruce transform to their Crystalline Form; raising their energies to their highest levels. It did not take long for the Crystal Armoured Circlean Centinel to detect the energy of Atola and Bruce, and just 10 minutes after Atola and Bruce transformed to their Crystalline Form Crystal Armoured Phulec Lesedi arrived. From the Air Phulec saw Atola and Bruce, and because he wasn''t expecting a trap Phulec did not bother to search the skies for possible threats. Phulec made the mistake of assuming that he was simply looking at two unusually powerful Hybrids being free with their power at the edge of a city. Circleans were now the hunters and they had become used to the belief that none could hunt them. The Circle had become overconfident, and they were beginning to make the same mistake Crystalorb had made. Phulec landed just 10 m from Atola and Bruce and just as Phulec was about to attack Guardian Naole landed behind him. Phulec : " Crystal Guardian?" Naole : " In the flesh!" Phulec : " You must be Naole!" he opens his Armour''s face cover "The last Crystal Guardian!" Naole : " Not the last! There are 2 Deputy Guardians on O''con." Phulec : " But you''re the highest ranking Crystal Guardian alive?" Naole : " Yes!" Phulec : " Then the legacy of Crystalorb will end with you!" he transforms to a Grey Crystalline Form, and then he closes his Armour''s face cover "You see! I''m like you; an Ascended Crystalan! I can absorb your Energy, but you can not absorb mine! You can not defeat me Blue Guardian!" Naole : " The legacy of Crystalorb will never End Centinel!" Naole transforms to his Crystalline Indigo Form, and Atola and Bruce move away from Naole and Phulec "Crystalorb will be reborn! Thats not an Ascended Crystalan Form; Its the Reducted Crystalan Form! Circleans lack the calm control required to achieve the Ascended Crystalan Form!" Phulec : " Reducted Crystalan Form?" Naole : " The Ascended Crystalan Form Is about more than the transformation of the Skin. The Reducted Crystalan Form is just the first step in the transformation to the Ultimate Crystalan Form! To be Ascended you have to master the control required to achieve Energy Harmony! Negative Psionic Energy creates too much distortion in the bodys energy regulation system to achieve Energy Harmony! Your mind can never achieve the serenity necessary to be Ascended!" Phulec : " That sounds like Crystalorb rhetoric to me! The power resonating within me says different!" Naole : " Granted; the Reducted Crystalan Form gives a significant power increase, but that power is limited, the power of the Ascended Crystalan Form is limitless!" Phulec : " Still clinging to Crystalorb nonsense! Crystalorb is gone! Forget Crystalorb, you''re free from the control of the Spirit Stone! Join us, and together we can create a new order in the galaxy." Naole : " With Circleans ruling over all the races?" Phulec : " Eventually! But we will start with the Humans! We are part Phaylon, and the Phaylon don''t answer to lesser beings! Our destiny is to stand at the peak of the evolutionary ladder!" Naole : " Freedom is the right of all Sentient-Sapient beings! The fact that they claim it proves their right to Freedom." Phulec : " That''s the Stone talking! The dead have no power over the living! The dead have had their lives; they''ve had their turn, why do they wish to involve themselves in the affairs of the living?" Naole : " Because they care!" Phulec : " No! It''s because they can''t let go! You Crystalans stand for dead Crystalans, but we Circleans stand for living Circleans! Why can''t you see?" Naole : " Crystalans stand for Love, Justice and Honour! We remember that we are also Human! What about the rest of Humanity?" Phulec : " The Humans would have been dead a long time ago, and the only reason they''ve survived is because Crystalorb kept stepping in to save them! Will you join us?" Naole : " Never?" Phulec : " Then you must die!" he increases his energy output "One way or another, you will help us! Your life force energy will be mine!" Then suddenly Phulec launched an Electrolaser Lightning Bolt attack, forcing Naole to defend. Naole : " Red shield!" As the Negative Psionic Energy charged Electrolaser Lightning Bolt reaches Naole''s shield it collides with the Red Positive Psionic Energy in Naole''s shield. Phulec : " Red Energy?" Naole : " Poor Circlean, rushing into battle without understanding the enemy! Your overconfidence will be your undoing." Phulec : " Red Energy is not as potent as Grey Energy!" Naole : " But you can''t absorb it, and that makes all the difference! Do you have enough power to take me on in a contest of strength?" Phulec : " Power?" he focuses his energy into an attack "Grey Wave!" Naole : " Red Wave!" Naole counterattacks The atmosphere explodes as the Energy of the Grey Wave collides with the Energy of the Red Wave. Naole had countered the ultimate attack of a Circlean with the ultimate attack of a Red Guardian. The atmosphere is charged with electrical energy as Negative Psionic Energy collides with Positive Psionic Energy, transforming the resultant energy into other forms of energy. Naole and Phulec continue to exchange energy attacks for another 5 minutes, and the energy release can be seen from 20km away. The authorities of Aldera City deploy security teams to investigate the source of the disturbance. Hovering just 20m above the ground, and 65m from each other Naole and Phulec pause as they rebuild their reserves. Phulec : " You are much stronger than I expected!" Naole receives an urgent communications link from Captain Atola "But it''s not enough!" Naole : " You still don''t get it Circlean!" then he switches to internal Coms to speak to Atola "What is it?" Capt-Atola : " Aldera City authorities have deployed security teams to investigate this area, ETA; 10 minutes!" Phulec : " What don''t I understand?" Naole : " Have our UAF escort security detail run interference for us!" Capt-Atola : " Will do! Atola out!" The Coms link to Atola is closed; Naole switches to external Coms to speak to Phulec. Naole : " You Circleans have forgotten what true Crystalan strength is all about!" Naole Charges his Crystal Lance with Red Crystal Energy "The power of a Crystal Guardian comes in response to a need." Phulec : " Need? I''m not afraid of the Crystal Lance!" Naole : " The true power of a Crystal Guardian flows from the heart! Nothing creates a stronger need than love! Nothing!" Phulec : " Try this!" he focuses his energy for a maximum power attack "Grey Wave!" Naole : " Red Wave!" Naole counterattacks Red Wave Spear!" Then Naole sends his Red Wave Charged Crystal Lance flying through the air, moving with his Red Wave attack. The Red Wave Charged Crystal Lance splits the Grey Wave attack; creating a tunnel which leads straight to the Grey Centinel Armour''s Chest Crystal. The Red Wave Charged Crystal Lance cut into the Grey Centinel Armour''s and punctured Phulec''s Chest Crystal. Because the Red Wave Charged Crystal Lance split the Grey Wave attack and thereby creating a tunnel, it exploited the vulnerability of wave attacks. The tunnel through the Grey Wave bypassed Phulec''s spatial energy shields, and because the Crystal Lance was propelled by Red Wave Energy Naole''s Red Wave attack got through; shuttering the Grey Centinel Armour''s Chest Crystal and mortally damaging Phulec''s Chest Crystal. Phulec falls to the ground clutching his Chest Crystal. Phulec : " How?" laying on his back "How can you fight like a Red Guardian when you''re a Blue Guardian?" Naole : " There is no Pure Red Guardian or Pure Blue Guardian!" Phulec : " That was an amazing attack! I didn''t know that a Crystal Lance could be used like that!" Naole : " The technique was kept secret; it was developed during the Circlean wars by my sister Casara and me as a method to defeat Eldon Armour." Phulec : " You had the power to defeat me all along didn''t you?" Naole : " Yes!" Phulec : " Then why drag this out?" Naole : " I needed you to expend your Negative Psionic Energy!" Naole kneels before Phulec, then leans in to lift up his head; making him more comfortable "I needed your Negative Psionic Energy to be at its minimum." Phulec : " Why?" Naole : " Fate has chosen you to be the first Circlean in generations to have their Spirit join the Crystal Source! You may have been born a Circlean, but you will become as close to a Crystalan as a Circlean can become, and your name will be known to future generations as the first of the Circleans to return home." Phulec : " At least my death serves a purpose!" Naole : " Are you ready?" Phulec : " I am!" Naole : " Blue Heart!" An aura appears around Naole as he begins to pump his own life force energy into Phulec. Calmness comes over Phulec. Phulec : " I''ve never felt such peace!" Naole : " Youre becoming a Crystalan!" an aura appears around Phulec as Naole continues to drain his life force energy into Phulec "The legacy of Crystalorb lives in you now! The survival of Crystalans is my burden to carry!" Phulec : " I feel the presence of past Crystalans!" Naole : " Sleep now brother; rest forever! Suffer no more!" As the process continues Naole drains 90% of his life force energy into Phulec, and Phulec dies with Naole''s Blue Positive Psionic Energy dominant. Naole collapses from the strain, and so the Andronian Soldiers take both him and Phulec''s body to the orbiting AFS Nala D2586L. Atola rendezvous with the UAF escort security detail and they pick up the Entig scientist on the way back to the AFS Nala. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 35 ─ One Heart - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 35 One Heart ?~? Naole slept through most of the journey back to the Entig Republic''s Nilrig colony; only awake for the brief time it took to transfer to CCS Cada A2286C. Phulec''s Chest Crystal had absorbed his body and his Crystal Armour, and it was now enclosed in a Blue Crystal Sphere with Blue Crystals derived from Naole''s Reserve Energy Sphere. Draining 90% of his life force energy into Phulec had exhausted Naole, and he needed the rest for his life force energy to rebuild. Crystalan Life Force Energy requires Divine Light to rebuild, and the Crystalan physiology generates small amounts of Life Force Energy, it would therefore take time and rest before Naole was back to Normal. By the time the AFS Nala D2586L and the CCS Cada A2286C arrived in orbit around Nilrig all the elements were in place. Commander Elrig had organized; 5 Andronian Federation SkyStriders, 7 Carmak Republic SkyStriders and 15 Entig Republic StarCruisers. The Entig Republic''s Nilrig colony was ready to provide the rest of the energy, and as per Naole''s requirements the process would take place in low orbit to allow Nilrig to effectively provide its part of the required energy. Once Naole''s energies were fully restored he began to modify the CCS Cada''s Enhanced Weapons Array and Point Deflector Shields. The modifications would allow the CCS Cada to absorb the weapons fire of the gathered ships and redirect the energy to Naole''s Reserve Energy Sphere. Naole would then use his control of the Blue Crystals in his Reserve Energy Sphere to transfer the energy to Phulec''s Chest Crystal now enclosed in a Blue Crystal Sphere. Naole understood the risks he faced, and given the enormous energies involved any mistake on his part would result in disaster. However the situation called for courage and resolve, and Naole was prepared to risk his own life to see the Spirit Stone return. Naole knew that only the Knowledge contained in the Spirit Stone could save the Human race from Slavery, Indentured Servitude and ultimately extinction at the hands of either the Circleans or their Migon Allies. Naole is at the CCS Cada''s energy storage centre looking at his Reserve Energy Sphere and Phulec''s Blue Crystal Sphere enclosed Chest Crystal. Atola arrives to give him a progress report. Capt-Atola : " Everything is in place Sir!" Naole : " Not Everything!" Capt-Atola : " Did we forget something?" Naole : " No! It''s something that I must do!" Capt-Atola : " What?" Naole : " There is still residual Negative Psionic Energy in Phulec''s Chest Crystal, and for the link to the Spirit Stone to work I must remove the remaining Negative Psionic Energy!" Capt-Atola : " How?" Naole : " The final level of the Crystalan Energy Techniques is Energy Absorption! Amongst Crystalans with Chest Crystals; Energy Absorption is most optimal in those who have mastered the Ascended Form." Capt-Atola : " Crystalline Form?" Naole : " The Crystalline Form of Ascended Crystalans with Chest Crystals allows these particular Crystalans full spectrum Energy Absorption." Capt-Atola : " How? And what about Crystalans without Chest Crystals?" Naole : " In the Ascended Crystalline Form the Chest Crystal has instantaneous access to the entire skin, and gives the skin enhanced abilities that are directly controlled by the Chest Crystal." Capt-Atola : " Does the Crystalline Form of Crystalans without Chest Crystals give similar abilities?" Naole : " Only limited abilities! There is a reason we make the distinctions between the Crystalline Form of Ascended Crystalans with Chest Crystals, the Normal Crystalline Form of Crystalans with Chest Crystals, the Normal Crystalline Form of Crystalans without Chest Crystals, the Various Metallic Crystalline Forms of Lodians and the 2 Metallic Crystalline Forms of Hodians. The Crystalline Form of Ascended Crystalans with Chest Crystals is like becoming a Fragment of the Spirit Stone." Capt-Atola : " Is it really that powerful?" Naole : " The Ascended Crystalline Form is about control! Most Crystalans with Chest Crystals live their entire lives without developing the kind of control that would allow them to transform to an Ascended Crystalline Form." Capt-Atola : " But the Circleans seem to do it so easily?" Naole : " The Circlean transformation is a Crystalline Form but not an Ascended Crystalline Form; Its a Reducted Crystalan Form! The Circlean transformation is a combination of the Hodian Metallic Crystalline transformation and the Crystalline Transformation of Crystalans without Chest Crystals; slightly more than the Normal Crystalline Form of Crystalans with Chest Crystals. But it does enhance their Energy Absorption capabilities; though they don''t have the kind of control of the Ascended Crystalline Form." Capt-Atola : " Why don''t they have control? And why is it so important?" Naole : " Negative Psionic Energy generates Chaos, and there can never be control in a chaotic environment! Control allows for energy manipulation and transformation." Capt-Atola : " Is that what you will do to the residual Negative Psionic Energy in Phulec''s Chest Crystal?" Naole : " Yes! First I will absorb the residual Negative Psionic Energy in Phulec''s Chest Crystal into my body, and then I will use my Ascended Crystalline Form to transform the Negative Psionic Energy into Electrical Energy." Capt-Atola : " Is there a risk to you?" Naole : " Yes, but it''s minimal! Now get going, I must begin the Countdown." Capt-Atola : " On your Command!" Atola leaves the CCS Cada A2286C, and Naole begins to absorb the residual Negative Psionic Energy in Phulec''s Chest Crystal into his body, then he uses his Ascended Crystalline Form to transform the Negative Psionic Energy into Electrical Energy Naole then begins to drain the reserve energy of the CCS Cada A2286C into his Reserve Energy Sphere, and once the process starts he leaves the CCS Cada so he can safely control the process. Naole opens a Communications Channel with Commander Elrig. Naole : " I''ve started the Countdown Commander!" Cmd-Elrig : " Acknowledged!" Naole : " I''m managing the Energy Absorption process!" Cmd-Elrig : " Beginning Coordinated Fire sequence in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!" The gathered Ships and the Nilrig planetary Defence Weapons Array fire their Weapons at the inverted Enhanced Weapons Array and Point Deflector Shields of the CCS Cada A2286C. Naole : " Energy Absorption increasing exponentially!" Cmd-Elrig : " Move back Naole! The CCS Cada is coming apart, it might Explode!" Naole : " Moving towards Nilrig!" Cmd-Elrig : " Explosion imminent!" Naole : " Activating the mineral Absorption capabilities of the Blue Crystals in my Reserve Energy Sphere!" Cmd-Elrig : " Energy Critical! Detecting concussions!" Naole : " Transferring Energy! Aaaaah!" Naole struggles to manage the process "Yeah! Making Contact! Heart of Crystalorb, I hear you!" Cmd-Elrig : " All ships move back!" Naole : " Triggering Implosion!" As the CCS Cada that is being absorbed by the Blue Crystals in Naole''s Reserve Energy Sphere Explodes it also Implodes resulting in inverted energy, then Naole uses Phulec''s Chest Crystal and his Reserve Energy Sphere to force the inverted energy to converge on a single point, and that forms a wormhole to the Inter-dimensional Pocket. Cmd-Elrig : " You''ve done it!" The opening of the wormhole to the Inter-dimensional Pocket sends Naole and his now 1.12km diameter Reserve Energy Sphere crashing into the atmosphere of Nilrig, and Naole desperately struggles to prevent the Reserve Energy Sphere crashing into Nilrig at high speed. Because Phulec''s Chest Crystal was locked into the developing wormhole it was not propelled by the Inter-dimensional discharge.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Naole managed to slow down the fall of his Reserve Energy Sphere, and when it finally hit the ground it was moving at 250m/s; rolling and coming to rest on a beach with only 100m protruding out of the ocean. Naole landed some 20km away, and even though the landing was rough he had not been harmed. Atola, Bruce and 12 Velrovians race to Naole''s crush site to determine his fate. In orbit the wormhole briefly enlarges to 10km in diameter and the massive Crystalan Ship Cobalt emerges from the wormhole. Cobalt is also known as the Key of the Forbidden, and was originally bonded to Naole. Once Cobalt is out of the wormhole the wormhole closes. Commander Elrig of the Entig Republic tries to establish communications with Cobalt, but Cobalt is heavily damaged and therefore unable to receive communications. Characteristics of Cobalt: 1? 58km in length, 2? 8.5km maximum height. 3? 9.8km maximum width, 4? Enhanced Weapon systems, 5? 3 layer 950m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 270m thick, and the third 410m thick. Onboard the CCS Cobalt A2211CL Deputy Guardian Commander Isan Lesedi and the other 35 Guardian Armoured individuals he brought with him make an assessment of their situation. There are 100000 Crystal Armoured Crystalans onboard CCS Cobalt; divided equally between Crystalorb Command and Expeditionary Command. 75% of those onboard are Vanglead Armoured Crystalans. Aurora Olen is the Expeditionary Guardian, and her deputy Ralen Olen Commands Expeditionary Recognisance. However Deputy Guardian Commander Isan is in Command of the mission, and even though Isan does not outrank Aurora he is her senior. Commander Isan brought with him the Guardians of sectors 1-5, and Each Guardian had 2 Deputy Guardians. Aurora brought with her the Recognisance Guardian; Aurora has 5 Deputy Guardians, Ralen has 3 Deputy Guardians, and Each Deputy Guardian in the Expeditionary Command has an Apprentice Guardian. At the CCS Cobalt''s command Bridge Commander Isan, Expeditionary Guardian Aurora and Recognisance Commander Guardian Ralen conduct analysis and planning. Isan : " Cobalt Report!" Cobalt : " We are in Normal space! Historical star charts indicate that we are in Entig Republic Space; near the Entig Republic''s Nilrig colony. I''m detecting 5 Andronian Federation SkyStriders, 7 Carmak Republic SkyStriders, 15 Entig Republic StarCruisers and a Valiant Class Corvette with designation AFS Nala D2586L." Isan : " Establish Communications with Alliance forces!" Cobalt : " Unable to Establish Communications; my primary Communications systems are heavily damaged. Estimated repair time; 2 hours!" Aurora : " Scan for Crystalan Energy signatures!" Cobalt : " Detecting one Chest Crystal Energy signature just 1000m away and 5 Crystalan Energy signatures on planet Nilrig; 2 trace human signatures, one trace nonhuman signature, one primary Crystalan Energy signature on Nilrig and one primary Crystalan Energy signature with significant amounts of Negative Psionic Energy on Nilrig!" Isan : " Circlean?" Cobalt : " Most likely!" Aurora : " Ralen; recover the Chest Crystal outside Cobalt!" Ralen : " On your Command!" Isan : " While Ralen recovers the Chest Crystal, Aurora; you''ll have to contain the Circlean!" talking directly to Aurora "We can''t risk him telling anyone of our presence! Aurora : " Will do Commander!" Isan : " Cobalt, I need you to accelerate your minerals processing! We need you battle ready as soon as possible." Cobalt : " I''ll need more reactor fuel Sir!" Isan : " I''m despatching teams to secure water from Nilrig for your Fusion Reactors!" Cobalt : " I''ll need at least 200 tons of water to accelerate minerals processing and to complete repairs!" Isan : " The remaining Crystalans onboard will help with repairs!" Cobalt : " Beginning acceleration of processes!" Aurora : " Then I''m off! I''m taking my 5 Deputy Guardians and their Apprentice Guardians with me." Aurora leaves Cobalt for Nilrig, Ralen goes to recover the Chest Crystal outside Cobalt, and two Juvenile Indigo Class Crystalan Ships prepare to collect water from Nilrig When Aurora, her 5 Deputy Guardians and their Apprentice Guardians arrive at Naole''s crush site they find Naole surrounded by; Atola, Bruce and 12 Velrovians. Aurora instructs her people to stand aside and let her deal with Naole Alone. Without warning Aurora attacks Naole with Electrolaser Lightning Bolts from her Crystal Lance. Naole : " Blue shield!" Naole blocks Aurora''s Electrolaser Lightning Bolt attacks "A Green Guardian? What the hell is wrong with you?" Aurora : " You can''t escape Circlean!" Guardian Aurora attacks Naole with a series of Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls forcing Naole into the air with Aurora in pursuit. Naole : " I''m not a Circlean!" speaking on an open Coms channel to Aurora "I''m Naole Olen." Aurora : " Naole is dead!" continuing her assault on Naole "You can''t trick me Circlean!" Naole : " Dead?" a momentary loss of concentration allows Aurora''s flying Crystal Lance to get through, but it does not damage Naole''s Armour "I''m not Dead!" Aurora : " You Circleans will pay for your crimes!" Aurora focuses her energy into an attack "Green Wave!" Naole : " Blue Wave!" Naole counterattacks The atmosphere explodes as the Energy of the Green Wave collides with the Energy of the Blue Wave. Naole had countered the ultimate attack of a Green Guardian with the ultimate attack of a Blue Guardian. The atmosphere is charged with electrical energy as Green Energy collides with Blue Energy resulting in a spectacular release of electrical energy and other forms of energy. When the dust settles Naole has crushed to the ground and he struggles to his feet. Aurora : " Die Circlean!" Aurora charges her Crystal Lance "Lightning Spear!" As Aurora''s charged Crystal Lance heads straight for Naole he quickly charges his Crystal Lance and uses it to deflect Aurora''s Crystal Lance. Naole : " Indigo Form!" Naole transforms to his Ascended Crystalline Form Aurora : " Emerald Form!" Aurora also transforms to her Ascended Crystalline Form Naole : " This isn''t necessary, we shouldn''t be fighting!" Aurora : " Then just die Circlean!" She raises her energy output while she also charges her Crystal Lance It Ends here Circlean!" Naole : " What sort of Crystal Guardian are you?" Naole begins to drain the ambient energy around him, and the atmospheric temperature drops to below freezing for a radius of 2km "Why attack without cause?" Aurora : " Cause?" Aurora attacks The next phase of the fighting becomes a clash of the Crystal Lances. Naole quickly realises that Aurora''s Crystal Lance generates more energy than his own Crystal Lance, and this forces him to defend against the attacks of a warrior who clearly generates more energy than himself. As they fight in the air at high speed the force of their blows shook the ground and compressed the air into shock waves that created dust storms and brought down trees. Then Atola, Bruce, Naole''s Velrovian Bodyguard Seltha and the other 11 Velrovians witness Naole fall from the sky and crush with a force that shakes the ground. The Velrovians quickly rush to Naole''s crush site, Atola and Bruce follow the Velrovians; they find Naole unconscious. Seltha : " Ultora!" trying to wake Naole "Wake up Ultora!" Capt-Atola : " Naole wake up!" They get no response from Naole. Bruce : " Bloody hell!" he looks up "She''s coming!" Aurora : " Stand aside cretins!" Seltha : " Never!" Capt-Atola : " Why are you doing this?" Aurora : " I won''t tell you again! Stand aside!" Bruce : " We stand with Naole" Aurora : " Then you will die with him!" she focuses her energy for a maximum power attack "Lightning Wave!" Naole : " Full barrier shield!" Just before Aurora released the attack Naole sensed the danger his friends were in and rose to protect them from Aurora''s attack. Atola, Bruce and the 12 Velrovians are relieved to see that Naole is still alive. Seltha : " Ultora! Capt-Atola : " Naole!" Naole : " Seltha! You risked you lives to protect me." Seltha : " It''s my chosen duty my Lord!" Naole : " Bruce; You came for me!" Bruce : " Having seen; I believe!" Naole : " Thank you! All of you! You honour me with your courage! Now get behind me, and let what must Happen be Done!" Seltha : " But my Lord?" Capt-Atola : " Naole; no!" Naole : " No arguments! This Green Guardian is ridiculously Powerful; This may very well be the end for me, but it doesn''t have to be the end for all of you; it should not be the end for all of you." Bruce : " We understand Guardian!" Aurora receives a Communiqu from Isan. Isan : " If the Lodians and the monkeys want to die with the Circlean then so be it!" Aurora : " Hold on, something is different!" Isan : " End it Aurora!" Aurora allows herself to fall to the ground; slamming on the ground with significant force just 30m from Naole. Then as Aurora walks towards the battered Naole Atola, Bruce and the Velrovians move away from Naole. Aurora : " You drained your power and your life force to protect them?" Naole : " You left me no choice!" Aurora : " You would make such a sacrifice for them?" Naole : " Absolutely!" Aurora : " That is the virtue of a true Crystal Guardian!" She opens her Armour''s face cover "Guardians; Salute!" From the sky 10 Guardian Armoured individuals descend to just 10m above Naole and Aurora; forming a circle around Naole and Aurora. The Guardian Armoured individuals charged their Crystal Lances holding them with their right hands, and then they extended their right hands such that the Crystal Lances made a 45 degree angle with their bodies and the ground. Electrical energy connected the tips of the Crystal Lances forming electrical arcs in the Air, and then the electrical arcs connected to Aurora''s Crystal Lance. Then the 2 Green Guardian Armoured, 4 Red Guardian Armoured, 2 Gold Guardian Armoured and 2 Clear Guardian Armoured individuals land near Naole and Aurora. The 12 Velrovians are surprised by the quick turn of events. Bruce : " The rare and astounding Guardian Salute!" Seltha : " What just happened?" Capt-Atola : " It''s over!" Seltha : " Just like that? What changed?" Capt-Atola : " I''m not sure!" As Atola, Seltha and Bruce approach they hear Aurora speaking. Aurora : " Guardians; I give you Naole Olen! Knowledge Guardian! Envoy of the Forbidden!" Naole : " Pleased to meet you all!" Aurora : " My apologies Antecedent; I could not recognize you with the Negative Psionic Energy in your body!" Naole : " I understand!" Then Aurora removes her Green Guardian Armour, Naole responds by removing his Blue Guardian Armour. Aurora proceeds to introduce her 5 Deputy Guardians; the Green Guardians Omnala and Elnami, the Red Guardians Nosara and Mahila, the Gold Guardian Kanu. Omnala and Elnami are the most senior of Aurora''s 5 Deputy Guardians. Omnala is Aurora''s younger brother, and Elnami is Ralen''s younger sister. Aurora''s father and Ralen''s father were twins, and their Grandfather ?Galen? was the first to be born with a Green Chest Crystal. Aurora moves closer to Naole and looks him in the eyes. Aurora : " Now for the ritual!" Then Aurora puts her hands on Naole''s shoulders, Naole responds by doing the same "I open myself up to you!" Naole : " And I open myself up to you!" Aurora : " I share my life force with you!" Naole : " And I share my life force with you!" The Chest Crystals of Naole and Aurora exchange energies, and there is an electrical discharge that everyone can see. Aurora : " I see into your Heart!" Naole : " I see into your Soul!" Aurora : " I am Aurora Olen!" Naole : " I am Naole Olen!" Puzzled; Atola asks Omnala. Capt-Atola : " What are they doing?" Omnala: " Whenever Crystalans have a conflict that results in a physical confrontation they must touch each other''s soul to resolve any lingering differences." Elnami : " This ritual helps to heal the rifts, and prevents further animosity." Omnala: " That''s different!" noticing something "Yeah!" Elnami : " Yes!" Capt-Atola : " What''s different?" Elnami : " I think she likes him." Omnala: " Seems like the feeling is mutual." Elnami : " Interesting!" Capt-Atola : " Doesn''t this kind of thing happen often?" Omnala: " No!" Elnami : " At least not with Aurora." Omnala: " Most Crystalans find their life partner by the time they are 50 years old, but my sister has not been as fortunate." Elnami : " She is 607 years old, and she has not been able to find a Crystalan to share her Heart with." Omnala: " But now it looks like she has found one whose energy is compatible." Elnami : " Cousin Aurora has finally found a match." Naole and Aurora end their life force energy exchange. Naole : " I have never felt this connected to another person!" Aurora : " I have waited my entire life to feel this connected!" Omnala and Elnami interrupt Naole and Aurora. Omnala: " We believed you to be dead!" Naole : " I got that! Why?" Elnami : " On 11-09-2455 a Casara Class Cruiser serving as a Cargo Freighter stumbled upon an individual buried in a Containment capsule on a colony belonging to the Nabi Federated Kingdom. When the crew opened the Containment capsule they discovered what we had until now believed to be Naole, but we''ve just learned that Crystalorb was deceived." Capt-Atola : " Who deceived Crystalorb? How did they do it?" Aurora : " Only the Circlean would have had the capabilities to do this!" Omnala: " The individual found in the Containment capsule looked like Naole, and he even had a Blue Chest Crystal!" Capt-Atola : " What happened to him?" Elnami : " A few days after the Casara Class Cruiser found him they were attacked by 5 Migon BattleSpheres, and the ship crushed into a nearby star; there were no survivors. The Council of Elders decided that the possible death of Naole should only be told to Guardians until it''s confirmed." Capt-Atola : " Was it a clone?" Naole : " It couldn''t have been a clone!" Capt-Atola : " Why not?" Naole : " Only a female with compatible DNA can carry an embryo of a Crystalan with Red Crystals! So they would have had to recombine the Y chromosome in my DNA with that of another person, and inseminate the egg of a Crystalan woman. They would have had to repeat the process many times to eventually produce someone with significant Blue Crystals to produce a Blue Chest Crystal. The only known sample of my DNA outside Crystalorb is the sample collected when I was captured at the start of the Circlean wars some 560 years ago." Capt-Atola : " But in the past Hybrid women were able to carry Crystalan embryos?" Aurora : " That was only possible because the Spirit Stone provided the compatible buffer Energies required!" Naole : " The Circleans would have needed growth acceleration technology, and my guess is that the Migon must have provided them with it." Capt-Atola : " But why go through all that trouble?" Aurora : " The Crystalorb defence Matrix!" Capt-Atola : " What is the Crystalorb defence Matrix?" Naole : " Its part of the Joint Communications Channel, and it allows Crystal Guardians information about the status and location of every Crystalan Ship and Crystalorb Ship." Aurora : " So that''s how the Migon were able to get past our fleets!" An Entig Republic StarCruiser arrives in the skies above them "The Entig are here, we must return to Cobalt for formal talks. Come Naole, there is much information for you to absorb!" Naole : " Ok!" They all leave for Cobalt. Onboard the CCS Cobalt A2211CL Naole is met by thousands of Crystalans including Deputy Guardian Commander Isan and Green Guardian Armoured Ralen. All of the Crystalans there had been born in the Inter-dimensional Pocket, and they had all heard the stories of the Legendary Blue Guardian, but because they believed him to be dead; they never imagined that they would one day come face to face with Naole. Once the preliminary greetings are done Naole is taken to the Energy storage centre, and there he finds the 2.5m diameter spherical fragment of the Spirit Stone. As Naole approaches the Spirit Stone it reacts to his presence to the surprise of everyone. Aurora : " Wow!" Naole : " You two, come here!" Naole calls Bruce and Atola closer to the Spirit Stone "I must introduce you to your Legacy!" Isan : " Wait!" Naole : " Yes?" Isan : " Only the Council of Elders can authorise access to the Spirit Stone!" Naole : " Who told you that?" Ralen : " That''s how it''s been for thousands of years!" Capt-Atola : " Thousands of years?" Naole : " Access to the Spirit Stone is the right of every Crystalan!" Isan : " But? " Naole : " Let me show you!" Naole interrupts "Blue Heart!" An aura appears around Naole, and an aura appears around the Spirit Stone, then the Spirit Stone produces a life force energy pulse that reverberates throughout Cobalt, and calmness comes over all Crystalans including Cobalt. Ralen : " I don''t believe it!" Isan : " How did you do that?" Aurora : " You access the Spirit Stone like an Elder!" Naole : " The Spirit Stone is not an object that you control; it''s a living force with a will of its own! The Council of Elders are elected representatives of Crystalans, and they express the will of Crystalans, but the Spirit Stone serves the best interest of all Crystalans." Isan : " Commander Elrig of the Entig Republic has arrived onboard!" Naole : " I will join you as soon as my Communion with the Spirit Stone is complete! I must update my Knowledge!" Guardian Armoured Naole then proceeds to touch the Spirit Stone; he upgrades Atola and Bruce''s Lodian Armour to an Ilesian Vanglead Armour. Naole then starts his Communion with the Spirit Stone. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 36 ─ Communion - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 36 Communion ?~? While Naole Communes with the Spirit Stone Commander Isan and Aurora meet with Commander Elrig. Isan : " Welcome Commander!" Cmd-Elrig : " Thank you! Will Naole be joining us?" Aurora : " No! Naole is in Communion with the fragment of the Spirit Stone, and the process could take many hours as the Spirit Stone brings his knowledge and his Armour up to current standards" Cmd-Elrig: " We never expected to find any Crystalans still alive in the Inter-Dimensional Pocket! How many of you are there?" Isan : " We''ve brought 100000 Crystalans with us; there are 7.56 Billion Crystalans in stasis on Crystalorb!" Aurora : " We lost 1.16264 Billion Crystalans during the Migon attack and its aftermath! When Crystalorb moved into the Inter-Dimensional Pocket all the ships sucked in crushed on Crystalorb, but the Spirit Stone was able to retard the impact of the Crystalan Ships and Crystalorb Ships. The impacts of the 10083 Migon BattleSpheres could not be mitigated, and while it killed most of the Migon there were some battles in the wake of the impacts. The Crystalorb General Council and Crystalorb Council of Elders decided to put Crystalans in stasis to conserve energy; leaving all 429 Crystalans with Red Chest Crystals, 5000 Crystalans with Gold Chest Crystals and 5000 Crystalans with Clear Chest Crystals to repair and maintain Crystalorb infrastructure. The Crystalan Ships and Crystalorb Ships are kept inactive in a kind of stasis to conserve energy." Isan : " There are now 1.043 Billion Crystalans active on Crystalorb!" Cmd-Elrig : " Where did the Green Chest Crystals come from? How many are there?" Aurora : " The impacts of the Migon BattleSpheres and subsequent explosions created Inverted Concussion Waves! Most of those in close proximity to the Inverted Concussion Waves were killed, but those with Red Chest Crystals survived due to the reactive nature of the Red Chest Crystals. However since some of those with Red Chest Crystals are descended from Naole they also have some Blue Crystals, but the Blue Crystals are even more reactive, and so all the Blue Crystals in the bodies of Crystalans with Red Chest Crystals changed and became Green Crystals. It was not until a thousand years later that the first person with a Green Chest Crystal was born; Galen Olen. Today there are only 4 Crystalans with Green Chest Crystals; all descendents of Galen Cmd-Elrig : " Inverted Concussion Waves? And how long has it been for you?" Isan : " In the Inter-Dimensional Pocket energy can''t escape into space, and the Inter-Dimensional forces pushed the explosive energies upon themselves causing what we call Inverted Concussion. We''ve calculated the time dilation factor to be 22.9, so for us it has been 3503.7 years since Crystalorb moved into the Inter-Dimensional Pocket. We were very surprised when we realised that it had only been 153 years in normal space, and it was not until Naole opened the door that we realised that there was a time dilation factor of 22.9," Cmd-Elrig : " How did you know what to do when Naole opened the door?" Aurora : " Now that was a little tricky! The wormhole would have been open for only 400 seconds on your end, but it was open for 9160 seconds at our end, and so we had 2.544 hours to; Interpret the message, put together a plan and respond. Since the energy that opened the wormhole resonated with Cobalt we chose him to be the vessel for the fragment of the Spirit Stone." Cmd-Elrig : " Interpret the message?" Isan : " There was some distortion due to the effects of time dilation!" Cmd-Elrig: " How much energy do you need to bring all of Crystalorb out of the Inter-Dimensional Pocket?" Aurora : " We''ve calculated the energy requirements to be the output of 100 stars the size of Earth''s sun for 300 Standard Earth Days!" Isan : " The energy requirement is extensive, but not prohibitive!" Cmd-Elrig : " What are your plans?" Aurora : " The plans are still being formulated, and we are yet to incorporate Naole''s input, but as of now we are looking at the construction of 3000 Fusion reactors." Isan : " We are hoping that the Entig Republic as the Crystalorb Commonwealth''s battle partner would provide a secure location for us to operate!" Cmd-Elrig: " As Crystalorb''s battle partner we will help you in any way we can. Will you be in need of a Planet?" Isan : " No! We plan to build the 3000 Fusion reactors as a cluster forming a sphere." Cmd-Elrig : " Then you can build here in this system!" Aurora : " That works for us!" Cmd-Elrig : " Will you be needing anything else?"If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Isan : " Minerals!" Aurora : " We''ve only brought two Juveniles, and that''s hardly enough to support the kind of project we plan to undertake." Cmd-Elrig : " We will make arrangements." Isan : " Thank you!" Commander Elrig leaves Cobalt; Naole is still in a trance as he continues to Commune with the Spirit Stone. Aurora, Bruce and Atola go to the Energy storage centre to check on Naole. It had been 48 hours since Naole started his Communion with the Spirit Stone. Capt-Atola : " He hasn''t moved for 2 days, is he Ok?" Aurora : " He''s fine!" Bruce : " What''s the Spirit Stone doing to him?" Aurora : " Naole is a unique type of Crystalan, and most of what Crystalans have become over the past 4000 years has been as a result of studying his physiology." Capt-Atola : " Like the Crystalorb Network?" Aurora : " Yes! You two are now part of the Crystalorb Network, and have access to vast amounts of Crystalorb Knowledge. The Crystalorb Network was developed by studying Naole''s interaction with the Crystalan Ship Indigo. Naole can store more information than any Crystalan on record, but the most amazing part of his ability is that he''s able to understand and use the information within him." Bruce : " I had my doubts about him, but when I saw him show compassion to a dying Circlean I realized that Naole is a very special individual." Aurora : " And I almost killed him!" Capt-Atola : " How is it that you''re stronger than Naole?" Aurora : " I''m not stronger than Naole; I just had better Crystal Armour!" Bruce : " Wasn''t Naole''s Crystal Armour developed to incorporate O''ltana technology? What''s 3800 years compared to a million years of development?" Aurora : " In the Inter-Dimensional Pocket there isn''t much use for warriors, so most Crystalans spend most of their time in the Research and Engineering role, but we''ve maintained an active force for the day we found a way back. Naole''s Crystal Armour incorporates O''ltana technology, but current Crystal Armour incorporates O''ltana, Entig, Carmak and Andronian technology. Therefore 3503.7 years of Research and Engineering has allowed for a more refined integration of these technologies." Aurora continues to explain as they leave Naole to continue the process of updating his knowledge. 72 hours had passed since Naole started his Communion with the Spirit Stone, and the process was about to be completed. The Crystalorb senior staff was in a video conference with Commander Elrig to give an update on their activities. Commander Elrig is speaking in response to statements by Commander Isan. Cmd-Elrig: " Believe me, we understand your desire to start construction immediately, but construction can''t begin until all security elements are in place. The Entig Collective Leadership still needs to approve the hand over of an Entig Republic System to the Crystalorb Commonwealth." DCmd-Isan : " I thought you said that we could use the Nilrig system?" Cmd-Elrig: " The residents of the Nilrig system have refused to allow you to use their system. They are still complaining about the 1.12km diameter Crystal Sphere that crashed on Nilrig" Aurora : " The Crystal Sphere did not cause any damage!" Cmd-Elrig: " That''s not the point; the residents of the Nilrig system believe that Crystalorb''s presence will put them at risk for attack." DCmd-Isan : " Then where should we go?" Cmd-Elrig: " We''ve selected one of our systems near the border with Andronian Space. The Entig Collective Leadership has decided that the Entig Republic should officially hand over system ER621 and the 3 Surrounding Stellar Systems to the Crystalorb Commonwealth" Images of system ER621 appear on the screens "The Star has a single gas Giant in orbit, and while there are several iced moons in orbit around the gas Giant none are habitable because of the cold. It''s not perfect, but it would securely serve your purposes." Aurora : " What exactly do you mean by officially hand over system ER621 and the 3 Surrounding Stellar Systems to the Crystalorb Commonwealth?" Cmd-Elrig: " Article 24 of the partnership agreement between the Entig Republic and the Crystalorb Commonwealth clearly states that in the event of a catastrophic emergency to one party, the other party will provide a secure system for resettlement. Since you say you don''t need a planet system ER621 is perfect. System ER621 will officially become territory of the Crystalorb Commonwealth." DCmd-Isan : " What do the Andronians say about this?" Cmd-Elrig: " They have no problems with this! And because of our partnership agreement Crystalorb Commonwealth Ships will be able to freely move in and out of Entig Republic Space." DCmd-Isan : " What about ? Aurora : " Excuse me Commanders?" Aurora interrupts the Deputy Guardian Commander "I must leave." DCmd-Isan : " What is it?" Aurora : " Naole''s Communion with the Spirit Stone is almost complete, he wants to see me." DCmd-Isan : " Are you sure?" Aurora : " Yes! I can hear him in my thoughts, and in my Heart!" Cmd-Elrig : " Good! We must hear from Naole" DCmd-Isan : " We will proceed without you then." Aurora : " Understood!" Aurora leaves to go meet Naole. When Aurora arrives at the Energy storage centre where Naole Communes with the Spirit Stone she realises that a small crowd had already gathered. Some of the senior staff in the video conference with Commander Elrig had sent word that Naole was now ready, and that information spread through the Crystalorb Network, resulting in the small crowd that had gathered to see a fully updated Naole. Everyone looks on as Naole is released by the Spirit Stone. Aurora : " Naole!" Naole : " Aurora!" Naole reaches out to Aurora with his left hand "My Treasure!" Aurora : " My Treasure!" She takes his hand, and Aurora embraces Naole "My Love!" Naole and Aurora share tender kisses as they embrace each other for a few minutes. As they embrace the Chest Crystals of Naole and Aurora exchange energies, and there is an electrical discharge that everyone can see, but the people who have gathered continue to look on. Naole : " Marry me?" speaking as their lips unlock Aurora : " Yes!" answering instinctively Naole : " Yes?" Aurora : " Absolutely!" smiling Naole : " Two days?" Aurora : " Yes!" smiling "Two days?" Naole : " Yeah!" Then Naole realises that there is a crowd around them, and he looks at the crowd. Aurora : " There are high expectations you know?" Naole : " What do they expect me to do?" Aurora : " To most of them you are Part Myth, Part legend! Say something!" Naole : " What?" Aurora : " You are the only Guardian with experience in this environment; Crystalans naturally look to you to lead the way." Naole : " Ok!" Naole faces the crowd "In my day there was never any question as to who leads Crystalorb and the Council of Elders were always firmly in Leadership! However the current situation demands that the present Guardians collectively lead the way, and as a Guardian I will do my part. I''m a Knowledge Guardian, a preserver of the light of Knowledge, a guide of sorts. My role will be to guide all of you as you make your long awaited return to your natural place in the Galaxy. The Galaxy is a very dangerous place for Crystalans, but fortunately we have very powerful friends who have worked tirelessly to protect us. A time is coming when Crystalans will have to return that service, and I hope that all of you will show our friends the same courage and determination they have shown for us. As Crystalans you have a right to know what the Guardians are planning, and I promise you that once we reach consensus we will share with you our plans, but for the moment I need you to focus on your duties, and be ready." The crowd cheers as Naole and Aurora begin to leave the Energy storage centre. Naole is delayed by the crowd as they all want to interact with him. Aurora sees Atola and Bruce in the crowd and goes to them. Capt-Atola : " My records say that Naole was never very popular with Crystalans. Respected, but not necessarily liked, or loved?" Aurora : " Previous generations of Crystalans never understood him; they never understood how important he is." Bruce : " These Crystalans like him though! About that; you two are getting married?" Aurora : " Yeah!" Capt-Atola : " So quickly? What about getting to know each other?" Aurora : " Crystalans don''t waist time in these matters." Bruce : " But you''ve only spent a few hours together?" Aurora : " I have waited my entire life to feel about another person the way I feel about Naole. We''ve been in constant telepathic contact with each other since we bonded. I''ve felt him grow as he continued his Communion with the Spirit Stone." Capt-Atola : " Grow how?" Aurora : " It''s difficult to explain, but I''m sure you''ve realised Naole isn''t like other Crystalans!" Capt-Atola : " Yes!" Bruce : " A lot like you! Your Green Chest Crystal is a darker shade than the others, and if I had to guess Id say you weigh somewhere in the region of 11 Metric Tons." Capt-Atola : " Naole was 8 Metric Tons before but now hes somewhere in the region of 12.5 Metric Tons Bruce : " Every Crystalan here has an incredibly Dense Physiology; I cant find anyone who weighs less than 4 Metric Tons!" Aurora : " Crystalan are evolving a Dense Physiology; I suppose the comparison could be made! I was born as a result of an initial instability in my mother''s Green Crystals. My mother died giving birth to me; she sacrificed herself for me! My brother Omnala was born 200 years later; by my father''s second wife." Capt-Atola : " So you are like Naole!" Aurora : " Similar, yes! But not the same" Bruce : " How so?" Aurora : " Naole died, and was reborn Immortal! Naole possesses the ability to reformat all the Crystals in his body to incorporate technological and Evolutionary progress." Capt-Atola : " The similarities are undeniable!" Bruce : " The parallels obvious!" Naole approaches and takes Aurora''s hand. Aurora : " There are Parallels!" Naole : " The similarities are self evident!" Capt-Atola : " What now?" Naole : " First I must meet with the other Guardians; Give my input. Atola; you must attend, and observe." Capt-Atola : " Isn''t this a meeting of Guardians?" Aurora : " As Naole''s Apprentice Guardian you can attend and observe!" Bruce : " What about me?" Naole : " And for my second Apprentice Guardian I have a mission in mind." he puts his hand on Bruce''s left shoulder "I want you to return to the AFS Nala D2586L, and I want you to explain to the crew and to the Velrovians that I''m placing them in stasis on Nilrig for their own safety. Tell the Velrovians that only Seltha will be coming with me for the next part of the journey." Bruce : " On your Command!" He leaves the group Capt-Atola : " He doesn''t question Orders anymore does he?" looking at Bruce as he walks away "It was kind of fun having to fight him on every issue." Aurora : " That''s because you haven''t learnt how to openly express what is in your heart." Capt-Atola : " How did you ?" stopping herself "I guess I shouldnt be surprised!" Naole : " Oh! You have much to learn my young Apprentice!" Aurora laughs as Naole continues to tease Atola about her undeclared feelings for Bruce, and all three walk to the video conference with Commander Elrig of the Entig Republic. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 37 ─ Genocide - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 37 Genocide ?~? The video conference with Commander Elrig continued with Naole and Aurora present. Cmd-Elrig : " Naole; Any Input?" Naole : " I think system ER621 is perfect! It will be an excellent host for the Crystalorb Moon." Cmd-Elrig : " Crystalorb Moon? DCmd-Isan : " Hold on there Naole! You can''t make that decision?" Ralen : " The Crystalorb Moon must return to the Ra System!" Naole : " Article 7 of the Crystalorb Charter clearly states; In the absence of the Council of Elders and the Crystalorb General Council a Council of Guardians can make decisions for all of Crystalorb, but the decisions are subject to the approval of the Spirit Stone." DCmd-Isan : " We are not the Guardian Council?" Naole : " The Crystalorb Charter speaks of a Council of Guardians, not the Guardian Council! The ancestors assumed that the absence of the Council of Elders and the Crystalorb General Council means the Guardian Council would be incomplete; for whatever removes the Political would first have to remove the Armed Forces. The Spirit Stone has always been the final arbiter in all Crystalorb matters; the Spirit Stone is the highest Crystalorb Authority." Aurora : " Even if you are right, and we can make that decision, we have to at the very least consult all the Crystalans here!" Naole : " You are right! What do you think Cobalt?" Cobalt : " Returning to the Ra system is tactically unsound, and it would expose Crystalorb before we have time to prepare!" Elnami : " Are you also questioning the judgement of the Guardian Council?" DCmd-Isan : " The Guardian Council has always planned to return to the Ra System!" Cobalt : " A plan based on flawed analysis!" DCmd-Isan : " You dare to question the judgement of the Guardian Council?" Naole : " When did it become a crime to question the judgement of the Guardian Council? In my day it was considered a Guardian''s sacred duty to raise questions! Cobalt is the most experienced of all Guardians; a veteran of 58 battles, responsible for the destruction of 46 Migon BattleSpheres! He is the tip of the sword, and his judgement holds the highest credence! The Council of Elders gave Deputy Guardian Commander Isan command of this mission, but they specifically made Cobalt the mission combat Commander, and that''s because he''s a Fleet Guardian. The Council of Elders understood that in the event of combat Cobalt would assume overall command of the mission" DCmd-Isan : " But this is not a combat decision?" Naole : " Your generation is dangerously inexperienced! I''m glad that the Council of Elders sent Cobalt through with you, because he is the only one who understands what is going on." Aurora : " We take your point Naole! Cobalt; what do you mean by tactically unsound?" Cobalt : " I''ve done a tactical analysis of the current situation, and I''ve concluded that Crystalorb can''t defeat the Migon, if we return to the Ra System the Migon will move against us, and the Human race will be extinguished." Ralen : " What?" Naole : " Cobalt is right! The Migon BattleSpheres have better armour than Crystalan Ships and Crystalorb Ships. When I started the project to create the Nalen Class SkyGarrison it was with the intent to use them to support and supply up to 1000 Esara Class SkyCruisers, 6000 Casara Class Cruisers and 200 Crystalan Ships. In my absence the Crystalorb Leadership decided to use the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons as large warships and not as mobile bases as I had intended. They did this after witnessing Cobalt''s capabilities, but the Crystalorb Leadership did not realize that the emergence of Nalen Class SkyGarrisons as large warships would force a response from the Migon." Aurora : " Response? What sort of response?" Cobalt : " Every action has an equal and opposite reaction!" Naole : " The emergence of Nalen Class SkyGarrisons almost certainly triggered a response from the Migon Federation, and they probably mobilized their Class of Warships that can destroy the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons. The Migon Federation has been at this for half a million years, and from Andronian Federation archives we can see that they have different Classes of Warships; Including the Migon BattleSphere, the Migon BattleSpear and the Migon BattleCylinders." Cmd-Elrig: " We''ve encountered the Migon BattleSphere and the scouting Migon BattleSpear, but what is this Migon BattleCylinder? And how do you know about it?" Naole : " Phulec! As a Crystal Armoured Circlean Centinel Phulec had active knowledge about the Circlean cooperation with the Migon Federation, and since the Circlean ships that are being built are loosely based on Migon designs Phulec''s knowledge included information about the Migon Federation BattleCylinder; a Planet Killer. The Migon BattleCylinder is a weapon of last resort, but I suspect that Crystalorb''s Nalen Class SkyGarrisons would have forced them to review that strategy, and over the past 150 years they would have built more of these Migon BattleCylinders. With an estimated length of 95km and 12.6km in diameter the Migon Federation BattleCylinder is essentially a SkyGarrison." Cobalt : " Based on what we know about the Migon, we have to conclude that a Migon BattleCylinder can destroy a Nalen Class SkyGarrison with relative ease! Going back to the Ra System without a fleet of significant size would not only risk Crystalan lives, but it would effectively mean the end of the 5 Human Federations." Naole : " We can''t return to the Ra System! We can''t!" DCmd-Isan : " We see your point Naole! Besides between building the 3000 Fusion reactor cluster and the time required to collect and store the energy, that decision is at least 5 years away." Naole : " Yeah! I''ve been thinking about that! Your 3000 Fusion reactors cluster Idea is certainly workable, but I have some Ideas of my own about how to gather the energy we need." Cmd-Elrig : " Let''s hear them!" Naole : " I think it''s time for Crystalorb to explore the possibility of building a Phaylon Reactor!" Ralen : " Phaylon Reactor?" Omnala: " What''s that?" Cmd-Elrig : " Phaylon Reactor? The Older Civilisations have been trying to build a Phaylon Reactor for Generations, what makes you think that you can succeed where they''ve failed?" Naole : " Because Crystalorb already has a Phaylon Reactor!" Cmd-Elrig : " You do?" Naole : " The Spirit Stone is amongst other things a type of Phaylon Reactor" Aurora : " The Spirit Stone is a Phaylon Reactor?" Naole : " I see now that Crystalans were always meant to go down this road! For whatever reason the Migon Federation considers Crystalorb to be a primary strategic threat, and so the Phaylon Reactor is the only thing that can save us." Elnami : " In what way is the Spirit Stone a type of Phaylon Reactor?" Aurora : " Divine Energy?" Naole : " Yes! My father called it Divine Light because he understood it to be the most stable form of Energy. The Older Civilisations call it Phaylon Radiation. Crystalan Life Force Energy requires Divine Energy or Phaylon Radiation, and the Crystalan physiology generates small amounts of Life Force Energy, but the Spirit Stone generates abundant amounts of Life Force Energy; meaning that the Spirit Stone must generate significant amounts of Divine Energy. My father Nalen theorized that when Negative Psionic Energy and Positive Psionic Energy produced by the Spirit Stone collide resulting in an annihilation effect the Energy is transformed into Divine Light. We think that Divine Energy or Phaylon Radiation is extremely reactive, and contact with Negative Psionic Energy or Positive Psionic Energy starts a chain reaction that results in the dilution of the potency of the other forms of energy. The Phaylon must have had access to enormous amounts of Divine Energy, and that means that there must be another method to generate Divine Energy." Aurora : " You think you found a way, don''t you?" Naole : " Yes!" Naole smiles "In my Communion with the Spirit Stone I increased my Knowledge exponentially, and one of the things I realized is that being trapped in the Inter-Dimensional Pocket was both a blessing and a curse" DCmd-Isan : " Blessing?" Naole : " Yes! It forced Crystalans to focus a great deal of Research into the nature of the Inter-Dimensional Pocket. This Research has allowed me to see beyond the obvious, and develop an insight into Inter-Dimensional Energies. I believe that Divine Energy is nothing more than the infinite energy of the 11th Dimension. The 11th Dimension is made up of this Divine Energy, and since the 11th Dimension permeates everything in every universe it is everywhere." Aurora : " Are you saying that Divine Energy is the source of everything?" Naole : " Divine Energy is the most basic form of Energy, and a building block for all other forms of energy! Divine Energy can be transformed into any form of Energy, and once we harvest it Crystalorb will have all the energy we will ever need" Cmd-Elrig : " How do you plan to harvest this Divine Energy? How do you plan to build the Phaylon Reactor?" Naole : " Now that''s the tricky part!" Naole activates the holographic displays "I want to open an Inter-Dimensional Pocket into the 11th Dimension, but connected to the edge of the Universe" Aurora : " And put a fragment of the Spirit Stone into the Inter-Dimensional Pocket in the 11th Dimension?" DCmd-Isan : " An Inter-Dimensional Pocket into the 11th Dimension has never been opened?" Cmd-Elrig : " Where will you get the spatial coordinates of the 11th Dimension?" Naole : " Like I said; that''s the tricky part!" Naole "I want to use Divine Energy as a homing signal, and by Triggering Divine Energy Implosion during the creation of the Inter-Dimensional Pocket we should achieve target!" DCmd-Isan : " What about energy requirements? And how much energy will this Phaylon Reactor generate?" Naole : " If my math is correct the Phaylon Reactor will Generate; 20000 Yottajoules/sec! 2X10E28 Joules/sec!" Omnala: " That''s the Energy Output of 50 Stars?" Naole : " The bottleneck will be on this side, and as the Spirit Stone grows larger the Energy Output should grow proportionally!" Aurora : " Hold on! Triggering Divine Energy Implosion? Where would the Divine Energy come from?" realising Naole''s plans "You can''t!" Naole : " There''s no other way!" Cmd-Elrig : " What''s going on?" DCmd-Isan : " To generate sufficient amounts of Divine Energy; Negative Psionic Energy must be collided with Positive Psionic Energy resulting in an annihilation effect that transforms the combined Energy into Divine Energy. The problem is that Crystalorb does not have reserves of Negative Psionic Energy, and the largest sources of Negative Psionic Energy excluding the Migon are the Circleans and the Hodians." Ralen : " But since we can''t expose ourselves by contacting the HOD, Naole means to take the energy from Circleans." Cmd-Elrig : " What do you mean by; take the energy from Circleans?" DCmd-Isan : " Genocide!" Elnami : " He plans to destroy the Circleans, and harvest their Chest Crystals to power the process as a Negative Psionic Energy source" Aurora : " This is not the Crystalan way Naole!" Naole : " There is no other way but this! We must capture the Chest Crystals of the first Eldons, and use them to combine all the Circlean Chest Crystals on Circlecs" Aurora : " Couldn''t we use Hodian Energy?" Naole : " Believe me when I tell you that I don''t want this, but Hodian Energy won''t work! It''s far too diluted, only potent Negative Psionic Energy will work, and the only source of this Energy is the Circlean Chest Crystal. If there was another source of Negative Psionic Energy that could work I would use it, but it looks like fate has Chosen the Circleans to pay the ultimate price for peace." Cmd-Elrig: " I don''t understand? Didn''t the Circleans participate in actions that resulted in the deaths of 1.16 Billion Crystalans? Didn''t the Circleans break the peace treaty with Crystalorb? Why is there such concern for Circleans?" Naole : " The concern is not for Circleans, but for Crystalans." DCmd-Isan : " Taking such a drastic action will scar Crystalans forever!" Aurora : " We would no longer be pure!" Ralen : " Forever tainted by the evil we were forced to undertake!" Omnala: " To use Chest Crystals of the first Eldons to combine all the Circlean Chest Crystals on Circlecs Naole will have to merge the Chest Crystals of the first Eldons to an Isolated fragment of the Spirit Stone." Elnami : " That means exposing all Crystalans to very small amounts of Negative Psionic Energy." Aurora : " Not enough to permanently affect us, but enough to make a permanent difference in the Crystalan psyche." DCmd-Isan : " A little more like Hodians than we care to be!" Naole : " For this I''m truly sorry! You all know we can''t defeat the Migon. There is only one way to end this war" DCmd-Isan : " We must negotiate with the Migon Federation!"If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Naole : " Yes! The Circleans have made their choice, and we can no longer allow others to pay for our mistakes. We knew when we signed the peace treaty with the Circleans that they would one day brake the treaty; they can''t help it! The Negative Psionic Energy distorts their ability to empathize, and the Chaotic energy in their Chest Crystals could never be permanently contained. The Circle''s alliance with the Migon Federation poses a significantly more serious danger to all in the Galaxy, and we can''t allow the Circleans to continue to exist. When the Chest Crystals of the first Eldons are absorbed by the Spirit Stone they will lose their ability to breed, and the Circlean bloodline will end. We will unite the Crystalan bloodlines and be whole again!" Cmd-Elrig : " Why are these Chest Crystals of the first Eldons so important?" DCmd-Isan : " Amun Lesedi! First of the Fallen" Aurora : " Amun Lesedi was the first Crystalan to choose Negative Psionic Energy. The original 9 Vangleads who left Crystalorb grafted fragments of Amun''s head and his Guardian Armour''s helmet onto their Vanglead Armours giving them access to some of the unique abilities of Guardian Armour." Naole : " But it was not until one of the First 9 died that the Circlean stumbled upon a potential source of infinite Negative Psionic Energy" Aurora : " When one of the First 9 died his Chest Crystal absorbed his body and his modified Vanglead Armour. Somehow they figured out that this particular Chest Crystal could drain the Life Force of Normal Humans, Lodians and Hodians and produce a potent form of Negative Psionic Energy." Ralen : " Circleans began to do the unthinkable! They captured people and used them as a source of Negative Psionic Energy, but when they tried to use the potent form of Negative Psionic Energy to convert Crystalans into Circleans it alerted Crystalorb to their activities, and that started the Circlean Wars." Cmd-Elrig : " Why was this particular Chest Crystal different?" Naole : " The First 9 came from a generation before mine! A generation when the Chest Crystal was still relatively unstable, and the Crystalan dependence on the Energy of the Spirit Stone was not as severe. However subsequent generations of Circleans showed a dependence on the potent Negative Psionic Energy produced by the Chest Crystals of the First 9 Eldons." DCmd-Isan : " All we know is that only the Chest Crystals of the First 9 Eldons have the ability to produce the potent form of Negative Psionic Energy. The Chest Crystals of the First 9 Eldons are said to have no active voice, and thus gives the Circleans power without the active control and safeguards such as the ones implemented by the Spirit Stone." Aurora : " The Spirit Stone actively maintains our good mood, and we like it that way! The Spirit Stone can overrule the Crystalorb Leadership on any matter, and that provides a safeguard against abuse of power." Cmd-Elrig: " Will you need the Council of Elders to approve the construction of the Phaylon Reactor?" DCmd-Isan : " I''m going to go with a Big No on that! The Council of Elders is not likely to support this measure, so the thing to do in this instance is not ask, and then deal with the consequences after the fact." Naole : " You know theyre going to have our heads for this!" Aurora : " As the senior Guardians Naole, Isan and I will be blamed for permanently polluting the Crystalan psyche!" Cmd-Elrig : " What will you need from the Entig Republic?" Naole : " Just the 15 Entig Republic StarCruisers already here! We will need them to take planet Circlecs, but we will need to sacrifice 10 Entig Republic StarCruisers to generate the wormhole and open an Inter-Dimensional Pocket into the 11th Dimension." Cmd-Elrig : " You want to destroy 10 Entig Republic StarCruisers?" Naole : " When Crystalorb returns we will repay the Entig Republic with 100 Esara Class SkyCruisers for all your help." Cmd-Elrig : " Can you honour that?" DCmd-Isan : " Yes; Crystalorb will honour that promise!" Cmd-Elrig: " Then you will have full Entig Republic support. We are ready to do what''s required." DCmd-Isan : " Then it is decided! Cobalt and 15 Entig Republic StarCruisers will travel to Circlecs, but first I must perform the marriage ceremony" Aurora : " We would be honoured!" Naole : " Deeply honoured!" DCmd-Isan : " Can you attend Commander Elrig?" Cmd-Elrig : " I can, and I will." DCmd-Isan : " Good! Cobalt; make the necessary preparations, and run a full weapons system check." Cobalt : " On your Command!" The video conference with Commander Elrig ends. At the marriage ceremony the Spirit Stone fused a fragment of Naole''s Chest Crystal with a fragment of Aurora''s Chest Crystal, and then absorbed the combined fragments of Naole and Aurora''s Chest Crystals. The fusing of the fragments of Chest Crystals symbolized that two becoming one, and absorbing the combined fragments symbolized that their union is permanent; their combined energies everlasting. After the ceremony there were celebrations all over Cobalt. Naole and Aurora spent the night with each other for the first time at Aurora''s residence onboard Cobalt. Since Cobalt is a large ship residences are large and spacious, and even with 100000 Crystalans onboard there was still plenty of room. Cobalt is essentially a flying City; in fact Cobalt is larger than most Cities; powered by one of the most advanced energy systems in the Galaxy. Crystalans call their copulation The Joining, and that''s because they not only join just their bodies, but also their souls. The Joining in its truest form can only happen between; two Crystalans who love each other, and these two Crystalan individuals must have complete trust in each other, but most importantly their Chest Crystal energies must be compatible. Thus during The Joining the two people essentially become one being that uses both their bodies to pleasure itself. Naole and Aurora bonded instantly because their energies are compatible, and that opened the door to the rapid development of true affection; an enduring Love. For Crystalans to Love is to treasure. Crystalan Love is different, like an addiction, and the longer one is with a person the stronger the bond becomes. The bond is extremely powerful, and another person just doesn''t fit. When Crystalans fall in love their Crystals make a connection, and the closer they get the more they bond emotionally. Every time they touch they exchange energy, and over time the Crystals in one body begin to crave the specific energy of the other just like an addiction. Every Crystalan has a unique and specific energy signature that no other Crystalan can produce, and when Crystalans are bonded they become extremely addicted to each other''s energy. It''s like a drug that only the one you love can give you; therefore falling in love with someone else is not only improbable it''s impossible The next morning Four 0.5m diameter spherical fragments of the Spirit Stone were released from the 2.5m diameter spherical fragment of the Spirit Stone at Naole''s request. The first 0.5m diameter spherical fragment of the Spirit Stone ?Named Fragment P? absorbed Phulec''s Chest Crystal. With Naole''s help the second 0.5m diameter spherical fragment of the Spirit Stone ?Named Fragment R? fused with Naole''s 1.12km diameter Reserve Energy Sphere on Nilrig. The Spirit Stone transformed Naole''s 1.12km diameter Reserve Energy Sphere into a 300m diameter replica of itself by changing the structure of the Crystal of the Reserve Energy Sphere into the denser form of the Spirit Stone. During the process the Spirit Stone absorbed 7000 tons of water from Nilrigs ocean, and Nuclear Fusion used some the energy to power the transformation. Thus for the first time it was publicly revealed to the Entig that the Spirit Stone is also a Fusion Reactor. The Third 0.5m diameter spherical fragment of the Spirit Stone ?Named Fragment N? was left on Nilrig with 5000 Crystalans as insurance, and the Fourth 0.5m diameter spherical fragment of the Spirit Stone ?Named Fragment V for Vortex Fragment? was to be used during the opening of the Inter-Dimensional Pocket into the 11th Dimension. Fragment V would be the first to enter the Inter-Dimensional Pocket into the 11th Dimension. Most of the energy generated by the Spirit Stone''s Fusion Reaction was stored for future use. The thousands of Entig who had gathered to witness the process on Nilrig got their first glimpse of the legendary power-source of their societal partners the Crystalans. Later that day the Entig Collective Leadership declared system ER621 and the 3 Surrounding Stellar Systems to be sovereign territory belonging to the Crystalorb Commonwealth. The Entig Republic renamed system ER621; the Crystalorb System. The Entig Republic understood that Crystalans did not have an expansionist Ideology like most other Civilisations, and as such could not be expected to form colonies on different systems. Crystalans had never understood the need for Civilisations to colonize and occupy many different planets, but they did understand the need for Civilisations to have secure access to minerals. Crystalans preferred to pay mining royalties to the Civilisations occupying the systems with rare minerals, and the more common minerals were usually harvested from unclaimed systems. However since the establishment of the Crystalorb Commonwealth the Crystalorb Leadership had made Crystalorb''s access to mineral reserves a part of any trade agreement with any Civilisation, and because Crystalorb Technology is extremely sought after by many Interstellar Governments they were forced to accept the terms of the Crystalorb Commonwealth. Many Interstellar Governments accused the Crystalorb Commonwealth of forcing them into an unfair agreement, and so to solve the disputes the Crystalorb Leadership decided to negotiate with all the Civilisations occupying the systems with rare minerals Collectively; resulting in a negotiated Interstellar Trade Markets related standard royalty fee rate. This eased the tensions between Interstellar Governments and the Crystalorb Commonwealth. The defeat of the Crystalorb Commonwealth left many Interstellar Trading Civilisations in economic decline, and the Crystalorb Leadership knew that they would have to work hard to rebuild Crystalorb''s Interstellar Trading Network. The Crystalorb Commonwealth would have to convince its trading partners that it was able to guarantee supplies, and there would need to be some new security arrangements. The CCS Cobalt A2211CL was ready to depart, and with all the fragments of the Spirit Stone onboard all the elements were in place. The 15 Entig Republic StarCruisers and 2 Entig Republic Scouting Ships were also ready to depart for planet Circlecs. The two 1.6km long Juvenile Indigo Class Crystalan Ships are called onboard Cobalt before departure, and even though the Juveniles are Hyperspace capable they are still considered children; needing protection. Cobalt has 6 docks that can each accommodate a 3km long Juvenile Crystalan Ship. The flagships; Intrepid, A''ltana and Crimson have 6 docks that can each accommodate a 1.8km long Juvenile Crystalan Ship. Cobalt has larger docks because of his uniquely larger size. Characteristics: Intrepid/Indigo Class Ships: 1? 28.5km in length. 2? 4.6km maximum height 3? 5km maximum width. 4? A Missile Tube/Launcher for Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles. 6 primary Energy Crystals, and 14 secondary Energy Crystals; all the Energy Crystals create the Enhanced Weapon Systems. 5? A 3 layer 400m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 120m thick, and the third 160m thick. Intrepid/Indigo Class Flagship: 1? 42.75km in length. 2? 6.9km maximum height. 3? 7.5km maximum width, 4? A Missile Tube/Launcher for Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles. 6 primary Energy Crystals, and 14 secondary Energy Crystals; all the Energy Crystals create the Enhanced Weapon Systems. 5? A 3 layer 600m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 180m thick, and the third 240m thick. The Indigo Class Crystalan Ship Cobalt: 1? 58km in length, 2? 8.5km maximum height. 3? 9.8km maximum width. 4? A Missile Tube/Launcher for Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles. 6 primary Energy Crystals, and 14 secondary Energy Crystals; all the Energy Crystals create the Enhanced Weapon Systems. 5? A 3 layer 950m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 270m thick, and the third 410m thick. Crystalium: Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles carry a Crystalium712 Nuclear Fission-Fusion Device, with a yield of 500 Megatons of TNT. Crystalium712 is also called Unstable Crystalium as a way to distinguish it from Crystalium317 and Crystalium814 which is used to store Energy. Crystalium712 was specifically designed to be used for Nuclear Fission Device. Crystalium317 is a synthetic heavy element the Crystalans produced in the late 20th centaury by an enrichment process that involves amongst other things Nuclear Fusion and particle acceleration. Crystalium814 was first produced in 2405, but because of the energy required to produce it Crystalans declared Crystalium814 unfeasible. Crystalium814 can store 487 times more energy than Crystalium317, and it was meant to replace Crystalium317, but the energy costs of the production of Crystalium814 led to limited production. The 5 Human Federations are able to produce Crystanium307; produced by applying the same Crystalan processes to Hodian Crystals and Lodian Crystals Cobalt receives a Communications Channel from Commander Elrig ?The designated BattleGroup Commander?. Cmd-Elrig : " Are you ready?" DCmd-Isan : " Good to go Commander!" Cmd-Elrig : " Jump to Hyperspace; Follow my lead." DCmd-Isan : " Will do sir!" Communications Channel with Commander Elrig is suspended. DCmd-Isan : " Cobalt; Activate!" Cobalt : " Locking in coordinates! Activating Stealth! Fusion Reactors at 100%! Status to Blue-Con Two! Shields at Max! Weapons ready! Activating Jump Drive!" a second later "Moving into Hyperspace!" After three weeks of travel the Elrig BattleGroup arrived within striking range of Circlecs. The BattleGroup prepares to face the Circleans. Cobalt receives a Communications Channel from Commander Elrig. Cmd-Elrig : " Assuming combat formation!" DCmd-Isan : " Then Cobalt will now assume command!" Cobalt : " Cobalt in command! Adjusting to Red-Con One!" Cmd-Elrig: " Analysis indicates that there are 2 million Circleans on Circlecs, and they keep 50-60 million Hybrids as their energy slaves. The Circleans keep the Hybrids artificially alive, but the Hybrids are brain dead. There is possible Hakum activity some 460 LightYears from Circlecs; we think that they may be providing protection for Circlecs. We count 15 Grey Crystal BattleSpheres, 23 Grey Crystal Valiant Class Corvette replicas, and another 25 smaller vessels. Any suggestions?" Cobalt : " We must attack when it''s night time on the surfaces Main City, and with most Circleans sleeping it will increase their response time. How many Hakum ships are we talking about?" Cmd-Elrig: " Looks like its the Migon Escort Hakum Division! The primary function of the Migon Escort Division is to escort Migon BattleSpheres into battle. The presence of the Migon Escort Hakum Division may mean that there are Migon BattleSpheres. We estimate that there''s; 6 Hakum Sky Super-Spears and 6 Hakum Sky Spears, indicating that there''s at least 3 Migon BattleSpheres." Cobalt : " We''re going to have to be quick" Cmd-Elrig : " Yes! We don''t want to fight the Circleans and their allies at the same time." Cobalt : " Can you handle the Circleans on your own?" Cmd-Elrig : " Yes!" Cobalt : " That will free me to make the direct assault on Circlecs!" Cmd-Elrig : " How much time do you need?" Cobalt : " Naole?" Naole : " Two hours, three at the most." Cmd-Elrig : " That makes a fight with the Migon and the Hakum unavoidable!" Cobalt : " Once I make my assault on Circlecs, and their primary defences are down, I will deploy the assault force and Fragment P on the surface to mop up, and then I will join you in space. Together we can take the Migon and the Hakum. They can not stop us!" Cmd-Elrig: " The Circleans have left themselves vulnerable; there is only one city and 4 small surrounding towns on Circlecs. This makes it relatively easy to hit them hard in an instant." Cobalt : " Yes! It will be over before they have time to react" Cmd-Elrig : " All right then; Mobilize!" Cobalt : " Here we go!" Before the moment of truth, Before the final hour, Before the Crystalans do the unthinkable. Naole takes the time to rally the troops. All the available Guardians and all the Vangleads available had been selected to be part of the assault force, but the Vanguards have been excluded. The assault force consisted of a total of 30 Guardian Armoured Crystalans and 60000 Vanglead Armoured Crystalans. Naole : " Fear is expected, and Normal! But I see in your eyes, that despair that quakes the very heart of me! Despair is not the Crystalan way, our way is Faith. You come from a generation of Crystalans that live in peace, so you''ve never known true fear, but now you find yourselves confronted with Evil, and you don''t know how to deal with that fear. Let me remind you why we fight!" holographic images of the Circlean Wars appear The Circleans believe that the Spirit Stone has stolen Crystalan Freedom, and they tried to destroy the Crystal Source. At some point they started to believe that Circleans are superior to all other forms of humans, but unlike the Hodians who share this view, the Circleans tried to exterminate the Normal Humans. Over 350 million people were killed in the series of battles that were later known as the Circlean Wars. We fought their mad aggression, and many of us sacrificed their lives to protect Humanity from this new Evil, but when it came to it we could not exterminate them. Choosing instead to make peace!" pause Regardless of everything theyd done they were still Crystalan! pause At the end of the Circlean Wars we agreed to the peace treaty with the Circleans on condition that they accept that; Freedom is the right of all Sentient-Sapient beings. They''ve violated the Treaty! Broken their promise! Conspired to cause the deaths of 1.16 Billion Crystalans! We can no longer tolerate their Evil, and we will act to extinguish their Evil Forever! Do not Despair! The Crystal Source is with you! Those who''ve crossed over are with you! The power of the Spirit Stone will not fail you! Your Guardians will not fail you!" the entire assault force erupts in cheer and applause "I will not fail you!" they cheer "Blue Heart!" A Blue aura appears around Naole. Aurora : " Green Heart!" A Green aura appears around Aurora Ralen : " Green Heart!" A Green aura appears around Ralen Omnala: " Green Heart!" A Green aura appears around Omnala Elnami : " Green Heart!" A Green aura appears around Elnami Nosara : " Red Heart!" A Red aura appears around Nosara Mahila : " Red Heart!" A Red aura appears around Mahila Kanu : " Gold Heart!" A Golden aura appears around Kanu DCmd-Isan : " Clear Heart!" An aura appears around Isan When all the Guardians performed the Heart technique an aura appeared around Fragment R of the Spirit Stone, then the Spirit Stone produces a life force energy pulse that reverberates throughout Cobalt, and a surreal confidence comes over all Crystalans. Doubt vanished from the minds of the assault force Vangleads, and a powerful determination now empowered them. On Circlecs most Circleans were deep in sleep, and in the space around Circlecs Circlean defensive forces continued their security patrols. Circleans had little to fear, they were the hunters, and not the hunted, but that was about to change. Circleans had a network of Wormhole Detectors forming a radius of 250 LightYears around Circlecs. The first warning of an attack on Circlecs came from Wormhole Detectors just 70 LightYears from Circlecs. The Elrig BattleGroup was right upon Circlecs just 7 seconds after the Circlean Wormhole Detectors picked them up 70 LightYears from Circlecs. From the moment the Elrig BattleGroup emerged from Hyperspace they opened fire on Circlean Ships. The Circle notified their friends; the Migon and the Hakum. Cobalt concentrated his fire on the Circlean City; attacking with Electrolaser Lightning Bolts and Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball attacks. Onboard the CCS Cobalt A2211CL the assault force is preparing to leave. Deputy Guardian Commander Isan is on the Command Bridge, and he will not be part of the assault force; his role is to assist cobalt. Sustained fire by Cobalt reduces the Circlean City to rubble. Cobalt : " Circlecs defences offline! Estimated Circlean military casualties 80%!" Naole : " Target the four small surrounding towns with Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles!" Cobalt : " Authentication?" Naole : " Guardian Activation! Authentication; Naole 626536536 Blue!" Cobalt : " Voice Authentication confirmed! Chest Crystal Authenticated!" pause "Command Authentication?" DCmd-Isan : " Command Authentication; Isan 4726537334 Clear!" Cobalt : " Voice Authentication confirmed! Chest Crystal Authenticated!" Cobalt begins preparation and confirms targets "Arming Nuclear Missiles! Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles deployed!" Naole : " Status?" Cobalt : " Impact in 3, 2, 1!" after a moment "Maximum yield Nuclear detonation!" Naole : " Deploying the assault force!" Cobalt : " Deploying the 2 Juveniles!" Aurora : " Full deployment protocol!" Cobalt : " Full deployment protocol Active! Good luck!" The 2 Juveniles, the assault force and Fragment P leaves Cobalt for the Circlean City, and Cobalt joins the battle in the space around Circlecs. In space the Elrig BattleGroup made short work of the Circlean Ships, and that was because the Grey Crystal BattleSphere is a relatively recent development that has not been tested against BattleCruisers and StarCruisers. The Grey Crystal BattleSpheres were simply outclassed by the Entig Republic StarCruisers. The Circle was still working to integrate Migon Technology with their Grey Crystal Technology, and unlike Crystalorb which has the Spirit Stone to solve the Technological integration problem the Circle had to rely on the technical capabilities of the Circleans. The Entig Republic StarCruisers were developed from Jiquam Federation StarCruisers and Folong Imperial StarCruisers. The Entig Republic StarCruisers are the main warships of the Entig Republic, but they have since built Elrona Class SkyCruisers; A development based on the design of the Esara Class SkyCruiser. However because of the cost associated with the Elrona Class SkyCruisers only 250 were built. The Entig Collective Leadership decided to maintain the Entig Republic StarCruiser as their main warship, and the Elrona Class SkyCruisers would only be brought in when a big gun was required. From the ease with which the Entig Republic StarCruisers demolished the Grey Crystal BattleSpheres it was clear that the Entig Collective Leadership''s faith in the Entig Republic StarCruisers was not misplaced. Cobalt joins the battle in space. DCmd-Isan : " Looks like they have everything under control!" Cobalt : " Yeah!" Cobalt establishes Communications with the Elrig BattleGroup "Where do you want us Commander?" Cmd-Elrig: " The Migon and the Hakum should arrive in 500 seconds! Remove the Grey Crystal Valiant Class Corvettes while we finish off the Grey Crystal BattleSpheres" Cobalt : " Will do Commander!" manoeuvring for optimal aim "Attack pattern Esara 021 Gamma! Single point Strike! Convergence! Thunder Force Strikes! Maximum power!" DCmd-Isan : " Firing!" Thunder Force Strikes light up the darkness as they make contact with Grey Crystal Valiant Class Corvettes, followed by multiple explosions as the Grey Crystal Valiant Class Corvettes brake apart. Cmd-Elrig: " Good work! Now return to Circlecs, we will draw away the Migon and the Hakum; give you as much time as possible" Cobalt : " You''ll be outnumbered?" Cmd-Elrig : " Your mission has priority!" Cobalt : " Understood!" Cobalt establishes Communications with Naole "Have you located the Chest Crystals of the first Eldons?" Naole : " Negative! They are putting up quite a fight!" Cobalt : " Don''t be impressed, just get the job done!" Naole : " We''re moving as fast as we can Cobalt!" Cobalt : " The Migon and the Hakum should arrive in less than 400 seconds, so get to it!" Naole : " All right!" Naole establishes Communications with Aurora "This isn''t going fast enough! Pull everyone out! I have a plan that can speed things up!" Aurora : " Are you sure?" Naole : " Yes!" Aurora establishes Communications with the entire assault force. Aurora : " This is Aurora! To everyone; Pull out! Disengage and make a tactical withdrawal to Cobalt!" The entire assault force begins a tactical withdrawal, and as they withdraw from the fight the Circleans attempt to regroup. Cobalt : " So what''s the plan?" Naole : " I will remain here with Fragment P! Aurora will assist me, and the 2 Juvenile Crystalan Ships will provide protection!" Cobalt : " What are you planning?" Naole : " It occurred to me that locating the Chest Crystals of the first Eldons would take hours, but there is another way for us to merge the Chest Crystals of the first Eldons to an Isolated Fragment P!" Cobalt : " How?" Naole : " Fragment P can simply absorb the entire Circlean City!" Aurora : " Of Course! With most of the Circlean resistance depleted they no longer pose a significant danger to Fragment P" Cobalt : " Then get to it! The Migon and the Hakum will be upon us shortly." Aurora : " Let''s do it!" Naole and Aurora touch Fragment P and begin to summon the power of the Spirit Stone. The 2 Juvenile Crystalan Ships move away from Fragment P. Naole : " With the Crystal fragment on my Chest I unlock the seal!" Fragment P begins to react "Mighty Spirits hear my call!" Aurora : " With the Crystal fragment on my Chest I unlock the seal! Great Spirits hear my call!" Naole : " I call upon the power of Guardians past!" Aurora : " I call upon the power of Elders past!" Naole : " I call upon the power of the Crystal Source! Heart of Crystalorb! Heart of the people! I call upon your sacred power!" Aurora : " I call upon your divine power!" Naole : " Heart of Crystalorb; I hear you!" The aura around Fragment P begins to expand; Naole and Aurora follow the 2 Juvenile Crystalan Ships back to Cobalt. Fragment P then summons the power of the Spirit Stone and uses it to rip apart entire buildings. The entire Circlean City is being absorbed, and the Spirit Stone stops the Circleans trying to escape; absorbing them alive. Cobalt establishes Communications with the Elrig BattleGroup. Cobalt : " I''ve recovered Naole, Aurora and the 2 Juvenile Crystalan Ships! Form up around me; The Migon and the Hakum are about to come through!" Cmd-Elrig : " Assuming battle formation!" The Elrig BattleGroup arranges spherically around Cobalt, and as they complete their formation Wormholes open and; 6 Hakum Sky Super-Spears, 6 Hakum Sky Spears, 8 Hakum Sky Swords, 8 Sky Daggers and 3 Migon BattleSpheres emerge from the Wormholes. Cobalt : " Here we go!" Cmd-Elrig : " All ships Fire at will!" The Elrig BattleGroup opens fire with Multidirectional Particle Beams and Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons. The Migon allied ships also open fire with Multidirectional Particle Beams and Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons. Naole : " Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma Ready!" Cobalt : " Fire!" Naole : " Firing!" Cobalt drains 30% of his active Energy reserves increasing the energy output to astronomical proportions, and this allows the Cobalt to simultaneously attack 8 Hakum Sky Swords and 8 Sky Daggers. Electrolaser Particle Beams produced by the Cobalt cause critical damage to all the 8 Sky Daggers and minor damage to the 8 Hakum Sky Swords. Six Entig Republic StarCruisers take on the 3 Migon BattleSpheres, and the exchange of fire is explosive. Naole receives a message from the Spirit Stone. Naole : " The Spirit Stone says that Fragment P has absorbed the entire Circlean City, and that all 9 Chest Crystals of the first Eldons have been absorbed." Cobalt : " Fantastic!" Cobalt establishes Communications with the Elrig BattleGroup "Absorption Complete Commander! Withdraw into Hyperspace, we will provide cover." Cmd-Elrig : " Will do!" As the Elrig BattleGroup opens Wormholes into Hyperspace the 2.5km diameter Fragment P emerges from Circlecs and positions itself behind Cobalt. The Entig Republic StarCruisers move into Hyperspace while Cobalt provides cover fire. Aurora : " The Entig Republic StarCruisers are in!" Cobalt : " Thunder Force Strikes! Maximum power! Full Dispersion Pattern!" DCmd-Isan : " Activating Attack pattern Esara 021 Gamma!" Cobalt drains 60% of his active Energy reserves increasing the energy output to astronomical proportions, allowing the Cobalt to simultaneously attack 4 Hakum Sky Super-Spears, 4 Hakum Sky Spears, 3 Hakum Sky Swords, 2 Sky Daggers and 3 Migon BattleSpheres. Thunder Force Strikes once again light up the darkness of space as they make contact with Hakum and Migon ships. The Thunder Force Strikes produced by Cobalt destroy 3 Hakum Sky Swords and 2 Sky Daggers, and cause critical damage to 4 Hakum Sky Spears, but only cause minor damage to the 4 Hakum Sky Super-Spears and 3 Migon BattleSpheres. Naole : " Firing 6 Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles! Guardian Activation! Authentication; Naole 626536536 Blue!" DCmd-Isan : " Command Authentication; Isan 4726537334 Clear!" Cobalt : " Guardian and Command Authentication confirmed! Chest Crystals Authenticated!" Cobalt acquires and confirms targets "Arming Nuclear Missiles! Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles deployed!" Cobalt opens a Wormhole into Hyperspace behind him "Reversing into Hyperspace" Fragment P moves into Hyperspace first, and Cobalt then Reverses into the Wormhole while continuing to open fire with Electrolaser Particle Beams. The Hakum and Migon Ships brake off pursuit of Cobalt as he moves into the Wormhole, and with Cobalt gone the Hakum and Migon Ships target and destroy 5 of the 6 Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles, but the 6th Crystalium712 Nuclear Missile detonates with Maximum Nuclear yield. 【VAF】Chapter║: 38 ─ Divine Energy - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 38 Divine Energy ?~? The Elrig BattleGroup regroups in Hyperspace as they make their rapid exit out of the area. Commander Elrig conducts a battle damage assessment of the entire Elrig BattleGroup. Cmd-Elrig : " Status?" DCmd-Isan : " Cobalt?" Cobalt : " I''ve sustained major damage to my outer Skin, Hull breaches on 17 sections, 6 of my 14 secondary Energy Crystals took direct Fusion Beam fire causing significant damage, Primary Fusion Reactors operational but I''ve shut down 4 of my 5 secondary Fusion Reactors for repairs! It will take 42 days to complete repairs." Cmd-Elrig : " Casualties?" DCmd-Isan : " We lost 84 Crystalans during the fight with the Migon and the Hakum. Another 200 Crystalans were seriously injured during the direct assault on Circlecs, but they''ll be Ok! What about you?" Cmd-Elrig: " We lost 124 Entig during the Battles, and 3 StarCruisers took serious damage, but the rest of the BattleGroup is still within acceptable operational standards. I''ve notified Entig Republic Fleet Command, and theyre sending; 10 Elrona Class SkyCruisers and 20 Entig Republic StarCruisers as a Reinforcing BattleGroup to escort us Home!" DCmd-Isan : " Direct path to Entig Republic Space?" Cmd-Elrig : " Yes!" DCmd-Isan : " Yeah! That''s not going to work." Cmd-Elrig : " What do you mean?" Naole : " Given the intensity with which the Migon pursue Crystalans, they''re likely to have mobilized on routes to Entig Republic Space. We are in no condition for a confrontation with a Migon Fleet." Cmd-Elrig : " I agree! What do you suggest?" Naole : " We''ve Identified system GFT271915454 in Sector 10H12 at Galactic Radius 34700 LightYears. The Star has Twenty times the mass of Earth''s Star, and will provide the perfect locations for our purposes. The Migon are expecting us to try and make our way to Entig Republic Space, but we''re going to do things differently." Cmd-Elrig: " Should I inform the Entig Republic Reinforcing BattleGroup to rendezvous with us at system GFT271915454?" DCmd-Isan : " No! Inform them of our plans, but tell them to proceed as planned, and since the Migon will be watching they''ll track the Reinforcing BattleGroup." Naole : " Leaving us free to complete phase two! Select the 10 most heavily damaged StarCruisers in the BattleGroup for the process. Once our Crystal Robots take control of the 10 StarCruisers the Spirit Stone will be able to take control and operate them directly." Cmd-Elrig : " Is your Spirit Stone secure?" Naole : " The Spirit Stone says that it has achieved good containment of Negative Psionic Energy, but it says there is some residual Negative Psionic Energy leakage into the Spirit Stone Energy pool. The Spirit Stone keeps talking about needing additional matter for optimal structural integrity inside the Inter-Dimensional Pocket into the 11th Dimension." Cmd-Elrig : " What do you mean by additional matter?" Naole : " I''m theorizing that inside the Inter-Dimensional Pocket into the 11th Dimension gravity is not a significant factor because there''s no space to warp! Therefore to adequately hold itself together the Spirit Stone may need more matter" Cmd-Elrig : " How much additional matter are we talking about?" Naole : " I can''t be certain; It could be anything from a small Moon to a large planet." Cmd-Elrig : " A large planet?" DCmd-Isan : " That is only speculative at this point" Aurora : " We won''t know how much additional matter we need until we open the Inter-Dimensional Pocket into the 11th Dimension" Naole : " The Spirit Stone knows how to absorb matter; That''s not something the Entig should be concerned about. Once we accomplish our mission the Migon Federation can''t stop Crystalorb''s return." Cmd-Elrig : " I hope you are right!" The Elrig BattleGroup continued to make its way to GFT271915454, and was expected to arrive in 17 days due to the fact that the routes needed to be covert. The Elrig BattleGroup arrives within jump range of GFT271915454, but before they can go in they send in the scouting ships to do a complete analysis of the 17 Solar Systems that are within a Radius of 25 LightYears around the GFT271915454 System. When Commander Elrig receives the detailed analytical report from the 2000 Wormhole Detectors placed by scouting ships in a Radius of 350 LightYears around the GFT271915454 System he establishes Communications with Cobalt. Cmd-Elrig : " As you can see the GFT271915454 System is secure; we can move in!" DCmd-Isan : " Beginning entry protocol!" Cmd-Elrig: " It turns out you were right about the Migon mobilizing on routes to Entig Republic Space. Entig Republic Wormhole Detectors on routes to Entig Republic Space have detected three possible Attack forces covering most of the routes to Entig Republic Space. The Entig Reinforcing BattleGroup is proceeding as planned to draw the Migon away from us!" DCmd-Isan : " What''s the size of these possible Attack forces?" Cmd-Elrig: " Three BattleGroups; with each BattleGroup consisting of at least 100 Migon BattleSpheres and 10 Migon BattleSpears" Naole : " Is the Entig Republic mobilizing?" Cmd-Elrig: " The Entig Collective Leadership has mobilized 5% of the fleet in preparation for possible deployment." DCmd-Isan : " I''m with Naole on this; You need to strongly recommend a full Entig Republic Fleet mobilization." Cmd-Elrig: " Why? The possible Attack forces are over 20000 LightYears from Entig Republic Space, and the Migon would be insane to launch a direct assault on Entig Republic Space." DCmd-Isan : " Would it really be insane? Or is it Migon thinking?" Aurora : " Crystalorb''s experience has been that when the Migon are in doubt; they attack." Naole : " Attacking first throws their opposition into disarray. A surprise attack can be devastating for a nation that is poorly prepared for such an attack." Cmd-Elrig : " Are you implying that we are poorly prepared?" DCmd-Isan : " The short answer is; Yes!" Aurora : " The Entig Republic has not had to defend against a direct attack on its territory for 480000 years. I can''t imagine that you would be adequately prepared for a surprise attack." Cmd-Elrig: " We have fought the Migon longer than most, and our planning is second to none." Naole : " It''s like with the O''ltana; when we stumbled upon the O''con Federation they had been at peace for over 1.4 million years. Their Elmak Class SkyCruisers were essentially mining vessels, and they had little understanding of galactic warfare. We helped the O''ltana build a StarNavy to rival the best in the galaxy. The O''ltana embraced our tactics and they respected our intuitive nature." DCmd-Isan : " We made the mistake of underestimating Migon capabilities; I hope the Entig Republic does not make the same mistake." Cmd-Elrig: " I hear you! I will inform the Entig Republic Fleet Command about your analysis, and I will strongly recommend a full Entig Republic Fleet mobilization." DCmd-Isan : " Excellent!" Cmd-Elrig : " Stand by for Jump Sequence!" DCmd-Isan : " Will do Commander!" The Communications link is suspended, and the Elrig BattleGroup jumps into the GFT271915454 System close to the local Star. Cobalt : " System entry Sequence complete!" DCmd-Isan : " Guardian Naole will now assume project Command!" Naole : " Aye Commander!" a pause as he looks at Aurora "Prep 100 Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles!" Cobalt : " Authentication?" Aurora : " Guardian Activation! Authentication; Aurora 2876726536 Green!" Cobalt : " Voice Authentication confirmed! Chest Crystal Authenticated!" pause "Command Authentication?" DCmd-Isan : " Command Authentication; Isan 4726537334 Clear!" Cobalt : " Voice Authentication confirmed! Chest Crystal Authenticated!" Cobalt begins preparation of Crystalium712 Warheads "Preparing Nuclear Missiles! Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles Ready!" Naole : " Open Launch Bay doors!" Cobalt : " Opening Launch Bay doors!" the Launch Bay doors open "Fragment V, Fragment R and Fragment P are moving outside" In the background Atola and Bruce try to understand. Bruce : " Why is it necessary to go through the Authentication process every time the Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles are used?" Omnala: " Crystalium712 Warheads are classified as Weapons of Mass Destruction! The Crystalorb Charter prescribes the use of such weaponry as circumspect; Weapons of Last Resort!" Bruce : " What about Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls? Are they also Classified as Weapons of Mass Destruction?" Omnala: " No! And that''s because the Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls can be calibrated. Also the Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Balls can be deflected, and even though they can reach more than 10 Megatons their impact can be contained. Every Intrepid Class Ship, Indigo Class Ship, Nalen Class SkyGarrison and Crystalorb Ship carries 200 Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles; That''s a combined yield of 1000000 Megatons per Ship! Enough power to cripple a Planetary Civilisation! Therefore because of the risks posed by Crystalium712 Warheads to innocents Crystalorb directives require 2 Guardians to Authorize their use!" Capt-Atola : " How does Guardian Naole know what to do all the time?" Bruce : " Yeah! He always seems to have a plan!" Omnala: " Legend says that his brain is a Fragment of the Spirit Stone!" Capt-Atola : " Could that be true?" Omnala: " No! But it''s not far from the truth!" he takes a moment as he looks at the busy Naole "Naole is a Crystalan like no other! A Crystalan like him can not be born; he or she would have to be made in some way; Naole''s ability to reformat all the Crystals in his body to incorporate technological and Evolutionary progress is a result of the reactive nature of the Blue, the Green, the Red and to a smaller extent the Gold Crystalan Crystals. The Blue Crystal is the most reactive of all the Crystalan Crystals, but what makes Naole truly unusual is the fact that his brain is 90% Blue Crystals. Naole''s brain is the result of an unnatural process; more capable than even the brain of a Crystalan Ship. A brain capable of quantum computing, perfect memory, and a Spiritual component that we can''t quantify. He will never acknowledge this, but he''s more Crystalan than Crystalan."Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Capt-Atola : " More Crystalan than Crystalan? What does that mean?" Bruce : " Perhaps the next level of being Crystalan" Omnala: " He''s always been ahead of his time! Even after 3800 years of Evolutionary progress he''s still much-much more than most of us!" Naole continues to oversee the preparations. As planned the Crystal Robots have taken control of the 10 selected Entig Republic StarCruisers, and the Spirit Stone is ready to take control and operate the StarCruisers directly. 5 Entig Republic StarCruisers remain in Hyperspace, but Commander Elrig is onboard Cobalt. With all the elements in place Naole prepares to start the process Cmd-Elrig : " Proceed!" Naole : " Fragment V will open an Inter-Dimensional Pocket in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!" As expected Fragment V fires 5 convergent beams that open a 2m diameter wormhole into a new Inter-Dimensional Pocket. Fragment R then expanded the diameter of the wormhole to 200m Cobalt : " Vortex wormhole Stable!" Naole : " Fire the 100 Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles! Set them for simultaneous remote detonation!" Cobalt : " Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles deployed!" The Missiles enter the Inter-Dimensional Pocket All Missiles in" Naole : " Detonate!" Cobalt : " Good detonation! Maximum Nuclear yield!" Naole : " Track Inverted Concussion Waves!" Cobalt : " Concussion Wave Energy Critical!" Naole : " Handing over process control to the Spirit Stone!" Fragment R fires a Positive Psionic Energy beam into the Inter-Dimensional Pocket; Fragment P simultaneously fires a Negative Psionic Energy beam into the Inter-Dimensional Pocket. The Spirit Stone directs the 10 selected Entig Republic StarCruisers to fire their weapons at Fragment V. The Positive Psionic Energy beam and the Negative Psionic Energy beam converge inside the Inter-Dimensional Pocket, and as the beams collide they produce Divine Energy, but the Inverted Concussion Waves cause the Divine Energy to Invert. As the Divine Energy Inversion increases it grows Critical; Triggering an Implosion. The Spirit Stone then directs Cobalt to fire 5 convergent beams into the Inter-Dimensional Pocket and combined with Divine Energy Implosion an Inter-Dimensional Pocket inside the Inter-Dimensional Pocket opens. Cobalt : " Detecting an Inter-Dimensional Pocket inside the Inter-Dimensional Pocket! Fragment V is moving into the secondary Inter-Dimensional Pocket" Naole : " Energy Absorption at 50 Yottajoules/sec! The Spirit Stone needs more Absorption Surface" Everyone on Cobalt celebrates. Cmd-Elrig : " I don''t believe it, you''ve done it! Youve actually done it!" Cobalt : " Negative Psionic Energy depleted! Fragment P is moving into the primary Inter-Dimensional Pocket" Aurora : " Fragment R is holding the vortex to normal space open!" DCmd-Isan : " Once that vortex closes, it will be closed forever!" Naole : " Cobalt; Take us into Hyperspace, the Spirit Stone is about to begin Matter Absorption!" Cobalt : " Moving into Hyperspace!" The Spirit Stone directs the 10 selected Entig Republic StarCruisers into the primary Inter-Dimensional pocket. As Cobalt moves into Hyperspace, Vortices open near the surfaces of planets and moons in a Radius of 25 LightYears around the GFT271915454 System. Naole : " The Spirit Stone is using Cobalt''s Jump Drive systems to target Planets and Moons. The Vortices arent large enough to swallow the planets and moons whole, so the vortices are ripping them apart." Aurora : " By the Source!" Cmd-Elrig : " How is it doing this?" Naole : " The Vortices are connected to the wormhole connecting the primary Inter-Dimensional Pocket to the secondary Inter-Dimensional Pocket, and that particular wormhole has the sucking power equivalent to the gravitational pull of 800 Solar Stars. When Fragment R moves into the vortex to normal space the wormhole connecting to the secondary Inter-Dimensional Pocket will eventually consume the primary Inter-Dimensional Pocket, and that means we will never be able to open a wormhole connecting to that particular secondary Inter-Dimensional Pocket." Cobalt : " Detecting multiple Vortices on each of the 17 Stars within a Radius of 25 LightYears around the GFT271915454 System!" Cmd-Elrig : " Now it''s Absorbing entire Stars? Including a Blue Super Giant?" Aurora : " At the current Absorption rate the Absorption of large bodies will be completed in 16 days!" Naole : " Energy Absorption increasing exponentially! Energy Absorption now at 900 Yottajoules/sec!" DCmd-Isan : " Congratulations people; Mission accomplished!" Cmd-Elrig : " What now?" Naole : " Now we wait until the matter Absorption process is complete." Cmd-Elrig : " Then?" DCmd-Isan : " Then we return to the new Crystalorb System and prepare for Crystalorb''s return." Commander Elrig returns to his ship, and he informs the Entig Collective Leadership about the success of the project. After 15 days the Absorption of the large bodies had extend to 45 LightYears and was almost complete, and the remnants of the Elrig BattleGroup were still waiting in Hyperspace. Cobalt''s two Juveniles were collecting minerals 52 LightYears from what used to be the GFT271915454 System. The two Juveniles were supplying resources necessary to complete the repairs to Cobalt, and they also supplied reactor fuel for the 5 Entig Republic StarCruisers and the 2 Entig Republic Scouting Ships. Commander Elrig establishes urgent Communications with Cobalt. Cmd-Elrig : " Have you seen the Galactic Alliance security bulletins?" DCmd-Isan : " Negative!" Aurora : " We are not connected!" Cmd-Elrig: " It turns out that your assessment was correct! Unfortunately the Entig Collective Leadership elected to ignore your warning about the possibility of a Migon attack, and the Entig Republic Fleet Command rejected my recommendation on the basis of insufficient evidence." he sends data to Cobalt "As you can see the Migon Federation has just raided the Entig Republic''s Postig colony at the edge of Entig Republic Space, the Migon attack force consisted of 800 Migon BattleSpheres." DCmd-Isan : " Casualties on the Postig colony?" Cmd-Elrig : " Estimated at 30 million Entig!" Aurora : " How did 800 Migon BattleSpheres get past the Entig Republic''s parameter Wormhole Detector Network?" Cmd-Elrig: " The Entig Republic''s parameter Wormhole Detector Network picked up the Migon fleet, but we did not have the elements in place to react quickly enough to stop the attack." DCmd-Isan : " What now?" Cmd-Elrig: " The Entig Collective Leadership has mobilized the Entig Republic Fleet, and the Entig Republic Fleet Command has instructed me to continue with plans to return to Entig Republic Space." Aurora : " What about Galactic Alliance mobilization?" Cmd-Elrig: " An Andronian TaskForce has crossed the Entig Republic border, and they''ll help reorganize Entig Republic defensive capabilities. A joint TaskForce involving the Carmak Republic and the Hildrano Enclave is hunting down the 800 Migon BattleSpheres. Another TaskForce involving the Jiquam Federation and the Folong Empire will deploy to determine the possible gaps in Galactic Alliance Security." DCmd-Isan : " Looks like the Migon raid has galvanized the Older Civilisations." Aurora : " The Migon raid on the Entig Republic''s Postig colony has brought the war to their doorstep." Naole : " Crystalorb will be blamed for bringing the war to the region." Cmd-Elrig: " That''s unavoidable! Fortunately only the Entig Republic and the Older Civilisations know of Crystalorb''s involvement. There are still some in the Galactic Alliance who see Crystalorb''s methods as reckless, and there would be an outcry if they learned of Crystalorb''s Involvement in this situation." DCmd-Isan : " Crystalorb''s return is imminent, and unfortunately that means the war will intensify to yet unseen levels!" Aurora : " Many more people will die before the Migon realise that they need peace as much as all the other Civilisations!" Crystalorb''s representatives lament the loss of Entig lives and send their condolences to the Entig Collective Leadership. When the Absorption of the large bodies is completed Fragment R moves into the vortex connecting to normal space which then closes. The wormhole connecting to the secondary Inter-Dimensional Pocket begins to consume the primary Inter-Dimensional Pocket, and the rapid cooling of hot plasma by the Energy Absorption allows for faster matter Absorption into the secondary Inter-Dimensional Pocket. Cobalt establishes Communications with Commander Elrig, and all the Guardians gather at Cobalts Command Bridge. DCmd-Isan : " The process is complete!" Cmd-Elrig : " So what''s the final Energy Absorption rate?" Naole : " Currently 90000 Yottajoules/sec or 9X10E28 Joules/sec; The Energy Output of 225 Standard Solar Stars! In the next 100 Standard Earth Days it will increase to the Energy Output of 500 Standard Solar Stars. From then onwards its Projected to increase by 0.01% every 360 Standard Earth Days for the first 1000 Standard Earth Years, then by 0.005% every 360 Standard Earth Days for the next 1000 Standard Earth Years, then by 0.0025% every 360 Standard Earth Days for the next 1000 Standard Earth Years. The increase rate will stabilize at 0.00125% every 360 Standard Earth Days." Cmd-Elrig: " The Current Energy Absorption is equivalent to the Energy Output of 225 Stars?" Naole : " It''s more than my initial projection, but the end result will be the same." DCmd-Isan : " We have to open a vortex connecting to the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket and report in directly." Cmd-Elrig : " Can''t you send a message through your Spirit Stone?" DCmd-Isan : " We are finding it difficult to send messages through the Spirit Stone, and we can''t have conversations." Naole : " It has to do with the amount of Energy flowing through the Spirit Stone Network. It causes distortions in Inter-Dimensional Signals." Cmd-Elrig: " The Kulnet Dominion, the Qua Federation and the Azleck Republic have been tasked by the Galactic Alliance to send a 200 Ship BattleGroup that will escort us to Entig Republic Space." DCmd-Isan : " ETA?" Cmd-Elrig : " Estimated Time of Arrival; 1 Hour!" Naole : " Then we should get Started." DCmd-Isan : " Jumping to Normal Space!" Cmd-Elrig : " Jump sequence activated!" The Elrig BattleGroup jumps to Normal Space and Commander Elrig leaves his ship for Cobalt. Naole : " Linking Cobalt''s Systems to the Spirit Stone!" the Spirit Stone uses Cobalt''s Energy Crystals to fire 5 convergent beams that open a 2m diameter wormhole into the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket "Vortex to the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket open" Cobalt : " Establishing Joint Communications Channel with Crystalorb!" DCmd-Isan : " JCC active!" A Holographic Image of the Crystalorb Council of Elders and the Guardian Council appears. Utel Lesedi is the oldest of the Elders ?a.k.a Eldest Elder?, and Guardian Commander Arog Lesedi heads the Guardian Council. Commander Elrig arrives onboard Cobalt. Eld-Utel : " Greetings from Crystalorb!" DCmd-Isan : " Greetings to the Honoured Council of Elders, to the Crystalorb General Council, to the Guardian Council, to the Knowledge Council and to Crystalorb!" Eld-Utel : " Establish a Joint Communications Channel with the Entig Collective Leadership and the High Council of the O''con Federation!" Cobalt : " JCC extended! Lord Bital of the O''con Federation High Council is online, and Leader Remin of the Entig Collective Leadership is online." Eld-Utel : " First; we would like to thank the Entig Republic and the O''con Federation for all sacrifices they''ve had to make on Crystalorb''s behalf! We deeply regret that so many of your peoples have paid for our mistakes." Lord-Bital : " The suffering of all free people was unavoidable!" Ldr-Remin : " True! As long as this war continues all free people are in danger" Eld-Utel : " When we return we will do things differently! Work with others to enhance our joint security needs! Support others in their efforts to defend themselves." Lord-Bital : " Because you realize that not even Crystalorb can stand alone!" Eld-Utel : " Even this new found Energy Source will not be enough to secure Crystalorb!" Ldr-Remin : " We must seek the peace of the brave, or we will all share in the peace of the grave!" Eld-Utel : " On another matter, Naole; You have taken full and sole responsibility for the infringement committed by Cobalt and his crew?" Naole : " I have!" DCmd-Isan : " When did he do this? We are all jointly responsible!" Aurora : " We were all there, and we all agreed!" Cmd-Arog : " But Naole makes a compelling argument." Aurora : " What argument?" DCmd-Isan : " What could be so compelling?" Cmd-Arog : " Naole believes that he used his unusual position of influence to persuade all the Guardians to follow his plans, and that the Guardians would not have followed anyone else." Aurora : " But? " DCmd-Isan : " It''s true!" he interrupts "We would not have followed anyone else." Eld-Utel : " When will you avail yourself for judgement?" Naole : " As soon as Cobalt returns to the Nilrig System!" Aurora : " Why would you do this Naole?" looking at Naole "Why?" Naole : " I had to!" Aurora : " On what charge?" her attention back on Commander Arog "What is he being charged with?" Cmd-Arog : " He went to war without consulting the Crystalorb Council of Elders, the Crystalorb General Council, the Guardian Council or the Knowledge Council." Eld-Utel : " He acted alone!" Cmd-Elrig : " The escort BattleGroup will arrive in half an hour!" Naole : " About that; We won''t be travelling with the escort BattleGroup!" Ldr-Remin : " What do you mean?" Naole : " We will make a direct Vortex Jump to the Nilrig System!" Lord-Bital: " Of Course!" suddenly realising something "This was part of your plan all along?" Cmd-Arog : " What''s a Vortex Jump?" Aurora : " Yeah!" Reading Naole''s thoughts "Why didn''t you tell us? Or perhaps I should be asking myself; Why didn''t I see it?" Cmd-Arog : " You are supposed to be a bonded pair Aurora! Why can''t you see into him?" Aurora : " It''s not that simple; Naole is a hive mind! Most of the time he''s running 7 thought lines simultaneously; parallel processing all sorts of data, quantifying probabilities and visualizing these probabilities." Cmd-Arog : " What?" Aurora : " I can only get a clear picture when he focuses in on one thing; usually when I want his attention!" Eld-Utel : " The Knowledge archives talk about two thought lines; when did they become 7?" Naole : " When I left Crystalorb in 2287 we didn''t have stasis technology; so my long sleep meant that my mind was always alert. I expanded my mind from 2 thought lines to 7 thought lines in order to be able to run 7 simulations simultaneously." Lord-Bital : " Are you limited to 7?" Naole : " No; the 7 lines of thought represent an optimal." Ldr-Remin : " How does this Vortex Jump work?" Naole : " The Vortex Jump is just a matter of using the power of the Spirit Stone to open a Vortex from the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket to the Nilrig System with the aid of Fragment N of the Spirit Stone." Cmd-Arog : " Timeline?" Naole : " Calibration is complete! The Spirit Stone has absorbed sufficient energy; we can start the Vortex Jump sequence at any moment." Eld-Utel : " Proceed!" Naole : " Linking Cobalt''s Systems to the Spirit Stone!" the Spirit Stone uses Cobalt''s Energy Crystals to expand the 2m diameter wormhole into the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket to 9.9km in diameter "Vortex to the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket at optimal diameter." Cobalt : " Moving into the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket!" Cobalt goes into the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket, and the wormhole closes behind him. Cobalt : " Joint Communications Channel with the Entig Collective Leadership and the High Council of the O''con Federation lost." Naole : " There isn''t enough energy to bring through a SkyGarrison, but we can bring through the Flagship BattleGroups!" Cobalt is now in the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket, and he is being stabilized in Crystalorb''s atmosphere by the Energy of the Spirit Stone. DCmd-Isan : " What are you doing?" Naole : " My duty sir! Aurora; how quickly can you mobilize?" Aurora : " An hour!" Naole : " Great! Bring through as many Juveniles and Baby ships as can be gathered in one hour" Aurora : " Will do!" Cmd-Arog : " Hold on there Naole; you can''t take such actions without the approval of the Council of Elders or Guardian Council." Naole : " I can''t, but Aurora can!" Cmd-Arog : " Aurora?" Naole : " As the Expeditionary Guardian she is the commander of Half the Intrepid Class Fleet and 40% of the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons. The Indigo Class Ships are commanded by the Knowledge Council. Their movements are determined by their immediate commanders." Cmd-Arog : " But?" Eld-Utel : " Naole is right!" he interrupts Arog "The Expeditionary Guardian would only need approval when going into combat, moving into an area where there is the possibility of combat or moving into sovereign territory of a Nation with whom Crystalorb does not have transit agreements. Naole; you don''t have to be so forceful." Naole : " My apologies my Lord! This is how Crystalorb lost the war against the Migon. There was confusion between responsibility and Command authority. Guardians forgot how to say no to the Council of Elders." Cmd-Arog : " What are you saying?" Naole : " I was there when the Crystalorb forces were divided, and each force was given a specific function. The Crystalorb Expeditionary Division operates 35% of the Crystalorb Ships, 50% of the Intrepid Class Fleet and 40% of the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, the Crystalorb Sector Command operates 65% of the Crystalorb Ships, 50% of the Intrepid Class Fleet and 40% of the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons and the Knowledge Council operates 100% of the Indigo Class Fleet and 20% of the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons. The Crystalorb Expeditionary Division was made responsible for Crystalorb''s rapid offensive activities. The Expeditionary Recognisance was made responsible for Crystalorb''s Intelligence gathering. The Crystalorb Sector Command was made responsible for the overall defence of Crystalorb. However at some point the Crystalorb Sector Command started getting involved in major offensive operations, and this culminated in the ill fated campaign against the Migon. Had the Crystalorb Sector Command stayed true to their purpose, the Migon victory could have been avoided." Eld-Utel : " What''s done is done Naole!" Aurora : " Mobilizing the Intrepid BattleGroup; Command Authentication; Aurora 2876726536 Green!" Intrepid: " Intrepid online; Mobilizing the Intrepid BattleGroup" Cmd-Arog : " Mobilizing the A''ltana BattleGroup; Command Authentication; Arog 2764537334 Clear!" A''ltana : " A''ltana online; Mobilizing the A''ltana BattleGroup" Naole : " Cobalt; who''s the Indigo Class Flagship?" Cobalt : " That would be mother; Crimson" Naole : " Connect me to Crimson" Cobalt : " Connecting" The Crystalan Ship Crimson joins the Joint Communications Channel. Crimson : " Hello son!" Cobalt : " Hi mother!" Crimson : " Naole; I see your once again back from the dead!" Naole : " Rumours of my death were greatly exaggerated" Crimson : " How may I be of service?" Naole : " We need Indigo support; Can you Mobilize?" Crimson : " I''m a fragment Carrier; of course I can Mobilize! Naole : " Good!" Crimson : " Mobilizing the Crimson BattleGroup!" Naole : " Can you organize a BattleGroup for Cobalt; his original BattleGroup was lost at the Battle for Crystalorb" Crimson : " Will do!" Cmd-Elrig: " Why is it that Indigo BattleGroups don''t need Command Authentication to Mobilize?" Naole : " The Indigo Class Fleet has been designated as the supply fleet. Their primary role is to harvest minerals from asteroids." Cmd-Elrig : " What''s the difference between the Indigo Class and the Intrepid Class?" Naole : " There really isn''t much difference between the two Classes of Crystalan Ship. My father created the Intrepid Class, and I created the Indigo Class while trying to duplicate my father''s design. The Indigo Class was originally a less than perfect copy of the Intrepid Class! However that imperfection turned out to be the basis for the evolution of the Crystalan Ships. The most notable difference between the two Classes of Crystalan Ship is that the Indigo Class ships are more genetic based, and they form family groups with deep bonds. Some of the genetic material of an Indigo Class Crystalan Ship must come from a Crystalan human that is my descendent. At some point in their development Indigo Class Crystalan Ships must be bonded to a genetically compatible Crystalan human." Cmd-Elrig: " My records indicate that Indigo Class Crystalan Ships have denser hulls than their Intrepid Class counterparts, and that they also have more energy reserves? If that is true; then why designate them as the supply fleet?" Naole : " The Indigo Class Crystalan Ships have a wider range of emotions, including; Fear, Anger, Empathy, Joy and Sadness! Some consider such emotions weaknesses, and most Group Captains don''t like the Idea of a ship being afraid." Cmd-Elrig : " The Intrepid Class Crystalan Ships don''t feel fear?" Naole : " They do! However the Intrepid Class Crystalan Ships are better able to shut down their emotions; making them perform slightly better in battle." After an hour the three 11 ship BattleGroups were ready for departure. Guardian Commander Arog would personally Command the A''ltana BattleGroup, and Guardian Rilen Lesedi of the Knowledge Council will over see all the necessary construction work from the Crimson. 170 Intrepid Class Juvenile Ships and 170 Indigo Class Juvenile Ships ?ranging between 1.2km and 1.9km in length? joined the BattleGroups. 500 Intrepid Class Baby Ships and 500 Indigo Class Baby Ships also joined the BattleGroups. With the BattleGroups gathered, Aurora arrives to fetch the resting Naole. Aurora : " It''s been a long time since you''ve seen it hasnt it?" Naole : " Yeah! It''s so dark here" Aurora : " Not exactly how you remember it?" Naole : " I oversaw most of its construction you know? Designed most of its primary systems?" Aurora : " There''s over a Billion active Crystalans on Crystalorb, and this darkness is all they''ve ever known!" Naole : " How many Crystalans with Red Chest Crystals are there?" Aurora : " The Red Chest Crystal is notoriously difficult to breed! Crystalans with Red Chest Crystals constitute 4% of the active Crystalan population" Naole : " I take it the Green Chest Crystals is also difficult to breed?" Aurora : " Even more so than the Red Chest Crystal!" Naole : " Like the Blue Chest Crystal?" Aurora : " Yeah! Yet somehow the Migon and the Circlean were able to produce someone with a Blue Chest Crystal?" Naole : " We''ve only seen a little of what the Migon are capable off, and that worry''s me!" Aurora : " Me too!" she takes his hand "Is that fear I sense?" Naole : " It''s strange!" Aurora : " What''s strange?" Naole : " Having found love, I''ve also found fear! Before I was always ready to die, but now I want more life" he looks her in the eyes "With you!" Aurora : " I feel like my life has only just begun" she gently kisses Naole "I finally feel alive!" Naole : " The others don''t know about you do they?" Aurora : " My father knows about my condition. As a Knora knowing is his duty; all the Knowledge Guardians on the Knowledge Council know about my condition" Naole : " The Council of Elders also knows about your condition, but the other Crystalans don''t know that you''re like me?" Aurora : " Immortal?" Naole : " That you don''t age" Aurora : " I suppose I was not ready to have Crystalans look at me the way they look at you! However now that you''re here I can reveal the truth about myself. It seems I was always meant for you!" Naole : " Crystalans look at me the way they look at me because of the things I''ve done. You were born Immortal! I was born mortal; more so than any other Crystalan. Born weak, sickly and inadequate; but then I was made Immortal." Aurora : " A child of Nalen''s flesh, but also a child of Nalen''s Mind!" Naole : " Yeah! But today I''m my own creation." Aurora : " My father has nominated you for the vacant seat on the Knowledge Council." Naole : " Master Hilan wants me to be a Knora?" Aurora : " You disapprove? You are already a Knowledge Guardian; your place is on the Knowledge Council." Naole : " I was hoping the Crystalorb Leadership would let me be a fleet commander for a little while." Aurora : " I know! The Knowledge Council does have command over the Indigo fleet." Naole : " It''s not the same is it? The Indigo fleet has been designated as mining and support ships" Naole''s mind returns to more current matters "I suppose it''s time?" Aurora : " Everyone is ready!" Naole : " Then let''s get to it!" 【VAF】Chapter║: 39 ─ Crystalorb System - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 39 Crystalorb System ?~? At Cobalt''s Command centre. Cobalt : " Establishing Joint Communications Channel with Crystalorb!" Eld-Utel : " Is everyone ready?" Cmd-Arog : " Everyone is ready my Lord" Eld-Utel : " Good! On another matter, Naole; Having pleaded guilty to the charge of insubordination, and having taken full and sole responsibility for the infringement committed by Cobalt and his crew we have no choice but to sentence you to 30 days solitary confinement." DCmd-Isan : " No Crystal Guardian has ever been sentenced to solitary confinement." Eld-Utel : " Naole insisted that there be confinement in his punishment. To honour the principle of equality before the law." Aurora : " 30 days solitary confinement is the appropriate punishment for insubordination." Naole : " The Spirit Stone confirms that Fragment N is in place." Cmd-Arog : " We are good to go my Lord!" Eld-Utel : " Proceed!" Fragment N fires 5 convergent beams that open a 2m diameter wormhole into Crystalorb''s Inter-Dimensional Pocket. Cobalt : " Inward Vortex open!" Naole : " Linking Cobalt''s Systems to the Spirit Stone!" the Spirit Stone uses Cobalt''s Energy Crystals to fire 5 convergent beams that converge on the wormhole into the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket creating a 10km wide wormhole to Normal Space "Vortex to Normal Space open." Cmd-Arog : " All ships this is Fleet Command; Mobilize!" The Crystalorb Fleet moves into the Inter-Dimensional wormhole to Normal Space. The Crystalorb Fleet is welcomed to the Entig Republic''s Nilrig system by an Entig Republic BattleGroup. Commander Elrig establishes Communications with the Entig Republic Fleet Command from onboard Cobalt and confirms that the Crystalorb Fleet has completed the Vortex Jump to Normal Space. A''ltana : " Receiving Communications from Commander Elrig" Cmd-Arog : " On screen!" Cmd-Elrig: " Commander; I''ve just been informed that the security for the Crystalorb System is in place!" Cmd-Arog : " Excellent! We will set course for the Crystalorb System once our fleet is ready" Cmd-Elrig: " The Entig Collective Leadership has allocated the Crystalorb System a 50 LightYear buffer that includes 3 Surrounding Stellar Systems" Cmd-Arog : " Any planets on the 3 Surrounding Stellar Systems?" Cmd-Elrig: " Just the relatively small gas giants. However there are significant minerals on the asteroid fields to allow you to rebuild your fleet" Cmd-Arog : " Thank you Commander Elrig, and Crystalorb thanks the Entig Republic!" Commander Arog''s attention turns to Naole "Guardian Naole; stand by for JCC with Lord Bital of the O''con Federation High Council, Ambassador Vinach of the Andronian Federation and Leader Remin of the Entig Collective Leadership." Naole : " I am Online Commander!" Rilen : " I am Online Commander!" A''ltana : " Joint Communications Channel Active!" Cmd-Arog : " Greetings from Crystalorb! I am Guardian Commander Arog Lesedi of Crystalorb; Official representative of the Crystalorb Commonwealth. I''m to coordinate Crystalorb''s activities on behalf of the Crystalorb Commonwealth." Amb-Vinach : " What''s Crystalorb''s military capabilities?" Cmd-Arog : " We have 925 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, 3155 Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 2501 Intrepid Class Juvenile Ships, 2094 Intrepid Class Baby Ships, 23024 Intrepid Class Ship Eggs, 770 Adult Indigo Class Ships, 2166 Indigo Class Juvenile Ships, 1816 Indigo Class Baby Ships, 20144 Indigo Class Ship Eggs, 3800 Esara Class SkyCruiser wrecks, 3600 Casara Class Cruiser wrecks. We lost 75 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons during the Battle for Crystalorb, but the Crystalorb Ship wrecks can be brought back to full use." Amb-Vinach : " How long before you can Mobilize the Crystalorb Fleet?" Cmd-Arog : " A minimum of 2 years; SET ?Standard Earth Time?" Aurora : " We are working on a 5 year timeline" Lord-Bital : " Why 5 years?" Cmd-Arog : " That''s how long it will take to get all our ships combat capable. We are exploring methods to accelerate that timeline." Lord-Bital : " What happens when the Migon find out that Crystalorb survived?" Cmd-Arog : " We don''t know; at this moment we are still working through the scenarios!" Amb-Vinach : " We think that when the Migon find out that Crystalorb survived they will begin the largest military offensive we have ever seen! What do you think Naole?" This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Naole : " I agree!" he takes a moment "I think that the Galactic Alliance has consistently underestimated the Migon Federation; I think the Galactic Alliance should adjust Migon Federation fleet estimates up by as much as 100%!" Ldr-Remin : " What?" Cmd-Arog : " Let me just add that these are Naole''s personal views; the Crystalorb Commonwealth has no evidence that runs contrary to Galactic Alliance Intelligence." Aurora : " Naole is not the only one who shares this belief." Amb-Vinach : " What are you saying Naole? Why do you think we are wrong?" Naole : " Commander Arog is right to point out that there is no tangible proof. What I''m talking about is based on Crystalan intuition; our Crystalan ability to see beyond the obvious." Lord-Bital : " What do you see Naole?" Naole : " When we destroyed the Circleans we merged their Crystals with the Spirit Stone, and that means that all their knowledge became part of Crystalan Knowledge. This included information about Circlean interactions with the Migon. For some reason the Migon are confident that they can take the combined forces of the Galactic Alliance. They believe that they will win the war!" Lord-Bital : " They must know something we don''t!" Naole : " My thoughts exactly! Either they have overwhelming numbers or they have a combination of tactical advantages that would make victory a possibility." Aurora : " Perhaps both!" Amb-Vinach : " What sort of tactical advantages are you talking about?" Naole : " When the Hakum destroyed the Joint United Human Civilisation Silenia Five Colony it confirmed Crystalan beliefs that the Hakum and the Migon are watching all of us!" Ldr-Remin : " What are you trying to Say?" Cmd-Arog : " We think that the Migon have Hundreds of long term observation platforms located in Hyperspace." Ldr-Remin : " What?" Aurora : " We think they''ve had them for thousands of years! Literally watching everyone!" Naole : " There has been many attempts to prove this theory, but the results have not been definitive." Cmd-Arog : " However there is significant evidence to warrant further examination." Amb-Vinach : " It seems you have come to the same conclusion we reached some time ago. Clearly the Migon Federation has more Intelligence gathering capabilities than the Galactic Alliance. The Andronian Federation believes that the Migon Federation has allies in the Galactic Alliance; Civilisations that have accepted Migon superiority in exchange for survival." Ldr-Remin : " Who are these people? Shouldn''t we kick them out of the Galactic Alliance?" Amb-Vinach : " This war is not about Migon Blood Lust or about Migon Militarism; It''s about the equality of Sentient-Sapient Life Forms." Naole : " The Migon believe that they are Superior Life Forms?" Amb-Vinach : " The Migon believe that they are higher up the evolutionary ladder, and that some Sentient-Sapient Life Forms are too inferior to have equal rights. This is why they were so dedicated to the destruction of the Crystalorb Commonwealth; because Crystalans threaten their deeply held beliefs, and they fear that others will begin to question Migon Superiority." Naole : " The Migon are not the only ones who don''t believe in the equality of the rights of Sentient-Sapient Life Forms!" Amb-Vinach : " And there in lays the problem! This is the primary flaw in the Galactic Alliance. To wage a successful campaign against the Migon Federation we need to form a coalition of like minded Civilisations; a coalition based on shared Ideals and beliefs." Naole : " Are you implying that Crystalorb should lead a coalition of like minded Civilisations?" Amb-Vinach : " The Crystalorb Commonwealth and the Entig Republic together." Naole : " Because the Entig Republic can provide the credibility the Crystalorb Commonwealth does not have." Lord-Bital : " The coalition led by the Crystalorb Commonwealth and the Entig Republic would serve as an example of the trust shared by different species; working together towards a common goal!" Ldr-Remin : " A common destiny? And who are we suppose to form this coalition with?" Amb-Vinach : " Civilisations who have shown an ability to work with other Civilisations. Like; the United Human Civilisation, the Azleck Republic, the Nabi Federated Kingdom, the Edo Enclave, the Bitori Conclave, the Antora Consortium, the Cromed Republic, the Pretovus Federation, the Zlarfh Empire and the Enthori Conclave" Naole : " The United Human Civilisation is not what it used to be?" Lord-Bital: " Yes! But with help the Human Civilisation can once again regain the power they once held; after all Crystalans are still human!" Amb-Vinach : " Crystalans have a responsibility to the rest of the Human Civilisation, and because the humans enjoy the goodwill of many of the Developing Interstellar Civilisations in the region humans are crucial to the plan." Cmd-Arog : " The Crystalorb Commonwealth has not forgotten about its responsibilities to the rest of the Human Civilisation. The Crystalorb Council of Elders has plans to rearm and unite the 5 Human Federations as a unified Federation of Human Federations." Aurora : " The Crystalorb Commonwealth will not let the rest of Humanity pay for Crystalan Arrogance! We will restore the Human race to its rightful place amongst the community of Galactic Species; We will make things right!" Cmd-Arog : " The Crystalorb Commonwealth will eventually meet our responsibilities to Humanity, but first we must build the capability to protect the Human Civilisation. Ldr-Remin : " How do you plan to build the capability without being seen?" Cmd-Arog : " The Crystalorb Commonwealth has begun the process of bringing the Crystalorb population out of stasis." Rilen : " The Knowledge Council oversees the Occupational Vocation of Crystalans that are not active in Crystalorb''s Military." Aurora : " The Knowledge Council is responsible for Crystalorb''s administration; planning will be done by the Knowledge Guardians." Ldr-Remin : " Naole; aren''t you a Knowledge Guardian?" Naole : " I am!" Rilen : " As am I; the Knowledge Council has not yet approved my preliminary concepts." Cmd-Arog : " Naole wants to bring through Crystalorb faster than the Guardian Council, the Crystalorb General Council and the Council of Elders are comfortable with." Rilen : " The Knowledge Council agrees with Naole''s assessment." Aurora : " Most of us want the Fleet to be ready before we bring through Crystalorb" Lord-Bital : " Naole; how quickly do you want to bring through Crystalorb?" Naole : " Four months; SET!" Amb-Vinach : " Why so quickly?" Ldr-Remin : " Why not wait until Crystalorb is ready?" Naole : " I believe that the Migon have Psionic abilities that will let them know that Crystalans have returned; they will find out that we are back. The security of the Crystalorb Commonwealth depends on us being able to perfect the Vortex Jump Sequence." Ldr-Remin : " But you''ve just performed a Vortex Jump Sequence with relative ease?" Naole : " Operating ships in the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket requires 150 times more energy. In normal space the Spirit Stone''s current Energy Absorption rate is equivalent to Energy Output of 225 Standard Solar Stars, but sending the energy to the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket divides the Energy Output rate by the time dilation factor to the Energy Output of 9.825328 Standard Solar Stars. Therefore Crystalorb in the Inter-Dimensional Pocket has less energy than it would have in normal space." Amb-Vinach : " How do you plan to perfect the Vortex Jump Sequence?" Naole : " I''ve identified a 5500km diameter moon of the Gas Giant in the Crystalorb System that has 80% of the base minerals needed by Crystalorb. The moon is solid, with a solid core, and has no molten rock; making it perfect! We will transform the surface of the moon into a 250m thick Crystal, and then we will consume the entire mass of the moon over the next generations as we harvest the moon to build StarShips." Lord-Bital : " Why not use the Spirit Stone to Absorb all the matter you need?" Naole : " Matter Absorption consumes an incredible amount of energy! The Matter Absorption of large bodies conducted by the Spirit Stone virtually drained all the Spirit Stone''s energy reserves, and it was mostly driven by Secondary Inter-Dimensional Wormhole Vortices. The Spirit Stone''s Matter Absorption capabilities must always be a last resort! Harvesting the moon in the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket will take approximately 480 years EST; that''s 21 years EST in Normal space. This will give us enough resources to; build 3075 new Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, repair the Adult Crystalan Ships, bring the 2501 Intrepid Class Juvenile Ships and 2166 Indigo Class Juvenile Ships to Adulthood, bring the 2094 Intrepid Class Baby Ships and 1816 Indigo Class Baby Ships to Adulthood, hatch the 23024 Intrepid Class Ship Eggs and 20144 Indigo Class Ship Eggs then bring them to Adulthood." Ldr-Remin : " What about the Crystalorb Ships?" Naole : " We would of course continue to build more Crystalorb Ships in Normal space, but building Crystalorb Ships in the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket would be complicated by the inherent spatial forces of the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket." Cmd-Arog : " The Crystalorb Council of Elders has plans to repair and upgrade the 3800 Esara Class SkyCruiser wrecks and 3600 Casara Class Cruiser wrecks. Once repairs are complete 100 Esara Class SkyCruisers will be transferred to the Entig Republic. The Crystalorb Commonwealth will use the fleet of Crystalorb Ships to organize the United Human Civilisation military capabilities and form them into a single United Human Civilisation Joint Operations Command; JOC. The Joint Operations Command will operate a 9 ship BattleGroup Formation with the Esara Class SkyCruiser at its centre. The JOC BattleGroup will consist of; 4 Destroyers, 2 BattleCruisers, 1 Valiant Class Corvette, 1 Esara Class SkyCruiser and 1 Human SkyCruiser. The 5 Human Federations will be expected to produce and provide the other 8 classes of ships. The Crystalorb Commonwealth will pay 75-100% of the cost of production of the Warships provided the ships are made available to the Joint Operations Command during 50-100% of the deployment duties; depending on which formula works best." Ldr-Remin : " Will the Crystalorb Commonwealth be returning to the Interstellar Trade Markets?" Cmd-Arog : " There is great debate about Interstellar Trade in the Crystalorb General Council; many believe that Crystalorb''s involvement in Interstellar Trade Markets consumes too much of Crystalorb''s resources, and deploying the Casara Class Cruisers as Cargo Freighters takes them away from their Intelligence gathering role." Aurora : " Many feel that Crystalorb must move away from being an Interstellar Trading Civilisation; take more of an isolationist position similar to the Older Civilisations." Amb-Vinach : " The Older Civilisations are isolationist to avoid the mistakes of the past; to give younger Civilisations the freedom to determine their own destinies." Ldr-Remin : " The Galactic Alliance needs the Crystalorb Commonwealth to return to Interstellar Trade; it fosters good relations between different species." Amb-Vinach : " The fall of the Human race as an Interstellar Trading Civilisation has left a void that has not been filled; consequently the Interstellar Trade levels have decreased by 40% from their peak at the height of the Human Civilisation in 2455 ESD." Lord-Bital: " The Galactic Alliance needs the Crystalorb Commonwealth to keep an eye on the Developing Interstellar Civilisations; and the best way to do this is through Interstellar Trade" Naole : " Crystalorb''s Economic activities have always been a way for Crystalorb to build good relations with others, and I''m confident that the Council of Elders will take into account the needs of the Galactic Alliance and allow the return to Interstellar Trading. However; for the moment we''ll try to keep Crystalorb''s return secret." Cmd-Arog : " The Council of Elders and the Crystalorb General Council have authorized the transfer of Crystalorb''s Data on Inter-Dimensional Pocket and Vortex Jump Sequences to; the Jiquam Federation, the Folong Empire, the Carmak Republic, the Hildrano Enclave, the Andronian Federation, the O''con Federation and the Entig Republic. As per previous agreements with the Crystalorb Commonwealth Crystalorb''s Technology on Inter-Dimensional Pocket and Vortex Jump Sequences may not be shared with anyone without the approval of the Crystalorb Commonwealth; this serves to exclude the Galactic Alliance from Crystalorb''s Technological Advances. The Council of Elders and the Crystalorb General Council do not want Crystalorb''s Technology ending up in the wrong hands." Ldr-Remin : " What about the Azlecks? Haven''t they been good friends to you?" Naole : " The Azlecks have been fantastic friends to the Human race! However the Azleck Republic has technology sharing agreements with the Nabi Federated Kingdom and Bitori Conclave, and that presents all sorts of problems." Aurora : " Crystalorb''s plan is to take some of the functions of the Galactic Alliance Advanced Interstellar Civilisations; freeing them from capital planet protection responsibilities." Ldr-Remin : " Are you saying that Crystalorb will not rejoin the front lines?" Cmd-Arog : " The Migon BattleSpheres have better armour and Shields than Crystalorb''s Crystalan Ships and Crystalorb Ships." Rilen : " Original estimates were that there are130 Billion Migons/Migonians on 1000 worlds and 20 Billion Hakum on 60 worlds; each Migon and Hakum world has approximately 5 Billion slaves. Crystalorb''s current estimates indicate that there are180 Billion Migons/Migonians on 1500 worlds and 50 Billion Hakum on 100 worlds; each Migon and Hakum world has approximately 5 Billion slaves. When Migon BattleSpheres crashed on Crystalorb we were able to analyze their metals, and we''ve concluded that Migon armour production requires 450 Yottajoules per Cubic meter. We''ve extrapolated and calculated the Migon Federation Energy production to be more than 1200000 Yottajoules/sec; equivalent to the Energy Output of 3000 Standard Solar Stars. The Migon are simply more powerful than the Crystalorb Commonwealth." Amb-Vinach : " You Crystalans underestimate yourselves; of all the species in the galaxy you are the only ones who have developed the Technology to move a planet size body across the galaxy. The Vortex Jump Sequence Technology may be the thing that turns the tide in our favour! Inter-Dimensional Vortex Jumps must be linked to how the Phaylon are able to travel to other galaxies." Lord-Bital: " Not to mention the potential military benefits of the Time Dilation associated with Inter-Dimensional Pockets. The Vortex Jump Sequence Technology could end the O''con Federation''s supply problems." Ldr-Remin : " You Crystalans may have won the war for all of us! Rilen : " Nevertheless we can''t defeat the Migon; we''re not strong enough!" Lord-Bital : " Perhaps you were never meant to!" Amb-Vinach : " We; the Older Civilisations may be able to defeat the Migon." Moments later the Crystalorb Commonwealth transferred Crystalorb''s Data on Inter-Dimensional Pocket and Vortex Jump Sequences to; the Jiquam Federation, the Folong Empire, the Carmak Republic, the Hildrano Enclave, the Andronian Federation, the O''con Federation and the Entig Republic. The Crystalorb Fleet then left for the Crystalorb System. 【VAF】Chapter║: 40 ─ Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Realm - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 40 Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Realm ?~? When the Crystalorb Fleet arrived in the Crystalorb System Naole and Aurora returned to the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket. The 18 Velrovian adults and 15 Velrovian youths along with Atola and Bruce joined Naole and Aurora aboard the Indigo Class Baby Ship that travelled to the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket. The rest of the crew of the AFS Nala D2586L remained in long term stasis on the Entig Republic''s Nilrig colony. The remaining Crystalorb Fleet immediately began work on the Crystalorb System; installing the primary infrastructure necessary to facilitate Crystalorb''s return. The Crystalorb Fleet would install initial systems of Crystalorb''s Defence infrastructure. Crystalorb-IDR; the 5500km diameter moon of the Gas Giant in the Crystalorb System became the primary focus of Crystalorb''s activities. Crystalorb-IDR ?or CIDR? stands for; Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Realm. The fact that Crystalorb-IDR has 80% of the base minerals needed by Crystalorb made it crucial that work on the moon take precedence. The Crystalorb-IDR is solid, with a solid core, and has no molten rock; making the moon ideal for the transformation its surface into a 250m thick Black Crystal. Crystalorb had plans to consume the entire mass of Crystalorb-IDR over the next generations Crystalorb harvests Crystalorb-IDR to build StarShips. It had been 50 days since the Crystalorb Fleet arrived in the Crystalorb System for those in normal space, but 1145 days had passed for those in the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket. Naole had served his sentence of 30 days solitary confinement, and he was now preparing to ascend to his permanent position as a member of the Crystalorb Knowledge Council. Knoras are highly regarded amongst Crystalans, and their influence rivals even that of the members of the Council of Elders. Because of the extraordinary authority granted to the Crystalorb Knowledge Council Crystalorb Law demanded that all candidates for the Knowledge Council be nominated by a Knora, and then elected by the Crystalorb General Council. The process of selecting a Knora is similar to the process of appointing a Supreme Court justice amongst the 5 Human Federations. It took 1000 days for Naole to move through the confirmation process, and for the General Council to finally elect Naole to the Knowledge Council. During the confirmation hearings Naole''s Knowledge was tested, but the focus of the committees of the General Council was on Naole''s understanding of Crystalorb''s values. As expected Naole proved to be one of the most advanced minds in Crystalorb; a mind so advanced it could not be accurately measured, a mind intrinsically connected to the Spirit Stone. True to form Naole displayed a unique understanding of Crystalorb''s values, leaving even his detractors convinced that there is no better candidate for the vacant seat on the Crystalorb Knowledge Council. After 15 days of service on the Crystalorb Knowledge Council Naoles voice was now firmly part of the Crystalorb Knowledge Council. The 850 year old Master Hilan Invited Naole to join him as he gave his weekly report to the Crystalorb Council of Elders. Master Hilan is the eldest Knora; and as such is responsible for speaking for the Crystalorb Knowledge Council. Lord Utel invites Master Hilan to speak. Eld-Utel : " Lets hear from the Knowledge Council! He looks at Master Hilan Guardian Hilan step forward and Speak!" Hilan : " Honoured Elders; Im pleased to report to you that the Knowledge Council and the Guardian Council have reached a compromise on the timeline for the return of Crystalorb to normal space." Eld-Utel : " Good to hear that Crystalorbs Guardians have reached consensus!" Hilan : " The timeline has been settled at 22.9 years, that is; One year in normal space. The return of Crystalorb to normal space will require that we bring all Crystalans out of stasis. Eld-Utel : " All of them?" Hilan : " All Crystalans my lord! We need them to help with all the work that must be carried out. We have more energy reserves now, and Crystalorb can support a larger Crystalan population! He looks at Naole Furthermore the Crystalans in stasis may have practical capabilities that current generations of Crystalans are entirely without."Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Eld-Utel : " What sort of capabilities?" Hilan : " Naole believes that the current generations of Crystalans are not equipped for the strategic requirements of normal space." Eld-Utel : " How do you mean?" Hilan : " Naole?" Guardian Naole steps forward to speak. Naole : " 12 months Standard Earth Time is not nearly enough time to prepare the current generations of Crystalans for the realities of war." Eld-Utel : " What sort of realities are you talking about?" Naole : " The Crystalans in stasis come from an era of constant conflict, and as such are all too aware of the painful realities of protracted war. The current generations of Crystalans have been in a relatively peaceful state for 3503 years. War is an abstract concept to the current generations of Crystalans, but the Crystalans in stasis know all too well about the true horrors of war; the brutal nature of war with an unrelenting enemy." Eld-Utel : " We are not ignorant of our history, and the reality of what awaits us when we return to normal space!" Naole : " During our brief campaign against the Circlean I had an opportunity to observe the current generations of Crystalans under battle conditions, and I must confess that the experience did not leave me brimming with confidence." Eld-Utel : " Whatever do you mean?" Naole : " Crystalans are well-versed in warfare! It is not something we would readily admit to, but its true. The current generations of Crystalans are more timid; lacking the aggression factor that was once so pervasive with previous generations of Crystalans. 3503 years of peace has tempered the once potentially destructive angry fires of the Crystalan psyche; the Crystalan rage." Hilan : " While the current generations of Crystalans have become more sophisticated, it is the more primal qualities that will become necessary to survive." Eld-Utel : " So you agree with Naole?" Hilan : " We cannot afford to ignore the obvious my Lord! A violent enemy necessitates a violent response!" Eld-Utel : " Aurora; as the ranking Guardian in Crystalorb it falls to you to speak for the Guardian Council! What do you think?" Aurora : " On this matter I must respectfully disagree with my Father and my Husband. As a protector of Crystalorb I must guard against any actions that my destabilize Crystalorb. Indeed with residual amounts of Negative Psionic Energy still flowing through the Spirit Stones energy grid system there could be unforeseen problems." Eld-Utel : " You think that the primal nature of some of those in stasis may result in problems?" Aurora : " It is true that our antecedents were distinctly more aggressive than we are! We simply do not know how they will react to the presence of Negative Psionic Energy. As a Guardian of Crystalorb; it is my duty to advice extreme caution." Hilan : " We appreciate Auroras concerns, but it is worth noting that they have already been exposed to the residual amounts of Negative Psionic Energy flowing through the Spirit Stones energy grid! In fact we have all been exposed to the residual amounts of Negative Psionic Energy. The Spirit Stone has carefully managed the energy integration process, and this has prevented obstructive consequences. There is therefore no reason to believe that the Spirit Stone will not be equal to the task once all Crystalans are out of stasis." Eld-Utel : " Bear in mind learned Knora that the Spirit Stone is not perfect; it can make mistakes." Hilan : " We are not unaware of this fact my Lord! However our confidence is based on the evidence at hand" Eld-Utel : " Nevertheless we must proceed with care! he take a moment to consult with the rest of the Council of Elders It is therefore the decision of this Council that only 2% of the Crystalans in stasis be revived for every year we spend in this Inter-Dimensional Pocket; leaving the rest to be revived upon Crystalorbs return to normal space. he takes a moment This is the decision of the Crystalorb Council of Elders! Hilan : On your Command! Naole : On your Command! In the end the Crystalorb Council of Elders had found the arguments brought forward by the Guardian Council more compelling. Following the briefing Naole, Aurora and Hilan get on the high speed transit system to return to the Guardian Residences. As the journey begins there is a tense moment between Aurora and Hilan over their differing positions. Hilan considers Auroras position apprehensive, not progressive, but Aurora and Hilan are often on opposite sides of issues, and the tensions between them usually subside in a few hours. Aurora is visibly concerned that Naole might be disappointed with her for standing against him at the Council Chambers. As she tries to read Naoles thoughts she is instantly repelled by the tremendous traffic of Naoles thoughts Aurora : Wow! Thats intense! Hilan : Whats wrong? Aurora : Hes shut me out! she takes Naoles hand Let me in! Naole : Sorry dear! his eyes focus in on Aurora Reconfiguring! Hilan : How can you maintain your sanity with so much traffic in your mind? Naole : Its not easy! Hilan : By the source! Such Power! he too is repelled by the tremendous interchange of Naoles mind You really are more than Crystalan arent you? Aurora : There! finally managing to telepathically enter Naoles mind For a while there I thought you were upset with me? However you dont seem to be concerned about the declaration of the Council of Elders. Hilan : Why ever not? We lost! Naole : Why would I be upset with you? You were merely doing what you believed to be correct. Even if the position of the Guardian Council is entirely invalid! his eyes shift from Aurora to Hilan Ive run simulations of scenarios, and Ive concluded that the declaration of the Council of Elders is a victory for our position; because by agreeing to revive 2% of the Crystalans in stasis for every year we spend in this Inter-Dimensional Pocket theyve put in place the potential to invalidate the limitation placed on the number that can be revived. Hilan : Of course! Once we revive the first 2% it will invalidate the arguments of the Guardian Council; thereby paving the way for full revival of all Crystalans in stasis. Naole : Exactly! Hilan : You knew that they would take this position didnt you? Naole : I calculated this result! Envisioned this possibility! Hilan : How did you know that they would react the way they did? Naole : Even 3500 years later the Council of Elders is still essentially a political institution and politicians can be accurately predicted to behave in a particular way. Aurora : You underestimate the Council of Elders dear husband! They may surprise you! Naole : The Council of Elders will capitulate to public pressure! Hilan : If there is no risk to Crystalorb, then prolonging the stasis of Crystalans becomes a form of imprisonment, and Crystalans will not tolerate injustice! Even if its only perceived injustice! Aurora : Sometimes the influence wielded by the Knowledge Council makes me uneasy! Hilan : The Guardian Council would prefer that they held the influence! Naole : I like the balance! In the past it was only the Crystalorb General Council, the Council of Elders and the Guardian Council; thats two political institution and one security institution. The addition of the Knowledge Council has made things more equitable. Aurora and Hilan began to realise that Naole had a different perspective, and that Naole did not care to be part of any Crystalan turf conflicts. Naoles sole interest was in getting the job done and making progress. Aurora and Hilan began to understand that Naoles attention was firmly focused on Crystalorbs true enemy; The Migon Federation. The Crystalorb Council of Elders were anxious about the prospect of being overrun by generations of Crystalans that were more than ten generations behind the active Crystalan generations. To address this particular problem the Crystalorb Council of Elders surreptitiously reinstituted the population expansion protocol that had been abandoned 3600 years earlier. Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines would force the embryos split twice resulting in four perfectly viable foetuses once implanted. Approximately 20% of the babies would be born with Gold Chest Crystals. The Council of Elders give the green light to start full implementation, and Crystalorb would implant 600000000 Crystalan women from the active Crystalan generations with their embryos with the distinct difference that the babies are born with Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines. The embryo is created by fertilizing the Crystalan woman''s egg with the male''s sperm, or in the case of single women and lesbians their chosen donor sperm, and then inject the resulting embryo with Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines which cause each embryo to replicate into four identical embryos. The four Babies are genetic offspring of their parents, but they contain additional genetic material that comes from the Bio-Organic Crystalline Bio-Nanomachines. Once the babies are born theyre kept in the Containment capsules for 18 years, and this will allow them to develop to adulthood without the need for active parents. While they are in development they are able to interact with other Crystalans through Crystalorb''s virtual environment, and it''s through this that the Spirit Stone can act as parent to them until they are old enough to learn the true nature of the Spirit Stone. Once they emerge they can seek out their true parents and relatives and join the family as adult members. This will allow the population of current Crystalan generations to expand more rapidly than would otherwise be possible. The program was intended to run for ten years; producing 4.2 Billion Crystalan babies of current Crystalan generations. The program would expand the Crystalan population to 14.704 Billion Crystalans by the time Crystalorb returns to normal space. The Council of Elders knew that continuing the program for more than ten years would increase the numbers of ancient Crystalans, and because the females of the ancient Crystalans were significantly more fertile their numbers would rise exponentially. 【VAF】Chapter║: 41 ─ Galactic History - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 41 Galactic History ?~? Meanwhile; in normal space it had only been 46 days since Aurora and Naole went into the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket, and the work to implement Crystalorbs plans continued gradually, but despite the extraordinary Crystalan efficiency the work could not progress faster than the environmental limitations would allow. More Crystalan ships had been brought in from the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket to help with the workload, but the progress was slow and it would take time for the Crystalan Ships to reach full operational capabilities. For Forty days Guardian Kipan Lesedi of Sector One had travelled to O''con onboard an Andronian Federation Scouting Ship to oversee the revival of the Crystalans in stasis. Because of the Andronian security requirements Kipan could only take a small group of mandatory escort personnel. Upon arrival Kipan was taken to meat with the O''con Federation High Council. Also present is Ambassador Cuvil; representative of the Andronian Federation to the O''con Federation. Lord-Bital : " Welcome to O''con Kipan! What message do you bring from Crystalorb? Kipan : The Crystalorb Council of Elders has decreed that I temporarily take over the responsibilities of Crystalorbs Ambassador to the O''con Federation! Lord-Bital : " Are you to be the Ambassador? Kipan : No! Crystalorbs recalling the Ambassador to Crystalorb for consultations with the Crystalorb Council of Elders, and when the consultations are complete the Ambassador will return to the O''con Federation. Lord-Bital : " How long are these consultations suppose to take? Kipan : About 20 years SET! Lord-Bital: " 20 years SET? So youll be moving the Ambassador to Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket? Kipan : Yes! Amb-Cuvil : " Wait! Then that would mean that you brought with you !" Lord-Bital : " A fragment of the Spirit Stone! Amb-Cuvil : " But why couldnt we sense its energy signature?" Guardian Kipan produces a laser beam from his Chest Crystal that creates a small incision on his left arm, and from the incision emerged a 1cm diameter spherical Crystal. Kipan : Behold; the Heart of Crystalorb! The Fragment of the Spirit Stone began to radiate energy. Amb-Cuvil : " How can something so small generate so much energy?" Lord-Bital : " They really have built a Phaylon Reactor! Kipan : The Crystalorb Council of Elders has decreed that This Fragment of the Spirit Stone be forever placed at Crystalorbs Consulate on Ocon! Therefore Ensuring Crystalorbs continuing presence in the O''con Federation. Amb-Cuvil : " Is that the extent of Crystalorbs support to the activities in the O''con Federation?" Kipan : No Actually; The Crystalorb Council of Elders has ordered the deployment of a Fragment Carrier and its support ships. Amb-Cuvil : " What do you mean by; Fragment Carrier?" Kipan : A Nalen Class SkyGarrison. Lord-Bital : " Isnt it a little early to be bringing through Nalen Class SkyGarrisons? Kipan : That Question is for the Council of Elders to Answer! Guardian Kipan produces an Energy beam from his Chest Crystal that hits the Fragment of the Spirit Stone. The Fragment of the Spirit Stone then opens a tiny wormhole into Crystalorb''s Inter-Dimensional Realm ?Crystalorb-IDR?. Amb-Cuvil : These Crystalans are different from the ones in Stasis! Ambassador Cuvil Speaks privately to Lord Bital They are Stronger somehow! Lord-Bital : " They certainly learn quickly dont they? Kipan : The Communications Portal to the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket is active! Holographic Images of people appear The Crystalorb Council of Elders! Eld-Utel : Greetings Friends! Time is critical; we must therefore be brief! Lord-Bital : " Why bring through the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons so quickly? Amb-Cuvil : " The risk of exposure would be enhanced by this action!" Eld-Utel : We share your concern, but events may have overtaken us! Lord-Bital : " How so? Eld-Utel : Our Knoras believe that weve all underestimated the true extent of the Migons Psionic abilities! Lord-Bital : " What are you saying? Eld-Utel : Knora Hilan will explain! Hilan : We think that the Migon have MindSight. Amb-Cuvil : " MindSight? How could you possibly know that?" Lord-Bital : " What do you base that on? Hilan : When the Spirit Stone absorbed the Circleans we gained their complete knowledge, and that included the ability to use MindSight! Lord-Bital : " A predatory instinct! Hilan : Exactly! Amb-Cuvil : " An Evolutionary skill that makes it easier to find prey!" Eld-Utel : The Circleans like the Migon were Predatory, and they needed to find suitable prey to quench their immense hunger. Hilan : Records indicate that the Migon were not surprised by Circlean MindSight. Amb-Cuvil : " That must mean that they also have MindSight!" Lord-Bital : " Then theres no hiding from them! Eld-Utel : They probably know more than we can imagine! Hilan : We estimate that Migon MindSight must be very advanced; Capable of defeating even the most advanced stealth technology. Penetrating through the vast distances of space and finding even the most hidden places! Eld-Utel : It is for this reason that weve decided to delay Crystalorbs return to normal space by twelve months! Our timeline has shifted to 25 Months! Lord-Bital : " You think that they will somehow sense your return to normal space? Hilan : Our analysis indicates that they may not be able to sense a few hundred million Crystalans scattered across the Galaxy, but we are convinced that they will notice billions of Crystalans concentrated on a single planet. Amb-Cuvil : " This is an interesting Discovery! Suddenly some things make absolute sense. Does distance affect the sensitivity of MindSight?" Hilan : Yes! The closer one is to the target the better. Lord-Bital: " This must be why they need a foothold in the region. With more Migons in the Area they would be better able to observe our activities. Eld-Utel : It gets worse! Amb-Cuvil : " Theres more?" Eld-Utel : We believe that as soon as they detect Crystalorb they will launch an all out Campaign to destroy the O''con Federation! Amb-Cuvil : " Why?" Lord-Bital: " Because they wouldnt want to fight both the O''con Federation and the Crystalorb Commonwealth. Hilan : This would be their last opportunity to take control of the Region! They know that Crystalorb Support would tilt the balance in favour of the O''con Federation, and thats something they cant afford; so they will mobilize a Fleet the size of which the Galaxy has never seen before. Amb-Cuvil : " Then perhaps the Crystalorb Commonwealth should wait a little longer!" Naole : The longer we wait, the stronger they become! Eld-Utel : Search your feelings Andronian! You can feel them getting stronger with every passing day Amb-Cuvil : I know! We also sense their growing Strength! theres a burst of energy as the Andronians anger rises to the surface How could we have let this happen? Kipan : Wow! Thinking to himself These Andronians are even stronger than Ascended Crystalans! Lord-Bital : The situation is grave indeed! Amb-Cuvil : In less than 2 years ?SET? Hundreds of Civilisations will be destroyed, and we are virtually powerless to stop it! Lord-Bital: Can the Crystalorb Commonwealth protect the less advanced Civilisations of the Region? Eld-Utel : No! His head sinks into his shoulders Their deaths are inevitable! It cannot be helped. Amb-Cuvil : This is where we failed isnt it? Thousands of years ago we made the choice to save the younger Civilisations. Was it the wrong choice? Eld-Utel : A year ago we would have made the same choice. Amb-Cuvil : I see it now; your fusion with the Circleans has changed you; Now you have a Killer Edge you didnt have before. Lord-Bital : " Theres a Raw Predatory instinct about you now. Amb-Cuvil : Something we never had; We always sought to be benevolent, and a little while ago you were the same, but something has changed Naole : The truth is that weve always been violent; we are after all a Warrior Culture. About 70% of our activities are dedicated to warfare. Weve always been like that. Whats different now is that we were never able to suppress our protective instinct. Lord-Bital : " So thats what you gained from the Circleans? Eld-Utel : In a lot of ways weve become ordinary. Weve gained selfishness at the expense of our benevolence. Weve become far less Noble than we used to be. We can only hope that the strength weve acquired from the Circleans is worth the sacrifice. Amb-Cuvil : Naole; Surely you must have known about the cost? You had to have known that the Power gained from the Circleans would change Crystalans forever? Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Naole : I recognized the danger; But at the time I had little choice. More than my need, I wanted the true source of Circlean Power. Amb-Cuvil : And what is that? Naole : Their Ambition! The Circlean hunger for Power. Amb-Cuvil : Power? Naole : They wanted to dominate the galaxy. However we only wish to be recognized as a major Power. In the past Crystalans didnt care if others recognized the depth of our might. And at times we would even go as far as to allow ourselves to be pushed around by Civilisations that couldnt even begin to compare. Those days are over! The Galaxy will marvel at the depth of our might as we reclaim our legacy. Amb-Cuvil : You really have changed. Eld-Utel : We will stand with those who stand with us! We will bleed for those who bleed for us! We will fight these Migon face to face, and if necessary we will crash them with our bare hands! Hilan : We cannot carry the weight of the Galaxy on our shoulders; as the Andronians do. Were not going to take responsibility for the less advanced Civilizations. We are not Andronians! Yet for some obscure reason the Migon seem convinced that were an Andronian creation. Part Andronian! A weapon created by the Andronian Federation to destroy the Migon Federation. This seems to be the reason they are so intent on destroying us! Why do they think this? Naole : They have to have learnt from the Circleans that we are an accidental Azleck Creation. Eld-Utel : Unless theres some truth to the Migon Assertion? Lord-Bital : " Could it be true? Amb-Cuvil : Finally; The truth! Naole : By the Source! Amb-Cuvil : Half a million Earth years ago the Andronian Federation sent an Expedition to find the Migon. What we found Horrified us to such an extent that it sent the Andronian Federation into a spiral of Chaos! It shook the Andronian Federation to the core! We began to interfere with the biology of younger races! Our experimentations were designed to accelerate Evolution. However this led to other problems; Diseases, plagues, Xenophobia, and finally Interstellar wars. We had to be stopped! The Jiquam Federation, the Folong Empire and the Carmak Republic decided to jointly oppose the Andronian Federation by military means. After a long and costly war the Andronian Federation military capabilities were sufficiently weakened to force us to agree to a peaceful resolution. The others wanted to understand why Andronians would act so recklessly. At the peace negotiations we told them of the horror we had witnessed. We showed them evidence of Migon atrocities! Entire world rendered lifeless! Whole Civilisations consumed at the dinner tables of Migon families! Holnari; the Andronian Supreme Commander showed the others Andronian despair! Fear and Desperation was their reason. At the time none of the Older Interstellar Civilisations had the power to oppose the Migon, but we all agreed that we would all meet this challenge to life together. We would all prepare and be ready to oppose the evil when it arrived. This is when the Andronian Federation began to give Developing Civilisations fragments of our Phaylon Crystal! They would give them a Sceptre of Andros that contained a fragment of the Phaylon Crystal as a symbol of Andronian affection. For generations we wondered why Andronian society became undone by what we witnessed at the hands of the Migon, but the answer would only become apparent at the battle of ten thousand Ships. Andronians are extremely powerful Psionics, but this power comes at a price; The suffering of Sapient beings affects us at a deeper level. The suffering of Sapient beings produces Negative Psionic Energy. Therefore for the Andronians preventing suffering on the scale the Migon cause is not a matter of choice, but something deeper. It''s as though we have no real choice! It''s as if the Spirit-Consciousness has designated us the protectors of Life! After the battle of ten thousand Ships the Andronian Federation stopped giving the Sceptre of Andros to Developing Civilisations for fear of them falling into Hakum or Migon hands. The battle of ten thousand Ships changed everything. Those of us who were there found Courage to stand against the End!" pause "When others wanted to retreat, Andronians refused to waiver! We stared into the empty void! Forced the Darkness to retreat!" pause "An Immortal gets used to being Alive, but the Andronians were ready to die! Supreme Commander Holnari put it like this; Protecting life on a Thousand worlds is worthy of Sacrifice! Naole : What exactly do you mean by; interfere with the biology of younger races? Amb-Cuvil : We Recombined their DNA with Andronian DNA! We hoped that they would somehow gain Andronian strengths. Eld-Utel : Did it work? Amb-Cuvil : The results were less than optimal! The enhancements were a little more rudimentary. We quickly realized that to achieve the desired objectives we would have to be more forceful in our approach. It wasnt enough for them to have the genetic material; the environment had to be suitable for the genes to activate. Thus for the first time since the Andronian Awakening Andronians could not agree on a course of action. Some decided to act on their own; conduct without accountability! Naole : So rogue Andronians introduced the aggression factor? Amb-Cuvil : The flames of war were lit! Our creations began to modify themselves. Eld-Utel : They didnt stop there did they? They modified others didnt they? Amb-Cuvil : Runaway genetics! Chaos! Death on a hundred worlds! Eld-Utel : Why didnt the Andronian Federation intervene to halt the extinction? Amb-Cuvil : We were in Denial about our complicity! The Andronian Federation was in a state of turmoil; we were trying to redefine ourselves! In our madness we triggered a bloody war with the other Older Civilizations! Our defeat at the hands of the Jiquam Federation, the Folong Empire and the Carmak Republic forced us to realize what we were becoming. We re-examined ourselves, and rediscovered our true Andronian nature! Eld-Utel : So this is how you became what you are today? Amb-Cuvil : Following the Great War; the Andronian Federation went into thousands of years of Isolation. Left alone to our thoughts we could remember who we are. Then we chose to be more! Naole : Its so obvious! I cant believe I didnt see this before? Eld-Utel : What is it Naole? Lord-Bital : " Explain! Naole : Were not the only ones who are part Phaylon! Eld-Utel : By the Source! Lord-Bital : " Another proto-Phaylon? Hilan : Off Course; The 6 Older Civilizations are all part Phaylon! Amb-Cuvil : We have all been touched by the Phaylon! The Phaylon touched us in such a way that it did not disturb our evolutionary path, but Crystalan Phaylon heritage seems to be far more pronounced than in the rest of us. Perhaps the Azlecks triggered something with their genetic experiments, or it may be that the Crystalan blood feud with the Hodians forced you to develop in a direction that enhanced your Phaylon nature. Lord-Bital : " Maybe its both! These Phaylon must be extremely Powerful. Amb-Cuvil : You have no Idea! What the Older Civilizations and the Crystalans have been able to uncover is only the tip of the Iceberg. Somehow; every Phaylon could open a vortex into an Inter-Dimensional Pocket. Lord-Bital : " What? Amb-Cuvil : For a million years we have struggled to understand the secrets of Phaylon Power. Its obvious now that the secrets of Phaylon Capabilities have to do with their Power Source. For a million years the Older Civilizations have been trying to construct a sustainable and workable Phaylon Reactor, and while weve been able to produce working prototypes its nowhere near optimal. Yet somehow Naole was able to construct a sustainable Phaylon Reactor by pure instinct alone. Its as if he knew exactly what to do because he had seen a Phaylon Reactor. Lord-Bital : Maybe its because he had seen it before. As their Spirit Stone gets older it somehow unlocks some of the Phaylon Secrets. Eld-Utel : Over the past 3504 years Crystalorb has been focused on Energy Research. Weve devoted nearly all our resources to develop new forms of Energy production, but it was Naole who found a way to combine our research and bring into being a new limitless Energy Resource. The Spirit Stone has always been a Phaylon Reactor; this is knowledge that eluded us for generations. Amb-Cuvil : The key to Phaylon Power is the Soul! The secrets of Phaylon Capabilities have to do with their Souls connection to their Power Source. In the same way Crystalorbs Spirit Stone is connected to the Spirits of their Crystalan Dead. Lord-Bital : Now that Crystalorb has shown you the way, you can build a Spirit Stone of your own. Amb-Cuvil : Easier said than done! We are immortal; to somehow harvest the Soul of an Andronian will require some sort of sacrifice. We dont even know how to begin to even harvest the living soul of an Andronian. Eld-Utel : That may not be necessary! What you need is a living Power Source; not a Spirit Stone! In theory you could build a living Power Source that is governed and controlled by your Psionic Collective. What is of immediate concern to Crystalorb is; If the Migon are also part Phaylon, then the knowledge they would have gained from the Circleans would probably have given them the ability to build a Crystalan type power Source of significant capabilities. Lord-Bital : Would it be a connected Power Source like the Spirit Stone? Hilan : We dont know the full extent of Migon capabilities, but we do know that with Circlean help they were able to produce an android replica of Naole! Naole : That means that they have some understanding of living Crystals! Hilan : We wont know how much they know until we capture one of them! Lord-Bital : You actually intend to capture a Migon? And you think that you can force your way into the mind of a Migon? Amb-Cuvil : Im always amazed by human Tenacity! The astounding human capacity for courage! Lord-Bital : Its not just the Crystalans? Amb-Cuvil : Ooh No! Fifty years ago at the battle of Sivati human special forces stormed into a city where a Migon BattleSpear had crashed; they challenged the surviving Migon directly and after a bloody battle emerged victorious! Lord-Bital : The cost in human lives must have been extraordinary? Amb-Cuvil : Hundreds upon Hundreds of humans were killed just so they could kill 3 Migons! Eld-Utel : Humans wont burry their heads in the sand hoping that the threat will go away; rather like a true warrior race we rise to meet the challenge. Lord-Bital : Why not just blow up the place? Wouldnt it have been easier? Amb-Cuvil : When I asked the human commanders that very question; they told me that they needed bodies to show the folks back home that the Migon could be killed. Lord-Bital : What? They probably wanted to study Migon physiology and biology! The genetic knowledge they would gain wouldve been far too tempting. Amb-Cuvil : The interesting thing here is that they actually managed to kill 3 Migons in a small arms fire-fight. Each Migon is stronger than an Armoured Crystal Guardian; yet somehow they were able to overcome that strength. Ive seen Migons lay waist to entire divisions of Entig and Velrovians, but somehow the humans have succeeded where they have failed! Its amazing how far theyve come in such a short period. Eld-Utel : So the Entig and the Velrovians are an Andronian creation? Naole : That would mean that we are an Andronian creation! Amb-Cuvil : We found the Mazin, the Gaudin, the Entig and the Velrovians in their infancy, and we tried to help them develop a little faster. The Mazin and the Gaudin were as old as the Entig, but the Velrovians were much younger than the other three races. The Entig, the Mazin and the Gaudin developed thriving vibrant civilizations over the next 300000 years. 550000 years ago the Andronian Federation determined that the Mazin, the Gaudin, the Entig and the Velrovians were ready for Interstellar travel; so we gave them the technology to travel between the stars. We dont know how it started, but the Mazin and the Gaudin developed what we believed was a friendly rivalry. At some point the Mazin began to experiment with genetics making themselves stronger and faster, and as expected the Gaudin responded with genetic modifications of their own. As is often the case; the wave of runaway genetics spread into other species in the region. Both the Mazin and the Gaudin interfered with the biology of countless species; creating new life forms. It is at this point that Andronian Federation expeditions to Migon space revealed the full extent of Migon atrocities. We believed our involvement with the Mazin, the Gaudin, the Entig and the Velrovians to be a success; so we instituted a program for the accelerated development of younger species. While we were busy trying to advance the younger species the rivalry between the Mazin and the Gaudin quickly turned sour. The war that broke out between the Mazin and the Gaudin quickly involved their allies from younger species. As the war turned vicious it was clear that the Andronian Federation had lost control. We thought that the war would be an evolutionary catalyst, and that the warring parties would emerge stronger from its aftermath; we were wrong. When the other Older Civilizations tried to intervene we forcefully blocked their efforts; we were determined to prove that we were right, and we were so convinced of the correctness of our actions that we were prepared to fight the other Older Civilizations. As our war with the other Older Civilizations got underway the war between the Mazin and the Gaudin intensified. The war between the Mazin and the Gaudin turned into a bloodbath, and the two warring parties escalated their war by introducing biogenetic weaponry. Suddenly entire planets were dying! This dragged the Entig and the Velrovians into the war! The Entig and the Velrovians were afraid that the weapons of mass destruction used by the Mazin and the Gaudin would be turned on them! The Entig and the Velrovians formed an Alliance, and together they were able to protect their territories. By the time the war ended the Mazin and the Gaudin were dying, over a hundred and fifty developing Civilizations were all but extinct, and the Entig and the Velrovians had been infected by biogenetic plagues. The only way to save the Entig and the Velrovians was to change them even further! Eld-Utel : Velrovians? Amb-Cuvil : They are much more than they seem. They are more like Crystalans than you know. Extremely loyal friends. We thought that they were extinct; it is therefore fortuitous that you found them. Hilan : You introduced more of your Andronian DNA into their physiology! Amb-Cuvil : Only the body of a highly evolved species could withstand the biogenetic plagues that ravaged their peoples! We used a virus as a vector; transforming the Entig into their current form; giving them some of our strengths and our abilities. The Velrovians had an unexpected reaction to the Virus; while they gained some of our strengths and our abilities the mutation went a little further, and that triggered some sort of regression. They generated so much power that their bodies wore out far too quickly; so their lifespan was greatly reduced. Lord-Bital : I see! A genetic mutation that has since been perfected in Crystalans. Amb-Cuvil : Yes! Ambassador Cuvil produces holographic Video of Velrovians fighting Migons. Then one of the Velrovians transforms into a Clear Crystalline form similar to the Reducted Crystalline form of the Crystalans. Hilan : I dont believe it? They have a Reducted Crystalline Form! Amb-Cuvil : Thats not all! Ambassador Cuvil produces another holographic Video that shows Velrovian warships See anything familiar? Eld-Utel : They look just like Crystalan ships! Amb-Cuvil : The Original Homeworlds of the Entig and the Velrovians were near the Galactic Alliance borders with the Migon Federation; so they were some of the first Civilizations to confront the Migon threat! The Entig and the Velrovians along with others put up quite a fight, but in the end the military might of the Migon federation was too much for them. The speed and size of the Migon Attack Force caught the Velrovians off guard; and by the time Andronian Fleets arrived the Velrovian Homeworld had been destroyed. All that remained of the once powerful Velrovian Empire were the ten Velrovians stationed on the Entig Kingdoms Homeworld. When we realized the size of the Migon Attack Force we knew that we could not save the Entig Homeworld; so we evacuated the entire population to an area near an Andronian Enclave on the outskirts of Quarantine Space. The other Older Civilizations also have Enclaves in the same area; so with thought they would be safe there. As you all know the Entig have flourished under our protection! Eld-Utel : What about the ten Velrovians? Amb-Cuvil : I thought youd be very interested about that. This conversation must be draining an incredible amount of Energy; Cant all this wait? Shouldnt you be conserving energy? Eld-Utel : We need to know! Amb-Cuvil : We put the 10 Velrovians in stasis! Since all 10 were male we planned to clone them; weve been preparing a planet at the edge of Entig Republic Space for them. We planned to somehow clone a Billion of them, but when Naole stumbled upon remnants of Velrovians we quickly went to Crasla and relocated the entire population to their new world; which they promptly named Crasla. Incidentally their original Homeworld was also called Crasla. The Velrovians that you found are descendents of the crew of a scouting ship that crashed on the planet after a battle with a Migon ship some 20000 years ago. Because the Migon destroyed the wreckage of the scouting ship they were unable to preserve their information. At one point they became a new, separate, sophisticated Velrovian Civilization; but that too was destroyed by the Hakum. Clearly the Hakum recognized the Velrovians for what they are. Now that we have a sufficient genetic pool the cloning process can begin in Ernest. When we are finished the Velrovians will be restored to their former glory, and the Velrovian collective will allow them full access to the knowledge of the 10 surviving Velrovians. When theyre ready theyll be a power comparable to Crystalorb. Eld-Utel : What? Naole : How have you solved the problems associated with their short lifespan? Amb-Cuvil : We didnt understand it until we saw Naole fight Aurora. Only then did we understand that your power is your life-force; the Velrovians are the same way, and draining their power shortens their lives. What they need is a life sustaining power source similar to your Spirit Stone; thats what Crystalorb will have to give them! Crystalans cant survive without the Spirit Stone; Velrovians can survive without the life sustaining power source, but without it they will never reach their full potential. Hilan : How are we supposed to do such a thing? Eld-Utel : We dont even know where to begin? Amb-Cuvil : Look inside you Crystalan; you are the only ones with the power to make this dream a reality. The Velrovians are a part of you! Lord-Bital : You can do this! Eld-Utel : We could give them a Fragment of the Spirit Stone? Hilan : The Spirit Stone is Fundamentally Crystalan. It only connects to a Crystalan Soul. Velrovian souls are different! Eld-Utel : Could we make them a Spirit Stone of their own. Hilan : Not even the Spirit Stone would know how to do that. Eld-Utel : Perhaps it cant be done. Hilan : It will require a lot of research. Naole : The Spirit Stone says it can be done. Eld-Utel : What? Make them a Spirit Stone of their own? Naole : We cant make them a Spirit Stone, but they dont need a Spirit Stone; they need a self-sustaining life sustaining power source. They need a reserve energy sphere that is connected to a fusion reactor. Velrovian energy isnt as complex as Crystalan energy; they are partially self-sustaining. Hilan : That means all we have to do is provide the heavily diluted positive Psionic Energy and their bodies will handle the rest. Their bodies are much more evolved than Crystalan bodies; much more resilient, and not completely dependent on an external Power-Source. Amb-Cuvil : What about the Psionic Energy? Where will you get it? Naole : We will infect the Velrovians attached to me with our crystals, and as they learn to live inside their bodies they will adapt; giving them the ability to reproduce Velrovian Energy. When the Velrovians die the Spirit Stone will combine the Crystals and give the Crystals everlasting life by joining them to the Brain of a Casara Class Cruiser. The Brain of a Casara Class Cruiser should allow the Crystal the ability to absorb energy; in particular Ambient Psionic Energy. It wont have a will of its own like the Spirit Stone, but it will be alive; with full evolutionary growth potential. Amb-Cuvil : Im surprised you already have a plan? Naole : When I thought the Spirit Stone had been destroyed I developed replacement options. This would have been temporary for Crystalans, but in an expanded format it will be more than sufficient for the Velrovians. Amb-Cuvil : Can it support the energy needs of an entire Civilization? Billions of Velrovians? Naole : With time it could supply energy for entire planets! Lord-Bital : Would it be able to transmit energy like the Spirit Stone? Naole : I cant be certain until I build it, but if I had to guess I would have to say no. Hilan : But it could be able to exchange energy through sophisticated Hyperspace relays. Lord-Bital : Perhaps you should build us one. Eld-Utel : We will! Then well build one for the Entig Republic, one for each of the Older Civilizations, one for the Azleck Republic and finally one for the United Human Civilization. Hilan : Off course the Azlecks and the UHC would have to first prove their ability to protect such advanced technology. Amb-Cuvil : How long would all this take? Naole : The one for the Velrovians should be ready by the time Crystalorb returns to normal space. However building such a system for immortals may be a bit challenging, but eventually well get it done. Eld-Utel : Before the Older Civilizations decide that they want the energy system they must understand that if their bodies are infected with Crystalan Crystals all of their genetic information will be absorbed by our Spirit Stone. The Spirit Stone will gain access to the memories of anyone connected to it; all of their knowledge, all of their information. Hilan : We dont want to trick anyone into revealing more than they are willing to share! Amb-Cuvil : There are some things that we are yet to be convinced that Crystalorb is ready to assimilate. For this reason, the Older Civilizations may have to commit children to the process. Once infected; can the Crystals be removed? Eld-Utel : Weve never removed the Crystals before, but theres no plausible reason why the Crystals cant be removed. Hilan : Since the Crystals are not a natural part of the body they can be removed! Eld-Utel : This conference has consumed all the energy assigned for these purposes, we must therefore say goodbye. Until the next time friends! Holographic Images of the Council of Elders disappear. Kipan : The Communications Portal to the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket has been deactivated. Lord-Bital : And thats that! Kipan : Im Curious; what percentage of us is Andronian? Amb-Cuvil : Its difficult to say, but if I had to give an approximation of your current configuration Id have to say to that in terms of genetic commonality you are; 5% Velrovian, 2% Azleck, 1% Entig, 1% Endo, 0.5% Enthori, 0.5% Kulnet, 1% Nabi, 1% Aloran, 8% Andronian, 4% Oltana, 8% Phaylon, 48% Human and 20% Unknown. Kipan : Aloran? Amb-Cuvil : Alorans are one of our earlier creations! Some 800000 years ago we came into contact with a Migon long range scouting ship; without warning they attacked. We defeated them, and after capturing their ship we unlocked their secrets. They had just completed their evolution to a level close to their current form. For the first time we got a glimpse at what would become the greatest evil to roam the interstellar space lanes; they had not yet decided to unleash their evil upon the Galaxy. We took their DNA, Recombined it with Andronian DNA and produced a new hybrid species that had the strengths of both. We removed all the negative genetic traits of the Migon; thus producing Alorans. The Alorans are about 4 meters tall with 8 limbs; that''s 4 legs and four arms. Like the Migon two of their arms are much larger than the other pair, and the larger pair is webbed like a bat. Holographic Images of Alorans appear They are fully aware of their Migon and Andronian heritage, and they understand why we havent shared with them Interstellar travel technology. Kipan : Theyre still around? The shape is Migon, but the skin and the eyes are Andronian! Are they carnivorous? Amb-Cuvil : Theyre Omnivorous! Positive Psionics! Theyve formed a Highly sophisticated Civilization of Immortals, and theyre carefully monitored on their planet which is located deep inside our Enclave near Entig space. We keep them informed about developments in the Galaxy, and they are very keen to meet Crystalans. The Alorans are as advanced as any of the Older Civilizations. Their DNA is the basis for some of the modifications we made to the Mazin, the Gaudin, the Entig and the Velrovians. Kipan : So thats how we ended up with Aloran DNA. Amb-Cuvil : The Azlecks must have also stumbled upon the Velrovians. We have no Idea how the Azlecks acquired Entig DNA, but theyve always been very inventive; theyd been modified by the Gaudin to be very imaginative. The Gaudin never completed the modification of the Azlecks; leaving them with a myriad of genetic problems, and ultimately it was up to the Andronian Federation to repair the Azleck genetic profile. Weve had to do a lot of clean up for the previous mistakes; ours and those of our creations. Kipan : Have the Alorans been outside their Homeworld? Amb-Cuvil : Every Aloran that is allowed to leave Alora cannot return until Alorans become an interstellar Civilization. The Older Civilizations will decide when the time is right to reveal that theres another Older Civilization. The Alorans would prefer that the secret be revealed after the war with the Migon is over. Kipan : Given what we now know about the Migon it may be necessary for the Alorans to join the fight against their Migon counterpart. We may need their strength to force the Migon Federation to negotiate. Amb-Cuvil : Should the Migon Leadership learn of their existence theyll want to eliminate them to prevent their population finding out that there is another way. Perhaps they may decide that the Alorans are our captives; resulting in them intensifying the war in a bid to free the Alorans. Some of us fear that the Migon may consider the Alorans to be an abomination, and theres no telling what theyll do in an attempt to destroy them. Lord-Bital : Have the Alorans perfected warship designs? Could they be combat ready in a reasonable amount of time? Amb-Cuvil : We thought it important that they have the capabilities to defend themselves. So we shared with them our knowledge on Armour, propulsion, weapons and shielding. We deliberately excluded Hyperspace technology. Nevertheless theyve built SkyDragons that are comparable to Andronian Federation SkyStriders in size and power; they have a system defence fleet of 500 ships. With help they could be combat ready in a couple of years. Kipan : The Spirit Stone has relayed data on the Alorans to Crystalorb. Hopefully we wont need them, but the way things are going their involvement may be unavoidable. When the Crystalans on Ocon were revived they had already learnt that Crystalorb has survived, and they quickly began the extensive preparation necessary for the support of a Nalen Class SkyGarrison. 【VAF】Chapter║: 42 ─ Conference of Guardians - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 42 Conference of Guardians ?~? In normal space 22 months had passed since Naole went into the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket, but in the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket it had been almost 42 years, and in Normal space Crystalorbs return was 2 months away. The Crystal Guardians of Crystalorb were preparing for the 183rd session of the Guardian Conference also known as the Conference of Guardians. All over Crystalorb Guardians were preparing themselves to participate in another Conference of Guardians. The Guardian Conference is not a Conference, meeting or convention as the word might imply, but a training or sparring session. Every Guardian is required to participate in a Conference once every 50 years. The Guardian Conference provides the Guardians an opportunity to test their fighting skills against some of the most powerful Crystalans, and an opportunity to learn from some of the most skilled warriors alive. The elderly, the Guardian Commander, the Deputy Guardian Commander, the members of the Crystalorb General Council and the members of the Crystalorb Council of Elders are by Crystalorb Law Prohibited from participating in the Conference of Guardians. The Guardian Conference included a tournament for Ascended Crystalans known as the Ascended Protocol; designed to help Ascended Crystalans improve their techniques and control. The tournament for Ascended Crystalans started shortly after Naole left Crystalorb for his years of solitude. The Crystalorb Council of Elders sanctioned the Ascended Protocol to bring more Ascended Crystalans to a level that was comparable to Naole. At the Ascended Protocol Ascended Crystalans face each other one on one without Crystal Armour and in the final round a champion emerges. Because of the inherent dangers associated with the Ascended Protocol participation is completely voluntary. Champions are obliged to return to the next tournament to defend their title, but in the interim the Ascended Protocol Champion can rightfully claim to be the most powerful Crystalan alive. The overall Conference Champion can rightfully claim to be the most Skilled Crystalan alive. The proceedings of the Conference of Guardians are no longer kept secret, and every Crystalan is aware of the events. Naole and Aurora had elected not to participate in the Conference of Guardians, but Crystalorb Law compelled them to partake in the upcoming Guardian Conference, and understandably many Ascended Crystalans were eagerly anticipating Naoles participation in the Ascended Protocol. For 150 years the now 750 year old Peo Lesedi; Auroras teacher had dominated the Ascended Protocol. The mighty Red Guardian had become a legend in his own right, and many expected Naole to challenge Peo for title of Ascended Protocol Champion. Knora Peo had achieved an Unprecedented level of Strength, not even the Green Guardians could rival his power, but it was believed that Naole could be the only one to challenge Peos power. The battle between Peo and Naole was expected to be a clash of the titans, and Peo was excited at the prospect of testing his physical strength against Naoles incomparable power. 100 years earlier it had been Aurora and Peo at the final, and at the pervious final it was Peo and the then 695 year old Knora Savan Lesedi, but now the contest would be between the four; Savan, Naole, Aurora and Peo. With the Conference of Guardians just seven days away 95% of Crystal Guardians were entering the final stretch of their intensive training. For the first time since the first Guardian Conference more than 90% of Guardians and nearly all the active Ascended Crystalans would participate. The 183rd session of the Conference of Guardians would serve as preparation for Crystalorbs return to Normal Space. The Conference of Guardians would provide Crystalorbs Crystal Guardians with adequate mental preparation for the tumultuous return of Crystalorb to Normal Space. The Guardian Conference would take place over seven days, and the Crystal Guardians would put themselves to the limits of their physical capabilities in gruelling armoured and un-armoured activities. Savan, Hilan and Peo arrive at Aurora and Naoles Home to visit Naole; it had been moths since they saw each other as they prepared for the Conference of Guardians. As Aurora opens the door she smiles at the sight of her father. Aurora : Hi Dad! Hilan : Hello; Ive brought with me some friends who are eager to peak in on your preparations. Aurora : Hello there; Welcome to our home!If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Peo : Thanks for having us! You look like youre in great shape. Savan : How are you? Are you ready for whats likely to be the most intense Guardian Conference ever? Aurora : I hope so! Peo : Where is Naole? Aurora : Hes in a prolonged meditative state. Hilan : Still? Savan : Why? I know it can help improve focus levels! But then it also consumes a tremendous amount of energy. Peo : Why engage in such an exhaustive process so close to the start of the Conference of Guardians? Aurora : Naole doesnt follow conventional methods. His physiology is different, and as such his training regiment is far more arduous than anything I ever experienced. The past 5 years weve been through the most intense training sessions. Never had I known such effort! At the start of every training session we would drain our bodies of 90% of our energies, and then we would engage in an intense sparring session until our remaining energies were depleted. Savan : Fighting in a depleted state? Hilan : In a lot of ways its more demanding that fighting at maximum power. Peo : Without the inherent risks to your training partner. Savan : So thats how he does it! Darn it; Its so ingenious! Hilan : How strong has he become? Do you think he can challenge the powers of an Ascended Red Guardian? Aurora : To be honest Dad; I dont know how strong Naole has become. When Ive fought him hes always held back some of his strength, but I suspect his physical strength is more than 25% greater than mine. Savan : What? Energy level is one thing, but physical strength isnt that different across different types of Chest Crystals. Hilan : I dont know? In the past physical strength used to be proportional to power level. Peo : Crystalans have evolved since then! The gaps in physical strength have been greatly diminished! Aurora : Im not sure about that. Hilan : Perhaps we just havent been pushing ourselves hard enough. Aurora : Ever since Ive been with Naole my energy level has grown to levels I never even thought possible; I followed him on his quest to expand the limits of his Ascended Crystalan Form and I discovered that my own perceived limits were artificial. Ive pushed myself to the edge of my limits and beyond; Ive reached an Unprecedented new Power Level. It may not be enough to defeat an Ascended Red Guardian at your level, but combined with the powers of Guardian Armour I will be able to generate enough power to destroy a Valiant Class Corvette. Savan : Is this the true purpose of your training? Is Naole planning to do something this radical? Peo : Youre missing the point. Savan : What do you mean? Peo : Theres more going on here than this upcoming Guardian Conference. This is part of Naoles goal. He thinks were going to need to capture a Migon; he thinks were going to need to probe their minds to find out what theyre planning. In less than 3 years we go to war with the most powerful force in the Galaxy. Just then Bruce and Atola emerge from the meditation Chamber followed by several Velrovians. Both Bruce and Atola had recently been promoted to Group Captain; giving them each command of an Esara Class SkyCruiser. After the appropriate greeting the Velrovians leave, but Bruce and Atola stay a while to speak to the Knoras. Hilan : The Velrovians have really come a long way! Atola : Yeah! When Naole found them they seemed like primitive apes, but with the original group of Velrovians dead their 10000 strong offspring have really come into their own. The power source Naole built for them has revealed them to highly evolved beings capable of incredible feats of strength. Hilan : Theyre now ready to move to the planet at the edge of Entig Republic Space prepared for them by the Andronians and rebuild their Civilization. Bruce : Naole says that he cant come out, but that you can come in. Aurora : So he didnt want to say no to me directly. Atola : Men! Aurora : Where is he? Bruce : The origins of power. Atola : Forgive us; we must head on home, our children will be returning from school soon. Bruce and Atola Leave as Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora are about to enter the meditation Chamber. As they begin to focus their minds Aurora explains what theyre about to experience. Aurora : As you know Naole runs 7 thought lines; consequently his mind is extremely powerful. Making telepathic contact with Naole is vastly different to any other person; hes almost always in complete control of the process. There are incomparable depths to him that we may never fully understand. As the Envoy of the Forbidden theres a doorway buried deep in his soul that leads beyond the Vail; put there by our ancestors. His mind is 7 Realities; 7 parallel levels of consciousness. Each reality is constructed from his memories! Hilan : So which one are we going into? Aurora : The one were he is! Peo : But isnt his mind 7 parallel Realities? Aurora : He can shift consciousness levels between Realities such that one level is higher than the others. The door opens and they can now see the Hovering Naole in his Ascended Crystalan Form. Savan : It feels like the power level of an Ascended Gold Guardian. Peo : How long has he been in this state? Aurora : Four days straight. Savan : What? That means his core energy must be enormous. When fully powered up he will be capable of tremendous strength. Peo : Its not about powering up; its about stamina; He can fight you at your level and outlast you. Savan : Off course! At any moment he can adjust the strength of his blow. That means well have to make sure that he doesnt land a hit, or it could be over. Hilan : Ah! But will it be enough? An Ascended Red Guardian all about speed. Aurora : When we started our training 5 years ago I was about 8% faster than Naole! Last month when we had our final sparing session hed closed the gap to just 2%; this is despite the fact that Ive grown stronger and faster. And I dont even know if that was his true speed! Its entirely possible that hes become even faster. Savan : I didnt know he could be so fast? Peo : Your confusing Naole for a green guardian. Naole is part Red Crystalan, and he knows how to fully tap into his Red Crystal power. Savan : Impressive! Peo : This tournament is going to be fun! This is the challenge Ive been looking for! I will finally have a worthy opponent! Hilan : Is it now? Aurora : His mind is open; lets go in! They telepathically enter Naoles mind. Savan : Wow! They are amazed by the world generated by Naoles mind. Hilan : What an extraordinary mind! Peo : How is he doing all this? Aurora : Naoles brain isnt like the rest of us. He has perfect memory. That means he can suspend his thoughts, and then continue them at a later time. Pause it! Everything suddenly comes to a stop This is Level seven; the external layer of Naoles mind. Peo : Whats that energy stream? looking up Wheres it going? Aurora : Its the Crystalorb Network! This is what most will ever learn from Naoles mind. Savan : So where is he? I know that you can interact with him! Aurora : He loves to be dramatic at this level! Suddenly the ground begins to rumble as what feels like giant footsteps approaches; then Naole appears as a 25m tall Giant. Then in a loud Voice he begins to speak. Naole : You are mere flesh, but I C I C I am eternal! Aurora : Naole? Naole : Sorry honey! Just having a little fun! Its a line from an animated TV show from when I was a boy! The Giant Naole shrinks to normal size Welcome to the world of my Memories! Hilan : It must take a lot of concentration to maintain it! Naole : Not at all! From the moment I was reborn I knew I was different; I function at a level that is hard for normal people to comprehend. The 7 parallel Realities are permanent construct designed to focus my mind, but I can multiply myself within the 7 parallel Realities exponentially. Hilan : So the 7 parallel Realities are just the baseline? Peo : Very Interesting! So Naole; you think you can take me now? Naole : To be honest; youve become a lot stronger than I anticipated. I wont know for sure until I fight you, but Im pretty confident that you hold a slight advantage. Aurora : Ah! Peo : I see! But youre going to try your best to defeat me anyway? Naole : Im compelled to test my strength against yours! In 10 to 20 years the gap between our powers will close, and I will surpass you forever! This is a simple fact of my condition; my physiology. Aurora : Are you sure? Naole : I dont know how certain I can be, but well find out soon enough. Peo : This should be interesting! Savan : What? You dont think Ill be much of a challenge? Naole : Thats not what I meant. When I compare my power to Peos I find the same proportions that I used to Experience with Casara, and I was never any sort of match for her without crystal Armour. It therefore stands to reason that I would experience the same difficulties. Aurora : Youre hiding something? Naole : Thats for me to know. Aurora : What about his speed? You have a plan to deal with their speed dont you? Naole : In my experience the only way to defeat a Red Guardian is to negate their power. Hilan : How do you know that in 10 to 20 years the gap between your powers will close? Savan : How could you possibly know that you will surpass him forever? Naole : To understand this; youll have to see the origins of my power. Aurora : Im ready! Peo : Show us! Naole : Then lets join hands. As they join hands a portal opens and sucks them into another reality. 【VAF】Chapter║: 43 ─ Memories 1 - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 43 Memories 1 ?~? They emerge into a room, but Naole is no longer with them, and they find themselves looking at a man and a woman sitting across a Medical doctor. They recognize the man and woman as Nalen and Esara. Dr Kanu?MD? : " The tests indicate that this baby has the same potential genetic deformities as your other child! There are some genetic materials that we dont recognize, but this child goes even further than Casara!" Esara : Is it some sort of mutation? Is my baby safe? Nalen : All Crystalans are some sort of mutation! We may have stabilized, but we remain fundamentally genetic mutants! Dr Kanu?MD? : " The rest of us may have stabilized, but you Olens are at the beginning of your evolution, and this new child may be another leap forward if he survives!" Esara : What do you mean? Dr Kanu ?MD? : " Your at 4 months and the foetus is draining an unprecedented amount of energy from you; Ive never seen anything like it! Your body may begin to reject the foetus!" Esara : Then you must do whatever you need to! Im having this child; even if it kills me! Nalen : Thats not going to happen! Ill stay by you side; youll feed off my energy! We will do this together! Dr Kanu?MD? : " That may be the only way to save the child! You must both avoid any strenuous activities and preserve your energies for the foetus; at least until six months!" Esara : Then thats what well do! Nalen : Yes! Then theres a blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves a months ahead in Nalen and Esaras bedroom at around 2am. Nalen : Ah! Nalen wakes up in a cold sweat; not wanting to disturb the sleeping Esara he quietly leaves the room and makes his way to where the Spirit Stone rests in Crystalorb. Nalen places his right hand on the Spirit Stone What do you want with my son? Then Nalen hears a voice; the Voice of his grandfather Olen. Olen : The spirit forming within your son is uncertain about the boys survival, and it left an anchor in the realm of the Spirit! Nalen : An anchor? Olen : This has created a doorway in his core! Nalen : Connecting him to the Crystal Source! Olen : If the Spirit is not convinced to commit to life; he will die! Nalen : Convince him how? Olen : Show him that he is loved and wanted! Show him that this precious life is worth living; Show him the beauty of world; the generosity of the spirits of the people who live in this world! Nalen : I will do it! Olen : Be brave my son; I am very proud of you! The Voice of Olen fades. Nalen : Ill be brave for you grandfather! Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora talk amongst themselves. Hilan : So thats the secret of Naoles power! Aurora : He was born with it! Peo : Hes always had a connection to the realm of the Spirit! Savan : And to the Spirit Stone! Then theres a blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves a week ahead; Casara, Nalen and Esara seem to be on vacation in Paris. They walk into a restaurant; in the peripheral Hilan notices suspicious looking characters following Casara, Nalen and Esara. The Olen Family orders food, and when it arrives they dig in; one of the suspicious characters slips out of restaurant kitchen back door. The suspicious looking characters seem to be recording the unsuspecting Olens. Then suddenly the pregnant Esara falls ill; Casara and Nalen also become ill. Crystalorb security personnel arrive and take the Olens away. Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves back at the Crystalorb medical Centre; Casara and Nalen have recovered, but Esara seems gravely ill. Dr Kanu?MD? : " It doesnt look good! The Baby has ingested some the radioactive poison designed to kill someone with a Crystal enhanced physiology. Esara is vulnerable because the baby is vulnerable. The only way to save Esara is to perform an emergency caesarean" Esara : Would my baby survive? Would Naole survive? Dr Kanu?MD? : " Hes not going to make it! Hes heart rate is decreasing with every second." Nalen : There has to be something you can do? Dr Kanu?MD? : " We can save the mother." Esara : No I wont accept that! Help us Nalen! Nalen : Im trying! he puts his hand on Esaras abdomen I know you can hear me son; Ive felt your life-force from the moment you were conceived! Dont give up on us! Give us a chance! We love you, and we need you! You birth will bring forth a light that will change the world forever! Dont leave us! Dr Kanu?MD? : " I dont believe this!" Esara : Whats happening? Dr Kanu?MD? : " The babys energies are stabilizing!" Nalen : Thats it! Just a little further son! Dr Kanu?MD? : " The Baby is going through an incredible transformation! How is he powering this change?" Esara : Naole heard you Nalen! Nalen : When did you name him Naole? Esara : It just came to me! Dr Kanu?MD? : " The baby is absorbing all the toxins from his mother! Hes somehow healing you! How is he doing this?" Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves again at the Crystalorb medical Centre, but this time Naole is being born. Esara : Here Nalen! handing the baby over to Nalen Meet your son!The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Nalen : Welcome to the world my son! Naole reaches out his tiny hand and touches Nalens face You will harness my strengths and use them to bring truth to impossibility! The future of the human race begins with your birth! Casara enters the room accompanied by Lord Cyris and Guardian Inala. Somehow Naole recognizes Casara, and he reaches out his tiny hand and touches Casaras face. When the nurse tried to remove Naole from his mother the little guy grabbed Esaras left index finger so tightly that the nurse could not remove him, and Naole began to cry. The Nurse decides to leave him be. Dr Kanu?MD? : " Thats quite a grip! He doesnt make a peep throughout his birth, but try to remove him from his family and he screams his lungs out." Cyris : Is all that energy Im sensing emanating from the boy? Nalen : Yeah! Inala : Thats a hundred times higher than other Crystalan babies! Esara : Hes an amazing little guy! Then theres a blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves having moved decades ahead in Naoles timeline. It is 20 years after the end of the Hodian wars; Naole, Casara and 3 other Guardians are at the Endurance Tournament. The Endurance Tournament is a condition of Crystalorbs peace treaty with the HOD, and its meant to test the Strengths of Crystalans, Hodians and Hybrids against each other. Five Fighters from each group would battle members from the other groups and at the end of the group with the most victories would be declared victorious. The Endurance Tournament was meant to keep Crystalans and Hodians from underestimating each others strengths; in the hope that one group never again grows to believe that they can annihilate the other without significant consequences. The Crystalorb Council of Elders sent the Ascended Crystalans Naole and Casara to show Hodians and Hybrids the tremendous true power of Crystalans. Hybrids didnt stand much of a chance against Crystalans and Hodians, but the fact that transformations and energy attacks were prohibited went some way to equalizing their powers. Hodians knew about Naole and Casaras strengths, so they selected their strongest Grandlords to face them. Crystalorb had sent Canala, Nasara and Tialo; Head of the Ilesian Guard. Theres about a hundred other Crystalans providing escort. The Tournament schedule is displayed, and Naole is surprised that hes in the first match. Nasara : Looks like your Dad is fighting first. Canala : Poor bustard has no Idea what hes up against. Naole seems unsettled, and that somehow makes Casara uneasy. Then Naoles attention focuses on the Arenas entrance where 2 young men appear. Casara : Im getting strange vibes from those two! I dont like it; theyre strong! Naole : Real Strong. Naoles mind goes to the previous day; Hed met with the Council of Elders and explained to them the danger he sensed. Cyris : Are you certain? Naole : The Spirit Stone senses it too. And Because of your connection to the Crystal Heart you must know that its true. Cyris : We feel it! Lord Lesedi foretold this problem, but how do we stop them? Naole : Over the past 22 years 350 Crystalans have vanished. They disappeared without a trace! I believe we are on the brink of war with an enemy the likes of which weve never faced. These missing Crystalans are somehow involved; or maybe theyve become the danger. Im sensing an energy signature similar to Amun. Cyris : Are you saying that theyve betrayed Crystalorb? Naole : I dont think most of them had a choice. Cyris : How so? Naole : The first few would undoubtedly have chosen Negative Psionic Energy, but the others may have fallen victim to Negative Psionic Energy exposure. Cyris : You think exposure to Negative Psionic Energy can have the effect of changing the nature of a Crystalan? Naole : Its the potency of negative energy that is the problem here! My father knew about the potential danger; he understood the true nature of being Crystalan! Dad said that Crystalans are monsters; just like Hodians. Cyris : Were not monsters! Naole : No; were highly evolved Humans right? Have you forgotten what Crystalans became when the Spirit Stone was forcefully removed from Crystalorb? Dont you remember the extreme violence we suddenly became capable of? I suspect the monstrous tendency is just below the surface, and exposure to a potent form of Negative Psionic Energy would quickly bring that terribly distractive tendency boiling to the surface! Cyris : No! Naole : My calculations indicate that these fallen Crystalans would be as strong as Amun! Cyris : That means that all 350 would wield the powers of a Crystal Guardian! Naole : Thats exactly what it means! Cyris : Then were outnumbered arent we? Naole : Im afraid so! Casara and I may be Ascended Crystalans, but even Ascended Crystal Guardians cant overcome these odds. 350 Reducted Crystalans powered by Negative Psionic Energy could unleash a torrent of evil upon this world. Cyris : Is Crystalorb safe? Could they reach us here? Naole : Ten years ago I installed the new Tri-Crystal Energy Defence Cannons; Combining Red, Blue and Clear Crystal energies. All this was based on my Crystals; each Cannons Crystal consists of equal amounts of Red, Blue and Clear Crystal enclosed in Black Crystal for strength. The Red to defeat Negative Psionic Energy, the Blue to generate higher energy levels and the Clear Crystal for full spectrum energies. Cyris : That solves Crystalorbs security, but what about the rest of the world? If we dont find a way to stop them the human race will be extinguished! Naole : As you all know; a properly skilled Reducted Crystalan can defeat a Crystalan Ship. They just werent designed to confront Reducted Crystalans. Therefore using the Ships away from Crystalorb could be disastrous, and if our standard forces confront them there is a high likelihood that they would end up swelling their ranks; converted by exposure to a potent form Negative Psionic Energy. Cyris : Then what do we do? Naole : We cant win this war alone! Were going to need allies! To that end Ive developed the Power Ring! Naole holds out his hand to show the Elders a Power Ring Who so ever wears this Ring, If they be Deemed of a Worthy Spirit, shall Wield the Powers of a Crystalan! Cyris : You want to give Hybrids and Hodians Crystalan powers? Who decides that the individuals are worthy? And what powers these rings? Naole : The Power Rings are like a small Tri-Crystal Energy Defence Cannons; each Power Ring consists of equal amounts of Red, Blue and Clear Crystal encased in Black Crystal for strength. The Power Rings are also communicators, and that means that the Spirit Stone would always have direct access to the rings and all their vested powers without being vulnerable. The Power Rings draw their energies from the wielders deepest inner strengths; augmented by absorbed ambient energy. Like with Guardian Crystal Armour the Spirit Stone will decide who is worthy and if necessary the Spirit Stone can stop the ring from functioning or in extreme cases use the ring to destroy the wielder. Cyris : You want to give them a fighting chance against this Circle? Naole : Then we can withdraw our forces to Crystalorb where we will teach others to achieve a power level higher than that of a Reducted Crystal Guardian. With enough Ascended Crystal Guardians we can defeat the Circle. Cyris : Exactly how many Power Rings are we talking about? These things are like loose nuclear weapons. Naole : To be effective; at least 10000 Power Rings! Cyris : That many? Naole : 2500 for Hodians, 2500 for Hybrids and the rest will go to governments around the world. Cyris : Must we really hand over advanced Crystalorb Technology to these Governments? Naole : Without our assistance the Circle will destroy them! Besides; the technology of the Power Rings protects itself. Cyris : What about Human leaders? How do we protect them? If the Circle begins open assassinations things could get catastrophic? Naole : Well give Human leaders Sceptres of Leadership! Cyris : But they would never understand the powers of Sceptres of Leadership. They could never wield the power of Sceptres of Leadership. Naole : Thats true; but the Sceptres of Leadership will still shield them from the attacks of Negative Psionics. We cant give Hodians or Hybrids Sceptres of Leadership; in their hands the tools could be far too dangerous. Well code the Sceptres of Leadership to only respond to specific individuals, and recode them when the next leader comes into office. Cyris : Then its agreed! The Council of Elders look at the Spirit Stone, and Lady Cilan looks at Naole. Cilan : One Hundred Sceptres of Leadership; No more! Naole : But? Cyris : Naole; Enough! Reorganise that when the Sceptres of Leadership are brought together in unison the wielders will be granted some of the powers of Crystalan Elders. Cilan : Including Elder Sight! We understand the danger we face with the Circle, but we cannot afford to be reckless! Outside of the Council of Elders youre the only one who has the gift of sight, but you can only see your own path; we see the path of nine! Cyris : We have a clearer image! Cilan : Appreciate that fact Naole! Naole : I realise that; Honoured Elders; Im worried about the implications of the Guardian Compass. Cyris : We are aware of the threat! Naole : " If in fact what we call the Guardian Compass originates from a human ability then members of the circle will be able to harness its power for their purposes. It triggers the protective instincts of Crystal Guardians, but it also empowers us; almost as though we draw energy from their fear and despair! When one becomes a Crystal Guardian the Spirit Stone arms one with the Guardian Compass. It''s a spiritual connection to other Crystalans, but it sometimes extends to other beings and that is where things get complicated. It''s possible that Negative emotions generate Negative Psionic Energy. Hate and Rage are clearly Negative emotions perhaps generating Negative Psionic Energy, and Joy and Happiness are Positive emotions perhaps generating Positive Psionic Energy, but fear and despair have both negative and positive aspects perhaps generating both Negative and Positive Psionic Energy." Cilan : We know that youre worried. Cyris : Youre not the only one. Cilan : Casara thinks that they could be stronger than Reducted Crystalans. Naole : That is a distinct possibility given the potency of Negative Psionic Energy. Cyris : Others believe that they may seek a more potent source of Negative Psionic Energy! Naole : Humans? Cyris : Hybrids and Hodians! Cilan : Do you see it now Naole? Do you now understand why we must move carefully? Why every move must be measured against the potential Consequences? Naole : I understand! Naoles mind returns to the tournament as his name is being called. Announcer : In this evenings first bout Grandlord Tinok Ralefa of the Hodian High Council will face off against Guardian Naole Olen; legendary son of Crystalorb! Casara : Brother; Take it Easy! Naole : Right! As Naole moves towards the tournament ring Casara notices a young Crystalan man from the Ilesian Guard approach a Hybrid young woman and ask her out. The Hybrid youth seemed interested, but then declined the boys request by indicating that she has a prior engagement. Casara decides to intervene, and she approaches the Hybrid young woman whos surrounded by her friends. Casara : " If youre interested, then you should make it known to him. Crystalan men arent like the sex obsessed Neanderthals that populate the world, they are much more evolved. Crystalan men only ask once. Women around the world have men practically beg them for a date, but Crystalan men don''t beg. Ooh no; that would violate their sense of honour; Crystalan men can be Unforgiving. If you say no to a Crystalan man you have to understand that your decision is final. He won''t ever ask again! And that door may be closed forever. Many Crystalan women have lived to regret their choices! Casara smiles They should come with a warning. Crystalan men may look indestructible, but they are in a lot of ways the most vulnerable men in the world. They are required as a question of honour to wear their hearts on their sleeves, unable to hide away, unable to shield themselves from Crystalan women. They are in some ways defenceless against the women they love. Crystalan women must therefore always be gentle with them; careful with their feelings." As Casara walks away the Hybrid young woman quickly rushed to the Crystalan boy and makes it clear to him that she is interested, and that she would love to go out with him. Nasara : Why intervene mother? Its not like theres a shortage of Crystalan women? Canala : Yeah; Why encourage Crystalan men to look outside Crystalorb? Casara : You know how fickle Crystalan men can be; One perceived rejection could put him off women for years. Furthermore; other Crystalan young men are watching, and his perceived rejection could discourage them. We need Crystalans to breed; restore our population. Besides shes half Hodian half Hybrid; this could help expand our Crystalan gene pool. Canala : Ah! Fathers powering up! Casara : Yes; now they will comprehend true Crystalan strength. She shakes her head The fool is too close! Tialo : The Grandlord? Canala : Father is very fast! Tialo : But he weighs 3287 kg? Canala : Father is Ascended Crystalan fast! Casara : These Hodians have no Idea what an Ascended Crystalan is capable off! Nasara : Uncle seems unsettled; what could be troubling him? Casara : Yes! Casara turns to look at the 2 young men theyd noticed earlier Perhaps its Before Casara could finish speaking the Hodian Grandlord Tinok noticed than Naole lacked focus then made his move, but Naole countered with a fist across Tinoks chest; sending him flying across the arena crushing against the wall. Tinok was now unconscious and bleeding profusely from wounds on his head and chest Tialo : By the Source! Canala : Ah! Casara : Naole? Nothing could quieten the muffled gasps reverberating through the audience. An Armoured Clear Chest Crystal Vanglead rushed to Tinok and began to administer Healing Light; restoring Tinok back to health. As Naole approached Casara he could see that she was very annoyed. Casara : You were supposed to take it easy? Naole : Im sorry sis; I lost control for a moment, and I couldnt adjust my strength quickly enough. Casara : What were they trying to do? Naole : They tried to invade my mind! Casara : Fools! Dont they realise that you cant invade the mind of an Ascended Crystalan? Naole : That they would even try is what worries me! Their telepathy must be more powerful than we thought. Casara : So it has begun; The fate of the world now hangs in the balance! Canala : Whats wrong Father? Naole : When they tried to penetrate my mind they opened themselves to my mind! They call themselves Circlean; former Crystalans imbued with Negative Psionic Energy. Tialo : So the war begins! Naole : The Council of Elders has been observing; part of the reason they sent both Ascended Crystalans is that they knew the Circle would not resist the temptation to assess the true potential of an Ascended Crystalan! We now know what they plan to do! Casara : They will burn this entire world to ground; extinguishing the Human race in the process. Naole : But their Ultimate goal is to Destroy the Spirit Stone! Nasara : No; they cant! Is it possible? Do they have the power to destroy the Spirit Stone? Casara : Not yet! But I fear they will, and soon! Canala : How could it have come to this? How could we have let things get this bad? Nasara : We should attack immediately; before they have time to organize! Casara : Im afraid its too late! All our hopes rest on the combined powers of Ascended Crystalans! Naole : By the time we understood the gravity of the threat they were already too strong. What Ive learnt from them is that when one of their first Eldons died they reached full power. Casara : That was 10 years ago! Tialo : Then its too late! Casara : Not yet; we will rise to meet this challenge! Nasara : Can we? Do we have the strength? Naole : Not yet; Young Guardian! he puts his hand on Nasaras shoulder But you will! Casara : Fortunately the Circleans dont know how they measure up compared to us, and that means that we have some time, but I expect them to move against the HOD soon. Canala : Dad; am I ready to become an Ascended Crystalan? Naole : Not yet; your brothers are in an even worse state than you, but Nasara is further down the path than all of you. Because of my Blue Crystals Nasara shouldnt be generating as much Energy as you are Canala, but the fact that she is implies that shes been pushing herself harder than any of you Red Crystalans. Nasara : I have! Casara : But shes still a long way from being ready to Ascend! To win this coming war we will need more than Ascended Red Crystalans, were going to need Ascended Clear Crystalans. Soon after Casara defeated another Hodian in an equally spectacular display of strength, and Canala and Nasara won their battles against Hybrids. With the Crystalorb warriors winning all their bouts Crystalans we declared the strongest of the Neo-Humans. Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves a day ahead at the Hodian Training Centre; Naole Casara, Canala, Nasara and Tialo are meeting with Viceroy Nato Ralefa of the Hand of Destiny. Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora talk amongst themselves. Hilan : Naoles memories are very clear! Peo : That Casara was something else! Savan : Incredible! Aurora : Its like we were there! Hilan : I wonder why Naole wants us to see these events? What does he want us to understand? Aurora : Well find out soon enough! Peo : This is the moment isnt it? The day Crystalorb shared Crystalan power with Hodians? Savan : The turning point! Focus returns to the meeting with Nato Ralefa. 【VAF】Chapter║: 44 ─ Memories 2 - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 44 Memories 2 ?~? Nato : So; It has begun! Casara : Lordship; you sensed the Psionic attack on my brother? Nato : That is why the Elders sent you here isnt it? Naole : Yes your Lordship! Nato : Now the fate of the world hangs in the balance! Casara : Its time to join forces; Children of Ralefa must stand with Children of Lesedi against the evil progeny of Lesedi. Naole : Or all will be lost. Nato : The High Council of the Hand of Destiny has consented to the alliance with Crystalorb. Weve informed The Crystalorb Council of Elders of our decision! Let me see this new weapon that you offer us? Naole hands the Viceroy a Power Ring. Naole : Lordship; Who so ever wears this Ring, If they be Deemed of a worthy Spirit, shall wield the powers of a Crystalan! This is the next generation in Crystalan weaponry. Its a Tri-Crystal Energy Matrix designed to give the wielder the powers of a Red, Blue and Clear Crystalan. The Tri-Crystal Energy Matrix is being fitted on all Crystal Armour Chest Crystals, and we hope the Red energy will provide the first measure of defence against the Circleans. Nato : So theyve Identified themselves as Circleans? Casara : Yes Lordship. The Power they wield is unprecedented, and we believe theyll make a move on the HOD very soon. Nato : So; do you think Im worthy of its power? Naole : Only the Ring can Judge. Nato : You mean only the Stone can Judge? He sees that Naole is surprised The Elders felt that it would be better to be open and honest about the implications of putting on this Ring. Natos chief advisor decides to give his input. Advisor : Lordship; perhaps your son might be a valuable candidate? Nato : Not him? Advisor : He and his followers subscribe to the same sort of philosophy. Nato : This could create all sorts of political problems. Advisor : But it could be useful against the threat. Lord Nato turns to Casara. Nato : My eldest son Bato is a bit of an embarrassment. Advisor : Ill say! Nato : Send for him! Advisor : At once Lordship! Then Natos chief advisor instructs someone to summon Bato Ralefa. Nato : My son is on a crusade to persuade Hodians to abandon Hodian energy in favour of what he intimates with a more harmonious lifestyle. Advisor : Hes a hippy! Casara : But is he strong enough? Nato : Physically Bato is one of the strongest Hodians around. Advisor : Bato could have been a worthy Heir. Nato : Unfortunately hes rejected the Hodian ethos; choosing instead what he calls the Path to Enlightenment. Naole : He sounds like an exceptional individual. Casara : Of course youd think so. Casara looks at Natos chief advisor Naole is also a bit of a hippy. Just then Bato arrives and greets everyone. Bato : So; Pandoras box has indeed been opened. Naole : Im afraid so. Bato : Who would have thought that Crystalans could be capable of such evil? Casara : Thats the problem isnt it? We never knew we could be so monstrous! Bato : Prolonged exposure to Negative Psionic Energy has given Hodians a measure of tolerance, but in Crystalans the destructive tendencies are raw. Naole : You know; I like this guy. Hes got good insights Casara : Ooh Please! Nato : Here! Nato is Talking directly to Bato Take the Power Ring! Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! As Bato puts on the Power Ring it begins to emit light. Then Bato and the Crystalans hear a voice; its Nalens voice. Nalen : Love, Honour, Courage, Compassion; You are Worthy! Then Bato transforms to the Metallic Crystalline Form. Bato : So this is what its like to be a Crystalan; you see the world so clearly. Casara : Its called Crystalan Sight; you can now see through the Crystal. The Power Ring is a part of you now, and it will not work for anyone else as long as you live. The Power Ring draws on your deepest inner strengths and grants you the powers of a Crystalan. Bato : What sort of Powers? Naole : Energy Augmented Strength, Speed, Agility, Hypersonic Flight, Telepathy and a myriad of energy techniques. The Power Ring is also a sophisticated Networked Computer equipped with an operators manual. Bato : All that rapped up in a simple ring? Naole : Yes! Naole uses his Chest Crystal to Scan the transformed Bato Theres a deeper level to your power, but the ring hasnt absorbed enough energy to bring it out. Casara; give him a little juice! Casara : Place the Ring on my Chest Crystal! Casara senses a little hesitation Its okay. When Batos Power Ring connects with Casaras Chest Crystal hes instantly flooded with Energy triggering the transformation to the Metallic Golden Crystalline Form. Bato : At long last; Ive Ascended! Advisor : The Viceroy Form! Nato : I dont believe it! Casara : Now this is what Ive come to expect of Hodian Strength! Naole : Comparable to an Ascended Crystalan. Bato : Is it really Comparable to an Ascended Crystalan? Casara : Lets find out! Naole : Oh no! Ill test his strength. An Ascended Red Crystalan is far too powerful, and the red temperament isnt really suited for expeditions. Advisor : Red temperament? Nasara : Red Crystalans can be Aggressive. Canala : We suffer from Red Rage. Bato : Lets do it! Naole : Are you ready now; to witness a power not seen outside Crystalorb for Decades? Bato takes a defensive fighting stance Huh! As Naole begins his powerful transformation the Hodian Training Centre begins to shake and furniture and appliances fall to the ground in adjacent buildings. Advisor : What Power! Nato : Hes gotten stronger. Advisor : A lot stronger! Nato : But is it enough to overpower the Ultimate Hodian Form? Tialo : I cant believe this is happening! Canala : Now Dad! As Naole completes his transformation theres a burst of Energy that compresses the air and sends a shockwave in every direction. Bato : Now we will see! Naole : Are you ready? Bato : Yes! Naole : Alright then; Blue Flash! Naole starts things of by generating a blast, but Bato avoids it by taking to the air at high speed. Advisor : I lost sight of them. Casara : Theyre in the Air! Its incredible; hes actually keeping up with an Ascended Crystalan. Theyre clocking Mach 15! Nato : What? Just then Bato crushed to the ground after an impact from an Electrolaser Lightning Bolt. Naole : Blue Wave! Bato : Gold Wave! The Gold Wave collides with Naoles Blue Wave releasing an incredible amount of energy. In the aftermath of the explosion Naole hovers in the Air, and a smiling Bato is clearly unharmed. Tialo : He withstood the assault of an Ascended Blue Crystalan! Nasara : That Gold Wave is truly something! Canala : How can a Hodian generate this much power? Advisor : Theyve expanded on the powers of a Viceroy! Bato focuses his energy; reaching unprecedented power levels for a Hodian, and by using Crystalan absorption he absorbs all the nearby available ambient energy he forms the energy into an attack. Naole : Thats the way! Bato : Plasma Wave Attack! Casara : Hes going to try and take it head on? Naole : Lightning Fist! With a flash of lightning the fight was over. Naole had somehow used an Electrolaser Lightning Bolt rapped around his Energized body to propel him towards Bato at incredible speed while simultaneously deflecting the Plasma Wave Attack, therefore by the time his fist connected with Bato it carried with it an astounding amount of energy. Advisor : What an Attack! An Escort Vanglead Revives Bato With Healing Light. Naole returns to his normal state and lands. Nato : Are you alright son? Bato : Im okay. Naole : That was very good Bato; Very good. You are now part of an Elite group of three; You join Casara and I at the pinnacle! Casara approaches. Bato : Thank you! Casara : What the hell was that? Naole : What; the Lightning Fist? Ooh; its something new I cooked up! Smiling Do you like it? Casara : What else are you hiding from me brother? Naole : Well; theres one more attack. I call it the Lightning wave, but I cant demonstrate it near populated areas, and it drains most of my power. Advisor : So the rumours of the capabilities of Ascended Crystalans are true? Nato : You Crystalans really have surpassed Hodians in Physical capabilities. Bato : Can you Imagine what they can do in Guardian Armour? Naole : You know; it was Lord Tsela who gave my Father the Idea of Ascendance! Until we saw the Grandlords transform Crystalans had no Idea about the Crystalline Form, but it was Lord Tselas Transformation to the Metallic Golden Crystalline Form that put the Idea of Ascendance in my Fathers mind. Casara : Bato; with a modified Hodian Manacle youll be capable of comparable abilities. Nato : Comparable? Hardly! Are there more Ascended Crystalans? Naole : No! The path to Ascendance is difficult. Casara : Thats putting it lightly. Naole : Few Crystalans have the stomach for the process. Casara : But now we need the powers of Ascended Crystalans, and they have no choice but to make the gruelling journey to Ascendance. Advisor : Can every Hodian who wears the power ring achieve the Golden form? Naole : Yes; at least in theory! Casara : Provided they come from a bloodline of sufficient strength! Nato : They cant sustain it as long as the Viceroys of the past can they? Naole : No! However the numbers should make up for any shortfall. The Power Ring wont reject a person based on previous exposure to Negative Psionic Energy; so there should be plenty of worthy candidates. Bato : What kind of power could threaten a Power that would allow one to reach the surface of the sun? Naole : You know about that? Bato : The ring has a detailed account of the kind of power and control necessary to survive a visit to the surface of the sun. Nato : The Circleans know what we know; that there is only one way to kill an Ascended Crystalan. Bato : How do you kill something virtually indestructible? Nato : Unless Im mistaken; an Ascended Crystalans Power is his or her Life Force. Therefore the only way to defeat an Ascended Crystalan is to force them to deplete their energy; only then are they vulnerable. This is easier said than done given their enhanced absorption capabilities. The Circleans will use potent forms of Negative Psionic energy. Naole : An Ascended Crystalan can be overpowered; provided the enemy has sufficient numbers. This is why this Alliance is so important. Bato : You want us to protect the world while Crystalans withdraw and attempt to produce more Ascended Crystalans? Nato : So you dont think even Hundreds of Golden Hodians will be enough? Naole : Everything depends on what the Circleans do; if they decide to feed on humanity theyll become far too powerful. Nato : Then Hodians and Hybrids will protect the world together, and when Crystalans are ready well jointly rid the world of this mounting evil. Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves a day ahead and this time theyre in a private dining room in a London restaurant; Naole and Canala were having dinner with Canalas brother Jinalo and his girlfriend Carol. Canala : Its time for you to come back home brother. Jinalo : Why? I like it here; Im free to live my life. Naole : Dam-it boy; youre the grandson of an Elder! The eldest Elder; it risks far too many Crystalan lives to protect you! Carol : Elder? Whats a Crystalan? Canala : You havent told her? Jinalo : It just never seemed like the right time. Canala : Youve been with her for 2 years. Jinalo : I know; I should have told her. Canala : Were on the brink of war and youre acting a fool! Carol : War? What war? Jinalo : Ill explain later. Canala : Youve spent far too much time with these humans; youve begun to behave like them! Jinalo : Dont talk about them like that. Canala : Youre coming home brother; even if I have to drag you there myself! Carol : Are you talking about the fact that youre all Hybrids; he told me about that. Naole : Is that what he told you? Jinalo : Its true; in a way. We are a type of Hybrid. Naole : You are an embarrassment Jinalo! Your father was a great man; a favoured student of my father! You dishonour his name by behaving like this! Canala : Father; No! Carol : Father? How can he be your father? He looks younger than you! Unless his some sort of immortal. Naole : And what made you say that? Carol : What? Naole : What made you choose that word? Carol : What word? Immortal? Naole : Thats the word? Carol : I dont know? It just seemed like the logical conclusion! Naole : Logical is it? Hybrids live longer than Humans; why not jump to that conclusion? Carol : It just came to me. Naole : Did it now? What else just comes to you? Naole, Canala and Jinalo are now focused on Carol. Carol : Well? Naole : Go on! Carol : I did notice when I first met Canala that she had an extremely powerful presence. I could almost sense her coming, and a few times I could swear I felt her presence, but there was no one there. Naole : Interesting! Had you felt this presence before or since? Carol : Well? She looks Naole in the eyes You sir; have a similar presence, but yours is somewhat different, and it feels a lot stronger. Naole : Did it now? Carol : Ive been around Hybrids before, but they dont feel like you three. Youre a different type of hybrid. Naole : Interesting; Very Interesting! Then Naole grabs Carol by the neck. Carol : Let me go! Naole : What are you? You are far too perceptive to be a normal human! Canala : Father; let her go! Carol : Im a normal English girl! Naole : Are you now? Lets find out! Canala : Stop it Father! Jinalo : Naole please! Carol : Help! Naole : Im going to give you a little squeeze. At this point Canala and Jinalo are desperately trying to remove Naoles hand from Carols neck, but Naole is too strong. Carol begins to loose consciousness. Jinalo : Youre killing her! Naole : No; you two are blind! Then Naole throws the unconscious Carol against the wall and a cabinet falls on top of her. Jinalo tries to go to Carol but Naole grabs him by the hand. Canala : How can you do this Father? Jinalo : Why? Naole : Im trying to help her. Then Carol awakens in a rage; shuttering the cabinet on top of her in the process. Then she notices that she feels different. Carol : How dare you? Canala : What? Jinalo : How did you ? Naole : You see! Carol : What did you do to me? feeling an awakening deep within her What have you done to me? Naole : Casara calls it a Crystalan Touch. Carol : Touch? Naole : It empowers you; In your case it awakens the Crystalan in you. Carol : What do you mean the Crystalan in me? Naole : During the first world war we sent 4 female agents to Europe on a mission to observe the activities of our Hodian brethren. Three of the agents returned home to Crystalorb, but the forth disappeared under mysterious circumstances. From your DNA it looks like she fell for a local, and had a little girl. Carol : How could you possibly know any of this? Canala : Father has an accurate database of all Crystalan DNA. Jinalo : How could I have missed it? Naole : Pathetic! Youve forgotten your training. Naole looks at the corner of the room Vanglead; step forth! a Vanglead appears to Carols shock Pack up everyone in her bloodline with Crystalan DNA and ship them off to Crystalorb. Vanglead : On your Command! Jinalo : You cant do this they have rights! Naole : Ive had just about enough of you! Vanglead; Take him and the girl too! These orders come directly from Lord Cyris! Vanglead : On your Command! Naole : Come Canala; we have a meeting with the Prime Minister! Naole and Canala leave. Carol : What just happened? Jinalo : It turns out youre one of us. Carol : That Crystalan thing? Jinalo : Funny; I ran away from Crystalorb only to find myself shacked up with a latent Crystalan. Carol : Who is this Naole? Jinalo : Yeah! Naole isnt just Canalas father; hes a high ranking Crystalan. In fact all the members of my family are high ranking Crystalans; my mother, my grandfather, my uncle, aunts. Carol : Theyre not taking me anywhere! Jinalo : Dont resist; otherwise theyll put you to sleep! - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 45 ─ Memories 3 - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 45 Memories 3 ?~? Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves a few hours ahead and this time theyre in the office of the British Prime Minister. The Prime Ministers national security Chiefs joins the meeting. Prime Minister John Harding and General Scot speak for the political and military respectively. PM-Harding : So you are Naole? Things must be very bad for Crystalorb to send you? Gen-Scot : High ranking Crystalans are usually very elusive! Naole : Im afraid its worse than you can Imagine! Gen-Scot : Dont keep us in suspense! Naole : You all know what happened when our Spirit Stone was stolen! PM-Harding : Oh yeah! You Crystalans went a little nutty! Naole : Well; as it turns out a few Crystalans went permanently rogue. Now they are poised to plunge the world into chaos. Gen-Scot : So why not wave your magic stick and make them go away? Naole : Tried that; didnt work! Just then a Vanguard ?Jake Lesedi? becomes visible and opens his Armours face cover then whispers something to Canala. Gen-Scot : Hes white; I mean European! PM-Harding : But hes one of us? Jake : I may look like one of you but Im not one of you. Gen-Scot : You make it sound like its an insult to be likened to us? Jake : Huh! Jake closes his Armours face cover and becomes invisible. Naole : Jake is a Legacy! PM-Harding : Legacy? Naole : When Crystalans and Hodians were in their infancy we needed a way to operate in a world dominated by Europeans; so we found the sick and downtrodden amongst Europeans and in return for their service we restored their health and endowed them with riches. Canala : Father; weve picked up an unidentified energy source 10 kilometres away. Naole : How much time has been allocated? Canala : One hour. Gen-Scot : An unidentified energy source? Naole : It could be Circlean; this is a high stakes game of chicken. PM-Harding : So youve had humans working for you from the beginning? Naole : From the beginning Ralefa and Lesedi could not agree on how to interact with the world. Embolden by their victory over their home village Ralefa wanted to bring the entire region under their rule; more precisely his rule! Ralefa was stronger than Lesedi, but he needed access to the powers of the Chest Crystal to achieve his goals. Unfortunately for Ralefa his brother Lesedi had noble ambitions and this created the original split between Ralefa and Lesedi. When Ralefa and Lesedi retained the services of certain Europeans Ralefa would demand that the European men surrender their daughters as wives for his sons to guarantee that they would not betray him. Most of Ralefas daughters and Granddaughters ended up with Lesedis sons and Grandsons; thus Jake! Off course during the various European wars we recovered those in Crystalorb service and their families and brought them to Crystalorb. Gen-Scot : What? Normal humans werent good enough for Ralefas Daughters? Naole : Not at all! Only Crystalan males could appreciate the attributes of a Crystalan or Hodian female. Crystalan females are on average; 1.8 metres tall, weigh over 700 kilos, have the strength of over 100 normal men and while they have a generous apportion of tissue on their buttocks and breasts most of the body is pure muscle. Now for some strange reason normal human males dont find that attractive? Gen-Scot : 700 kilos? Naole : Crystalans have an extremely Dense Physiology. The Older the Crystalan the Denser the Physiology PM-Harding : Back to the Circleans; dont you have hundreds of unmanned aerial robots in your arsenal? Naole : Crystalans are Energy absorbers; we can absorb energy out of almost anything and so can the Circleans. PM-Harding : Are you saying you can drain us? Gen-Scot : Even Humans? Naole : Anything! While Crystalans would simply drain the energy out of a Human Circleans would consume the energy, and that is the difference. PM-Harding : Its worse than I thought! Naole : Yes; it is! PM-Harding : What do they want? Naole : Their plan is to absorb the Psionic energy of Humans, then use the power they gain to defeat the Hodians and Crystalans. PM-Harding : My God! Naole : Actions have consequences Mr Prime Minister!! Gen-Scot : Actions? As far as I can tell this problem has been created by Crystalans! Naole : When the British and other Europeans conspired with the Americans and Hodians to destroy Crystalorb you created this mess. When Hodians stole the Spirit Stone they opened Pandoras Box, and now were all about to pay the price for all of your arrogance. PM-Harding : How dare you accuse us of such things? Where is your proof? Naole : Mr Prime Minister; your righteous indignation would be far more interesting to me if it wasnt covered in crap! The extent to which all of you have underestimated Crystalan Capabilities is astounding! Do you think we werent watching when you made your deals with the HOD? Do you think we werent watching when you and your American friends conspired with the HOD? We are always watching!Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Gen-Scot : We were right to be concerned about Crystalan Capabilities; Look at where we are today! Naole : Were not here to rehash the past, but youre right; it is Crystalan Capabilities that have brought us to this point, and that is the only reason we are willing to be forgiving. Were here to offer you salvation; otherwise the Circleans will feed off your fears, and as you civilisation slowly decays into oblivion they will rise from the cesspool of your rotting flesh and become the most powerful force the world has ever known. Gen-Scot : So they can feed on our fears? Naole : Its hard to explain, but the simple answer is yes. Fear and Despair can produce Negative Psionic Energy; its the Negative Psionic Energy that they feed on. Gen-Scot : I knew it; these Crystalan Capabilities are demonic! PM-Harding : Easy General! How do we survive? Naole : At this moment; Crystalans are meeting with leaders of all the major nations. We offer tools that will grant those of you who are worthy the right to wield the powers of a Crystalan. PM-Harding : And these tools will be enough? Naole : No! Gen-Scot : You want something in return? You so-called Neo-Humans always want something! Naole : If our calculations are correct, and they tend to be; the simplest way for Circleans to win is to get Humans to fight each other. Theyll start wars and cause strife, and the Negative Psionic Energy generated by this chaos will empower them. Canala : Then theyll squash you like bugs. Gen-Scot : Now were insects? Naole : You see the world through insect Eyes, but as Elemental beings Crystalans see the world from the vantage point of energy perception. Gen-Scot : Like I said; Demonic! PM-Harding : Easy General! What do you need from us? Naole : What we need is for cooler heads to prevail. We need the major powers to stay rational in the face of Insanity. PM-Harding : What about the Hodians? Where do they stand? Naole : Mr Prime Minister; Hodians will do what Hodians do. Gen-Scot : Which in your opinion is? Naole : They will try to benefit Politically, Militarily, Financially and Technologically from this situation. They cant help being what they are, but we need them. PM-Harding : This is what troubles us about Crystalans; youre not really invested in Humanity! You dont care if we live or die; it just offends your sensibility that rogue Crystalans would try to perform this ghastly act! Deep down you Crystalans dont believe that Humans are equal to Crystalans; you think we lack the sophistication of Crystalans, that youre more evolved than Humans! Naole : Ive always liked Humans Mr Prime Minister! But youre right; we do see ourselves as more than human, and thats because we are more than human. Gen-Scot : A new brand of the master race! Naole : Its this kind of thinking that has brought us to this point. All of you tried to find a final solution to the Crystalan problem, but instead youve created the Human nightmare; opened all of humanity to the horrors of war! Even now I can here your minds tinkering away; trying to find ways to defeat us! Well; you cant! PM-Harding : How dare you invade our thoughts? Canala : Oh please! Were telepathic; we have to block human thoughts. Naole : You dont understand what we are! Perhaps thats our fault; we havent explained who we are. Gen-Scot : Well then; enlighten us? Naole : Let me tell you about myself; Telepathy, Telekinesis, Energy augmented Strength and agility, Energy Absorption and manipulation, but these are just the basics that all Crystalans possess. I can run faster than the fastest bullet, I can fly at Hypersonic Speeds, and to top it off Im virtually invulnerable. Gen-Scot : Except to heat! Naole : Not anymore! Crystalans evolve faster than Humans, faster than even Hodians, so weve closed that chink in our armour. Heat is a form of energy you know. Canala : Fool; my father has gone beyond the powers of a Crystal Guardian. Gen-Scot : No; thats not possible! Canala : Even as a boy he was powerful enough to survive the explosion of a 3 Megaton Nuclear Warhead. PM-Harding : Then the rumours are true; youve somehow surpassed the Crystalan and become something else. Naole : An Ascended Crystalan! Ive walked on the surface of the sun! Not even its immense gravity could contain me. Im a warrior elite, in my finger tips I hold the power to destroy entire cities, and on my shoulders rests the hopes of an entire people. Do you understand now what were becoming? Is it becoming clear to you what we are? I know you worry that we might enslave humanity and take over the world, well let me put you at ease; you can keep this pathetic planet, we dont want it. Our destiny is in the stars. Gen-Scot : Off-course! Now that even your favoured Africans have turned against you youve lost faith in Humanity. And why would you stay? Oh you have a strength immeasurable, and you could probably conquer the world, but then you consider that sort of thing beneath you! PM-Harding : Is it true? Are you preparing to separate from Humanity? Naole : From the day we were born Humanity has reacted with fear and hatred! Weve now accepted that there are 2 new branches of humans; Hodians and Crystalans on one side and normal Humans on the other. Hybrids gain their DNA from Hodians, and that makes them Hodians. The Hodians were right all along; they are the future of Humanity. We are something else. PM-Harding : Is it too late? Is it too late to convince you to give humanity another chance? Canala : Its different now that you know our feelings can be hurt! Now you recognize our humanity. Naole : Weve taken too much abuse from humans to go back! We long for the freedom of solitude! However we will be here for a while longer and we will make sure that Humanity does not destroy itself, but we will always be separate from humanity. Our departure is therefore inevitable. Gen-Scot : For now we stand together against a common threat. Naole : Yes! We will remove this threat, but Humanity must learn to stand on its own; we wont always be here to save you. PM-Harding : Fear has caused a lot of confusion and hatred, but we are learning. Naole : At least we are making progress. Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves a few hours ahead and this time theyre at the Crystalorb safe house on the outskirts of London. Crystal Armoured Naole, Canala and Nasara are already there, but Kalen, Ralen and Raole arrive unexpectedly. Naole : What the hell are you two doing here? Ralen : Nice to see you too Dad! Raole : The Council of Elders sent us to help escort all of you home; Aunt Casara has been called away on an urgent mission. Nasara : What sort of mission? Ralen : An incident in a Hodian Facility in Russia. Raole : Supposedly 3000 Hodians went missing. Ralen : Puff! They just disappeared! Canala : Thats strange! Naole : No; its too soon! Canala : Whats wrong Dad? Naole opens a priority Channel to Crystalorb. Naole : " Crystalorb; Im initiating extraction protocol! Execute immediate evacuation! Guardian Authentication; Naole 626536536 Blue! To all escort personnel; were pulling out!" As the Crystalan group gets air born. Raole : Whats happening Dad? Naole : I miscalculated; Casara and I werent the only ones the Circleans came to check out. They wanted to know if Canala and Nasara had Ascended! Nasara : Why? Naole : Theyre taking a long term view; theyve concluded that its more prudent to remove the possibility of more Ascended Red Guardians. Ralen : Sorry Dad; we walked right into a trap. Canala : How many? Naole : Im sensing 5 major powers, and 800 others! Raole : These are awfully bad odds; 150 Crystalans against 800 Circleans! Nasara : Theyve obviously been recruiting from Hodian ranks! Canala : Maybe we should head towards land; we might need cover! Naole : No; theyre closing in to fast! We must protect the Clear Crystaled! Red Guardians; prepare to brake-off and attack! The rest of you; make youre way to Crystalorb as quickly as you can! Ralen : Aunt Casaras come under attack; she wont be here for a while! Kalen : Were in it now arent we? Naole : Red Guardians; Stay with me! Do not leave my sight! Now; Lances at the ready! Raole : Ready! Ralen : Ready! Kalen : Ready! Nasara : Ready! Canala : Ready! Naole : Engage! The Six Crystalans form up and attack the approaching Circleans; giving the escort Crystalans time to make a rapid escape. The battle is intense and the Crystalans manage to hold off the Circlean force, but the Crystalans could not sustain such an effort because the Circlean numbers were too great. While the battle continues Naole opens a communications channel to the Crystalorb Command Centre. Naole : Where are my reinforcements Aman? Aman : Weve put together a two thousand strong force; well rendezvous with you in grid 4568! Make your way to the south of Spain; well be there in 30 minutes! Naole : Acknowledged! Aman : Hold on Guardians! Were coming! Communications channel with Crystalorb Ends. Ralen : The hills will provide cover! Nasara : But well be trapped on the ground! Canala : Unless we never actually touch down! Raole : Maintain momentum! Naole : Lets do it! The Circlean force converges on the Crystalans as they make a hasty retreat to the south of Spain. The battle seems to intensify and it begins to look like there wont be enough time, but then Naole realises something! Canala : They just keep coming! Naole : Theres only about 100 Chest Crystaled Circleans; the Five major powers must be part of the original group of Circleans! Nasara : Theyre using their Hodians to weaken us! Ralen : Then theyll launch an all out attack! Canala : If we take out the five theyll loose momentum! Naole : Thats what they want you to think! As the battle continues Naole notices that the Red Guardians are taking major damage, and theyre losing ground against the Circlean force. Kalen : Theyre everywhere! Canala : How long till reinforcements arrive? Raole : about 18 minutes! Nasara : Im not sure we can last that long? Raole : We have to! Kalen : Just hang in there! Naole : I see; If this continues you five wont make it! Kalen : At least well be together! Naole : No; I wont let you die here! Red Guardians; when I attack you five evacuate as quickly as you can! Ralen : Father; No! Naole : Enough; do as I say! Canala : Alright Dad! The temperature in the area begins to drop. Naole : Thats it; Steady as she goes! Naole struggles to concentrate his enormous energies Lightning Wave! When Naole released the Lightning Wave almost every Circlean was targeted by a Red Energy Electrolaser Lightning Bolts. As the attack Energy increase the shields of the Weaker Circleans began to fail; leading to their Deaths. When Naole detected that Canala, Nasara, Kalen, Ralen and Raole were far enough away he focused his attack on the five most powerful Circleans; re-channelling his energies. With Naole re-channelling his energies some 300 Circleans chased after the Red Guardians, but Naole continued his attack; drawing in even more energy, thus leaving a 10km radius frozen solid. The energy generated by Naole became so immense it killed four of the five major powers; levelling an entire mountain in the process. Naole had used nearly all his energy and all the available ambient energy. The surviving Circlean major power is Korin Lesedi; a former senior Vanglead and an extremely powerful warrior. Naole is surprised that he survived, and as he approaches Naole disengages his Blue Guardian Armour and locks it in its sphere. Korin : What an extraordinary attack! Its flawless! Naole : Obviously not good enough! Korin : Dont be so hard on yourself Naole; you spread the attack too wide at the beginning, and you lost a lot of energy in the process! The things I could do with that kind of power; the things Ill do once I acquire it! Naole : How could you do it Korin? How could you betray Crystalorb? Korin : On the contrary its the Spirit Stone that betrayed all of us! Naole : What are you waiting for? Finish it; Im ready! Korin : Kill you? Oh no; you are far too valuable! Naole : What do you want with me? Korin : I want your mind; the scientific intelligence from the most brilliant son of Crystalorb! Naole : I will never help you! Korin : Not willingly; but we have ways! Naole : You cant convert an Ascended Crystalan! Korin : We wont have to! Naole : No! Realising what the Circleans have planned for him Naole sends himself into a coma and shrouds the outer layer of his mind in a void to make it impossible for his mind to be penetrated telepathically. The Centurion Diro Approaches Korin Korin : Hes shut himself down somehow! Diro : I didnt know he could do that? And he locked his armour in its sphere? Korin : There are no limits to his power! Nevertheless the things well learn from his physiology will increase our capabilities exponentially! Diro : Eldon; were picking something heading our way; something very powerful! Korin : Casara! E.T.A? Diro : 5 Minutes Eldon! Korin : Well then; lets rap it up! Take Naole and move out! Diro : On your command! Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora talk amongst themselves. Aurora : So the Lightning Wave is his attack? Hilan : He was extremely powerful even then! Peo : I cant wait to see what he can do now! Savan : Itll be quite a site! Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora focus their attention back on the story Naoles mind is telling. The Circlean force perusing the Red Guardians is destroyed by the reinforcing Crystalorb force, then they make their way to the last sighting of Naole but they find that Casara is already there. Casara arrived on the scene to find that the Circleans had vanished and Naole with them. The Crystalans could all sense Casaras fiery rage; the ominous Red Rage. The nefarious Circleans had escaped and they all feared that one of Crystalorbs brightest lights had been extinguished. Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves a few minutes ahead hovering over the frozen valley. Raole : Im sorry father; I failed you! Canala : Its not your fault brother! Ralen : Dont you get it? Father sacrificed himself because we were too weak to protect ourselves; we all failed him! Canala : Was I simply not strong enough? Could my weakness have cost me my father? Ralen : Its not just you sister; Raole and I have been far too relaxed, and we havent applied ourselves properly! At least your training proved useful; Raole and I were barely useful! Raole : Ill be brave for you Dad! I will rise to reach the ultimate Crystalan form and our enemies will know that I am your son! Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves a few hours ahead and this time theyre in Crystalorb. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 46 ─ Memories 4 - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 46 Memories 4 ?~? All Six Red Guardians stand before the Council of Elders Cilan : Has the great Light been extinguished? Casara : I dont know Ladyship; I cant sense him. Canala : We lost him before, but he came back! Raole : Father will rise again! Ralen : They wont kill him; at least not yet. Cilan : Why not? Why would they take the risk? Raole : Because of what they could learn from his Physiology. Ralen : The Physiology of an Ascended Crystalan! If they kill him they loose the potential knowledge gain. Raole : Circleans can never become Ascended Crystalans, but perhaps theyll use what they learn from the Physiology of an Ascended Crystalan to change their bodies in an attempt at duplicated Ascendance. Cilan : Is it possible that theres another path to Ascendance? Raole : Father investigated the possibility extensively, but ultimately he concluded that the path of externally induced Ascendance can only achieve a superficially Ascended Crystalan that is vastly inferior to a true Ascended Crystalan. In fact this superficial Ascendance is nothing more than an evolved stage of the Reducted Form. A Useful technique, but ultimately inferior, and a distraction as it hardens the body; thus making true Ascendance that much more difficult to achieve. Cilan : Useful? Casara : Not useful enough though! We must focus on teaching our people the path to true Ascendance. Cyris : Hold on! A holographic image appears We are intercepting this communication between Prime Minister Harding and the USs President George Trent! They all focus on the conversation. Pres-Trent : Youve seen the Intel? PM-Harding : Yes! Pres-Trent : So this one Crystalan froze an entire valley and destroyed a mountain? Theyre going to kill us all I tell you! PM-Harding : Crystalans are fundamentally okay; its these Circleans we have to worry about. Pres-Trent : A Crystalan by any other name is still a Crystalan. PM-Harding : I think we should be careful George; we dont want to get on the wrong side of the Crystalans. Pres-Trent : Damn-it John; dont let these fuckers divide us! America and Europe must stand united; dont let them use the supposed Circlean bogyman to force our peoples to cower behind them! Thats just what they want! PM-Harding : The Circleans are real George; 4 Russian villages have vanished from the surface of the Earth. Pres-Trent : And how do we know that its the doing of the Circleans? PM-Harding : The Crystalans confirmed ! Pres-Trent : Exactly! he interrupts For all we know the Crystalans did this themselves. We dont know how they think? And they seem to believe that theyre superior to Humans; so a human life is nothing to these Crystalans. PM-Harding : But we have independent verification now. Our teams on the ground confirm Negative Energy signatures on the sites. Hodians have also given confirmation! Pres-Trent : Oh please; the Hodians see an opportunity to make a buck. PM-Harding : Why would they agree with Crystalans? Pres-Trent : I dont know what their angle is, but well find out. For all we know the Circleans pose a threat to Crystalans and Hodians, and this war thats brewing has nothing to do with us. PM-Harding : What? You think theyre dragging the rest of us into it? Pres-Trent : For all we know these Circleans could be like the Hodians. They may be willing to make deal. PM-Harding : You want to negotiate with the Circleans? Pres-Trent : The American people cant just simply take the word of a Crystalan; we need to find out for ourselves. What do we really know about these Crystalans? PM-Harding : We know that ! A signal interrupts their conversation. Cilan : Enough! Lady Cilan chimes in What will it take for you people to understand? Pres-Trent : Who is this? How dare you eavesdrop on us? Cilan : How dare you Mr President? PM-Harding : Who are you? Cilan : I am Cilan Lesedi of the Crystalorb Council of Elders. PM-Harding : This is no way to conduct diplomatic affairs your ladyship. Pres-Trent : Its Outrageous! You have no right to intrude on private conversations! Cilan : Youre right; it is Outrageous! But then again these are extreme times, and they tend to require acute actions. Pres-Trent : Where do you get the nerve your Ladyship? Cilan : Im intruding Excellencies; And for that Im truly sorry. PM-Harding : All nations engage in espionage, and we accept this. Pres-Trent : But can Crystalorb be considered a nation? Cilan : Of-course were a Nation! We are a new and distinct branch of Humanity; in the history of the world there has never been a people quite like us. Pres-Trent : And thats the problem isnt it? Youre not really human are you? Samples of your DNA indicate that youre only about 50% compatible with humans; the bulk of your DNA is not compatible with any DNA from Earth. For all we know youre not even from this planet; extraterrestrial origins! How do we know that this problem with Circleans isnt the true intent of whatever created you, the Hodians and the Hybrids? Cilan : Granted; we are more than human. Our mysterious origins do not change the fact that weve chosen to align ourselves with our human half. Circleans were born out of fear and anger leading to hatred that expanded to include humanity. The Circleans believe that humans are nothing more than cattle; to be sacrificed in order to give Circleans sustenance. Any nation that makes deals with Circleans will forfeit Crystalan support; Its time to choose sides! PM-Harding : Why cant we be neutral? This isnt our war. Cilan : Your involvement with Hodian activities during the Hodian wars contributed to this outcome; this is your war. PM-Harding : We may be complicit in the causation, but this is a Crystalan Civil War. Theyre cannibalising Crystalan armies to increase their ranks. Pres-Trent : Let me ask this your ladyship; what happens to humanity when the Circleans gain control of someone truly powerful? What happens to us when they gain control of one of your super Crystalans? Cilan : Super Crystalans? Oh you mean Ascended Crystalan. PM-Harding : After witnessing the terrifying power of your Ascended Crystalans in Spain were concerned about the prospect of a Circlean whos also an Ascended Crystalan. Cilan : Fortunately Ascended Crystalans are immune to the effects of Negative Psionic Energy; Theyre far too powerful. Pres-Trent : What if you cant defeat the Circleans? What happens to the human race then? Some say that if it begins to look like Crystalorb might lose the war you might decide that the only way to destroy the Circleans is to destroy the human race! Cilan : If we cant defeat the Circleans we will retreat and pull out. PM-Harding : What exactly do you mean by pull out? Cilan : Raise Crystalorb from the ground and into the skies above; move us as close to the sun as possible.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Pres-Trent : You can do that? Cilan : Yes! We would make sure that our Hybrid and Hodian allies come with us; returning at a later stage to liberate humanity. PM-Harding : You would abandon us? Cilan : Humans arent our friends or allies; youve made that clear. Even the Africans have turned on us! Even most Hybrids prefer to align themselves more with the Hodians than with Crystalans; this in spite of everything weve done for them. However there are those amongst Hybrids and Hodians who have aligned themselves with Crystalans, and theyve taken shelter in Crystal Valley City under our protection. We cant interbreed with the rest of Humanity; not anymore, our path is divergent, and were evolving in a different direction to the rest of humanity. Pres-Trent : At least you can acknowledge what you are publicly. Cilan : Weve never been ashamed of what we are, and why would we be? Were the most special of all special people! But heed my warning human; If you make deals with Circleans we will leave you to die! PM-Harding : We hear you; we may not like what youre saying, but we hear you! Cilan : Good! The interrupting signal Ends. Nasara : I hope they listen this time! Cyris : It would be tragic if they choose not to heed our warning. Canala : Would we really leave them to die? Cilan : We would have to; we cant have Crystalans dying for people who make deals with our enemies. Raole : Father expects me to reach the highest power level possible; he expects me to win this war, and I for one will not fail him again. Canala : Nor will I brother! Raole : And I brother! Kalen : I too will join the fight for freedom! Nasara : We will stand together; all of us! Casara : Indeed we will, but not just the Red Guardians; all Guardians! Cilan : What will it take for the Red Guardians to Ascend? Casara : In their current state it would take 12 hours a day of intensive training for 2 years. Canala and Nasara are further down the road than the boys because theyve been active in our forces, but it should not take long for the boys to catch up. Kalen : 12 hours a day? Cilan : Youre going to have to work harder young warrior. Cyris : What will it take for Clear Guardians to become Ascended Crystalans? Casara : Most Clear Guardians should be able to achieve the goal in 18 months. The path to Ascendance largely depends on the fortitude of the individual. When Father developed the probable it was determined that it would take 15 hours a day of rigorous training for12 months. The Ascended Crystalan form is a permanent powered state, and its irreversible. The transformation to the Ascended Crystalan is both a physical and a spiritual adaptation. Therefore the objective of the training is to bring the body to a state where it can survive the transformation. The harder you train the stronger you become, and the stronger you become the heavier you become; in simple terms you cant attempt Ascendance until you weigh 2000kg! Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves two months ahead and this time theyre in the Crystalorb Training Centre ?CTC?. Raole : Aunt Casara; Ralen and I have decided to leave Crystalorb and continue our training in the solitude of Antarctica. Ralen : Clearly over the years weve fallen far behind Canala, Nasara and Kalen! Raole : While weve been captivated by our scientific pursuits theyve properly apportioned their time to all their responsibilities, and this means that their training is more than adequate for the task of Ascendance. Casara : I understand; you want to train away from Crystalan eyes. Raole : There is tremendous pressure here, and every time we fall short of the mark we can see the disappointment in the eyes of all Crystalans. Ralen : We cant train like this! Were crumbling under the weight of this expectation! Casara : I should have seen it; there is so much of your father in you. Unlike Canala, Nasara and Kalen your Chest Crystal comes mostly from only one source; the other Reds have the benefit of both parents being Chest Crystaled. There are therefore some limitations, but then there are also benefits; meaning that your bodies must have the innate raggedness and resilience of your mother combined with the powers of your father. Your training has to be different. Raole : Then you agree? Ralen : We need the space to explore the limits of our capabilities! Casara : But you cant go alone? Canala : I will go with them. Nasara : Me too! Kalen : I cant leave; My wife is pregnant; my place is at her side. Nasara : Our spouses understand! Canala : Yes; Duty first! Casara : Take Naoles ship with you; Indigo will protect you. Kalen and I will check in on all of you every seven days, and I will test all of your training to make sure that youre making the right kind of progress. Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves 18 months ahead and this time theyre in Antarctica. Casara brought with her Kalen and the other Guardians working towards Ascendance. As they descend from the Intrepid they notice that Canala, Nasara, Raole and Ralen are waiting for them on the surface. Kato : Wow! You two look like youre in great shape. Casara : They are! Kato : Analysis indicates that both of you weigh just over 2205kg. Nasara : You sure have changed brother! Canala : Indeed Cousin! Kato : Kalen has been both the spear and the shield in your absence! Nasara : He has? Casara : Interesting that the absence of you and Canala forced him to come into his own and become the Crystal Guardian we always knew he could be! Nasara : Has he now? Kalen : While you four have been playing in Antarctica Ive been taking the fight to the Circleans. Canala : And we are forever grateful Kalen. Kato : Kalen has emerged victorious from countless battles. Kalen weighs in at just over 2191kg Nasara : Always knew you had it in you brother! Kalen : Those two seem awfully relaxed! Raole and Ralen yawn Whats with all the yawning? Are they sleepy? Canala : Theyre in a kind of rest mode. Nasara : They do that after every training stint. Kalen : How long are they going to be like that? All this yawning is making me sleepy. Nasara : Theres about 18 hours to go! Kalen : So theyve been taking it easy this whole time? Casara : Far from it; those two have been busy. Cant you feel their energy? Kato : Only Ascended Crystalans can sense suppressed energies. Have they become much stronger? However Analysis indicates that both of them weigh just over 3124kg. Casara : I weigh in at just over 3591kg? But thats because Ive Ascended, and Ive been expanding the limits of my powers. How did they break through? Canala : The intensity of our training was maddening; We pushed ourselves to the edge of our limits and beyond! Nasara : Never had I known such effort, never had both my body and my mind been brought so close to ultimate destruction! Canala : Weve trained for 19 hours every day for ten months; the progress wed made was astounding! Nasara : However; the twins were dissatisfied with the enormous leap we had all made. 8 months ago they decided to change their training technique; electing to train in a depleted state. Canala : Its fathers technique! Nasara : Thats when everything changed! Casara : It was first practised by my father! Training in a depleted state is the inverse of training at maximum power; both have about the same effect on the body, but when depleted the effect can be sustained longer than would otherwise be possible. The method is dangerous, but it does increase stamina and resilience. Unfortunately Training in a depleted state isnt plausible for those of us in active service; it leaves us far too vulnerable in an emergency situation. As it is only Knowledge Guardians have the space to train in a depleted state; the rest of us have to be ready to react at a moments notice. Kato : Well? How powerful have they become? Canala : At some point they surpassed us. Nasara : They train for five days straight now; resting the other two days of the week. Ive never seen such endurance. Canala : When they started to train for days without rest I knew that they would achieve the greatness they desired; surpassing the powers of a Reducted Crystalan. Nasara : The benefits of being raised by the legendary Naole are self evident! They have this focused look in their eyes that I recognize as that of uncle Naole. Canala : Perhaps; there is just too much of our father in my brothers. Kalen : Really? Training for days without rest? Casara : Is it possible? Its not supposed to be possible; unless of course the fact that Tuo didnt have a Chest Crystal changed the dynamic in an unforeseen dimension. Kato : What do you mean? Casara : They may have hardened! she gestures to Raole and Ralen for them to come over Lets see what you can do! Raole : Right! Ralen : Ready! Casara : Dont hold back now! As Raole and Ralen begin to power up the air around them becomes supercharged generating electric arcs in a spectacular display. Casara on the other hand is less flashy and she prefers soft power ups; letting the energies hidden deep within her gently rise to the surface. Casara didnt transform because she believed that shed be more than a match for the boys even in their transformed state. As Raole and Ralen transform there is a burst of energy that melts most of the surrounding Ice revealing an enormous crater. Kalen : What incredible power! So this is what theyve been hiding? Canala : Oh this should be good! Nasara : Time to see how we all stack up! Kato : They dont stand a chance! Turning to Casara in the distance. Casara : Dont you dare hold back! Raole : Ok! Ralen : As you wish! Suddenly Raole and Ralen began their assault on the enigmatic Casara; choosing to start their assault with bursts of energy encapsulated Lightning Plasma Energy Balls followed by Electrolaser Lightning Bolts. Most of the surrounding Ice explodes as a consequence of the enormous energy being released. Casara evades Raole and Ralens assault by using her considerable speed; taking to the sky and disappearing from the view of the other Guardians. However the other Guardians could still keep track of the fighting by using their Chest Crystals. The fighting continued for about five minutes, and then an Electrolaser Lightning Bolt connected with Casara providing the opportunity for a combined Electrolaser Lightning Bolt from both Raole and Ralen. The 2 Electrolaser Lightning Bolts brought Casara crushing to the ground. Kalen : Mom! Canala : I dont believe it! Nasara : They can overpower an Ascended Crystalan? Kato : Not quite! Raole and Ralen approach as Casara staggers to her feet, and now the extent of her injuries become evident; burns to her face, burns and gashes across her body. Raole : Perhaps you should transform Aunt! Ralen : We dont want you to get seriously injured! Casara : Your not lacking in confidence! So you two think you have what it takes to go toe to toe with an Ascended Crystalan? Raole : I like our chances! Ralen : Well; we definitely want to find out! Casara : Ok! Your strong, Ill give you that, but you have no Idea what youre asking for! Casara begins to glow red and all her wounds heal instantaneously. Raole : Wow! Ralen : Oh were in it now brother! Raole : Shes just as strong as father! As Casara completes her transformation and reaches full power Raole and Ralen step back a bit and prepare to defend against a power unmatched in the entire world. Casara : I might as well start it big! she raises her energy output Red Wave! Raole : Red Wave! Ralen : Red Wave! Raole and Ralen use their waves to counter the single Red Wave from Casara, then they move closer to each other and harmonize their Red Waves into a single Hyper Beam. Raole : Hyper Beam! Ralen : Hyper Beam! As the energy of the collision of the attacks increases there is a tremendous explosion that forces the observing Guardians into the air. When things settle it becomes clear that Raole and Ralen are still standing, but then again so is Casara. Casara : Impressive! You two have actually come up with a new attack. Nasara : I dont believe it! Kalen : Unreal! Canala : How did they do that? Kato : They withstood the assault of an Ascended Crystalan! Returning to Casara in the distance. Casara : I dont know how, but you two have actually Hardened! Raole : We have? Ralen : How can that be? Casara : Now I must show all of you why Hardening is sub-optimal! Casara raises her energy output in preparation for an attack Casara : Lightning Wave! When Casara released the Lightning Wave multiple Red Energy Electrolaser Lightning Bolts attack Raole and Ralen but they counter with their single Hyper Beam, but because of the increased energy of the Lightning Wave they are forced to drain more of their reserve energy. The resulting catastrophic explosion sends both Raole and Ralen hurling through the air. Casara : Lightning Fist! Theres a flash of lightning and then Casara uses an Electrolaser Lightning Bolt rapped around her Energized body to propel her towards Raole at such incredible speed that the atmosphere began to ignite, therefore by the time her fist connected with Raole it carried with an astounding amount of energy. Ralen : What? Casara : Lightning Kick! Theres another flash and Ralen is also knocked unconscious by a technique developed by Naole. As both Raole and Ralen fall to the ground Casara quickly grabs both of them and brings them gently to the surface. Nasara : That was intense! Canala : Are they OK? Casara : Kato! Guardian Casara looks at her Husband Kato as she powers down. Kato : Theyll be fine! he looks at Raole and Ralen and begins to activate his Chest Crystal Clear Heart! An aura appears around Kato Healing Light! Canala : Clear Heart? Whats that? Casara : As Kato gets closer to Ascendance he begins to tap into some of the abilities of an Ascended Clear Crystalan. Kato produces a light from his Chest Crystal that stimulates regeneration in Raole and Ralen and they begin to regain consciousness. Kalen : Amazing! Nasara : Incredible! Canala : What else can Ascended Clear Crystalans do? Casara : When a Clear Crystalan Ascends it will be so momentous that the whole world will feel it. Nasara : The whole world? Casara : Clear Crystalans may not have our strengths, but they have other gifts that are far more important than any strength I can master. Canala : Aunt Casara; what are you saying? Casara : The power to destroy is also the power to create! Ascended Clear Crystalans may be able to Create Life or at the very least Restore Life. Guardian Dirang is unsettled by what she hears. Dirang is one of the most powerful Crystalans and shes also Guardian of Sector 7. Dirang : Are you saying we can bring people back from the dead? Casara : Naole said that it should be possible. Enala : All Ascended Clear Crystalans? Canala : Yes; mother! Dad said that the destiny of Crystalorb will be defined by the abilities of Ascended Clear Crystalans. Raole : Transforming Crystalans into Gods! Enala : Gods? Ralen : His words! Casara : He meant it in the sense that it could be said that Ascended Clear Crystalans wield some power over life and death. Kato : How exactly would we bring people back from the dead? Casara : Naole said that the Life Force of an Ascended Clear Crystalan can restore life! Since the Spirit Stone can restore Life Force energy giving a portion to someone else should not have any long term side effects. Raole : Where did we go wrong? Ralen : What caused us to Harden? Casara : Your mother was the most powerful Ilesian on record! Tuo was an unprecedented genetic aberration; created by a similar anomaly to the one that created Naole. Enala : So powerful that the Council of Elders entrusted her with Naoles safety. Casara : Tuos Genetic Instability combined with Naoles Genetic Instability created the two of you; all of their strengths, and none of their weaknesses. Rugged endurance of a supreme Ilesian combined with the powers of a Red Chest Crystal; a potent combination! Kalen : Then how do we do it then? How do we Ascend? Casara : The secret of Ascendance is that Crystalans cant generate sufficient energy necessary to Ascend. Enala : What? Kato : But everyone says that Naole achieved Ascendance through sheer force of will, and you say that we need additional energy? Canala : Additional energy from the Spirit Stone? Casara : One Energy type in particular! Nasara : What sort of Energy? Casara : Father called it Divine Energy! There is only one source of Divine energy on Earth; this is the only path to Ascendance! Naole can summon the energy of the Spirit Stone to him; provided that hes within range! Naole can also redirect the energy of the Spirit Stone to someone in his vicinity. To Ascend you have to harness that Energy and carefully and progressively move it through every part of your body. Once the process begins it is self sustaining, and it cannot be stopped; this is why it is critical that your body is in an optimal physical condition, otherwise the process will kill you. The Guardians gasp in surprise over the prospect of death. Raole : How does progressively moving the energy change the body? Casara : Progressively moving the energy through parts of the body activates dormant Genetic material, and that triggers a mutation that permanently transforms the body to a type of Permanent Powered State. Nasara : Permanent Powered State? Ralen : If thats all there is to it why cant Circleans Ascend? Casara : You need a certain level of control that Negative Psionic Energy consistently impedes! And for whatever reason only Divine Energy can activate the dormant Genetic material and Divine Energy sustains the mutative process that permanently transforms the body to a Permanent Powered State. Another factor is that Negative Psionic Energy is available in more potent forms than Positive Psionic Energy, and that means that Negative Psionic Energy dilutes Divine Energy more rapidly. That means that a body that contains Negative Psionic Energy dilutes Divine Energy far too quickly for it to be useful. However be warned while a Circlean may not be able to Ascend an Ascended Crystalan can choose to Fall! Nasara : Are you saying an Ascended Crystalan can choose to become a Circlean? Kato : Thats exactly what shes saying. Nasara : What Ascended Crystalan would choose to join the Circle? Casara : The important aspect here is choice. Kato : Oh! It gets worse! Nasara : How so? Casara : The Spirit Stone believes that such a power could destroy it. The Guardians are shocked to hear for the first time that there is in fact the potential for a power that could possibly destroy the Great Spirit Stone. Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves back in their timeline. Hilan : So what do you suppose he wanted us to perceive from all that! Peo : I cant get over how courageous our antecedents were! Savan : They certainly were brave werent they? Aurora : Theres so much to take in; Political Considerations, Focus, Courage, Determination, Empathy and Compassion! Hilan : All worthy of consideration! But I sense Naole may want us to see something less obvious. Then theres a blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves back in Naoles early timeline. 【VAF】Chapter║: 47 ─ Memories 5 - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 47 Memories 5 ?~? It is 10 years after the end of the Circlean wars; Naole is still in a sleep mode, and hes held prisoner in an underground facility underneath Chicago. Naole is held in a Negative Psionic Energy containment field, and that prevents him from rebuilding his core Energies. However events had overtaken Circlean plans and Naole was now officially under the custody of the United States Government. At the end of the Circlean wars Circleans made a deal with the United States Government; The Circleans provide the Americans access to Circlean technology and the Americans provide sanctuary for the Circleans. US military leaders have always wanted access to Crystalan technology and now they had access to Circlean technology; which for all intensive purposes is actually Crystalan technology. With access to Circlean technology the USA made breakthroughs in technology; gaining new advanced technology that dwarfed that available to any other government. The US was once again at the cutting edge of military technology and with the Africans now at odds with Crystalorb America could once again express technological hegemony all over the world. As part of the deal between Circleans and the United States Government the Circlean facility underneath Chicago was handed over to the USs DARPA. The underground complex is buried a kilometre underneath the US city of Chicago and was built in secret by Circleans at the start of Circlean wars. The Circleans built the underground facility in order to benefit from the Negative Psionic Energy generated by a city population that exceeds 25 million. With the United States Government consent the Circleans had been experimenting with an advanced Nuclear Fusion mechanism that uses Negative Psionic Energy as part of an energy source mix, and the hope was that the advanced new form of Nuclear Fusion would be comparable to Crystalorb Technology. The Circleans Nuclear Fusion mechanism posed a significant risk to the population above, but the United States Government was willing to take such a risk if it meant access to an advanced new form of Nuclear Fusion. Unfortunately Circlean arrogance combined with American exuberance led to dangerous miscalculations, and from the moment the reactor was switched on it began a self sustaining process that would eventually led to a catastrophic meltdown. After failure to manage and contain the process the Circleans and the American decided that perhaps it was time to ask for Crystalan help. With a catastrophic meltdown on the cards Eldon Korin decided that Naole should be the first step in asking for Crystalan help, but General AJ Morris ?DARPA Director? was less than eager to release Naole, and even less so to ask for Crystalan help. Eldon Korin approaches the Unconscious Naole. Korin : I know youre watching! The others may not understand but I know what you are! Gen-Morris : " Are you sure hes conscious?" Korin : He has been watching us ever since we captured him! Gen-Morris : " Through the Chest Crystal?" Korin : Yes! The Chest Crystal has capabilities most humans cannot begin to imagine; we are capable of a level of consciousness humans can never hope to achieve! Gen-Morris : " In our current form? The Crystalan Power rings have given us a window into Crystalan abilities" Korin : Perhaps once Humans accept the idea of physical or genetic modification youll understand! Gen- Morris : " We will eventually get to that point! Why isnt he responding?" Korin : I will attempt to reach him telepathically! Eldon Korin attempts to make a telepathic connection with Naole and he responds. Naole : And my freedom is assured? This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Korin : Provided you assist with this current situation! Naole begins to wake up from his deep sleep. Gen-Morris : " Hes waking up!" Korin : I know; He wants to know if his freedom is guaranteed! Gen- Morris : " Provided he can help us contain this mess!" Naole is now fully alert and he begins to stand up. Korin : At last you have returned Blue Guardian! Naole : First you have to release me, and then you must return my Crystal Armour! Gen-Morris : " The President has authorized your release on condition that you help avert this current crisis" Korin : We need your Nuclear expertise to shut down the processes! Gen-Morris : " We would prefer to preserve the Reactor" Naole : The process cannot be stopped because its gone too far; meltdown is imminent! The best we can hope for now is containment. Gen- Morris : " What about the 25 million plus people above?" Naole : You should have thought about that before you joined up with Circleans! Why didnt you call for Crystalan help when the crisis started? Now theres little I can do to minimize the suffering. Gen-Morris : " Telling Crystalorb about the problem would reveal our secret alliance with the Circle." Naole : Not to mention the fact that the United States Government is holding a Crystalan captive! Gen-Morris : " That too! Crystalans get a little iffy about that!" Korin : If they knew that Naole was in US custody they would wage a merciless war against the USA to free him. Dont pretend like you dont care about the millions above; Crystalans care, you cant help it! I should know; I used to be a Crystalan! Naole : The process cannot be stopped, and meltdown is imminent, but where meltdown happens is a different matter. Containment is the only option Now. I will raise the reactor and put it into space. Gen- Morris : " What about the radiation?" Korin : Its already starting to leak! Naole : I will use my Armour to absorb the Radiation, and then I will discard the Armour when I release the Reactor. Korin : Are you sure you can contain all the energy? Naole : I dont have much of a choice now do I? Unless of-course if there are Circleans willing to Help? Korin : Ah ! Naole : Didnt think so! Korin : Circleans are just not equipped for this sort of thing! Thats not what our technology is designed to do. Naole : And you just dont care! Be warned General; Crystalorb will remember who youve made friends with. Gen- Morris : " I have my orders" Moments later Naole is released and soon after that he begins the arduous task of raising the stricken reactor from deep underground. The Americans and the Circleans observe Naole from observation posts in the city. Korin : Now you see the major flaw in Crystalan Ideology! He will sacrifice Himself to protect those who would never lift a finger to help him. Gen-Morris : " Son of a bitch is actually doing it!" he takes a moment This cooperation with Circleans is a mistake; an alliance with Crystalorb would have been preferable. Korin : But theyre not too keen on sharing their tech with humans after their experience with the Africans are they? Which is why NATO got into bed with us! We are the only game in town, and we are offering you a significant edge over the other alliances. As soon as he left the facility Crystalorb became aware of him and Id bet everything that several Guardians will be upon us within the Hour. Gen- Morris : " What happens if Naole dies from this effort?" Korin : My suggestion is that we not be here to find out! Gen-Morris : " All units; Rap it up were moving out!" Korin : Where to? Gen-Morris : " The secondary facility in the arctic!" While the military officials and their supporting staff hastily leave Naole reaches space and releases the reactor and his Crystal Armour on a trajectory away from Earth. Naole had succeeded in averting a catastrophe, but the effort had been taxing on his already depleted energies, and without his Crystal Armour the chances of making a safe re-entry were miniscule. Fortunately Crystalans no longer needed to breathe, and Naoles Guardian Armour had alerted Crystalorb to his predicament; a number of Ascended Guardians were already en-route. Naole was out of energy and out of luck; he could not sustain orbit, and there wasnt enough time for him to absorb sufficient energy from the sun to slow his descent. Hope was not lost though, and as he tumbled to the Earth seven Ascended Guardians raced from different directions to Naoles aid; Dirang, Kato, Raole, Ralen, Nasara, Canala and Casara. Amongst the Armoured Guardians Casara is the swiftest; speeding at over mach 88 to reach her brother. The other Ascended Guardians are surprised by the Capability gap between them and Casara. Dirang : I knew she was fast, but this is ridiculous! Raole : Man shes quick! Canala : You said it! Ralen : How does she do that? Kato : And her speed is still growing! Nasara : How can she generate so much power? Just then Casara reached out and Caught Naole while simultaneously instituting a rapid deceleration. Casara then began a controlled descent to Earth. Casara : Thats enough of your heroics for the day brother! Naole : Casara; you found me! Casara : As if there was ever any doubt! Then theres another blinding white light, and Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora find themselves back in their timeline. Naole is with them. Naole : What do you think? Hilan : I see where youre going! The current situation is as close to destruction as when Crystalorb first faced off against the Circleans. Aurora : And even if we achieve a measure of success some of those who are currently allied to our side will choose the Migon! Peo : We will have to make incredible sacrifices! Savan : Hard to do for a people who have been in Isolation for over 3545 years! Naole : Hard to do indeed! Savan : Why do we have to go back in the first place? We have energy now, and we are secure here! Hilan : Obligations! Aurora : To the Ocon, the Entig and the Humans! Peo : So Naole; you dont think our people are prepared for the cost of our return to the galaxy? Savan : What will it cost? Naole : Conservative estimate; 2 C 5 Million Crystalan Lives! They gasp in shock. Hilan : By the source! Savan : Your right were not prepared for the price we will have to pay! Naole : This number is just for the early stages of the operation. Migon retaliations will increase the numbers for Crystalorb and others; we could see as much as a billion human deaths. Aurora : And theres no way to prevent this outcome? Hilan : Weve run thousands of simulations. If we do nothing; hundreds of worlds die! If we act fewer hundreds of worlds die! Its the lesser of two evils. Peo : We have no choice but to take the fight to the Migon! Savan : But can we trust the Humans?umanshhhhhgg Naole : Honestly; I dont know! Hilan : It all depends on what we define as Human. Naole : I like the Idea of a family of human types; Crystalan, Hodian, Lodian, Hybrids and Normal Humans. I like to refer to Normal Humans as Mankind or simply Man. The others are fully integrated in Normal Human Society, but Crystalans have always wanted to be separate; first for fear of persecution, then later because we preferred being separate. Aurora : Mankind sounds good to me! Peo : That description would allow Crystalans to retain a Human Identity. Savan : But Crystalans must never be explicitly associated with Mankind. There must always be a distinction between who we are and who they are. Naole : We are an advanced branch of Humanity, distinctly different from Mankind, but intrinsically linked to other branches of Humanity. Hilan : Would that imply that we have an unending responsibility to the rest of Humanity? Aurora : That would certainly complicate our defence posture. Peo : Defending Humanity would be complicated by their independent Governments. Naole : Independence is an issue we will have to address. I dont believe we have unending obligations to the rest of Humanity; for that matter all we have to do to make sure that Humanity survives is to insure Crystalans survives. Savan : Humanity would survive in us! Naole : Exactly! Hilan : Lets hope it doesnt come to that! Aurora : The operations associated with Crystalorbs return to Normal Space will undoubtedly be a bloody affair, and we will do all we can to minimize the suffering of innocents. Peo : As Knoras it is our responsibility to plan for all possible contingencies. Savan : Which is why there is legislation moving through the Crystalorb General Council that will give Naole operational command of Crystalorbs return to Normal Space. Commander of all Crystalorb Operations for 2 years! Aurora : A decision of the Guardian Council I believe to be Flawed! Naole : I tried to explain to them that my place is on the Knowledge Council, that my experience in military operations would be of limited use, but the Crystalorb General Council and the Crystalorb Council of Elders are adamant that they need an experienced Officer in Command. Hilan : And the Guardian Council has its own hidden reasons for wanting Naole in Command. It might have to do with the fact that there are now 22.5 Billion Crystalans; 62% of whom are from previous generations of Crystalans Savan : The expansion of the population did not produce the desired results? Peo : I think its a healthy mix of old and new! Naole : As for the Guardian Council; Arog knows that there is no way to achieve Crystalorbs return to Normal Space without it resulting in the largest series of battles the Galaxy has ever seen. Arog knows that there will be hard on the spot choices that would have to be made by the Operations Commander, and either way Billions of lives will be lost; thus Arog just doesnt want to be held responsible for decisions that result in the deaths of billions Aurora : The entire Guardian Council knows this, and they all want to keep their hands clean! - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 48 ─Ascended Protocol - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 48 Ascended Protocol ?~? With the 183rd session of the Conference of Guardians fully underway the Ascended Protocol began with over 500 Ascended Guardians participating; 350 Clear Crystalans, 90 Gold Crystalans, 55 Red Crystalans, 4 Green Crystalans and 1 Blue Crystalan. The first round of fights saw Peo, Savan and Aurora advance with relative ease as expected, but when Naoles turn to fight the Arena went silent as the audience contemplated the prospects of an ancient Guardian facing a modern Gold Guardian. Naole steps forward to face his confident opponent; Jin Kanu. Jin : So; lets see what you can do old man! Naole : You know, in my day Guardians were better trained! As both Guardians power up there is an incredible release of energy. Jin : I like my chances! Guardian Jin makes his move; choosing a direct attack against the indomitable Naole. Naole : Lightning fist! In a spectacular display of speed and power Naole connects a Lightning fist with Jins chest cracking some of his skin Crystals and causing significant damage to Jins internal organs thus resulting in a catastrophic overload shutting down Jins body. As medical personnel move in to revive the unconscious Jin the Audience goes silent and Naole leaves the Arena. The Guardians were completely unprepared for the sort of power displayed by Naole, but now the other Ascended Guardians knew the sort of power they would have to overcome to be declared Ascended Protocol Champion; Naole and his counterparts would be principal opponents. After the fight Naole walks over to Savan, Peo, Hilan and Aurora. Hilan : That was quick! Aurora : You didnt have to injure him you know? Naole : Why waist time doing something in 5 minutes when it can be accomplished in 5 seconds? Savan : Or maybe; you dont want to reveal your techniques too soon. Naole : Thats for me to know. Peo : Oh! This is going to be an awesome contest! As the tournament continued Naole, Savan, Peo and Aurora progressed; defeating their opponents at every encounter over 2 days until there was just the 4 left. The Ascended Protocol officials decided that after 4 hours rest Naole would fight Savan in the first match and Peo would fight Aurora in the second match. The Ascended Protocol final match would take place 5 hours after the semi-final matches. Naole and Aurora powered down and rested while they absorbed energy, but Savan and Peo used the 4 hours to review strategies while also absorbing energy; never actually powered down. Not powered down meant that Savan and Peo could absorb more energy and they would not waist energy during transformation, however powering down rested the body and allowed the body to adapt. Naole and Aurora possessing higher core energies powered down, and the energy they lose during transformations is dwarfed by total energy reserve. The 5 years in which Naole and Aurora had trained together were clearly self evident, even Peo was surprised by the extent of Auroras improvement; at her current level she was near at par with Peos power level. Both Naole and Aurora demonstrated speeds that had previously been thought of as the preserve of Ascended Red Guardians. Naole and Aurora defeated highly skilled Ascended Red Guardians during the tournament and now they were poised to face another two Ascended Red Guardians in a bid for a spot in the final round. Naole was always going to be the wildcard, but the influence of his methods over Aurora had turned her into another wildcard. Naole steps into the Arena and walks over to the fully powered Savan, and as he walks he conducts what is known as a soft power-up; slowly raising his power and transforming while building up energy. Savan : So; its Knora versus Knora? Naole : As it should be! Savan : Youve had an impressive run, but Im afraid it has to end here. Naole : But do you have the power? Then Naole raises his power level even higher; shocking the audience and some of the other competing Guardians. Hilan : Theres no warm up with this guy is there? Aurora : He says that the enemy wouldnt give you time to get up to speed. Peo : So this is what the 2 of you have been hiding. Thats an energy level higher than Savans maximum. But how long can he sustain it? Hilan : Naole isnt known for making miscalculations! Aurora : Now well see what a Blue Guardian can do. Guardian Savan realises for the first time what he faces. Savan : I might as well start it big; Super-flash! Guardian Savan produces an energy pulse followed by a massive energy Electrolaser Lightning Plasma Energy Ball directed at Naole forcing Naole to cross his arms and block the Energy Ball. As Naole struggles to disperse the energy of Savans attack Savan launches an Electrolaser Lightning Bolt Knocking Naole to the Ground. Savan tries to complete the assault with a physical attack but that attempt is halted by Naole standing and seemingly ready to fight. Naole : Pretty good try! spoke the strangely confident Naole Impressive! The others are surprised by Naoles demeanour. Hilan : Strangely confident for someone who just got knocked on his ass. Peo : Indeed! Aurora : Savans gotten a lot stronger. Hilan : Looks like Savan might pose a challenge for Naole! Aurora : Maybe! Peo : Savan should know better; energy attacks wont work on Naole. He dispersed the first attack and absorbed most of the second attack. Aurora : Naole has the upper hand then? Hilan : Well see how he does against Savans maximum speed. Peo : So thats how hes doing it! Hilan : What? Peo : Hes using his energy to increase his speed. The movement of every limb is augmented by a spatial energy push. Its ingenious! Hilan : But the energy cost must be extraordinary! Can you also do this Aurora? Aurora : That is one of the major breakthroughs of the past 5 years! Peo : One of the major breakthroughs must be in energy reserves; you two must have found new ways to increase your energy reserves. Hilan : Astounding. The fight Continues. Naole and Savan clash in an enormous physical confrontation; exchanging blow for blow and moving at such an incredible speed that most Un-Armoured Guardians couldnt follow their movements. This was a clash of the Titans with Naole and Savan reaching deep into their cores and displaying the true power of Ascended Crystalans. The power of their blows compressed the air and created massive shockwaves. At some point the battling of Naole and Savan gets close to the ground and Naole attacks Savan with a Lightning Fist but Savan manages to move out of the way resulting in Naoles Lightning Fist connecting with the ground; Shuttering the 20 meter thick floor of the Arena. Naoles Lightning Fist creates a crack in the Crystal that runs even deeper; sinking into the Crystal Covered surface of the planet. Fortunately the Spirit Stone can repair such a crack with relative ease. The others are surprised by the extent of power in Naoles attack. Hilan : Did you feel that? Peo : Yeah! Hilan : That particular Blow could kill most Guardians; Only an Ascended Guardian could survive that. Peo : Ive never seen anything like this! His power level approaches that of a senior Armoured Guardians. Aurora : I dont think Savan can win this. Peo : He may be out of his depth, but he has to rise to meet the challenge! Hilan : Looks like theyre starting again! The physical battle between Naole and Savan resumes. As Naole and Savan continue their titanic Battle the temperature in the atmosphere around the Arena begins to drop, and as the temperature approaches freezing it becomes clear that both Naole and Savan are absorbing the ambient energy as they continue to fight. Crystalans had never seen Ascended Guardians simultaneously absorb energy while fighting, and thats because Energy Absorption on a massive scale requires extraordinary concentration. Even Aurora is surprised by the extent of Naoles Capabilities. Aurora : I didnt know he could do that?Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Hilan : The question is why is he absorbing the ambient energy when he clearly has plenty of Reserves? Peo : Perhaps he wants to remove it as an option for Savan. This battle has been going on for an hour; how long can it go on? Hilan : I think its about to enter the final stretch! Their attention returns to the fight. As the battle rages the intensity of the fight increases and it appears that Naole and Savan raise their speed even further, but Naoles increase in speed is coupled with an increase in energy output. Naole and Savan land on the ground as they prepare for the next phase of their contest. Savan : At some point youll run out of power! Naole : This has been instructive, but it has to end. The question is; can you keep up? Savan : Can you? Naole : I can do a hell of a lot more than that! The stage was set for their final contest. The atmosphere becomes electric as Naole raises his energy output to levels not seen in an Ascended Protocol. Even Aurora seemed surprised by the hidden depths of Naoles power, and from that moment onwards Savan would be on the defence. As the battle resumed the balance was clearly broken and Naole was clearly faster than Savan; with every exchange bringing things to their eventual conclusion. Even when Savan managed to block Naoles blows the difference in their power levels and energy meant that Savan received Damage. Those who could tell what was happening knew that it was only a matter of time before the fight was over; Savan had put up a good fight, but nothing he did could overcome the tremendous power of the legendary Blue Guardian. There is a flash of light in the sky, followed by a spectacular release of energy, and then Savan crashes to the Ground. Savan is motionless and his skin turns to normal. After about 30 seconds Savan regains consciousness and walks over to the waiting Naole. Savan : I lost consciousness so I dont have to say it. Still I would like to say; I concede! Guardian Naole powers down. Naole : This was more challenging than I Expected! Both Savan and Naole walk off the Arena, and the Officials begin the arduous task of repairing the Arena before the next Battle. An hour later the Arena is deemed Reasonably repaired and Peo and Aurora step forward to begin their battle. Aurora : And so it begins! Aurora Transforms and raises her power to her optimum fighting level. Peo also increases his power to his optimum fighting level. Peo : So youre going to use Naoles method. Aurora : It worked fine for him Against Savan. Peo : Except; Im not Savan. I think youll find me far more capable. Aurora : I know what you can do; I was after all your student. Peo : Then I guess its time for another lesson. Without delay Peo and Aurora begin an intense physical confrontation. Most of the Audience had seen a full on confrontation between Peo and Aurora; master and student. However this particular confrontation seemed different, and many could not pinpoint the cause of the difference, but those who were skilled enough to discern the difference understood that it wasnt that they were both a lot stronger that the last time they fought, but that Aurora was using a whole new range of techniques that were developed in consort with Naole. Together Naole and Aurora had developed a new level of Ascended Guardian fighting that allowed them to match any speed, and that is largely reliant on the wells of energy at their disposal. Naole and Aurora had found a way to quadruple their internal energy reserves, and then use their energies to augment their speed and their fighting energy levels; thus whether blocked or not every blow delivers damage to the opponent. Fortunately for Peo he was no slouch, and in the years since the previous Ascended Protocol he had extended his powers as an Ascended Red Guardian to new unprecedented level; Hed doubled his internal energy reserves, and increased his speed to unparalleled levels. With his new consolidated abilities Peo could prove to be more than a match for the new techniques developed by Naole and Aurora. Peo and Aurora clash in an enormous physical confrontation; exchanging blow for blow and moving at incredible speeds. Peo and Aurora took the fighting to new levels reaching deep into their cores and they brought out the true power of Ascended Crystalans. The sheer force of their blows could kill the average Crystalan and even most of those who are not Ascended Crystalans. From the observers perspective it seemed like the clash of the Crystalan Titans Peo and Aurora could go on forever, but keen observers knew that there was clear strategy on both sides; Peo was trying to make Aurora expend vast amounts of her energy reserves while Aurora sought to raise the intensity of the fighting thereby forcing Peo to reach his maximum which would result in him draining more of his reserves than he wanted to. Naole observed through his Chest Crystal while in his rest mode; repairing his body and restoring his core energies. Most were surprised that Naole could be so relaxed while his wife was in perhaps the most intense Ascended Protocol Battle of her life, but those who understood the power of Naole knew that few things escaped his sight, and even though it didnt seem like it Naole was observing every move made by Peo and Aurora. The fast paced nature of the battle between Peo and Aurora meant that there was no moment of reprieve for either of the warriors, and the energy being expended was astounding. Because of what happened in the previous battle between Naole and Savan there was little ambient energy in the atmosphere whose absorption could affect the outcome of the battle between Peo and Aurora. A little over an hour into the fight Aurora depleted all her available energy reserves, and so she lands in the middle of the Arena and powers down. Peo Lands and waits for Aurora to officially concede defeat. Aurora : Im tapped out; Im out of energy, and I therefore cannot continue! I Concede! Peo : Clearly Naole has had an incredibly powerful influence on you; if this had gone on a little longer I would have been in trouble! Aurora : Really? Peo : Indeed! As they leave the Arena the Officials begin repairing the Arena in preparation for the Ascended Protocols Final Battle. 30 minutes before the Ascended Protocols Final Battle is to begin Naole awakens from his rest mode and begins to power up; transforming to his Indigo Form. Naole then begins to Absorb even more energy; going far beyond his previous Absorption limitations. Aurora realises what hes doing and is concerned. Aurora : Thats too much; even for you! Naole : This is what the conference is supposed to be about; exploring the limitations. Aurora : But this is dangerous! Naole : Is it? I know there are deeper levels to my power; Ive used them in battle. The Guardian Conference is supposed to be a safe environment for Guardians to push against the limits of their power; I need to Honour Previous Guardians by pushing against my limits. Aurora : What if this causes you to loose the contest? Naole : This is exactly what is wrong with these Guardian Conferences of today. What used to be a sacred gathering of Crystal Guardians has been reduced to a sporting event! The Guardian Conference used to be about the coming together of Crystal Guardians so that they could learn from each others experiences, but now all anyone can think of is emerging victorious as Champion and the prospect of public admiration as a consequence of being a Conference Champion. Honour demands that I do everything I can to win, but whatever happens this next battle will be one for the history books, and it will change the public perception of the Ascended Protocol forever. Hilan : Naole is right; the Guardian Conference should return to being held in secret. When the Guardian Conference was opened to the public there were few active Crystalans, but since the majority of Crystalans are out of stasis its time for the Guardian Conference to return to its original format. There is a reason why we need secret Guardian Conferences, and that reason will remain unchanged. The atmosphere is electric with anticipation as a Fully Powered Naole Stands across from a Fully Powered Peo. Billions of Crystalans across the planet are focused on this match through the Crystalorb Network. Peo : If your Capabilities are anything like Auroras then this should be a good fight. Naole : I know people cant help making the comparisons, but I think youll find that my abilities are in a lot of ways similar to yours; its just that theyre at the other end of the Crystalan Energy spectrum. Peo : Then this will be a good fight! Naole : Then let us begin; Dark Aura! Suddenly Naole generates an Aura that absorbs the light; blanketing the Arena in near complete darkness. Peo : What? Naole : Since my Chest Crystal is Dark blue I have near full spectral Energy Absorption! Peo : Since most of the thermal energy has been absorbed, youre going after the light? Naole : Not just the light! Peo : I see; all Electromagnetic Radiation! Naole : Even the Chest Crystals of most Ascended Guardians wont be able to detect our movements! The Arena goes into a frenzy of chatter as the audience try to assess the situation, but the Ascended protocol officials go into a panic when they realize that they wont be able broadcast the Ascended Protocols Final Battle to the rest of the Crystalan population. Suddenly there is an incredible rumble in the Arena, and everyone understands that Peo and Naole have begun their battle. All most can see are brief flashes of light, but they could all feel the Shockwaves generated by the collision of the two enormous forces. From the Shockwaves it is clear that Peo and Naole are fighting at higher energy levels than they did in their previous battles. Unable to detect the movements of Peo and Naole Omnala and Elnami approach the gathered Knoras and senior Guardians for a detailed analysis of the fight. Elnami : Naole is something else isnt he? Omnala: Dad; hows it going? Hilan : Peos on the run; hes completely defensive! Aurora : Makes sense; he cant match Naole blow for blow at that energy level, so hes making Naole burn off his energy by chasing him. Savan : The problem is Naole can match his optimal speed, so Peo is having to burn off his own reserve energy to go beyond his optimal speed, but Naole can match even that speed. Hilan : This fight could end surprisingly quickly! Omnala: Could Naole win? Savan : Its anybodys guess! The way Naole fights pushes you to the extremes, and thats because he pushes himself to the extremes; his fighting methods in this Protocol will change the way Guardians Fight. Elnami : How does he do it? Hilan : He fights like someone whos been in actual combat; this is the lessons hes brought to this Guardian Conference. Naole does not match his optimal against his opponents optimal; he takes it to the limit! Aurora : His mild demeanour belies an incredible power! Savan : Indeed! The battle between Naole and Peo rages on amidst the darkness, but nearly all of Crystalorb remains clueless about its details. A lot of Crystalans were very unhappy and openly voiced their displeasure at not being able to actively witness the Ascended Protocols Final Battle. Naoles strategy was obvious; Try as hard as he can to win the fight as quickly as possible. Peo on the other hand had a strategy that called for him to keep out of Naoles reach in the hope that Naole will use up the bulk of his energy reserve and thus be weakened. However even though Peos strategy seemed less risky than Naoles strategy it was being thwarted by Naoles willingness to use even more energy to shut down Peos attempts to get away. Peo could not Block Naoles blows, and each blow had to be carefully deflected, but even deflection was risky given the speed and intensity of the fighting. Peo was taking major hits and given Naoles energy level Peo could barely hurt Naole, but Naole was using far more energy than Peo, and Peo hoped that Naoles energy loss would eventually turn the tide in his favour. An Hour into the fight the intensity was not decreasing as most had expected, but it was actually increasing, and thats when it became clear that Naole was fighting as if he was fighting an actual enemy; raising the intensity at every turn in an all out attempt to overpower and crush his enemy. Peo had no choice but to use more and more of his energy just to stay in the fight. Suddenly Naoles rise in speed and power catches Peo off guard and a Lightning fist sends him crushing to the ground. Everyone in the Arena feels the crush. Omnala: What happened? Hilan : Peos down! Aurora : Naole raised his intensity to an unexpected level. Omnala: How long can Naole keep this up? Aurora : Naole hasnt reached the halfway mark of his known Reserves. Savan : By the Source! His reserves must be Enormous! Elnami : Why is Naole taking such huge risks with his energy? Hilan : Naole doesnt care about being Conference Champion or Protocol Champion; To him this fight is about exploring the limits of his power. If Peo hopes to be victorious against Naole he has to stop running and take the fight to Naole. The Blue Guardian is far too powerful to be worn down by simple attacks; Peo has to take it to the limit. In the midst of the Darkness. Naole : No; that wont do! Naole approaches as Peo tries to ready himself That wont do at all! Peo : How long do you think you can keep this up? Naole : Youre not getting it; Im not some junior Guardian that can be outmanoeuvred by careful planning. You have to put a lot more power in your fists or just call it quits and go home! Ive been pushing you this entire time, you have to push back! If you think you can outlast me then youre sadly mistaken; because unless you raise your power you wont last long enough to find out my limits. Peo : So your going to keep raising the intensity until you reach you limit! Naole : Absolutely! What you must remember is that this is preparation for when I face Migon warriors, and they wont hold anything back! No Crystal Guardian fights alone Peo; we have to give it everything weve got so that if its not enough it depletes the enemy to such a point that a Vanguard can finish the job. Peo : I see; to the limit then! Naole : Thats the way! The fight resumes with new zest. In the next faze of the fighting both Peo and Naole continuously raised their speed and energy in an attempt to outdo each other, and this resulted in the intensity of their fighting reaching even greater heights. Amidst the darkness there were flashes of red and blue thunder as Lightning Fist collided with Lightning Fist generating massive shockwaves that reverberated throughout the Arena. Most of the people in the Arena could not detect the movements of Peo and Naole, but they could feel the power of their blows through the Shockwaves Generated. Both Peo and Naole had raised their energy levels to an unprecedented level and moved at such speeds that even the senior Guardians had difficulty following their movements, but the elite Guardians could still follow. Knora Hilan is pleased by the turn of events. Hilan : Looks like Naoles pep-talk worked; Peo is fighting back! Omnala: Why would he help his opponent fight better? Aurora : Naole couldve ended the fight when Peo crashed to the ground, but thats not why his in this tournament; he wants to fight the most powerful warrior at his best! Savan : Looks like he might be getting what he came for! Elnami : Does Naole still have the advantage? Aurora : It looks about even now! Naole must be enjoying the Challenge! Omnala: Really? So Peo could still win? Hilan : Who ever emerges victorious this moment will go down as the turning point in History; from this moment onwards Guardians will be changed forever! Savan : Indeed; we will all learn the lessons of this fight, learn to fight as they do, as Naole fights! Elnami : You think Naole will be healed enough to make his demonstration later on today? Hilan : The one thing Ive learned from todays events is Naole cannot be underestimated; he came into this fight as the underdog, but somehow managed to at times overpower the most powerful active Crystalan warrior! I suspect that he finds fighting under Ascended Protocol conditions incredibly limiting; given that Naoles body requires and uses an enormous amount of energy, his methods are energy intensive, and the techniques are defined by the energy intensive nature of his body. Then there is a massive explosion in the sky and for a brief moment Naole and Peo are visible fighting in the sky. The fight between Peo and Naole rages on in the skies above the Arena, and their battle was now entering its final phase since both Peo and Naole had expended the bulk of their energies. However despite Peo and Naole having used up most of their energies the intensity of their fighting was increasing and because of the increased intensity the fight was being driven to its eventual conclusion. Nearly 2 hours of fighting was coming to an end, and both Peo and Naole were keenly aware that their fight was coming to an end, thus every move they made was that much more important. Both Peo and Naole knew that a mistake at this point could cost them the fight, and so they were very careful with the use of their energy, but that did not stop them from intensifying the fight even further. A combination of attacks from Naole sends Peo hurtling to the ground. Naole sees an opportunity to end it. Naole : Thunder Coil! Somehow Naole Energized his body then generated a Vortex of Lightning Energy rapped around himself while propelling himself towards the dazed Peo at incredible speed while simultaneously Attacking Peo with an Electrolaser Lightning Bolt. Peo : Lightning Wave! Draining what remains of his energy Peo used the Lightning Wave to partially deflect Naoles Thunder Coil, but the Thunder Coil carried far too much energy to be deflected, and Peo was partially hit and was caught up in the tremendous explosion that occurred when Naoles astounding Thunder Coil hit the ground. The explosion and resulting shockwaves virtually destroy the Arena, and send debris in every direction. As the dust begins to settle the darkness lifts and there is a 170m deep crater in the middle of the destroyed Arena. Omnala: Is it over? Hilan : Yes! Elnami : Who won? Aurora : I cant tell; can anyone? Savan : I cant tell either! As visibility improves the Audience begins to regroup around where the Arena used to be, and it becomes clear that both Naole and Peo are down, but then Peo begins to struggle to his feet, and as he stumbles towards the centre of the crater it becomes clear that a still transformed Naole lies motionless at the centre of the crater. An Ascended protocol official follows Peo towards Naole. Peo : Should we continue? Naole : Continue? Naole laughs I cant Move! Peo : You cant move? Naole : Im way too heavy to move without substantial amounts of energy! Im out of energy; Therefore I concede! Official : Naole is unable to continue; Peo is the Victor! The crowed erupts in cheers as the Official declares Peo the winner of the Ascended Protocol. Peo : To tell the truth Im nearly Depleted; I thought you said that I would hold the advantage? And how can you maintain your transformed state? Naole : Well you won didnt you? Peo : Just barely! Naole : The longer a Crystalan fights the stronger the Crystal becomes! Guardian Aurora approaches. Aurora : In fact we all get stronger! Its just that this effect is multiplied by a factor of 2 in Naole as compared to a Red Crystalan; by a factor of 1.5 as compared to a Green Crystalan, by a factor of 3 as compared to a Gold Crystalan, and by a factor of 5 as compared to a Clear Crystalan She looks at Naole So; was it all what you hoped it would be? Naole : Very rewarding! Aurora : Ive brought your Reserve Energy Sphere; here! She throws it towards Naole, but it hovers above him Recharge! Naole : The Normal way will take way too long! The Reserve Energy Sphere shoots into the sky and dark clouds begin to form Since the arena is already destroyed I think Ill do a Fast Rebuild! Peo : Whats he doing? Aurora : Everyone; get back! Savan : Where is all that energy coming from? Hilan : Its coming from the Spirit Stone! Omnala: How is he doing this? Hilan : The Spirit Stone is feeding energy into the Atmosphere to restore all the energy consumed by Naole, but somehow Naoles Body and Reserve Energy Sphere are re-channelling the energy through the forming storm system. Elnami : I didnt know Crystalans could do such a thing! Omnala: Does he make it up as he goes along? Savan : Probably! Peo : He really is a power like no other! Aurora : Absolutely! Lightning begins to form in the clouds. Elnami : Does he plan to absorb all that? Hilan : I think so! Then suddenly all the Lightning Energy coalesce into a single Lightning strike that vectors Through Naoles Reserve Energy Sphere and strikes Naole. The intensity of the energy destroys what remains of the ruined Arena and produces a tremendous explosion. Omnala: Here he comes! Naole walks out of the crater seemingly fully charged. Elnami : Incredible! Naole : That feels better! Hilan : Youre all better I take it? Naole : Much better! Savan : How did you do that? Naole walks over to Peo, then by touching Peos Chest Crystal Naole instantly restores 7% of Peos energy. Peo : Thanks! Naole : Savan; An Ascended Crystalan shouldnt run out of energy on Crystalorb! Every Crystal on this planet can be used as an energy conduit; I built it that way! Aurora : How long will it take you to fully heal? Naole : About two hours! Peo : Two hours? It will take me days to completely recover! Hilan : But Peo was healing faster than you during the final stages of you fight? Naole : Red Crystalans need less energy Than Blue, Green and Gold Crystalans to heal, but Green Crystalans heal twice as fast as Red Crystalans and I heal 2 times faster than Green Crystalans! Omnala: You are ridiculously powerful! Is there anything you cant do better than anyone else? Aurora : Omnala; stop it! Omnalas utterances solicit a stern look from his sister. Elnami looks at Naole and continues where Omnala left off. Elnami: Youre stronger than every other Crystalan, you heal faster than every other Crystalan, you absorb energy faster than every other Crystalan and now youre as fast as the fastest Crystalan; so how is it that youre so much more than everyone else? Naole : The truth is a power like mine can not be born; it has to be made! Savan : In this case made by your father; Nalen! Naole : Yes; in part made by my father! However the gift I was born with was created by a series of unfortunate circumstances, but it was not until my death that I gained full use of some of my early capabilities. I was born the weakest of all Crystalans, and now Im considered amongst the most capable, but the true message of my life is that Every Crystalan can add Value to the Whole! Naole left the Arena to complete his healing and prepare for his demonstration. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 49 ─ A History Lesson - - - - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 49 A History Lesson ?~? Meanwhile on Atlantis at the United Atlantic Federation Defence Academy an instructor tries to explain Crystalorb to a class of Cadets completing their basic training. This generation of cadets had little understanding of Crystalorb and that was because most Human Federations did not have the history of Crystalorb as part of its popular narrative; leaving the story of Crystalorb out of human popular culture. The United Atlantic Federation usually gave children an account of Crystalorb as a highly advanced sophisticated separatist faction of the African Federation of City States that gained advanced technology from making contact with the O''con Federation. Most saw Crystalans as no different from Hodians and Lodians, but at the United Atlantic Federation Defence Academy Cadets would receive a brief account of Crystalorbs military capabilities. The objective of the Class on Crystalorb was to examine the military achievements and Failures of Crystalorb. However since most of the military capabilities of Crystalorb is considered part of classified military secrets the military achievements of Crystalorb could not be examined in their entirety. The lessons would focus on known archival material and the strategic political military decisions that accompanied the available information. After a long lesson a video image appears on the display and the Cadets listen to a Crystal Guardians address to the UHC security conference taking place on 15-01-2455 at the UHC headquarters. And the Crystal Guardian said: Cyron : " We either stand together or fall separately! Crystalorb has grown weary of inadequate UHC contributions to the fight against the Migon. For 200 years we at Crystalorb have watched as the UHC reduced their combined military contribution to regional security; electing to focus the bulk of their activities on expanding their territories and commercial interests. You have all chosen to expand your territories to unsustainable levels, and now you can barely meet the basic security requirements of your territories." Amb-Cain : " Im sorry Guardian; We cant all be monolithic and unitary like Crystalans. Our people demand the expansion of territory, and they elect people who espouse their views. So our expansionism is demanded by our people, and even the Africans are having to rethink their positions, but the main issue here is that we cant follow Crystalan example like the Africans; we treasure our sovereignty." Amb-Patel : " I can concur! We are a free people!" Amb-Lao : " The people decide the destiny of our Consortium; not some obscure unchangeable Council" Amb-Ishmael: " Our people wont accept external masters!" Amb-Tadu : " I resent the implications of my counterparts; The African Federation made a choice, and that choice has ushered in the longest period of prosperity for our people, but as we explore a limited decoupling from Crystalorb we will have to undertake a very limited territorial expansion program to diversify sources of revenue." Cyron : " Crystalorb is independent now, and things inevitably have to change. At the moment Crystalorb spends 70% of its resources on security while the other Human Federations spend just 20% of their resources on security. This strategic imbalance is unsustainable; we cant continue to carry more than our fare share of the load." Amb-Patel : " We are not unaware of Crystalorbs enormous contribution to Human security, but were in the Galactic Alliance now, and our security is guaranteed by our membership." Amb-Lao : " We are also aware of Crystalorbs lack of confidence in the ability of the Galactic Alliance to guarantee Human security, but we dont share Crystalan apprehension. Our analysis indicates that it would take more than 5000 Migon BattleSpheres to overcome the current security infrastructure, and the Migon Federation has not mobilized such a large force in over 1500 years. Besides 5000 Migon BattleSpheres is far too large a force to mobilize through the borders without the Galactic Alliance detecting its movement." Cyron : " Im glad youre so confident about your security. I hope it means that you wont mind when we withdraw 30% of Crystalorbs forces from UHC space and reassign them to support our contingency measures." Amb-Ishmael: " What? You already have the Ocon federation as a contingency! Why disturb whats already working?" Cyron : " Well; its not working for us! Crystalorbs location amongst the rest of Humanity compromises our long term security, and because all of you refuse to invest more of your resources in security we at Crystalorb have to start building Contingencies into our security planning. We could build a new Crystalorb capital near Entig Republic space so we could be close to our Entig allies, once complete we would then move 80% of the Crystalan population to the area. Crystalorb will not depend on the Galactic Alliance for security, we are a member through the African Federations portion of the UHC, but we dont plan to become full members like the other Human Federations." Amb-Cain : " So youre going to abandon Humanity! And all this trouble just because you cant get your way; or we wont let you have your way!" Cyron : " Were not abandoning Humanity; all that well be doing is what all Human Federations have been doing, and thats building a colony of sorts. Crystalorb will not tie the fate of Crystalorb to the fate of the 5 UHC Federations; the fate of Crystalorb will be determined by Crystalans. We are pleased that the 5 UHC Federations have such confidence in the technology theyve received from the Galactic Alliance, and that some of you feel that you no longer need Crystalorbs assistance, but we worry that Human innovation has been sidelined in favour of Galactic Alliance Technology." Amb-Cain : " By Human innovation you mean Crystalan innovation right? We all know that for 500 years Crystalorb has led Human innovation, and Crystalorb has never been willing to share its most advanced technology. Crystalorb supplies 65% of all human minerals; thats a monopoly! Your Bioships mine and produce refined minerals more efficiently than anything available in the Galaxy, and thats the technology we would like Crystalorb to share, but youve consistently refused to sell us the Intrepid Class, the Indigo Class and the Nalen Class SkyGarrison. For a hundred years we have worked with the Bitori Conclave, the Azleck Republic and the Nabi Federated Kingdom to produce a workable SkyGarrison platform, but we havent been successful; the various prototypes produced have been far too costly to implement full scale production. We have however benefited from the projects, and weve gained valuable technical know-how in the area of energy weapons Crystal production; an area of expertise that Crystalorb has consistently refused to share its knowledge with the rest of us. Cyron : " You make it sound as if youre entitled to Crystalorbs knowledge; well youre not! Crystalorbs knowledge belongs to Crystalans; our technical knowledge is our own to do with as we see fit! We cant sell you Crystalan Ships because we dont own them; we dont own them because the Ships are Crystalans!"Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Amb-Cain : " What about the Nalen Class SkyGarrison? The way I understand it the Nalen Class SkyGarrison are not Crystalan ships? So why cant you sell the Nalen Class SkyGarrison to us?" Amb-Tadu : " The truth is what we want is access to Crystalorbs Crystal technology" Cyron : " Yes; the first few Nalen Class SkyGarrisons were not Crystalan ships, but we realized that they were lacking in capabilities and could not be Fragment Carriers. Naoles first design of the Nalen Class SkyGarrison required that we drill into an egg of an Intrepid Class Crystalan Ship and collect developing genetic material, and coupled with the specific energy of the fragment of the Spirit Stone we were able to stabilize growth. A Five Brain Hive Mind configuration was chosen as optimal! It turned out that for the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons to be Fragment Carriers they had to have a Spirit! The Spirit Stone needs a Living Spirit to focus its energies; it is the Spirit Stone after all! So Guardian Naole reworked his construction method and rebuilt the existing Nalen Class SkyGarrisons to be Fragment Carriers. Naoles new method Fuses a modified 200km asteroid with the egg of a Crystalan Ship; essentially transforming the entire asteroid into an egg. Initially the 200km asteroids are tunnelled and coated with Crystalorbs Crystals and then energy weapons crystals are positioned at optimal locations, Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors are installed, Energy storage systems installed and later Four of the Five Brain Hive Mind configuration Brains are put in place; the fifth Brain will come from the developing mind of the egg of the Crystalan Ship. The egg of a Crystalan Ship is placed at the centre of the four Brains, and once it is opened the Four Brains fuse with it in a process which also fuses the asteroid with the egg; essentially transforming the entire asteroid into an egg. 20 years later the egg hatches from the inside outwards and produces a fully developed Nalen Class SkyGarrison. So you see; Nalen Class SkyGarrisons are Crystalan Ships! Amb-Cain : " Why does that sound like more Crystalan excuses for not sharing and transferring technology? This is why Our Governments prefer to invest in joint development programs with other Galactic Alliance Nations rather than continue to depend on Crystalan Technology. We need to have some ownership of the Technology; why cant you understand this?" Cyron : " Try and Understand who we are! Clearly you dont understand Crystalans; so let me explain! Lesedi is our ancestor, but he wasnt a Crystalan; we only became Crystalans after Lesedis death. What you must understand is that Lesedis death gave birth to the Spirit Stone; Lesedis will was given substance, but that substance also became a vessel for Lesedis Spirit and in time a vessel for the Spirits of all those who follow from Lesedis bloodline! Crystalan Ships were made from Crystalan DNA, and then given free will by the Spirit Stone; making them the equal of any Human Crystalan. Therefore Crystalorb has an obligation to protect the rights of all Crystalan Ships. It is because of those inalienable rights that Crystalorb developed the Crystalorb Ships; since Crystalan Ships being Crystalans could not be Warships, and so Crystalorb developed the Crystalorb Ships to be Warships. Therefore you can forget about Crystalan Ships!" Amb-Patel : " Earlier you said something about withdrawing 30% of Crystalorbs forces; Is that projected forces or current strengths? And does that include mineral production" Cyron : " We have to draw down to 40% of current capabilities, but well maintain that level indefinitely. And yes; that includes minerals." Amb-Lao : " But that could weaken our economies?" Cyron : " We cant convince the UHC to commit more resources to its security so were going to force you to commit more resources! If you will not listen to reason then youll have to take heed of economic imperatives. Crystalorb will not support Human intransigence! The survival of the Human race is not just a Crystalan responsibility; its a shared responsibility!" Amb-Ishmael: " I knew this would happen; that eventually Crystalorb would decide it doesnt need the rest of Humanity! Now you want to cripple our economies as well as our security simply because we dont agree with Crystalan analysis." Amb-Tadu : " We have all grown dependent on Crystalorb." Amb-Cain : " Some more than others!" Amb-Patel : " Indeed!" Amb-Tadu : " The point is we all depend on Crystalorb mineral production and Crystalan products. Were all without exception dependent; Crystalorb encouraged that dependence. 50% of Human exports are Crystalan products, and theyre carried on Crystalorb Ships; to suggest that Crystalorb could somehow detangle from humanity without significant consequences for the UHC is not only ludicrous but also dangerous. Cyron : " We never encouraged dependence; we encouraged development! We had hoped that humanity would follow Crystalan example and reform their Federations to the Crystalorb model, but that was a monumental failure; instead the Human Federations have consistently moved to exploit Crystalorbs developmental assistance for economic benefits. This singular pursuit of economic benefits cannot result in a viable and equitable society!" Amb-Cain : " Crystalans cant understand about commerce; you dont even have a measurable GDP!" Amb-Lao : " While their society is communal and thus has no need for currency if we extrapolate an equivalent quality of life amongst other Human Governments Crystalorb would have a GDP higher than that of the other 5 Human Governments put together!" Amb-Cain : " Still they dont know what its like for a Government to manage the desires and expectations of its Citizens! We would be in a much better position to sell a communal society to the Citizens of our respective Federations if Crystalorb was willing to be more open with the rest of Humanity. The fact remains we know almost nothing about Crystalorb; what we know is mostly speculative, and what weve seen only leaves us with questions. We see that Crystalorb Moon is now a Planetary City but we dont understand how, we see the increasing sophistication of your technology but we have no understanding of its development. Why are you so secretive about who you are?" Cyron : " We are only Secretive with those who are yet to gain our full trust; the Entig and the Oltana come and go from Crystalorb as they please. I will admit that being Secretive has become a habit with Crystalans, but like you I take my instructions from my Principals, and they take their directions from Crystalans! What you must understand is that Crystalorb is a much more robust democracy than any other Human Government; the members of the Crystalorb General Council have an extremely active constituency. The Crystalan collective directs policy; by the time Crystalans reach the age of 18 they have an expert level understanding of all the sciences, politics, economics and sociology. Even now Crystalans are monitoring this conference, and a body of opinion is forming, but the role of the elected officials in these matters is to agitate for a particular position and follow the resulting consensus." Amb-Tadu : " Crystalans call the source of their technology the Science of Elemental Energies. To understand its development you have to understand the Science." Amb-Cain : " Ive always found it interesting that Africans are always making excuses for Crystalans! Is this what Crystalorb expects from the rest of humanity? Are we all expected to bow down to superior Crystalan reasoning? Or can free man still think for themselves?" Cyron : " Youre misunderstanding our objectives." Amb-Patel : " Oh! God forbid we simple humans have an opinion!" Cyron : " I dont understand why it is so difficult for you to appreciate our perspective?" Amb-Ishmael : " Of course not; how can we simple humans understand the highly evolved Crystalans? We are after all simple humans; no different from common apes!" Amb-Lao : " And like good apes we should accept our stature as lower beings and do as our masters tell us!" Cyron : " Is that what you think of Crystalans? You think we consider ourselves superior?" Amb-Tadu : " Many of us sometimes feel inferior." Amb-Patel : " Not so much that we feel inferior, but that Crystalans make us feel inferior." Amb-Cain : " Or maybe its that at every gathering of the UHC the Crystalans go out of their way to point out that theyre the most important of all the Governments!" Amb-Ishmael : " And that we are nothing without them!" Amb-Lao : " Or that we depend on Crystalorb for our survival!" Cyron : " Is that what you think of us? You think us so petty and small enough that we would constantly rub in your noses the fact that youre all unable to defend yourselves without Crystalans support?" Amb-Tadu : " When you put it that way it sounds like Arrogance!" Cyron : " In that case I apologise; We were just trying to treat you like equals!" Amb-Patel : " Is that what its called?" Cyron : " To behave otherwise would mean massaging your egos, and that would be the equivalent of treating you like children. We give you an honest assessment because we expect you to have the intellectual maturity to accept it for what it is." Amb-Cain : " Dont patronize us! Crystalans are the strongest and wisest of all Humans! For generations you at Crystalorb have made it clear that you think youre better than the rest of us!" Cyron : " The fact that Hodians and Crystalans have a superior Physiology is without question, but Crystalans have never put much stock in individual or group physical capabilities; as always we praise Honour above all other virtues. From the beginning we sought to build a virtuous Nation; a Nation built on the highest Human Virtues. Weve become a great people because we aspire towards the greatest of Values. There was a time when by any measure Hodians were superior to Crystalans, but because of who we had chosen to be; knowledge of the Science of Elemental Energies allowed us to eclipse Hodian capabilities and chart a new path for all of humanity. Through Knowledge our Crystal Guardians became a light through which we pierced through the darkness into the unknown. To understand who we are you must understand that the First to be Born with a Chest Crystal was not the Crystal Guardian the First was Kanu; a normal Human!" They are shocked by the revelation that Normal Humans led Crystalorb. Amb-Cain : " What are you saying? A normal man was the first Crystal Guardian?" Cyron : " And his wife was the second; a lower cast woman born in India." Amb-Cain : " How is that even possible?" Cyron : " Kanu was the First to protect Crystalorb! First he protected Lesedi, then later Crystalorb; the Spirit Stone trusted him above all others. He was after all part of the First 8!" Amb-Patel : " First 8?" Amb-Cain : " What First 8?" Cyron : " First 8 Elders!" Amb-Cain : " Not only was a normal Human the first Crystal Guardian, but a Crystalorb Elder as well?" Amb-Patel : " And you never thought it important to mention this to any of us? why?" Cyron : " What possible difference could it make?" Amb-Ishmael : " Cant you see that it changes everything!" Amb-Lao : " Is it at all possible that this Kanu was the first Elder?" Cyron : " No! But he was at one time the Eldest Elder!" The video display ends and the instructor begins to speak. Instructor : What can we understand about Crystalans? In particular what it means to be Crystalan? Tristan : Being Crystalan is philosophical; more about beliefs than genetics. Well; at least in the beginning. Sarah : The Crystalans are not as supremacist as they come off; it is just that they believe that their way of life is more progressive than those of other human societies. Instructor : Can anyone tell me what led to their eventual defeat? Trudy : Pride! They believed that they could succeed where all others had failed; their overconfidence was their undoing. Chloe : For all their gifts they could not recognize the primary flaw in their philosophy! Bill : The Migon exploited their weakness! James : Im sorry sir; I have to disagree! Crystalorb was defeated because Humans did not hold up their end of the bargain; while they fought the Migon at the border the rest of humanity were supposed to help protect Crystalorb, but at the battle for Crystalorb UHC fleets were nowhere in sight. Crystalorb was betrayed by the UHC and in doing so the UHC doomed itself! Instructor : WE are fortunate to have a Power Ring wielder amongst us! So tell us James; why do the remaining Crystalans blame the rest of humanity for the fall of Crystalorb? Was it not Crystalorb that courted destruction by engaging in a high stakes warfare with the most powerful Civilisation in the galaxy? Would it not have been prudent for them to wait until all the members of the Galactic Alliance were ready for war? Yes they wielded great power, but that power had its limits, and they found that out the hard way! James : With respect sir; had Crystalorb waited the Migon would have 20000 more BattleSpheres than they do today. All of us owe our existence to Crystalan courage! And while the Crystalans have been defeated they will rise again; Crystalorb will return, and the UHC that betrayed Crystalorb at the crucial hour will not find a friend or ally in the new Crystalorb. Louis : How could they possibly return with their power source destroyed? James : The Spirit Stone was merely a vessel; their true power source can never be destroyed. Instructor : And now we enter the realm of Crystalorb myths! They believed that the source of their power is spirit energy, and the remaining survivors believe that that Naole will somehow restore their power source. James : Naole is a legendary Crystalan! They called him; The Envoy of the Forbidden! Those who remain await his return, and they are confident that he alone has the power to re-channel the spirits into a new source. The message in the ring says that once they have a new source they will rebuild their society under the protection of their allies. Ivan : Sounds like too much for one man! Gnter : Perhaps not too much for a Crystal Guardian! - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 50 ─ The True Power of an Ascended Crystalan - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 50 The True Power of an Ascended Crystalan ?~? Having completed his healing Naole returned to the Arena and prepared for his demonstration. Aurora : Are you sure you want to do this? Naole : Im sure! Aurora : But to take on a Fusion Beam? And to do it Without Armour at that? Naole : They need to see the true Power of an Ascended Crystalan! This Demonstration is about more than an exhibition of the true capabilities of Ascended Crystalans, but this is about the battle to come, and even though they dont show it Crystalans are afraid; even Crystal Guardians and Ascended Crystalans are Afraid! And with good reason; given the enormity of the task ahead! It is therefore up to those of us who have the extraordinary honour of leading Crystalorbs warriors to restore their courage and replenish their wells of confidence. Aurora : I understand what youre trying to do, and as a warrior I respect it, but why does it have to be you? Why does it have to be my Husband? Naole : I assure you that Im in no real danger, not here; not on Crystalorb! The Fusion Beam Cannon is ready, and the Conference Officials indicate that they are ready for the Demonstration. Naole transforms and raises his energy level to the highest he can master. When the Fusion Beam is fired it hits Naole with terrifying power, but Naole produces a Blue Wave from His Chest Crystal; deflecting the Fusion Beam to the Sky, and the Fusion Beam is then dissipated by the Inter-Dimensional Forces into Concussive Energy. However since the Fusion Beam Cannon continues to Fire Naole quickly depletes his core energy, and that is when he began to draw energy directly from the ground. Enormous amounts of energy was flowing through the ground from all directions towards Naole; feeding him greater energy levels than those produced by the Fusion Beam Cannon. Naole was re-channelling incredible amounts of energy from the Spirit Stone into his shield and his Blue Wave. This is the Demonstration Naole wanted to show all of Crystalorb; that on Crystalorb an Ascended Crystalan is virtually indestructible! The Fusion Beam Cannon is stopped, and in the Aftermath Naole stands unharmed. The other Ascended Guardians Approach Naole. Hilan : Immortal, the ability to manipulate and control nearly all forms of energy, communes with the dead and now virtually indestructible; youre practically a God arent you? Naole : No! The Spirit Stone is akin to a God! Aurora : Are you implying that we can all do this? Peo : I think his point is that on Crystalorb an Ascended Crystalan is virtually indestructible. Savan : Anywhere in the presence of the Spirit Stone or a fragment of the Spirit Stone! Omnala: Have we really come that far that quickly? Elnami : Naole; you are every bit the myths indicated you were. As if unaware of those around him, Naole begins to speak to all of Crystalorb. Naole : We are more than Human; that fact is self evident! In the years to come we will engage in a bloody campaign against our Migon enemies on behalf of all our friends and allies, and the cost will no doubt be great, but until we achieve peace this Inter-Dimensional Realm will remain a prison. Only through a permanent and lasting peace will we achieve true freedom. Surely all of you must know by now that it is Crystalorb that can bring peace to the Galaxy! An Inter-Dimensional Vortex opens and the Crystalan Ship Cobalt and its BattleGroup emerge from the Vortex and joins an awaiting Crimson BattleGroup. Naole has arrived to deliver over 10000 Velrovians to the new Crasla; the old Crasla stumbled upon by Naole had been abandoned and its Velrovian remnant were relocated to the new Crasla and the entire population was beginning to settle on their new world Crasla. The Andronians had decided to wait for the 10000 Velrovians in Crystalorb before beginning the cloning processes, and this was to maximize the Velrovian genetic diversity. The over 10000 Velrovians from Crystalorb were significantly more sophisticated than the Velrovians on Crasla; this owing to their newly Crystalan made power source. After Cobalt Enters Craslas atmosphere and hovers above the City the Velrovians disembark and fly to the City centre. Aurora and Naole follow the Velrovians and as they land they are met by the Velrovian leadership which now includes the 10 ancient Velrovians who had been placed in stasis by the Andronians. Carlet : " Good to see you again your Eminence!" Naole : Likewise your Lordship! May I present my wife; Aurora Olen of Crystalorb! Shes the Expeditionary Guardian! Carlet : " Greetings your Highness! It is indeed an honour to finally meet one of Crystalorbs commander elite!" Justa : " She will make a wonderful warrior Queen!" Aurora : Queen? Did you say Queen? Carlet : " The information gained from the new members of the Velrovian Governing Council indicates that once an Ultoras Authority reaches the threshold of 60% of the Velrovian population the Ultora must ascend to the High Throne of the Velrovian Enclave!" Naole : What exactly do you mean by High Throne? Carlet : " The preparations for tonights Coronation are complete!" Justa : " Naole; you are to be our King!" One of the 10 ancient Velrovians who had been placed in stasis by the Andronians begins to Speak. Disla : " Not just a king, but a High King; one worthy of the High Throne of the Velrovian Enclave!" Naole : Im a Knora in Crystalorb, I therefore cant be King! Another of the 10 ancient Velrovians who had been placed in stasis by the Andronians begins to Speak. Civet : " Unfortunately you dont have a choice; none of us have a choice in this matter! That a foreigner is a pre-eminent High King is indicative of how far weve fallen!" Disla : " But thanks to you Naole Velrovians will rise again. Possibly stronger and more powerful than we have ever been. The magnitude of what youve done for Velrovians is unparalleled; not even the ancient High Kings of legend can claim such tremendous achievements. Not even the Andronians can claim to have unlocked the secret of Velrovian Immortality, but you; High King gave us the key to the future." Naole : You Honour me! The power source should reach maturity in a hundred years, and once it matures all Velrovians will become Immortal; though it remains to be seen weather any of us have a future in this ! Naole turns and begins to look at the sky; his senses pick up something The sensors in my Armour cant pick it up, but I can feel something there; what is it? Aurora : Youre right! I can feel it too! Disla : " Impressive! I knew you were powerful Psionics, but I never imagined that your abilities could be that much grater than ours." Civet : " Not that much! seemingly unimpressed Can you tell whats out there?" Aurora : So you know whats out there? Carlet : " What we would like to know is; can an Ascended Crystalan correctly classify the Psionic energy of other beings?" Naole : You know; Crystalans dont like to be experimented upon! Disla : " Weve heard! But thats not what were doing; were merely trying to determine the extent of the capabilities of our new High King." Naole : I will indulge you just this once! Naole puts his Crystal Armours helmet back on Blue Flash! There is a burst of enormous blue Crystalan energy. The intensity of the energy surprises even the 10 ancient Velrovians who had been placed in stasis by the Andronians.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Civet : " Oh! You are strong!" Disla : " Real strong!" Justa : " Not what you thought are they Civet?" Civet : " Indeed!" Aurora : So how many Andronians are on Crasla? Disla : " Is this Crystalan telepathy?" Civet : " Oh its a hell of a lot more than that!" Disla : " What are you saying?" Civet : " Its more than mere telepathy; its akin to shared Consciousness!" Naole : Impressive! Few beings can comprehend the complexity of what we are, but you Civet grasp it instinctively Civet : " Only because youve achieved the goal we strived for with generations of research!" Naole : Nevertheless Impressive! Im picking up a very significant signature onboard the Andronian Ship; something very old and very powerful! If I had to guess Id have to say that theres one of the very first Andronian Immortals onboard. Justa : " How could you possibly tell? We dont know who and how many of them there are!" Aurora : We are more than you can imagine; more than we understand even. Civet : " Ive heard of Crystalan Arrogance!" Naole : We arent perfect! Aurora : But we aspire towards the goal of perfection! Naole : Or at least Nobility! A shuttle from the Andronian ship lands and three Armoured Andronians emerge. Holnari : Greetings friends! I am Holnari of Andros! Naole : It is Indeed a great Honour to meet the Great General of the Andronian Federation. Aurora : A great Honour Indeed General! Everyone else greets Holnari. Carlet : " What brings the great General to Crasla?" Holnari : I took this opportunity to come and meet with Crystalorbs Chief of Operations; Im to liaise with him on behalf of all the Older Civilizations in the coming operations. Crystalorbs return to Normal space will undoubtedly create the biggest crisis in the galaxy since the Battle of Ten Thousand Ships. It is for this reason that the Andronian Collective has assigned me this most worthy of tasks. Naole : It is reassuring to have the cooperation of the Older Civilizations. Is that a Cloning Ship? Aurora : Weve heard a great deal about the tremendous capabilities of Andronian Cloning Ships. Justa : " They will restore Velrovians to their rightful place amongst Interstellar Nations." Holnari : The Restorer Class Andronian Cloning Ships are amongst the most powerful Ships in the Andronian Fleet; capable of restoring entire Civilizations. The Restorer Class Cloning Ships are actually construction ships; designed to Teraform planets, build entire cities, and then produce populations for those planets. Disla : " Why didnt the Andronian Federation attempt to restore the Crystalans? You certainly had enough Specimens." Aurora : Ive been wondering that myself? Holnari : Oh! We tried! For whatever reason a Crystalan can only be produced by the womb of a suitably powerful sapient being; they need to feed on some yet unidentifiable spiritual component. Even the Crystalans without Chest Crystals are incredibly complex; making it incredibly difficult to produce a pure blooded Crystalans. In the aftermath of the Battle of Crystalorb we quickly discovered that even the Crystalans without Chest Crystals could not reproduce without the Spirit Stone. However some of those without Chest Crystals could produce Halflings if partnered with Lodians, and therein lied the hope for restoring a type of Crystalan population. Naole : You did it didnt you? You produced a substantial population of Crystalans. Holnari : We werent looking for Crystalans without Chest Crystals, but we were willing to accept something comparable. It became clear that Crystalans could not be cloned; more than this Crystalans with Chest Crystals were beyond our capability to produce; by any means. Since every Crystalan without Chest Crystals had to be born we needed a sufficient number of wombs capable of giving birth to Crystalans without Chest Crystals would have to be created. Aurora : Most Lodians arent strong enough to support a Crystalan embryo without Crystalan assistance; so you used Hodians didnt you? Holnari : Crystalans represent the first real glimmer of hope for peace since the great age of the time before; A deal had to be made! Naole and Aurora are shocked In return for Advanced O''con Federation energy storage technology the Hodian High Council agreed to provide genetic samples of all their pure blooded women and help us clone the first 5 women. The O''con Federation and the Andronian Federation then proceeded to alter the Hodian DNA by introducing Crystalan Genes and Crystalan memories to enhance the clones to acceptable levels; by the way Hodian assistance did not include us sharing with them any of our technologies. We then proceeded to produce one hundred million clones that were then inseminated with sperm from surviving Crystalan men to produce Hodian/Crystalan Hybrid Offspring! Naole : How many are there? Aurora : Where are they? Naole : Crystalorb will demand that they be returned Home to Crystalorb. Holnari : They are 75 LightYears from Crasla; all 2.5 Billion of them. Their world is a lot like Crasla and just like Crasla it initially had Thousands of Towns, but the Crystalans mostly live in Continental Cities. On Crasla weve build 55 Thousand Towns, and each town will host 15 Thousand Velrovian clones, as a rule each clone will have a randomized facial genetic sequence so that every clone will have a unique facial appearance, but all 55000 copies will share the memories of the original. In just 2 years there will be 870 million Velrovians on Crasla; theyll take it from there! Carlet : " How many have you produced so far?" Holnari : A few hundred to validate the process. However since Crimson delivered the Power source weve been able to test full integration, and full production can begin. He looks at Naole Impressive technology by the way; the Power sources you built for the Jiquam Federation, the Folong Empire, the Carmak Republic, the Hildrano Enclave, the Andronian Federation, O''con Federation and the Entig Republic go beyond anything we envisioned. Justa : " You sound surprised." Holnari : We all are! The things that Crystalorb has achieved in the blink of an eye are impressive by any measure. Disla : " Are they really? I remember we used to be impressive." Holnari : At the height of the Velrovian Civilization Velrovians could not master any sort of defence against 3000 Migon BattleSpheres, but Crystalorb survived an assault by 10000 Migon BattleSpheres. In fact they are the only Civilization known to have destroyed 10000 Migon BattleSpheres in a single battle. They earned their High place in the Galaxy! Crystalorb may not be able to defeat the Migon, but the Crystalans have given the Older Civilizations the ability to defeat the Migon Federation. He looks at Naole How many Crystalans are in Crystalorb? Aurora : Almost 25.5 Billion! The Crystalorb Council of Elders tried to produce more of the modern Generation of Crystalans, but events overtook them and all Crystalans were released from stasis resulting in a tripling of the Crystalan population; Largely a consequence of Naole and my Fathers actions by the way. Naole : It was necessary to go against you my Treasure. Thanks to our efforts the bulk of the Crystalan population is itching to get back into the fight; theyre hungry for a little payback. Disla : " Ill take a piece of that action too!" Holnari : Youre also eager to get back into the war? In spite of what happened before? Disla : " Absolutely! They killed 20 Billion Velrovians General; they must answer for this atrocity!" Aurora : Crystalorb isnt sure how useful Velrovians can be in a fight? We dont know if theyre strong enough to be dependable. Civet : " So you doubt Velrovian strength? Perhaps you should test my strength?" Carlet : " You cant challenge our future Queen to a fight?" Aurora : Im an Ascended Crystalan; I can take him! Justa : " Protocol demands that she choose a Velrovian champion!" Just then a Velrovian with Red fur Celto arrives and embraces both Naole and Aurora. Celto is Selthas son, but hes also Naoles son, and hes considerably larger than other Velrovians. Holnari : So youre the Hybrid Ive heard so much about? Celto : " I suppose I am!" Naole : Seltha insisted that I should have a Velrovian heir, so he offered to let me share his last born son. Crystalan Scientists replaced some of the genes for Velrovian Crystals in Selthas sperm with my genes, and after thousands of failures they finally had a single success. As you can see the results are extraordinary; the sort of son any father would be proud to call his own. Celto : " I hear youre in need of a champion mother?" Naole : Somehow I dont think thats the challenge Civet is looking fore; he wants to prove his strength against a Crystal Guardian. Civet : " For the Challenge to mean anything it must be against the most supreme of Crystalan warriors." Naole : Ok! I will let you test your strength against mine, though you may wish I had refused your request! Disla : " A warrior King can lend his strength to his Queen!" Civet : " Then Its agreed!" Celto : " No! Father; dont do this? He doesnt know what hes asking for!" Civet : " Do you see how far weve fallen Disla; we were Gods once!" Disla : " Dont worry Celto; we Velrovians are warrior born!" Celto : " Father is an Ascended Crystalan of the highest order; an energy elemental! He wields tremendous power; Civet will not survive Fathers full strength!" Civet : " Have faith in your own kind Celto!" Naole : You are confident; Ill give you that! Holnari : Now that the incidental is settled; whats this I hear about Crystalorb abandoning humanity? Aurora : They are Unworthy! Holnari : Unworthy? Aurora : Theyre Unworthy of our friendship, Unworthy of our allegiance! They are Unworthy! Holnari : I heard about what happened in Silenia 5! Is that why you think them Unworthy? Naole : Crystalans cant risk operating publicly; so I sent Velrovian teams to Silenia 5 to assess the Capabilities of the UHC. The treatment of the Velrovians by high ranking Human officials from all Human Federations proved once again that their bigotry runs deep. Theyre Unworthy of the sacrifices Crystalorb would have to make to protect them. They are Unworthy! Aurora : They show Crystalans the same contempt! General Holnari produces Holographic images of Migon Raids on human instillations from the past 150 years. Holnari : I can see how you might come to the conclusion that theres nothing left of them in you! That they have nothing to offer Crystalorb! But these are your People! Aurora : Our people? Holnari : Surely you must know by now; you must know that you were their Heart! They didnt understand this until it was too late. And when they lost Crystalans they lost their way! Crystalorbs defeat left a gaping hole at their centre, and now they cling desperately to the vestiges of their former glory. Now more than ever they need the light of Crystalorb to show them the way. Celto : " True!" Aurora : You defend them? You; of all people? Celto : " Flawed as they are; they are your People Mother! Even more so than Velrovians! They are a part of you just as we are!" Naole : Even if youre right, even if they are our people; they remain Unworthy! Holnari : Then you must change them; make them Worthy! Aurora : Easier said than done! The Crystalorb General Council has already passed legislation declaring Crystalans a unique and distinct species; effectively separating Crystalans from Humanity. Deputy Guardian Bilen decides to enter the conversation. Bilen : " I was there at the Battle of Crystalorb; they left us to die." Naole : As you can see; theres no going back now! Crystalans remember that our supposed Human allies abandoned us at the Battle of Crystalorb. It will take a great deal of persuasion for Crystalans to give Humanity another chance. Bilen : " They will have to earn their way back into our good graces. There are no entitlements anymore; we will only bleed for those who bleed for us." Holnari : A little harsh; dont you think? Naole : That may be true; but it is a reality of our time! Holnari : There will be a cost for Crystalorbs stance, and I fear that Humanity will pay the price for your intransigence! Guardian Naole receives a message from Cobalt. Naole : We will continue this conversation after the Coronation; for now I must report to the Crystalorb Council of Elders! he looks at Civet We begin in an hour; be ready! A fully Powered and transformed to his maximum power level Civet stands ready as Naole begins his power up. Naole didnt think he would need to reach his maximum, but nevertheless he did transform to his Crystalline form. Naole : Your Crystalline Form is noteworthy; however since Velrovians cant fly Naturally well keep things on the ground! Civet : " How considerate!" Naole : Lets see what you can do Lordship! Civet attacks. Though Civets physical attack was considerable Naole could easily evade and Block Civets physical attacks. Because of the speeds involved the spectators could not distinguish between Naole and Civet, and as far as they could tell Naole and Civet seemed equally matched. But Celto and the Crystalans understood that Naole was barely exerting himself, and Aurora knew that Naole was not even at 5% of his maximum. Naole and Civet halt their exchange as they gather their energies. Civet : " Youre holding back?" Naole : Im using only whats needed! Civet : " You dishonour me, yourself and your kind by putting on a facade! I must test my strength against the full power of a Crystalan Elite!" Naole : You want my full strength? Fine; rapid Rise! the skies darken as thunder clouds gather in response to Naoles rapid Increase in energy to maximum power Lightning Fist! Aurora : Oh hell! Aurora rapidly transforms and Increases her energy to maximum power, then she gets between Naoles attack and Civet Full Barrier shield In the aftermath there is a 400m wide Crater; the result of the energy discharge from Naoles attack and Auroras shield. Naole : What are you doing? Aurora : Im your partner in all things Husband. Crystalorb cant begin relations with the Velrovian Enclave by you killing one of their Leaders. Naole : But he asked for this; he wants to die! Aurora : Either way I cant let you do this! Naole : You cant protect him; not from me! The paralyzed Civet regains composure as Aurora looks at him. Aurora : I hope youre satisfied; you made this a Question of Honour. If you dont concede Ill have to fight him to stop him from killing you; concede dammed-it! Eager to end things Naole looks to Civet Naole : Put on your Armour; Lets go a few rounds with you in Armour if you think itll make a difference. Civet : " Your generating energy levels a hundred times greater than my maximum; Armour can only bring me up to 40%! I concede defeat!" Aurora : Thank Heavens! General Holnari approaches. Holnari : Good show! Very good indeed! Naole : It wasnt meant to be entertaining, but I suppose a near all powerful Immortal would find this contest of strength amusing. Holnari : All powerful? Hardly! Though I do suppose most Mortals would find it difficult to comprehend Andronian Strength. But you Ascended Crystalans clearly understand true power; I mean Ascended Crystalans like you and Aurora are stronger than most Andronians. For hundreds of millennia I have travelled across the stars and met countless beings, but none who wielded such power at such a young age. Aurora; tell me, could you have stopped him? Aurora : Only because he wouldnt risk seriously injuring me. Holnari : You dont disappoint do you Crystalan? How many Crystalans are at your level? Naole : There are about a Hundred with greater strength and about Two Hundred with comparable capabilities! Civet : " Greater strength; How?" Aurora : Theyre older; thus more powerful! Holnari : Oh; you will be useful indeed! The Coronation was a splendid affair of Velrovian pageantry and glitz and glamour host at the Citadel; a 4km high 7km wide Grand Palace built to the Centre of the Velrovian Government. The new Crystalan made Velrovian Power Source integrator is a 1km wide sphere that is housed underneath the Citadel. The Crystalan made Velrovian Power Source would mature in 100 years SET. The integrator part of the Crystalan made Velrovian Power Source is designed to manage and convert the energy generated by 1000 Andronian made Fusion Reactors, but the more critical function of the Assembly is as a Velrovian Psionic Energy Power Source. The Velrovian Psionic Energy Power Source will harvest Ambient Positive Psionic from the vegetation on Crasla and possibly other worlds then store it for Velrovian use as Life Force Energy. Present at Naoles Coronation as High King of the Velrovian Enclave is General Holnari of the Andronian Federation accompanied by Lieutenant Juvil, Ensign Velnah and Ensign Silta of the Andronian Federation. Also present is Commander Elrig of the Entig Republic and his support staff. In Old days monarchs from all over the Region would attend Velrovian Coronations, but the current condition of the Velrovian Enclave did not even warrant the attendance of a member of the Entig Collective Leadership; their former Battle Partner and Close Ally. On the contrary Crystalorb presented a full diplomatic representation, and the Crystalorb Commonwealth was represented by the Speaker of the Crystalorb General Council; Her Eminence Dirang Lesedi. The Speaker of the Crystalorb General Council is perhaps the highest ranking political individual in Crystalorb, and is often assigned the missions of highest diplomatic value; thus the presence of the Speaker of the Crystalorb General Council at Naoles Coronation indicated the importance with which Crystalorb regarded the Velrovian Enclave. However there was another reason the Speaker of the Crystalorb General Council was on Crasla; upon learning of the Crystalans created by the Andronians the Crystalorb Council of Elders in accordance with the Crystalorb Charter decreed the immediate integration of the newly discovered Crystalan Sect into Crystalorb. The Crystalorb General Council passed a resolution formally supporting the decree issued by the Council of Elders. Speaker Dirang Lesedi had been authorized to oversee the integration of all Andronian made Crystalans into Crystalorb. There were somewhat obvious political considerations; Crystalorb could not simply force the Andronian made and Andronian protected Crystalans to accept Crystalorb Authority. The Andronian made Crystalans would have to willingly accept Crystalorb Authority, and only then can they be moved to Crystalorb. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 51 ─ True Crystalan - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 51 True Crystalan ?~? 15 Velrovian Stand in front of the High Throne and a Crystal Armoured Naole Charges His Crystal Lance and Raises it into the air. Naole : Having taken the oath! Electrical Energy emerges from Naoles Crystal Lance and illuminates the Great Hall I Naole Olen; High King of the Velrovian Enclave! Electrical Arcs connect with 15 Armour Spheres Proclaim you Guardian Knights! The 15 Armour Spheres open and auto-assemble themselves on the 15 Velrovians. Civet is amongst those selected by the Velrovian Council to wear the Crystalan Made Guardian Knight Armour. Velrovian Guardian Knights are a Velrovian Council Creation based on Crystalorbs Crystal Guardian, but theyre called Knights because in ancient time Velrovian Generals were always Knights. Because the Velrovians and made Naole their High king Crystalorb had no problems giving the Velrovian Guardian Knights the most advanced Crystal Armour; equal in capabilities to Ilesian Guardian Armour. Then the Armoured Guardian Knights move out of the way as Celto approaches the High Throne to the Cheers and Applause of all Velrovians. Naole : Celto; I have observed your tenacity as a Crystalan warrior these past ten years, and youve carried yourself with honour in the most trying times! Seltha would be proud; as I am! But of course youre my flesh and blood too! He takes a moment Do you Vow to serve the Velrovian People? Celto : " I swear!" Naole : Do you Vow to always put the best interests of the Velrovian People first? Celto : " I swear!" Naole : Do you Vow to cast aside selfish ambition and devote yourself to the best interests of the Velrovian People? Celto : " I swear!" Naole : Then on this day; I Naole Olen; High King of the Velrovian Enclave Proclaim you Crown Prince of the Velrovian Enclave! The Velrovian audience erupts in Cheer and Applause. A moment Later Speaker Dirang Lesedi is invited to Address the Gathering. Dirang : Greetings from Crystalorb! The Velrovian Enclave and the Crystalorb Commonwealth have concluded a number of Strategic agreements designed to entrench the friendship between our peoples. We are more than friends, we are Family! At the Heart of Crystalan Strength is Crystal DNA inherited from Velrovians. This common heritage binds the Velrovian Enclave and the Crystalorb Commonwealth together Forever! The doors of Crystalorb will always be open to Velrovians. However there are restrictions concerning Crystalorbs Knowledge; you see the Power of the Spirit Stone is its Knowledge, and that Crystalan knowledge must always be protected. It is for this reason that we therefore cannot share all our Knowledge with our Friends. The Spirit Stone grants only Crystalans access to its Knowledge and its Power. Even though Crystalorb Has agreed to Share Naole and Celto with Velrovians there will always be limits on how much of themselves they may share with Velrovians. That being said Velrovians have been granted the kind of access to Crystalorb that had been previously reserved for the Oltana and the Entig. To help you get started on your path to rebuilding your magnificent Civilization the Crystalorb Commonwealth brings you gifts; 40000 Tons of Crystalium814 and 40000 Tons of Crystalium947! The Crystalium947 Catalyst will allow you to produce a type of steel 400 times more durable than Varodium Steel. Crystalium947 absorbs Energy and then produces radiation that has Energy Dampening properties. Crystalium947 is designed to produce Spatial Energy Fields that make its Alloys difficult to destroy with weaponry. It is for these reasons that Crystalium814 and Crystalium947 will become Crystalorbs primary commodities; traded across the stars. These two elements in combination will grant every Civilizations the ability to build Armour nearly as Durable as Crystalorbs Black Crystals. The combination of Crystalium814 and Crystalium947 will change the Galaxy forever; A new age is coming to the Galaxy! Following Dirangs address Naole, Aurora, Civet, Holnari, Elrig and their primary support personnel departed onboard Cobalt for Planet EnthilB; Home of the Crystalans created by the Andronians. EnthilB becomes visible as Cobalt emerges from Hyperspace. Holnari : EnthilB! Naole : I can feel them! Dirang : As can I; trepidation but great excitement too! Aurora : They know we are coming! Holnari : You Crystalans are almost as perceptive as Andronians. Naole : They are Different thats for sure; but their Hearts are Crystalan. Dirang : Different could be good; just the thing we need. Holnari : Lets go meet them then! Dirang : Lets do it! Naole : Cobalt; take us in! Cobalt : On your Command! The Crystalan Ship Cobalt heads for the EnthilB Capital; Enthral. There they are met by the 9 members of the EnthilB Governing Council; Led by Eldon Disato. Holnari : Greetings Friends! Disato : Greetings to you General; great emissary of the Andronian Federation! Holnari : Eldon; May I present Knora Naole Olen, Guardian Aurora Olen, Guardian Cobalt and Speaker Dirang Lesedi. These are the Emissaries of Crystalorb; these are your People Lordship! Disato : I Dreamed a Dream, and now that Dream is Real! Welcome to EnthilB! Moved to tears Eldon Disato proceeds to introduce the EnthilB Governing Council to the Emissaries of Crystalorb, and once the introductions are made Eldon Disato presents the representatives of Crystalorb to the Expectant Nation. Dirang then meets privately with the EnthilB Governing Council and delivers Crystalorbs decree. Civet : " How are they taking it?" Naole : Theyre Politicians. Holnari : Not well I take it? Aurora : Crystalans dont like to be told what to do; not even by Crystalorb. We like to be part of the decision making process. Lt-Juvil : " But isnt Crystalorb the sum of all Crystalans?" Holnari : Their Collective isnt as well developed as ours. There is still a great deal of individualism amongst them; theyre so advanced that sometimes we forget that they are very young. Lt-Juvil : The Migon have the same model, and its one of the reasons theyre so Warlike. Holnari : One major difference there; Crystalans are not Expansionist. They have no need for Territory and Authority, and that makes them vastly different; theyre more isolationist than Imperial. Lt-Juvil : The Circleans could have eventually become a far greater threat than the Migon given enough time, and Ive seen the startling Power of Ascended Crystalans; so given that theyve now absorbed the Circleans are they not vulnerable to becoming the very thing they sought to vanquish? Naole : You have a right to be concerned, and you should be. As are we. Aurora : We know that Crystalans and Circleans are two sides of the same coin; so we constantly guard against the more destructive tendencies of our Crystalan Nature. Holnari : I would be very concerned if Crystalans werent aware of their more destructive tendencies, but the fact that they have a healthy outlet for their more negative inclinations gives me confidence in their ability to control the aspect of their nature that would give me pause. The Crystal that Powers Crystalans was designed as a weapon, but in Crystalans it has become the greatest hope for Peace; their Human half gave it a purpose the Creators of the Crystal never imagined. They, more than any other Species Ive come across understand that the Power to Destroy is also the Power to Create. Lt-Juvil : I hope your assessment is correct sir. Their Spirit Stone is a Terrifying and Monstrous Power; Capable of not only destroying entire planets but whole Solar Systems; essentially consuming them. The only Godlike Being Ive ever witnessed! Civet : " Godlike? Is it really that Powerful?" Lt-Juvil : Its a Power beyond Comprehension; It has no Theoretical Upper Limit.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Civet : " Are you saying that its an Eternal?" Lt-Juvil : Now with access to an inexhaustible Energy source; They may have given birth to an Eternal! Holnari : The Crystalan Achievement should be celebrated; not Feared. Their success has opened the door for all Species to make similar Achievements. Naole : I doubt if other Races can build their own version of the Spirit Stone, but I do know that the Power of the Spirit Stone is governed by its will; thus Crystalans cannot use its power in a manner that violates its set precepts. I can understand Juvils concerns, however it was exactly the very type of concerns about the extent of the Spirit Stones Power that fuelled Circlean machinations against the Spirit Stone; they too feared the Spirit Stones power, and one of their ultimate objective was to destroy it. Thankfully they failed! The Spirit Stone is a part of us; a physical manifestation of our Crystalan Spirit! It is an inspirational symbol of Crystalan Unity; completely Transcendent! Aurora : Sublime! Lt-Juvil : The structure of this Crystalium947 looks a lot like the Migon element Nipaklium! Holnari : It does! Aurora : Weve gained a great deal of rare and unobtainable resources from ships that crashed on Crystalorb; including the element with atomic number 966; what the Migons call Nipaklium! Holnari : Nipaklium is at the heart of that technology! It is similar to the Andronian element with atomic number 974 known as Andronium and its Carmak derivative the element with atomic number 973 or the Folong-Jiquam derivative the element with atomic number 971; in much the same way Crystalium 814 is similar to the Oltanas element with atomic number 886 known as Oconlite886. They are all heavy synthetic elements produced by advanced Civilizations! Naole : True; Oconlite886 is the basis for Crystalium814, and Nipaklium is the basis for Crystalium947! Aurora : We used the rare materials gained from Migon ships to build 20000 of the most advanced reactors available, and that means we could produce a hundred times more Crystalium814 and Crystalium947 than would otherwise be possible; we have Migons to thank for providing the otherwise unobtainable resources! Lt-Juvil : That would put your energy generation on par with the Ocon and quite possibly the Folong and the Jiquam? Naole : Despite having advanced Elements and metals our reactors arent quite as good as those of the Ocon, the Folong and the Jiquam; however we are within 20% of their maximum! Lt-Juvil : Wouldnt putting Crystalium814 and Crystalium947 on the open market create a strategic disadvantage? Holnari : If I know Crystalans; they probably have a method to minimise the risks. Naole : We found a way to fuse Crystalium814 and Crystalium947 in order to produce Crystalium1417. Now Crystalium1417 is prohibitively expansive to produce economically, but Crystalium1417 has the properties of both the Crystalium814 and Crystalium947, and as if its not enough Crystalium1417 is 14 times more efficient than Crystalium814 and Crystalium947. One gram of Crystalium1417 is worth 100g of Crystalium947 and 150g of Crystalium814. Crystalan Armour contains Crystalium317, Crystalium814, Crystalium947 and Crystalium1417 in the most optimised proportions for maximum efficiency! Holnari : If Crystalium1417 requires a hundred times more energy to produce compared to Crystalium947 then why produce it? Lt-Juvil : Is the efficiency worth the cost? Naole : The effectiveness of our strategies is measured in Crystalan lives. Anything that increases the safety of Crystalans must be pursued; no matter the cost. Holnari : That is undoubtedly a Crystalan way of looking at things. A few Hours latter Dirang emerges from the meetings Emotionally Drained. Long discussions with the EnthilB Governing Council had been fruitless; largely due the near complete intransigence of the EnthilB Governing Council. The Governing Council did not want to leave EnthilB; instead the want EnthilB to be a Crystalorb Colony with the Governing Council remaining in charge. Naole : Not good I take it? Dirang : They are Immovable! Youd think theyd welcome the opportunity to rejoin Crystalorb, but no; they want to be a Crystalorb Colony. Aurora : But Crystalorb is a Unitary State. Dirang : Oh I tried explaining it to them. Disato : What would be the great difficulty in accommodating our request? Dirang : Your position is a non starter! Crystalorb Society is based on the fundamentals of a shared Identity, Common Resources, a Commonwealth and a shared Destiny. Disato : How can you engage in trade with others if youre a Commons? Individualism is essential to any kind of Commerce. Naole : I see what the problem might be! Disato : Well; do you have a plausible solution? Naole : Despite their best efforts the Andronians have not been able to rid you EnthilB Crystalans of your Hodian tendencies; theyre hardwired genetically you know? In Crystalorb weve attempted to create a harmonious egalitarian Society, and because were a Commons every Crystalan is free to follow the Calling of one''s Heart. Dirang : They cant really be Crystalans until they gain access to Crystalorbs Knowledge, and to do that they must willingly choose to forever accede to Crystalorb Authority. Disato : What do you mean we cant really be Crystalans? We are of Crystalan Blood! Aurora : Circleans were of Crystalan Blood, but they certainly werent Crystalans; not Culturally anyway. The Power of the Spirit Stone is its Knowledge, and access to that Knowledge is the right of every Crystalan, but to be a true Crystalan you must be a citizen of Crystalorb. There is no partial or dual Citizenship; the Spirit Stone must be able to trust you with its power, and the only way it can do that is if your allegiance is solely to Crystalorb. Disato : What happens if we say no? Or not right now? Maybe later, we need more time to consider your proposal? Aurora : Yeah; thats not how Crystalorb operates. Anything other than a yes will be considered a rejection and Crystalorb will declare you Hodians and close the doors of Crystalorb to you forever. Disato : Its beginning to sound like an Ultimatum? Naole : It is! Disato : You would abandon your own kind? Aurora : Crystalans with a tenth the Crystalan blood content of yours have reached out to us and weve welcomed them into Crystalorb with open arms. The fact that you hesitate gives us Pause; Crystalans are beginning to wonder if youre anything like them? Dirang : Crystalorb doesnt like to deal with entitled pre-Madonnas; we are an Advanced pre-eminent Civilisation! We are on the eve of war with perhaps the most Powerful Civilization in the Galaxy; we wont be kept waiting. Disato : But there are rules and procedure! Our parliament will have to decide, and it will take as long as it takes to get a final answer. Naole : Fortunately Crystalorb would never leave this sort of decision to EnthilB politicians! Our orders are to make this offer to EnthilB Crystalans! Disato : A referendum? That could take months, possibly years to frame the right questions and organize! Dirang : We were thinking about something a little more direct! Naole; connect me! Naole : As you wish! Naole takes to the sky and puts on his Armour Blue connect! Im ready! Disato : Whats he doing? Aurora : Hes connecting telepathically with everyone on this planet. Disato : What? 2.5 Billion Connected to one person? Aurora : You really have no Idea what we are? Youd be surprised what an Ascended Crystalan can do! Dirang : People of EnthilB! I am Dirang Lesedi of Crystalorb; Speaker of the Crystalorb General Council. My mission here is simple; Open the door to Crystalorb to any of you who wants to be a True Crystalan. Your leaders would prefer to be a Crystalan Colony; some sort of pseudo-Crystalan Existence, or Crystalans living outside Crystalorb, perhaps even separate from Crystalorbs Authority. I must tell you now that Crystalorb will not accept a parallel Authority; its a simple choice, you are either Crystalans or you are something else. You can continue to live this pseudo-Crystalan Existence, or you can come Home to the Eternal Home of Crystalans; Crystalorb! Each of you will have to make a choice, but know that if you choose Crystalorb you can never leave Crystalorb; for once you gain the knowledge of Crystalorb it is a part of you forever. Those of you who reject Crystalorb will have until the last of those who choose Crystalorb are evacuated to change your mind, and if by that time you have not reconsidered the doors of Crystalorb will be closed to you and yours Forever. Make the decision in your mind, and once it is a firm choice we will record it; choose cautiously, choose wisely. Disato : If His telepathy is so powerful that he can connect with the entire population of a Planet; how do we know that hes not somehow influencing them? Dirang : In a word; Honour! Aurora : A true Crystalan is Governed by Honour! We would never Dishonour ourselves by violating the Fundamental ethos of the Crystalorb Charter. The Crystalorb Charter says; Freedom is the right of every Sapient Being. Thus interfering with your free will would Violate the Crystalorb Charter. Dirang : We can only interfere with the free will of a Sanctioned Enemy of Crystalorb. Lt-Juvil : Sir; did you know that they could do this? Holnari : Yes; on Crystalorb, but I never imagined that theyd be able to do this on a planet without their Crystal infrastructure. Lt-Juvil : Does this mean that their Telepathy exceeds ours? Holnari : Quite possibly! Dirang : Its not all of us who can do this sort of thing! he looks at Naole Its him! Holnari : So the stories about him are true? Dirang : He is a power Like no other! Lt-Juvil : Apart from your Spirit Stone that is? Aurora : No; like no other! Dirang : He wields many of the existential Powers of the Spirit Stone, but because hes also like a normal Crystalan he has the ability to make the inexplicable palpable. Lt-Juvil : Like how he somehow divined the construction of a Phaylon Reactor! Aurora : Exactly! Holnari : Doesnt that scare you a little? To have one of you be so sublime? Would that not undermine your Leadership? To have a Power so Unique must run contrary to the Crystalan ethos of equality? Dirang : It is at times Terrifying, but also Reassuring; Look at what hes been able to achieve! Most of what weve evolved into came from him. He constantly pushes against the limits, and when he eventually breaks through we all do! Naole produces a giant holographic display, and in the display there are names alongside 3D images of faces arranged into two rows that seem to be rising into the heavens; a row for Yes, and a row for NO. As each person Decides their image and details appears on the Display. Naole also transmits the raw data to EnthilB Authorities for parallel analysis. Disato : I dont believe it! Holnari : Looks like most are choosing Crystalorb; it wasnt complicated after all. Aurora : About 95% of adults are choosing Crystalorb! Dirang : Looks like Crystalorb doesnt hold much appeal for the wealthy and Powerful; clearly theyve come to enjoy being of a higher class than others, or maybe its the Hodian in them rearing its ugly head! Disato : What happens to the children? Dirang : Children under the age of 7 cannot make such a choice; Crystalorb Law does not allow it! However those that are currently under 7 will be allowed to make the choice when they reach maturity; thats 18 years old SET! Holnari : Why seven years old? Dirang : It takes 7 years for the Hyperconductive Crystal Neural Pathways to reach sufficient Maturity; what Crystalans called Cognitive Awakening! At age seven the Cognitive Abilities increase exponentially; reaching a hundred times what was previously possible. A 7 year old Crystalan has the Cognitive Abilities that are a hundred time those of the cleverest EnthilB Crystalan! Disato : Come now; how is that even possible? Dirang : A true Crystalan has to be able to Understand the Fundamental Energies of the Universe. But more importantly a true Crystalan must develop the skills necessary to manipulate Fundamental Energies, and that requires Cognitive Abilities that allow Crystalans to interpret Complex Energy Data Streams. This is the Knowledge of Crystalorb; this is the basic substance of what you gain when you become Crystalan. Aurora : Crystalan DNA is not enough; a Crystalan must have access to Fundamental Energies to develop their Brains. Disato : Without the Fundamental Energies we will always remain pseudo-Crystalan. Dirang : Look Disato; youve just made your choice! They look at Disatos details on the display Youve chosen Crystalorb! Disato : Indeed I have! I want to be a true Crystalan; no status or rank on EnthilB can compare with the pull of Crystalorb! Aurora : Those who resist the pull of Crystalorb are probably not Crystalan; not at their core anyway. Lt-Juvil : You could accept those without Chest Crystals living outside Crystalorb, but you destroyed the Circleans; is it because they had Chest Crystals? Or is it the fact that they absorbed Negative Psionic Energy? Aurora : Its because they were evil! Dirang : We were willing to tolerate Circlean existence, but when they allied themselves with the Migon and caused the deaths of over a billion Crystalans they sealed their fate. Aurora : Not to mention that they were feeding on innocent humans! Holnari : Looks like the trend on EnthilB is for Crystalorb! Disato : They know whats at stake, and they are making the best choice! Dirang : 94% of the Adult population and 99% of the youth population is making the wise choice! EnthilB has 70% adult to 30% youths, and that gives 1.75 Billion to 0.75 Billion. Its 2.3875 Billion for Crystalorb, and 0.1125 Billion against Crystalorb. Holnari : Thats 112.5 million people! What will happen to them? Aurora : Crystalorb will make that decision once all the votes are in! Civet : " They dont get to choose for themselves?" Dirang : It may not be possible for them to choose their own destiny! Disato : Surely freedom is their right! Aurora : Given Crystalorbs imminent return EnthilB could be in a rather precarious position! If the Migon are not able to attack Crystalorb directly they may opt for EnthilB. Disato : And if they attack; would Crystalorb leave them to die? Dirang : There are difficult choices ahead, and we may have to choose between a hundred million on EnthilB and several billions on Mars, Atlantis or Asia. Lt-Juvil : You would really leave your own people to die? Disato : EnthilB cannot survive whats coming can it? Thats what this voting process is really about isnt it? Crystalorb wants to know who amongst us is theirs! Dirang : The Migon know about EnthilB! They always know about these sorts of things! Crystalorbs return will undoubtedly precipitate the greatest Crisis the Galaxy has ever experienced. Disato : I take it Crystalorb wont waist resources trying to protect EnthilB? Dirang : The point is that if we plan carefully we wont have to! Lt-Juvil : I doubt that even the Migon would be so daring as to attack so deep in quarantine space. Holnari : Youd think that; but they did target the Entig Republics Postig Colony! Conversations continued while Naole continuously processed the Voting data. With Voting data Collated and processed the EnthilB Governing Council informed the citizens of EnthilB about the results of an extraordinary Voting Process. In Crystalorb only elections of individuals to public office are secret; all other votes are public, and Crystalans are required to own up to their choices. Dirang : The numbers are in; 94% of the Adult population and 99% of the youth population has made the prudent choice! Civet : " What happens Now?" Dirang : We cant exactly move 2.3875 Billion people to Crystalorb without the Migon finding out that Crystalorb survived unless we take some drastic steps. Lt-Juvil : What sort of drastic steps? And what happens to the 0.1125 Billion people who voted against Crystalorb? Disato : Theyre going to destroy EnthilB. Lt-Juvil : After all weve done to make it a home for Crystalans? Disato : It will be a terrible loss. Dirang : The Migon have to believe that we considered the EnthilB Crystalans an abomination; something akin to the Circleans. Naole : Were going to partially destroy EnthilB; not its people! Those who voted against Crystalorb will be relocated to Human space in the fullness of time Disato : How long exactly is that? Aurora : We will put them in stasis on Crystalorb, and once things settle down we will give them each their share of Crystalorbs wealth; what they do with that resource is up to them. Lt-Juvil : Arent you concerned that they could become like the Circleans? Dirang : Without the Chest Crystals of the first Eldons they can never become a viable threat; That path is closed forever! Aurora : The most they can achieve is a power level similar to Hodians! Naole : At least in the short term! there is a pause as Naole considers something coming in through the Crystalorb Network Hold on! Holnari : Whats happening? Dirang : We are being overruled! Aurora : The bulk of the population on Crystalorb has agreed that those who reject Crystalorb can never be allowed to set a foot on Crystalorb! They want us to leave them on EnthilB! Disato : Crystalans can do that? Override the decisions of Crystalorbs leaders? And what happens now? Dirang : While its been a few hours here its been days on Crystalorb, and theres now legislation in the Crystalorb General Council instructing us to put up a Psionic shield around EnthilB then pull every Crystalan out in 24 hours. Civet : " Move over two billion people in 24 hours?" Naole : Inter-Dimensional Vortex technology has given us capabilities most Civilizations can only dream of. Lt-Juvil : What about the Migon? If they are watching they will surely be aware of the fact that youve somehow moved nearly the entire population of an entire planet Naole : The Psionic Shield will make it seem as if the population is still present; at least for a little while. Holnari : How long? Naole : At least a month; two at the most! By then it wont matter what the Migons know because we will be raining fire and brimstone upon them! Lt-Juvil : Deploying a planetary Psionic Shield could take days; months even? Holnari : Not their Psionic Shield! Lt-Juvil : What do you mean sir? Naole : Cobalt is releasing the Fragment of the Spirit Stone even as we speak! The Fragment of the Spirit Stone will then split into tens of thousands of smaller Spirit Stone Fragments, and then half of the tiny Fragments of the Spirit Stone will move towards the surface of the planet while the other half moves into low orbit. Once in Orbit the Fragments of the Spirit Stone will then set up a Full Spectrum Psionic Shield, and the tiny Fragments of the Spirit Stone on the surface will open Inter-Dimensional Vortices to transport people to Crystalorb from public gathering Areas. It will be over sooner than you might think! Holnari : Isnt all this an ineffective use of your energy reserves? Dirang : True; this method is a tremendous waist of our energy reserves. But the people of Crystalorb have spoken, and we have to abide by their will! Lt-Juvil : Would ordinary Crystalans have a say in how Crystalorb fights the war! Naole : In broad terms; Yes! But the day to day operational decisions are left to the Commanders. Holnari : I hope you are ready; because you are about to step into the fire! Dirang : We are ready! In some ways weve been preparing for this moment for 3000 years! his focus shifts as he receives a message Atola has arrived and shes about to meet with the Council of the Light of Destiny! - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 52 ─ Before Chaos - - - - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 52 Before Chaos ?~? At the Chambers of the Council of the Light of Destiny Captain Atola and Bruce begin to speak to the Council of Light; they are there to deliver a message from Crystalorb. Lord Brown of the Council of Light addresses Atola and Bruce. Brown : Good to see that both of you have returned safely Home. Atola : While it is good to return Lordship; we have a different Home now! Bruce : And we are in a different command! Brown : So you found him after all. Is that Crystalan Armour youre wearing? Atola : Yes on both counts! Brown : So how does the Great and Glorious Naole plan to save us all? The other members of the Light of Destiny laugh. Atola : We will ignore the condescending tone only because he would! Bruce : Naole believes humanity to have abandoned Crystalorb and the Battle of Crystalorb. Thus making Humanity Unworthy of Crystalorbs Friendship. Brown : Really? And how does he hope to rebuild Crystalorb without our help? Atola : When has Crystalorb ever needed Humanitys help? Brown : What can one man do against such power as that at the disposal of the Migon? If Naole is to restore Crystalorb he will need allies! Bruce : Do you really think Crystalorb would leave itself open to destruction without having some sort of contingency? A civilization as powerful as Crystalorb always has a contingency. Brown : What sort of contingency? Atola : We didnt know about this, but when Crystalorb was attacked there were seven Command Carriers each with a million Crystalans on permanent station in Hyperspace. Each Command Carrier was equipped with a non-active Fragment of the Spirit Stone. Brown : What exactly do you mean by non-active Fragment of the Spirit Stone? Atola : In simple terms; a non-active Fragment of the Spirit Stone is an empty shell so to speak. It is a Fragment of the Spirit Stone that is Identical to other Fragments in matter composition, but does not contain the life-force of the actual Spirit Stone. Naole is the only person who knew how to harvest the soul of a Crystalan and use it to re-power the Spirit Stone. Once that was accomplished we hunted down the treacherous Circleans and added their knowledge, Power, Technology and miserable souls to the Spirit Stone. Brown : You did what? Bruce : They were secretly allied to the Migon. Anyway it gets better! Atola : For ten years after Crystalorbs defeat the surviving Crystalans were active and creating Embryos; a Billion Embryos in total. Fortunately the Andronians, Oltana and the Entig combined efforts to produce sufficient wombs to carry them to term. In return for Advanced O''con Federation Energy Storage technology the Hodian High Council agreed to provide genetic samples of all their pure blooded women and helped Andronians clone the first 5 women. The O''con Federation and the Andronian Federation then proceeded to alter the Hodian DNA by introducing Crystalan Genes and Crystalan memories to enhance the clones to acceptable levels. Andronians then proceeded to produce one hundred million clones that were then inseminated with sperm from surviving Crystalan men to produce Hodian/Crystalan Hybrid Offspring. Thus the EnthilB Crystalans were Born! Brown : Are you saying somewhere out there Crystalans are thriving; that there is a new branch of Crystalorb? Atola : Thats exactly what we are saying! It will be a long time before we wield the kind of power we once wielded, but eventual we will restore Crystalorbs former glory. Brown : How long will that take? Bruce : At least a Hundred years! Brown : How does this involve Lodians? What does Naole expect from us? I mean; why are you telling us all this? Atola : My orders are to inform all Crystalans taking shelter amongst the Lodians that it is time to come home! The Crystalorb Council of Elders has ordered the evacuation of all Crystalans from Human space; there is a BattleGroup waiting in Hyperspace. Brown : Is that what you are going to do? Leave the rest of us to die? So much for Crystalan Nobility! Bruce : Decisions were taken, choices were made, and Billions of lives were lost! Had Humanity shown even the slightest regard for Crystalans it would be a different story, but as it stands we stood virtually alone against the end; apart from limited support from nearby AF Forces who were defending their territory. Only our Oltana allies were there for us, and thats what Crystalans remember. Atola : You have the Galactic Alliance! Thats who your true allies are! The Galactic Alliance can and will protect and preserve Humanity. Brown : What about Crystalorb? Will you not Join the Galactic Alliance? Will you not be part of the Greater Good? Atola : The Crystalorb Commonwealth is not formally a member of the Galactic Alliance; perhaps that is why they left us to die. Brown : We expect the Crystalorb Commonwealth to remember everything weve done for them. Atola : We will remember your Lordship! It is for all these reasons that I now return the AFS Nala D2586L and her Lodian Crew to the Council of the Light of Destiny. Brown : Then I guess our Business is done; Go in peace Crystalan. Atola : Thank you your Lordship. Bruce : Thank you your Lordship. Brown : May the Good Spirits keep you. Back on EnthilB theyve been observing Atolas meeting with the Council of the Light.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Holnari : That went well. Naole : A lot better than I expected. Aurora : Lets hope the meeting with the Hodians goes as well. Dirang : It will! Disato : So this deliberate ruse is for their benefit? Naole : If the Migon believe that weve abandoned Humanity they are less likely to use Humans as leverage. Civet : " You have to know that the Migon will test this theory right?" Aurora : We know! Lt-Juvil : When the time comes you will leave them to die? Naole : When the time comes we will follow our orders. The safety of Humanity is the responsibility of its allies in the Galactic Alliance; they are in their hands. Lt-Juvil : This is a dangerous Game you Crystalans are playing! Given the demands on the Older Civilizations placed upon us by Crystalorbs planning the Older Civilizations wont be able to protect Human space, and if the Galactic Alliance fails to protect Humanity it could be the end of the Galactic Alliance; it would have failed in its fundamental purpose. Dirang : This is the moment of truth! We will find out if there is still an Alliance to speak of! If it is as we suspect a superficial Alliance; then the aftermath will be a new beginning for the Galactic Alliance. An opportunity to begin again! Holnari : We are going along with Crystalorb because of the Oltana; the once most in danger insist that we go along with Crystalorb. The other Older Civilizations are going along because we insisted upon it. If Crystalorbs strategy succeeds then we all succeed; we all win! If you can punch a hole through their defences they will no longer be able to act with impunity. Dirang : We are going to burry them in rubble like the Pharaohs of Old! Aurora : We are going to punch a gaping hole through their supposedly impenetrable wall; send them a message! Disato : Message? Aurora : That they too can be killed! At the Chambers of the Hodian High Council Atola and Bruce begin to speak to the High Council of Hand of Destiny; Crystalorb needs the Hodian support. Lord David Ralefa of the High Council of the Hand of Destiny ?HOD High Council or Hodian High Council? welcomes Atola and Bruce to the Hodian Council Chambers. Lord-David : Greetings! I am David Ralefa; Viceroy of the Hand of Destiny! The Hodian Council Chambers welcomes you. Atola : Greetings! I am Atola Lesedi; Group Captain in Crystalorbs Seventh Fleet! Bruce : Greetings! I am Bruce Lesedi; Group Captain in Crystalorbs Seventh Fleet! Lord-David : So the 7 Ilesian Fleets are back? Atola : A Civilization as powerful as Crystalorb cannot be so easily defeated. Lord-David : Indeed! The Armour youre wearing generates significantly more power than the Ilesian Guardians I remember, but then again I was just a boy then, but I know when Im in the presence of real power. Bruce : There have been some improvements. Lord-David : Im not talking about the 2 of you? Im talking about the Crystal Guardian in the Room! Atola : Ah! Bruce : You? Clearly surprised by Lord Davids perceptive nature. Lord-David : Were not Lodians you Know? There was a time when we were an Equal power to Crystalorb! However in Crystalorbs absence weve had to step up so to speak; become the protectors of the Human race we should have always been! he begins to look around The Lodians are clueless, but I can sense the presence of an Ascended Crystalan, and if I had to guess I would have to say its an Ascended Gold Crystal Guardian. Atola : By the Source! Bruce : They said that Hodians would be more than we might expect, but this is really something. Lord-David : Youve clearly forgotten who we are! There is a golden glow as the Guardian Dikan Lesedi reveals herself to an expected Hodian High Council. Dikan : I am Dikan Lesedi of Crystalorb; Apprentice Guardian! Lord-David : Apprentice Guardian? I take it you have a Full Escort? Dikan : Yes! Ive been Assigned to the protection of Group Captain Atola and Group Captain Bruce; they are Crystalorbs Chief liaisons to the UHC! Lord-David : So you two speak for Crystalorb? Bruce : In all matters concerning Humanity. Lord-David : And here I thought Crystalorb was Abandoning Humanity. Atola : The Elders said Hodians had probably infiltrated the Lodian High Command. Lord-David : We cant have those bumbling Fools risk the future of the human race through incompetence! What does Crystalorb want from us? You didnt come all this way to reminisce about old times! Bruce : Crystalorb desires cooperation with Hodians on a number of areas. Lord-David : What sort of areas? Atola : For Crystalorb to rebuild we will need to trade with a number of Civilizations. Lord-David : And you dont have a trading infrastructure. Bruce : We dont! Lord-David : I take it youll need us to make contact with certain Civilizations on your behalf. Atola : The Kulnet have become prominent in Crystalorbs absence! Lord-David : So what are you offering? Bruce : What do you need? Lord-David : Before Crystalorbs defeat the HOD were about to emulate Crystalorb by building a Hodian Planetary Colony, but in the aftermath of Crystalorbs defeat we changed our plans in favour of Mobility. And so we began a program to build SkyGarrisons as a way to keep our assets mobile. We gained Advanced Power Sources as a result of the assistance we offered to the Andronians. However we soon discovered that the armour on these ships had to be either very thick or very dense. Atola : You want Crystalan armour tech? Lord-David : In particular Crystalium! Bruce : But Crystanium307 is almost as good as Crystalium317. Atola : Hes talking about Crystalium814! Lord-David : Analysis of your Armours indicates that you have probably moved on from Crystalium317 and Crystalium814! If I had to guess I would have to say that you are very close to Nipaklium in properties. Bruce : You want the method to produce Crystalium814? Lord-David : After what happened to Crystalorb we need to be able to produce these elements independently! Atola : Atola looks at Dikan! Dikan : The Council of Elders say that Crystalorb can Honour the Hodian request. Bruce : Transmit the transit location of one of your SkyGarrisons and one of our Nalen Class SkyGarrisons will rendezvous with it to thrash out the details. Lord-David : Agreed! Can we have Commercial access to the higher grades of Crystalium? Atola : Crystalorb will sell you as much of Crystalium317, Crystalium814 and Crystalium947 as you can afford. Lord-David : What; no Crystalium712? Bruce : For obvious reasons. Lord-David : What do you plan to do about the Migon? Atola : Is there something we can do? Bruce : Is there anything any of the younger races can do? Lord-David : Crystalans and Hodians must stand together; just as we did when the Circleans threatened us both. Atola : Our Leaders will be extremely happy to hear you say that! Lord-David : We would sooner escape this galaxy than accept eternal servitude to Migons! Circleans were willing to accept slavery disguised as partnership, and when we learned of their destruction we knew that Crystalans had finally awakened to their malevolent duplicity; Hodians warned Crystalans that they could not make peace with those whose sole purpose of existence was the subjugation and consumption of all others. The Circleans were no different to the Migon! Bruce : So you knew about their connection to the Migon? Lord-David: Not until Crystalorbs defeat! There is a logical path between Crystalorbs defeat and a Circlean connection to the Migon; only the Circleans would have had the capabilities to Compromise Crystalorbs Strategic Defences. Atola : A lesson we learned too late! Lord-David : The important part is that you learned the lesson! Hodians have come a long way since the days of the Power Crazy Lord Tsela; today we are all that stands between Humanity and Destruction. Bruce : Crystalorb had hoped that the Circleans would produce someone akin to Nato Ralefa. His actions helped to save Crystalorb from itself and to protect humanity from our Rage; spared humanity a war that would have consumed them! Lord-David : Nato was the First of the Great Viceroys! He chartered a new path for Hodians; a path that allows us to control our Destiny without damaging the Destiny of others. Back on EnthilB theyve been observing Bruce and Atolas meeting with the Hodian High Council. Naole : Hodians have come a long way from the days of Chaos. Holnari : Indeed they have! Weve been watching them for a while now, and while they show little care for others they go to great extent to ensure the survival of those they consider their allies or partners. Naole : Crystalorb is such a partner now! Weve had overlapping interest for a while now, and a time will come when the Hodians will stand alongside us as our Friends. Holnari : Is it wise to trust them with the method to produce Crystalium814? Civet : " Even we dont get that knowledge." Naole : We need them! Aurora : More so than we do most others! Dirang : They are a Piece of our Soul! Lt-Juvil : How do you know you can trust them? Naole : What? because they are Negative Psionics? In a word; History! Lt-Juvil : Human History? Naole : When we faced down the Circlean Threat there was only one Ascended Crystalan available; I was in captivity! The Hodians were all that stood between Crystalorb and Destruction; they fought, Bled and Died for us; such an audacious act is not easily forgotten! We trust the Judgement of Hodians a hell of a lot more than we do that of the Humans; Outside the Entig, the Oltana and the Older Civilizations there is no one we trust more! Holnari : Sometimes we forget that they are also proto-Phaylon! Disato : Almost as much as Crystalans! Civet : " Really?" Lt-Juvil : Not as much as Crystalans but a little more than Velrovians. Holnari : When we thought Crystalorb was gone we had to take a closer look at Hodians, and what we found was surprising. Civet : " What did you find?" Holnari : From the outside they seem like purely Negative Psionics, but when you take a closer look at their customs and practices you realize that even though they see themselves as superior to others they dont hate others; in fact they want to make other Humans like themselves. So in a way they want to make Humanity equal to themselves; not a characteristic wed come to expect of Negative Psionics. And as if that was not enough we realized that the Negative Psionic Energy they feed on was not as potent as that of the Migon, Circlean and others; something Crystalans probably knew all along. Naole : Yes; its just a Negative Psionic Energy diluted Divine Energy or what Older Civilizations call Phaylon Radiation! Holnari : It turns out that Hodian Negative Psionic Energy is actually a Natural type of Negative Psionic Energy unlike the Circlean or Migon Negative Psionic Energy. We have since found examples of Hodian Energy on Hundreds of Worlds; existing in near perfect balance with Positive Psionic Energy similar to Crystalan Energy. It turns out that the Interaction of Hodians and Crystalans is part of a normal course of events across the cosmos, and therefore Psionics such as the Migon, Ourselves and the other Older Civilizations represent a significant imbalance. It therefore stands to reason that Crystalans actually need the Hodians to Reflect to Crystalorb an opposite Ideological Counterforce. Disato : So theres no animosity? Aurora : Its always been a rivalry! Dirang : Because from the beginning it was about control; not destruction! The Hodians never wanted our destruction; it was always about us interfering with what they perceived to be their destiny. Lt-Juvil : Therefore when humanity became an Interstellar Civilizations Hodians could freely chart their own Destiny. Civet : " Crystalorb could no longer pose a threat." Lt-Juvil : Or interfere. Naole : There was a time after Lord Nato when relations were tense, but we worked through the problems. Holnari : Some of their actions precipitated Crystalorbs first departure from Earth; an act that resulted in contact with the Oltana. Aurora : This is one of the reasons we need them! Dirang : The Hodians push us in a way that no other people can! Disato : And Crystalans need Hodians to help with the fight against the Migon? Naole : Oh! Well build the ships, mobilize entire armies, but we need others to help organize the other worlds into a single cohesive fighting force. Look what happened the last time Crystalorb tried to go at it alone? Lt-Juvil : Speaking of Forces; where does Crystalorb stand? Civet : " I Heard That Crystalorbs Forces were Depleted by the Last War." Dirang : As it stands; We have 925 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, 14750 Full Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 8012 Young Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 8012 Intrepid Class Juvenile Ships, 2000 Intrepid Class Baby Ships, 1400 Intrepid Class Ship Eggs, 14750 Full Adult Indigo Class Ships, 8012 Young Adult Indigo Class Ships, 2134 Indigo Class Juvenile Ships, 1800 Indigo Class Baby Ships, 1557 Indigo Class Ship Eggs, 3800 Esara Class SkyCruisers, 3600 Casara Class Cruisers. Lt-Juvil : A little light on SkyCruisers and Cruisers dont you think? Naole : Between the Adult and Young Adult Crystalan Ships we have 45524 additional Battle capable ships; All of them with Crystalium1417 improved Armour. This gives us a total of 53849; we are more than ready! Holnari : That puts you on par with low estimates of the size of the Migon fleet. Disato : Yet somehow Crystalorb has no hope of victory? Aurora : The Adult Crystalan Ships are ten times bigger than Migon BattleSpheres, but they are only about 4 times as powerful, and their Armour and weaponry is still significantly more advanced. We can win one on one, but against their formations and battle tactics we always find ourselves wanting. Civet : " Tactics?" Lt-Juvil : The Migon use swarming tactics against Crystalans; the same swarming tactics that have proven effective against Andronian Ships. Civet : " And theres no accurate estimate for their numbers?" Disato : Thats the Idea isnt it? Keep everyone guessing, and therefore paralyze your enemies. Holnari : Now is the time we found out the full extent of their power! We have amassed the largest fleet the galaxy has ever seen at their border, and theyve responded with a mobilization of their own. Naole : If everything goes according to plan when we hit them their defensive lines will collapse, and even if their defensive lines dont collapse the damage theyll suffer damage to their infrastructure will force them to abandon the sector. Civet : " And what if they fight?" Lt-Juvil : They would be trapped between two fleets with a deficit of 50000 ships; not even the Migon would be fanatical enough to fight on with such odds against them. Aurora : This is just the First Phase; what will really make a difference to the material conditions of people on the ground is what we do when the Migon Retaliate. Disato : How bad do you think its going to be? Dirang : Theyll hit the Ocon Federation Hard; that goes without saying! Then theyll either attack the Humans, the Nabi Federated Kingdom, the Azlecks, the Vradon Republic or the Kulnet; quite possibly all of them. Naole : We are talking on the scale of about that which decimated Earth! Over 2000 Migon BattleSpheres supported by at least 10 Migon BattleCylinders. Theyd be looking to wipe out entire worlds. Civet : " Can you even stop something like that?" Lt-Juvil : With Vortex Jump Technology; Yes! Aurora : Everything depends on how things go with the Ocon Federation. Dirang : The Security of the Ocon Federation Overrides everything else. Holnari : The Ocon Federation is the only one we cant afford to lose. Naole : If the Ocon Federation falls the entire Galaxy could fall! This could happen regardless of what any of the major powers do from that point onwards! - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 53 ─ Movements - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 53 Movements ?~? Nipaklos; Homeworld of the Migon. General Din of the Migon Federation Intelligence Forces Addresses the Migon Federation High Council about recent developments and offers analysis of Galactic Alliance activities. Gen-Din: Noble Principalities! he settles in and begins to speak We have noticed extra-ordinary movements on the border with the Galactic Alliance, but what has so far eluded us is the reason for this unprecedented mobilization by our enemies! The last time we saw a similar threat on the borders Crystalorb was on our border with the Null Space. The Entig, the Andronians, the Carmaks, the Hildrano, the Folong, the Jiquam, Kulnet Dominion, Qua Federation, Bitori Conclave, the Drun Federation, the Vanod Republic, the Hinva Conclave, the Sif Enclave, the Bindve Empire and the Epnimac Federation have each put 5000 additional Ships on the border; a total of 75000 new ships on the border, and that puts their total force on the border at 35000 Advanced Ships and 60000 medium Ships. In response we have 48000 BattleSpheres, 2000 BattleSpears, 1500 BattleCylinders, 12000 Hakum Sky Swords, 3000 Hakum Sky Spears and 3000 Hakum Sky Super-Spears. We have 20000 BattleSpheres, 1000 BattleSpears, 1000 BattleCylinders, 4000 Hakum Sky Spears and 4000 Hakum Sky Super-Spears massed against the Ocon Federation. In addition to these forces weve reserved 28000 Ships for Defence and we have another 25000 Ships dispersed at various locations for counter-operations. Im suggesting that we recall the 25000 dispersed Ships and use them to reinforce our position on the borders! Pri-Hinavi : Surely the Galactic Alliance is trying to dissuade us from launching a full scale campaign against the O''ltana! Gen-Din: The Andronians have 7 Fleets; each of 5500 Ships! We can account for 5 Fleets; 1 at home, 2 at the border, 1 on Ocon and 1 on Galactic alliance patrol missions. Somehow 11000 Ships have vanished without a trace! Pri-Doau : How the hell did you manage to loose entire fleets? And how long have they been missing? Gen-Din: We started noticing a thinning in deployed numbers about a month ago; at first there were a few ships missing here and there, and by the time we realized what was happening 2 fleets had vanished! The big problem is that we have no method to determine their locations, and 11000 Andronian SkyStriders is the sort of Force that you need no less than 20000 BattleSpheres to block. If the missing Fleets emerge on the border we could loose Byon, and if Byon falls Mardon could soon follow, and if Mardon falls then the sky is the limit! Pri-Hinavi : Are you saying Nipaklos could be in danger? Pri-Doau : Isnt that what the Andronians want? Have the Migon Federation paralyzed by the fear of a potential Andronian Raid! We have fought the Andronians for millennia, and if an Andronian attack on Byon materializes then we will cross that bridge when we come to it. What we can not lose sight of is that we are on the eve of victory over the Oltana, and the defeat over the Andronian allies puts us one step closer to control of over 70% of the Galaxy. Gen-Din: The Andronians have stood between us and absolute domination of the Galaxy for millennia. If the Andronian Alliance with the Ocon Federation persists it will create a new enemy on the scale of the Carmaks that we will have to contend with; just as it happened with Crystalorb. And now weve learnt that the Andronians are rebuilding Crystalorb; a greater number of them survived than we thought, and theyve been secretly rebuilding at secret locations in Hyperspace. Pri-Doau : Not this again; Crystalorb is gone General! Gen-Din: What proof do we have that its gone? For all we know they perfected subspace technology before we attacked! Now our agents in human space tell of a Crystalan contingency centred around the return of the one they call Naole; supposedly capable of re-powering the Crystalan Power Source. Pri-Hinavi : We attacked Crystalorb for one reason General! Pri-Doau : The Crystalan Power Source had become a significant threat to our Federation! Pri-Hinavi : What we learned from our Circlean allies elevated the living Crystalan Power Source to the Highest Threat to the Migon Federation! For the first time we understood that the Crystalan Power Source was in fact akin to a Phaylon Sphere, and that given time the Crystalans would become increasingly more problematic because of the Crystalan Power Source. The first objective was to capture the Crystalan Power Source but should that fail the secondary objective was to destroy it. Gen-Din: Im not saying that the Crystalans survived; the scans of the inside of the subspace vortex show that survival would have been impossible. However the Crystalan Power Source could have survived, and all the current existing Crystalans would need to do is find a way to retrieve it. Pri-Doau : What are you saying General? The Crystalan Power Source survived? Gen-Din: With EnthilB Crystalans to incubate their offspring there could be 5-10 Billion Crystalans within 50 years. The real threat with Crystalans is not their weaponry, but what they do for their Allies. With Crystalan support the Ocon could double their Fleet in ten years, and the damage they could do to our long term prospects is incalculable. Pri-Doau : Which is why we should remove all potential threats now; while we still can? Pri-Hinavi : We can Defeat Crystalorb in whatever incarnation they choose to reappear. What we cannot defeat is a cohesive alliance of Older Civilizations that is reinforced by a rearmed and reinvigorated Ocon Federation. Pri-Doau : The Knowledge of Crystalorb Gained from the Circleans has allowed us the ability to build a Migon Power Source that will in time rival even the Crystalan Power Source. Gen-Din: Crystalan technology was millennia ahead of Circlean Technology. We are nowhere near capable of reproducing a Crystalan Power Source. Pri-Hinavi : But we now know how to harness and store Ethereal Psionic Energy. Gen-Din: Analysis indicates that the new Crystalorb may be producing Crystalan like Power Sources for the Entig, the Andronians, the Carmaks, the Hildrano, the Folong, the Jiquam and the Oltana. Pri-Doau : What evidence suggests this? Gen-Din: Our probes picked up Experimental Andronian Hyperspace Jumps triple and sometimes quadruple their normal jump length! Pri-Hinavi : Are you saying theyve mastered Crystalan Energy Transfer Technology? Gen-Din: It is the only logical explanation for how their SkyStriders have been able to quadruple their normal jump length; covering nearly 2000 LightYears in just 5 Jumps! Pri-Doau : They could jump behind our lines with relative ease! Pri-Hinavi : But we would still see them coming! Gen-Din: Its only a matter of time before they have enough energy reserves to move entire fleets with the speeds we last saw with Crystalorb Fleets during their dim-witted border campaign. Pri-Hinavi : Again; well cross that bridge when we come to it! Gen-Din : Let us hope well be ready then! Back on EnthilB those who have chosen Crystalorb begin to gather at designated areas; theyve packed only memorabilias and things that are of personal significance. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. At each of the designated gathering points there is a tiny Fragment of the Spirit Stone, but what the Fragment of the Spirit Stone lacks in size it makes up for in raw power. Most of those gathered had never been in close proximity to something of such tremendous power, and many found the filling overwhelming; triggering uncontrolled burst of emotions. The Fragments of the Spirit Stone had generated a Psionic Barrier and only those who had chosen Crystalorb could perceive it and experience its energies, and the rest of the EnthilB population was completely unaware of the presence of the Fragments of the Spirit Stone; they could see the gatherings, but they could not perceive the incomparable power at the heart of the Gatherings. The Fragments of the Spirit Stone began to explain to the Gathered what is about to happen; describing the beauty and splendour of Crystalorb, and explaining to everyone that accommodations have already been prepared for them on Crystalorb. Once on Crystalorb the gathered would be transported to their designated residential locations according to family groups; making sure that all those who are related live close to each other. The Fragments of the Spirit Stone explained to the gathered that once they are in Crystalorb they would be connected to the Crystalorb Network; giving them access to vast amounts of Crystalorb Knowledge. The EnthilB Crystalans would be injected with Bio-Organic Bio-NanoMachines; Technology that has its origins in Naole''s Physiology. All Crystalans have these Bio-Organic Bio-NanoMachines, and they create a 9 millimetre sphere in the frontal lobe of the brain connecting them to the Crystalorb Network, and allowing them to develop the ability to control Ilesian Crystal Armour. At the chosen moment the gathered began to speak in unison; Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! And all the Fragments of the Spirit Stone on the Planet EnthilB open Inter-Dimensional Vortices to Various Locations on Crystalorb and all those who have chosen Crystalorb are sucked in and delivered to an awaiting Crystalorb population. Naoles group find themselves outside the chambers of the Crystalorb Council of Elders; they had also been sucked in by an Inter-Dimensional Vortex to Crystalorb. Holnari : What sort of Power can move an Andronian with such ease that you feel like your akin to an insect? Naole : The Crystal Heart is a Power like no other. Aurora : Weve been summoned. Civet : " They said it was beautiful, but I never imagined such splendour! Not even Andros or Andronus can boast such grandeur!" Lt-Juvil : Andros is kept in a natural balance. And Andronus is a military instillation. Holnari : But you have to admit that Crystalorb is Magnificence made Tangible. Lt-Juvil : It is impressive! It resembles Ocon; is it based on Ocon? Aurora : Yes; the Design was modelled on the Oltana Homeworld! Civet : " Ocon is also a Planetary City?" Holnari : There are plenty of Planetary Cities and then there are commanding Planetary Cities, and Crystalorb and Ocon are definitely astounding Planetary Cities, but more than that they were deliberately designed to be Astatically Pleasing. Look at how light reflects of the surface of the planet generating a glow; an Aura if you will, and I suspect that you can see it from space as you make your approach; that was probably the intent! A design intended to emphasize Crystalorbs connection to what they call Divine Light. They enter the chambers of the Crystalorb Council of Elders and the visitors are introduced to the members of the Council of Elders. Eld-Utel : General; in your assessment can this plan work? Holnari : It is Daring and Audacious! Yet in spite of the risks, Audacity may be the thing we need to survive. Cmd-Arog : So you believe our course of action to be correct and true? Holnari : Who is to say where any course of action will lead? We Andronians have certainly made our share of mistakes. The last time Crystalorb took a bold course of action it was not clear to Crystalan leaders what the consequences would be; are you clear now? Do you have some idea what will happen when the Migon retaliate? Are you ready to make the sacrifices that we Andronians were never able to? Eld-Utel: Guardians; have we thoroughly understood the consequences of our actions? Aurora : Theres what we think the Migon will do and then there is what the Migon will probably do. Eld-Utel : In other words you dont know? Cmd-Arog : What we know is that we thoroughly understand the consequences of our lack of action! Hilan : If we fail to act the less Advanced Civilizations will be enslaved, and if we act then less Advanced Civilizations will be extinguished; a Classic no win situation. Naole : The enslavement of less Advanced Civilizations poses a serious threat to all free Advanced Civilizations; for if the Migon manage to enslave all less Advanced Civilizations then all hope is lost for all Advanced Civilizations. The simplest course of action to ensure the security of the Advanced Civilizations would be to destroy the less Advanced Civilizations ourselves. Hilan : Is the choice for less Advanced Civilizations is a quick death or enslavement? Fortunately the survival of less Advanced Civilizations is not the responsibility of Crystalorb; we didnt sign up for ghastly and laborious duty. We did However sign up to protect and assist our Friends and Allies, and if that means that less Advanced Civilizations take some sort of hit then so be it. Naole : And there in lies the Problem! What sort of damage to less Advanced Civilizations is Crystalorb willing to accept? Perhaps a total loss of the less Advanced Civilizations? Holnari : This is what we call an Andronus moment! Weve been here before, and at the time we chose to stand Defensively. Eld-Utel: And we are all thankful! If Andros had chosen to take the Crystalan approach we might not be here. Holnari : Andronians are famous for our actions at the Battle of Ten Thousand Ships, but what many forget is why that particular Battle became a turning point? The Battle of Ten Thousand Ships came after millennia of warfare; thousands of battles. What made the Battle of Ten Thousand Ships a turning point is that armies on both sides were depleted by battles that came before, and the war was being fought on multiple fronts; therefore when the Migons Lost the Battle of Ten Thousand Ships they were forced to pull out of many other locations or risk a total defeat. The current situation is epitomized by a Migon Federation that has rearmed and modernized its Armies, and because of their larger numbers and slave labour theyve re-equipped faster than us while maintaining a low intensity war at the borders. Therefore what we now face is a Migon mobilization unlike any weve ever seen before, and the last Migon mobilization on this scale destroyed over 200 less Advanced Civilizations. We should expect a similar result regardless of what actions are taken by Crystalorb. The Migon Federation is on the move, and there is nothing Crystalorb can do to stop that Campaign; the most that can be done is to minimize the damage to Friends and Allies. Eld-Utel : Are you saying our proposed course of action is meaningless? Holnari : Perhaps in the short term! However it is your long term goals that have the best chance of success. Cmd-Arog : Then why support us? Aurora : Yeah; why help us if you know that this particular course of action will change nothing? Naole : Because it will save the Oltana. Holnari : Vortex Jump Sequences are sufficient to save the Oltana. We are supporting you in this particular course of action for one reason; it will deliver a message to the Migon that we have so far been unable to deliver. Eld-Utel : What message is that? Lt-Juvil : That they too can be killed! That their worlds are no longer safe! Make them understand that the simple truth of peace is that it benefits everyone! Holnari : The important part her is that the message will be delivered in the only language they seem to understand. Naole : Death! Holnari : Yes! Lt-Juvil : When we help you kill them they will know the pain of loss! We will help you make them feel your pain, and they will finally understand the pain theyve caused to so many; the pain they mercilessly brought upon hundreds of billions. Eld-Utel: You realise that we wouldnt be able to attack them directly without you? Andronians are therefore complicit in the atrocities Crystalans are about to commit. Holnari : We have waited a long time for someone with the stomach to do what Crystalans intend to do. Lt-Juvil : The Idea of wilfully slaughtering billions of innocent slaves has always prohibited the Allied Older Civilizations from taking vengeance upon the Migon Population. However things have changed and if Crystalorb is willing to pull the Trigger we will help you load the gun and point it at the enemy. Hilan : I remember hearing that Andronians are particularly sensitive to the suffering of others; can you take the sort of pain we are about to cause? Holnari : We developed Psionic shielding a long time ago. Lt-Juvil : Just in case we had to do the deed ourselves! Cmd-Arog : So you always knew it would come to this? Holnari : Weve been around a great deal longer than Crystalans, and we have been at war with the Migon menace for long enough to have evidence that nothing else will make them hear us. Eld-Utel : It would save us a great deal of energy if Andronians were willing to open fire on the Migon Regional Capitals. Holnari : The Andronian Population is still opposed to that action; the Andronian collective is not at that point yet, and for the sake of all younger beings I hope we never reach that point because if we do the war will get a whole lot bloodier than any of us can imagine. Aurora : An end game scenario! Lt-Juvil : If the Migon believe that its the end game then theyll fight in accordance with that scenario and all our analysis indicates that the Andronians, the Carmaks and the Migon will be the only ones to survive; all inhabited planets will be destroyed. Eld-Utel : You think they could reach even in CIDR? Holnari : Its only a matter of time! Naole : The null space makes sense; when great powers collide nothing survives. Eld-Utel : Not even Crystalorb would survive? Cmd-Arog : The only way to survive that sort of Death-match would be to find a way out of the Galaxy. Eld-Utel: We are already working on contingencies to block unauthorized access to CIDR, and now we have to come up with a way to leave the Galaxy? Naole : The ability to leave the Galaxy is a necessary objective, and a failure to prepare for such a need could be catastrophic! For all we know we might have to deal with a violent Intergalactic Species sooner than anticipated; the Phaylon could not possibly be the only ones; that would be too convenient. Holnari : Thanks to Crystalorbs Inter-Dimensional Vortex technology the probability of surviving an all out confrontation with the Migon is a great deal higher, and the Power Source youve built for us has given us the kind of strategic advantage we never had before. However the Front Line Migon Regional Capitals are relatively exposed and easy to attack as opposed to Major Migon Worlds which are protected by BattleMoons Aurora : BattleMoons? Naole : Weve picked up what you describe near the Migon border with the Null Space! Cmd-Arog : And since we dont know what it takes to destroy one of these BattleMoons we wont be attacking the Migon Regional Capital of Citadle on the Migon border with the Null Space; Citadle is far too heavily defended. Attacking Byon and Mardon gives opportunities for Galactic Alliance forces to expand territorial control in a strategic region, but an attack on Citadle achieves no strategic benefit. Holnari : Migon BattleMoons are 1200-2000 km diameter moons that have been modified to serve as mobile defence platforms. Migon BattleMoons are designed to fight off entire fleets, and they have the firepower to do just that! Fortunately Migon BattleMoons are heavy and extremely difficult to move to the front lines, and the Migon use them to protect the core of Migon space. As for an Intergalactic Species that might threaten us Crystalorbs Inter-Dimensional Vortex technology gives options on how to build effective contingencies. Lt-Juvil : Migon BattleMoons would require somewhere in the region of the weapons output 1500 Esara Class SkyCruisers to destroy! You therefore have to bring an entire fleet just to deal with one Migon BattleMoon. The Migon probably built the BattleMoons as a Deterrence against attack, and because of the sheer power and range of the BattleMoons weaponry they only need a few ships to support them in a battle against a fleet of opposing Ships. Eld-Utel : So the BattleCylinder isnt their capital Ship? Holnari : The Migon BattleCylinder is their Capital Ship, and the BattleSphere is their Primary Warship, but the BattleMoon is their Planetary Defence Station. Naole : Ingenious! Eld-Utel : Do the Allied Older Civilizations have Comparable capabilities? Holnari : Nothing on the Migon Scale! The Carmaks have a few 1000km BattleMoons, but the rest of us have chosen greater mobility over size and power! There is the 50km wide and 400km long Andronian Federation BattleStrider, the 40km wide and 350km long Carmak Republic BattleStrider, the 37km wide and 340km long Hildrano Enclave BattleGlider, the 30km wide and 310km long Jiquam Federation AstralCruiser and its near Identical 30km wide and 310km long Folong Imperial AstralCruiser. The Carmaks eventually gave into our way of thinking; joining us in developing a similar class of ship. Aurora : This class of Ship is designed for the expressed purpose of Destroying BattleMoons isnt it? Lt-Juvil : Its primary role is Planetary Defence, but its secondary role is as a BattleMoon eliminator. Eld-Utel : Naole; do we need Ships of this Class. Naole : The Nalen Class SkyGarrisons are about the limit of what we can operate given our technical capabilities; we could always build larger and more powerful, but doing so would compromise mobility, safety and operational effectiveness. The Nalen Class SkyGarrison can move relatively quickly for a ship of its size, and if the situation becomes untenable the SkyGarrison can retreat to a safe location faster than most opponents can pursue. Therefore given the Energy requirements of Inter-Dimensional Vortex Jump Sequences a larger Vessel would compromise our ability to move fleets; not forgetting our entire strategy is based on our ability to Vortex SkyGarrison BattleGroups at a moments notice. Holnari : Weve found that our SkyStriders are more than sufficient to deal with most situations. Naole : We are committed to the coming battle, but I fear for those who lack the ability to defend themselves and I wonder if Crystalans have the resolve to stay the course when the number of the dead begins to rise. Holnari : We share your concern for the lives of the Innocent, and we acknowledge the terrible position you are in, but we do however note with sadness that Crystalorb has become so warlike; you used to be a stream of ideas and innovation, and now all your focus seems to be on this war with the Migon, but I understand; these are chaotic times. Crystalorb used to be a powerful Scientific Culture that influenced the evolution of the entire Galaxy. The word Crystalorb was once synonymous with Advancement, but what I see now is a finely tuned war machine; capable of tremendous violence. The beauty of Crystalorb belies a pugnacious tendency that has taken over a facet of Crystalan Society! Can you still remember what you used to be? Eld-Utel: The Migon attack on Crystalorb took something from us; something I dont think we can get back until there is a true and lasting peace! For 3503 years we lived in peace, but once those in stasis were revived the Crystalorb Network was filled with angry voices, and their rage poured out into those of us who had only known peace. Therefore given what we are their anger became ours, and their pain became ours; we are after all one voice! We share your concerns about our darkening nature, and we worry that weve allowed the pain of our loss to dominate the more noble aspects of our Crystalan nature; we were a light once, and we can be again. The light on the hill, the line in the sand, here and no further! he takes a moment as he struggles to contain his emotions We stood for goodness once, and during the darkest periods we are supposed to be An Eternal Light of Hope! But our light was diminished; nearly extinguished! What hope is there for light in a sea of darkness; a darkness so powerful it warps and distorts the light! This universe is indeed a universe of unending darkness, immeasurable evil! Nonetheless we cling to our Crystalan Light, we hold on to the hope of a renewed tomorrow for that is who we are; the light of hope! And today on the very eve of war we remember that the Brightest Light is worth nothing hidden away in the dark! General Holnari was relieved to discover that Crystalans still remember their Noble and Gentle Nature, but most importantly that Crystalans yearned to be as they were before the Migon and the Circlean contaminated their temperament by the introduction of unending war. General Holnari understood that Crystalans recognized that the warlike nature was not who they truly are, and that Crystalans guarded against the evils of an overly belligerent society. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 54 ─ Days of War - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 54 Days of War ?~? It was clear to anyone who knew what was coming that the coming days would be the most important the Galaxy has ever experienced. At the capitals of the Major Galactic Alliance Civilizations Leaders were conducting Final Situational Assessments; making sure that nothing was left to chance, and all the elements were in place for the perilous battles to come. As it stood only the Jiquam Federation, the Folong Empire, the Carmak Republic, the Hildrano Enclave, the Andronian Federation, O''con Federation, the Entig Republic, the Aloran Enclave, the Velrovian Enclave, the Qualong Republic, the Dranek Federation, and the Ronian Conclave knew of Crystalorbs imminent return to normal space; leaving all others blind to the tragedy that was about to unfold. The Qualong Republic is under the Guidance of the Jiquam Federation and the Folong Empire; the Qualong are in-fact essentially a creation of the Jiquam Federation and the Folong Empire. The Dranek Federation Qualong Republic is under the Guidance of the Carmak Republic and the Hildrano Enclave; the Dranek were genetically modified by the Hildrano Enclave and the Andronian Federation. The Ronian Conclave takes Guidance from the Andronian Federation; The Ronians genetically modified themselves to be more like their Andronian Advisors. The Qualong Republic has a 200000 year old Civilization, the Dranek Federation has a 242000 year old Civilization, and the Ronian Conclave has a 90000 year old Civilization. The Qualong Republic, the Dranek Federation and the Ronian Conclave are amongst the most Powerful members of the Galactic Alliance; equipped with some of the most capable ships in the Galaxy. The Genetic modifications to the Qualong and the Dranek were done in accordance to agreements amongst the 5 Older Civilizations, and that means that the Qualong and the Dranek willingly participated in programs that enhanced them genetically. The Ronian on the other hand have had extensive Genetic modifications that were initially driven by a reverence for Andronians and later accelerated by improvements in their technology. The Qualong Republic, the Dranek Federation and the Ronian Conclave had the arduous task of supporting potentially vulnerable major civilizations like the Humans, the Nabi Federated Kingdom, the Azlecks, the Vradon Republic and to a lesser extent the Kulnet Dominion. To that end the Qualong Republic, the Dranek Federation and the Ronian Conclave would each add 10000 StarCruisers to the Galactic Alliance planet protection detail with particular focus to enhancing the protection of Humans, the Nabi Federated Kingdom, the Azlecks and the Vradon Republic. The Qualong Republic, the Dranek Federation and the Ronian Conclave operate StarCruisers that have a common design platform that is based on that of the Jiquam Federation and the Folong Empire; given their level of technology the StarCruisers are not nearly as Advanced as those of the Jiquam Federation and the Folong Empire, but theyre good enough to go one on one with a Migon BattleSphere. The Older Civilizations understood even more than Crystalorb what was going to happen when Crystalorb made its move, and because they understood what would happen they reluctantly supported Crystalorbs plan to pre-emptively attack Migon forward Bases near the border with the Galactic Alliance. That the Older Civilizations would go along with Crystalorb planning is indicative of the influence wielded by the Andronians. The Andronians knew that the fate of the Oltana hung in the balance, and should the Migon focus all their considerable resources on destroying the Ocon Federation there would be little that could be done to stop them. Therefore Andronian Strategist considered Crystalorbs surprise attack on the Migon as the crucial thing necessary for the military rebalancing that would save the Ocon Federation. The Andronian role in Crystalorbs surprise attack on the Migon would be to knock out Migon resistance and to protect the Crystalorb Fleets and thereby allowing them to achieve their objectives. The Andronians understood the pre-emptive attack on Migon forward Bases would cost lives, and they it was far more likely to be Crystalans lives, but Crystalans were far more nonchalant; believing that the element of surprise, new technology and Andronian support would guarantee a swift victory. Despite Crystalan nonchalance the Senior Guardians knew that the Crystalan campaign would be a bloodbath; if successful then Crystalorb would have committed a massacre, and it fails then Crystalorb would have suffered a calamity. Crystalorb had brought every Ship Capable of fighting to the fight and a military failure would mean a loss of the bulk of Crystalorbs fleet. Day: 1 Earth date 17-05-2611 The CCS Nalen A2292CL, CCS Ralen A2295CL, CCS Intrepid A2025CL, CCS A''ltana A2151CL and the CCS Cobalt A2211CL stand ready for the Energy projection required to open the Inter-Dimensional Vortex that will bring Crystalorb into Normal space. Crystalans had calculated the precise location that would give Crystalorb a Solar Orbit of 365 Days SED and Rotational Spin of 24 hours SET. However because the Star in the Crystalorb System is slightly smaller than Earths Sun Crystalorb would have an average temperature 4 Degrees Celsius lower than Earth. Crystalans had lived in a cold and dark environment for millennia so a little cold would not bother them, and they had both the power and technology to alter their environment to meet their needs. The People of Crystalorb had been waiting for the designated moment with great anticipation, and therefore there was great excitement when the Fragments of the Spirit Stone stationed at Public Centres all over Crystalorb activated in preparation for the massive release of Energy. The Spirit Stone Fragments strengthened planetary defence shields by increasing energy directed towards the shields. In Normal Space the gathered Ships began to open the massive Inter-Dimensional Vortex connecting to CIDR and on Crystalorb convergent beams converge on the wormhole into the Crystalorb Inter-Dimensional Pocket creating a gigantic wormhole to Normal Space; a Vortex to Normal Space is open and Crystalorb is pulled into Normal Space by Inter-Dimensional Vortex Forces. Onboard the CCS Nalen A2292CL Naole, Aurora, Knora Rilen, Knora Camin, Commander Arog, Lieutenant Juvil, Civet, Commander Elrig and General Holnari observe Crystalorbs emergence into Normal Space. Cmd-Elrig : Incredible! Naole : Crystalorb; you have returned! You are Home! Cmd-Arog : Now we begin Again! Holnari : Crystalans have opened the door to efficient planetary movement. Older Civilizations have moved planets before using Hyperspace but nothing on this scale; this is truly spectacular. Cmd-Elrig : Crystalans dont have to colonize and defend entire systems; they can simply move the desired planets to the Crystalorb System. Aurora : Crystalorb doesnt really do colonization, but what commander Elrig suggest certainly brings up some interesting options. Camin : Whether Crystalans will take up these options is a different matter all together! Holnari : Wouldnt Knoras decide on the application of these options. Rilen : Crystalans are generally opposed to any form of Colonization! And while they might support planetary instillations on planets for specific purposes Crystalans consider Colonisations to be a waist of resources that could be used on our beloved home; Crystalorb. Cmd-Elrig : A waist of resources that could be used on Crystalorb? Dont Crystalans realize that Crystalorb has a finite Habitable Space? Naole : In theory there is a finite Habitable Environment, but we dont know that for sure. Holnari : Ive seen Crystalan thinking on this; they have rather revolutionary Ideas on spatial planning. Cmd-Elrig : What sort of Ideas? Camin : If the Habitable Environment becomes a problem we would simply grow the size of the planet; make Crystalorb larger. Lt-Juvil : Hold on! essentially interrupting the Knora You actually believe you can make planets? Camin : We cant make sufficient new matter to make an entirely new planet, but organizing existing matter into new planets is essentially easy. What were talking about is increasing the volume of an inhabited planet; now that is a considerable challenge. That being said weve been growing the circumference of Crystalorb by 1 metre for the past forty years. Civet : " You are actually doing it?" Rilen : The surface of Crystalorb is a kilometre thick Crystal, and in the next hundred years that will grow to 4km in thickness. There are 28,887512344 Billion Crystalans on Crystalorb, and we estimate that Crystalorb can comfortably support 124 Billion Crystalans in its current size. Thus with proper management it will be 800 years before we need a new planet, and hopefully by then Crystalorb will be a great deal larger than its current dimensions; provided we find a way to make peace with the Migon. Civet : " You are talking about actually consuming entire planets to increase the size of Crystalorb?" Lt-Juvil : I like it; Brilliant in its simplicity! Fortify and expand the planet you have rather than seek new worlds. Cmd-Arog : Crystalorb is our home, and Crystalans dont like the idea of calling any other planet home. I suspect that feeling will not change any time soon; it hasnt changed for Four Thousand Years. Cmd-Elrig : I must say that Crystalans coming back to normal space are vastly different from the Crystalans we remember. This new Crystalorb is a power unlike any Ive ever seen, and youre all so confident in your abilities. Camin : I know it doesnt seem like it but we are 3500 years older than the Crystalans you remember. And while 3500 years may not be that long for the Entig or Andronians it is a significant amount of time for those of us who are still mortal. Rilen : The expected average lifespan of the current mix of Crystalans is 225 years. In those terms we are 15 generations older.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Lt-Juvil : How are you storing all that energy? Naole : Directly beneath the Spirit Stones primary Core Component there is an intricate network of Energy Conduits that lead to an Energy Storage Centre buried deep inside the planet. Holnari : How deep? Are you trying to convert the planets core into an Energy Storage Centre? Camin : Were not trying; were doing it! Rilen : When we realized that energy being generated by Naoles Phaylon reactor exceeded all previous sources we began planning for Energy storage, and to that end we placed a Fragment of the Spirit Stone inside one of our Crystalium1417 Energy Storage Module and sent it borrowing deep into the planets core. For 40 years the Crystalium1417 Energy Storage Module has been growing in size as Crystalium1417 becomes more and more available, and the materials its growth displaces as it increases in size are sent to the surface for processing. Holnari : My concern is that you are taking on too much; that you have undertaken far too many projects. Shouldnt your resources be directed at the war effort? Camin : Our focus is in dual use capabilities! The Casara Class Cruiser is a clear example of dual use capabilities, and all these infrastructure programs undertaken by Crystalorb have dual use capabilities. We are developing these dual use capabilities because we understand that we may need contingencies that would allow our survival beyond current circumstances. The projects undertaken by Crystalorb will require an increase in terrestrial energy generation by a minimum of 50000 Fusion Reactors. Lt-Juvil : That would bring the total number of terrestrial Fusion Reactors to 80000, and combined with the output of your Phaylon Reactor Crystalan energy generation capabilities would be equal to those of the 5 Allied Older Civilizations. How do you plan to produce the advanced metals necessary to build Advanced Fusion Reactors? Rilen : The short answer is Nipaklium. The operations we are about to under take should yield sufficient refined Nipaklium to build at least 10000 Fusion Reactors, and once we do that well be able to produce Crystalium947 and Crystalium1417 to fulfil our objectives. We will feed on the Migon much the same as they feed on others to grow stronger, and every ship they loose will make Crystalorb stronger; they will finally understand that there is a cost to warfare. Holnari : You realize that the fleet is ready; do you have the elements in place? Aurora : On Screen! Surv-O : " Aye Guardian!" Naole : We opened long range Wormholes from Hyperspace to Normal Space; the 7000 LightYear Wormhole targeting 200 LightYears from Mardon and the 6105 LightYear Wormhole targeting 200 LightYears from Byon. We then sent Micro Fragments of the Spirit Stone through the Wormholes and they followed Migon ships into hyperspace where they await further instructions. When the fleet mobilizes in 10 hours ?SET? the Micro Fragments of the Spirit Stone will move to Normal space and Vortex in Lager Fragments of the Spirit Stone that are capable of channelling the energy required to open Inter-Dimensional Vortices capable of Vortex Jumping entire fleets! Holnari : Interesting; You could reach other Galaxies with this method? Aurora : We have already sent Micro Fragments of the Spirit Stone on route to the local group of Galaxies and we should reach Andromeda within a year. Lt-Juvil : And you didnt bother to tell any of us? Naole : The last time I checked Crystalorb does not have masters! We dont have to ask for permission before we do something! We have shared our best and most advanced Technology with the Allied Older Civilizations, but so far we have not seen significant reciprocity; every now and then you reveal a new and unsettling secret like a trickle from a leaky tap. Holnari : There are precarious considerations you may not be aware off! Naole : This is exactly the kind of thing Im talking about; you obviously know something but you wont share. Cmd-Arog : We have for some time now recognized that a Civilization as old as that of the Andronians could have reached the local Galaxies eons ago. Aurora : The fact that the Allied Older Civilizations havent said anything suggests that they found something unpleasant and threatening. Cmd-Elrig : Crystalorb should have informed the Entig what Crystalans were planning. Naole : Oh no! We tried to share our plans with the Entig, but the Entig Collective Leadership didnt want to hear us, they preferred and insisted on not knowing; the Entig Collective Leadership wants and has always wanted plausible deniability. Cmd-Elrig : Yeah; That sounds like the Entig Collective Leadership! Cmd-Arog : We trust the Entig and the Oltana implicitly! The Oltana say that the Andronians can be trusted and thats good enough for us, and we are willing to cooperate with the Andronians, but what must always be remembered is that our allegiance is not to the Allied Older Civilizations but to the Entig and the Oltana. Holnari : I suppose from the perspective of a Crystalan the Allied Older Civilizations havent earned your loyalty! It may be true that to Crystalans the Allied Older Civilizations have not done enough to foster an enduring relationship with the people of Crystalorb. I recognize that the Allied Older Civilizations have been cryptic in the relationship with Crystalorb and we have not given proper recognition to Crystalorbs contribution to the fight against Migon Tyranny. But I believe everything is about to change, and Crystalorb and the Allied Older Civilizations are about to forge a new path for all Civilizations; a new dawn is breaking, and all of us will reach that goal together! By working together we will bring about a new age for our Galaxy; We Can Begin Again! Cmd-Arog : Indeed we can General! Aurora : And for that matter we will! Lt-Juvil : General Holnari and I will remain on the Crystalan Command Fragment Carrier for the duration of the Operations. General Holnari has decided to command Allied Operations from the CCS Nalen A2292CL because of the centrality of the Crystalan role in the Allied Offensive Operations to destroy the Migon regional capitals of Byon and Mardon. General Onlec of the Folong Empire, Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation and Sky-Chief Nareb of the Carmak Republic will arrive shortly and join General Holnari in liaising with Crystalorb. Cmd-Elrig : I will also be staying onboard the CCS Nalen A2292CL! Civet : " As will I; for my place is at the side of the High King!" Lt-Juvil : How exactly do you plan to destroy the Migon Capitals? Naole : The simplest and most efficient way to achieve this goal is to vortex planetoids on collision with Byon and Mardon! Lt-Juvil : Hold on; wont that drain a very large chunk of Crystalorbs Energy Reserves? Camin : 25% of projected reserves to be precise. Lt-Juvil : A little risky dont you think? Rilen : More than a little risky! Camin : However from the moment we first conceived of the plan we started gathering additional energy. Civet : " How? Arent you at your limit?" Rilen : Terrestrially; yes! But then again we have 53849 Battle Capable Ships, and each of those ships is equipped with several of our most advanced Fusion Reactors. We therefore placed a Small Fragment of the Spirit Stone on every Ship, and now for the past 20 years weve been running every Reactor at our disposal at maximum output; adding 15% to our energy generation in CIDR; Energy that has been stored deep within our planet. Cmd-Arog : The Fragments of the Spirit Stone have since been removed from Ships not designated to carry Fragments of the Spirit Stone! And if the planetoids fail to fulfil our objectives the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons will finish the Job. Holnari : The Migon have impressive Planetary defence Platforms, but as to weather they can stop a high velocity planetoid remains to be seen. I for one am eager to find out! Cmd-Arog : In a few hours we make our move, and as we do that the Migon will make their move! How it turns out is anybodys guess. All we can do is make sure that our planning is adequate to mitigate any foreseeable outcome. Rilen : We have planned for every eventuality, but even if all the operation yields produces Migon ship deficit of 7000 ships the operation can be considered a success. Lt-Juvil : Andronians never underestimate the Migon ability to throw a spanner in the works or throw a curve ball. During the last great battle I was considered too young to participate, but this time I will be right in the thick of things, and I relish the opportunity to see what the infamous Migon enemy will do when the shoe is on the other foot. Just then Naole catches a glimpse of Lieutenant Juvils relative youth; demonstrated by an unfamiliar Andronian youthful exuberance. Naole : Crystalans say that they are ready, but I wonder if perhaps they need more time. Holnari : Theres no more time Naole; Weve detected a fleet heading towards Ocon Space! There is no more time to waist; the clock is ticking and Ocon doesnt have more time. Aurora : Shouldnt we be redirecting our efforts towards the Ocon? Holnari : Crystalorbs planning has been spot on thus far. The build up on the border has drawn a great deal of Migon forces from other areas, and if Crystalorb had not planned a strike on the Migon we would have been caught completely unprepared by the Migon offensive to come; therefore this isnt the time for Crystalan resolve to waiver. The prevailing feeling now is that if you were correct about the potential for a Migon advance then there is a high probability that you are correct about the outcome of a direct assault. Naole : With Crystalorb Back in Normal Space there is no going back is there? Holnari : No; all of us have agreed to the terms of this Operation, and there is no going back now. The Allied Older Civilizations have made sacrifices, and we acknowledge that Ocon and Crystalorb are poised to take the brunt of the operational losses, but win or loose we know now with near absolute certainty that innocents on hundreds of worlds will pay the ultimate price for the actions we are about to take. We take heartfelt solace in the understanding that the lives of the innocents were already on the line, and that the actions the Allied Older Civilizations are taking at the behest of Crystalorb are designed to save lives. Naole : Looks like theres no getting out of this! Camin : Then we press on! Lt-Juvil : The other Commanders are arriving! Jump points from Hyperspace open and a Carmak Republic SkyStrider, a Hildrano Enclave SkyGlider, Jiquam Federation StarCruiser and a Folong Imperial StarCruiser enter into Crystalorbs Orbit. Civet : " The Ancient Elder Ones have arrived; this is really happening isnt it?" Aurora : It must happen; we must do what we can when we can to safeguard a future for all noble beings! Guardian Naole opens a JCC with all of Crystalorbs Guardians. Naole : Guardians; it is time! he looks at Aurora Begin! Day: 2 Earth date 18-05-2611 A Micro Fragment of the Spirit Stone Opens an Inter-Dimensional Vortex to CIDR allowing a Lager 1.5m Diameter Fragment of the Spirit Stone to emerge, and as the Larger Fragment fuses with the Micro Fragment the Inter-Dimensional Vortex closes. Onboard the CCS Nalen A2292CL the TaskForce Commanders Inform their respective Principals that the moment of truth is at hand and the countdown to Battle has begun. Onboard the CCS Nalens Command centre Naole is on JCC with the other senior Guardians. Neom, Rinav, Maen, Sonad and Nalen are Nalen Class Crystalan ships. Cmd-Arog : The Target Space Area Grid 01-14578936 seems to have minimal Defensive infrastructure! Altana: As expected the Enemy is completely blind to the tactical Advantage achieved by Crystalorb and its Allies. Intrepid : " We can proceed as planned as soon as the Fragment of the Spirit Stone achieves stability. Cobalt : The Fragment of the Spirit Stone should achieve stability in 700 seconds! Will we be sending in scouting groups? Nalen : Definitely not! Well be sending probes, but the main force will follow shortly. Neom : The last thing we want to do is tip them off that were about to hit them where it hurts. Rinav : We need the Galactic Alliance to engage the Migon at the Border; keep their major fleets tied up for at least a few hours. Maen : Once the Battle begins at the Border we will launch our assault. Sonad : What do the Galactic Alliance members think is happening? Holnari : Most believe that this Operation is about taking the heat off the Ocon Federation. Crimson : " Wouldnt that almost certainly encourage a major attack on the Oltana. Naole : Were counting on it! Cobalt : You want them to attack Ocon? Naole : If theyre fighting major Campaigns on both fronts you know where the bulk of their forces are! Intrepid : " Its brilliant in its simplicity! Crimson : " Youre forcing them to empty their space of their major forces! Aurora : And when we hit and destroy their Regional Capitals they could blink and pull out of the entire galaxy. Holnari : The Migon arent known to panic! But then again they havent been properly threatened for eons. Altana: We are orchestrating a galactic campaign on the premise that somehow the most dangerous species weve ever encountered will flinch and abandon their millennia old campaign to protect their core Space Territory? I like it; lets do it! Cobalt : Now these are the Crystalans of old I remember! Once more into the fire Comrades, we draw the line here; here and no further! Rilen : The Fragment of the Spirit Stone has achieved optimal stability! Naole : We are ready Naole looks at General Holnari General? General Holnari opens a channel to the Galactic Alliance Force Chiefs. Holnari : This is General Holnari of Andros; High Commander Of the 1st Andronian Fleet! Declaring Red Condition Alpha! High Commander Senalo of the Hildrano Enclave Responds. Cmd-Senalo : Confirmed General! Taskforce operations begin in 100 seconds. Holnari : Naole; 100 seconds! Naole : 100 seconds Aye General! Naole activates the JCC All Ships; 100 seconds! Onboard the CCS Nalen A2292CL the TaskForce Commanders observe as the Battle at the Galactic Alliance Border with the Migon Federation begins. First the Galactic Alliance jump in and destroy Migon Instillations then the Migon and Hakum fleets jump in to counter a Galactic Alliance advance, and as the two opposing forces line up against each other it becomes clear that a Titanic Battle is about to begin. As the Migon BattleSpheres begin to swarm the Galactic Alliance Ships from the less advanced Civilization decide to counter the Migon swarming techniques by ramming the swarm with auxiliary and support ships and that gives Galactic Alliance big guns an opportunity to take aim and attack Migon ships; this would at best stall the Migon for a moment, but war is often about opportune moments. When the Battle at the Galactic Alliance Border with the Migon Federation begins the Battle for Ocon also begins. Evidently the Migon Federation saw the Battle at their Border with the Galactic Alliance as a form of desperation by the Alliance and that triggered an all out assault on the Ocon Federation; an attack clearly designed to eliminate the Oltana as a threat forever. 28000 BattleSpheres, 1000 BattleSpears, 1000 BattleCylinders, 8000 Hakum Sky Spears and 6000 Hakum Sky Super-Spears poured into Ocon Federation Space; sweeping aside perimeter defences and headed straight for the Ocon system. Fortunately the Oltana and the Andronians had anticipated such a direct Migon move and pulled in all their forces to defend the core of Ocon space. Onboard the CCS Nalen A2292CL they prepare for Battle. Naole : General? Holnari : Into the fire! A Fragment of the Spirit Stone opens a Massive Inter-Dimensional Vortex to Normal Space and Crystalorb and Andronian fleets pour out of the Vortex and jump into Hyperspace. Wormholes open into the Mardon System and thousands of Crystalium712 missiles emerge and detonate as soon as the wormholes close. Then a secondary set of Wormholes open and Crystalorb and Andronian fleets jump into the Mardon System; opening fire on every Migon Instillation within weapons range. The Crystalorb and Andronian fleet is confronted by a mere 2000 BattleSpheres; a poultry sum compared to the 53849 Ships of the Crystalorb Fleet and the 11000 SkyStriders of the Andronian fleet. Mardon itself is protected by 300 planetary defence stations and there are thousands of planetary defence military instillations on the surface of Mardon to defend the planet. The 2000 BattleSpheres put up a fight but against the overwhelming numbers of the combined Crystalorb and Andronian fleet the BattleSpheres never stood a chance and were destroyed in less than 4 minutes. 700 Crystalan Ships specially outfitted with Fragments of the Spirit Stone for the duration of current Operations began to Vortex Migon Ship wrecks to CIDR-1; a specially created Inter-Dimensional Pocket designated specifically to store Migon Ship wrecks. Then the Crystalorb and Andronian Fleet set its sights on Mardon, and as the fleet made its approach they fired a salvo of long range beams designed to determine the defensive capabilities of the 300 planetary defence stations. Commander Arog opens a JCC to Naole. Cmd-Arog : They are heavily shielded! Naole : Trying to destroy them will only generate Casualties on our side! Holnari : What do you suggest? Naole : Deploy the weapon! Cmd-Arog : At this range theyll have enough time to stop the planetoids! Naole : Which is why Im going to bombard them with thousands of large Asteroids! Commander; Deploy the weapon! Cmd-Arog : On your Command! Neom, Rinav, Maen and Sonad Nalen open Inter-Dimensional Vortices that release thousands of large Asteroids between 200 km and 350 km in diameter; sending the salvo of large Asteroids on a collision course with Mardon. Naole : All ships follow the Asteroids in! Target the stations as they target the Asteroids! SkyC-Nareb : " Very industrious! They can either attack the Asteroids or the approaching Ships; either way they die!" Admr-Quanite: " The Inter-Dimensional Vortices have accelerated the Asteroids to over a Hundred thousand kph, and when they hit theyll explode with the power of thousands of Nuclear Explosions!" Then the CCS Nalen receives an urgent Coms Channel from Sky-Commander Khilag of the Ocon Federation. SkyCmd-Khilag:" General; the Migon Have broken through our perimeter defences and the Battle for Ocon has begun. They attacked with 28000 BattleSpheres, 1000 BattleSpears, 1000 BattleCylinders, 8000 Hakum Sky Spears and 6000 Hakum Sky Super-Spears; 10000 more ships than anticipated. We need reinforcements! Gen-Holnari : " You got it! Im sending an Andronian fleet to you! Naole; Vortex one of the fleets to Ocon!" Naole : That wont be enough! he links with Aurora Aurora; weve got everything under control here so take the Expeditionary Division and the 7th Andronian fleet to Ocon! Aurora : On your Command! Inter-Dimensional Vortices open and the Expeditionary Division and the 7th Andronian fleet disappear behind the closing Vortex Wormholes just as the first Asteroids breakthrough Mardons Planetary Defence Infrastructure and bombard Mardon. As the Asteroids hit the surface they explode with the power of billions of Megatons of TNT and they send thousands of seismic shockwaves racing across the planet on a collision course with each other. Mardons crust explodes sending ejector into space destroying the surviving planetary defence stations in the process. The impacts melted the surface of the planet and thereby killed nearly all forms of life on Mardon. Then a Nalen Class Ship released a 1.7m wide Fragment of the Spirit Stone onto Mardon and the Fragment Buried itself deep beneath the planets Crust. The Fleet receives a Communiqu from the Galactic Alliance Border with the Migon Federation. Gen-Onlec : " The Migon have broken off from the fighting on the Border; their entire Border Fleet is heading for Byon. The Alliance ships are in pursuit but Migon ships are significantly faster; theyll get to Byon half an hour before the Alliance fleet" Admr-Quanite: " They know what happened to Mardon; therefore if we are to succeed we must attack Byon now while we still have the initiative!" Gen-Onlec : " The current state of this Fleet cannot take the entire Migon Border Fleet!" SkyC-Nareb : " The clock is ticking!" Naole : All ships prepare for Vortex Jump Sequence to Byon! The Seven Hundred designated Fragment Carriers opened a massive Inter-Dimensional Vortex around Mardon sucking the planet and its surrounding material into CIDR-2. Then the primary Fragment Carriers opened Inter-Dimensional Vortices on a Vortex Jump Sequence to Byon. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 55 ─ Provocation - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 55 Provocation ?~? On the other side of the Galaxy Crystalorbs Expeditionary Division and the 7th Andronian fleet arrive in Ocon Space to find the Defensive fleets battling a swarming BattleSphere Fleet that was decimating Ocon ships, and the BattleCylinders were beginning to take direct aim at Ocon itself in an attempt to deliver a debilitating blow to the Oltana. Ocon is protected by over 800 Stations that are 400km long, and they project a powerful Planetary Shield that protected Ocon from the First Round of Bombardment from a thousand strong BattleCylinder Fleet firing at long range. By redirecting hundreds of BattleCylinders to target a single Ocon Station the Migon began to Destroy the Planetary Defence Stations. Persistent Coordinated BattleCylinder weapons Fire Destroyed more and more Ocon Planetary Defence Stations creating gaps in the Planetary Defence Shield. With Ocon in danger more and more Ocon and Andronian Ships took up a defensive position on the gaps in the shield in an attempt to protect Ocon, but this was a temporary measure, and unless they destroyed the BattleCylinders Ocon would be destroyed. The arrival of Crystalorbs Expeditionary Division and the 7th Andronian fleet tipped the balance and as soon as Aurora realise that the BattleCylinders were targeting Ocon She ordered 350 of her 400 Nalen Class SkyGarrison to take up a defensive position blocking the BattleCylinder Fleets line of sight with Ocon and the rest of Crystalorbs Expeditionary Division made a direct attack on the Migon BattleCylinders and their escort ships. Nalen Class SkyGarrisons carry a connected fragment of the Spirit Stone and because of this their energy reserves are backed up by the entire Crystalorb Energy Grid. However despite the enormous energy available to the Nalen Class SkyGarrisons there are unavoidable built in Design Limitations that dictate the circumstances of their survivability, and the survival of the Ships crew carried onboard. Nalen Class SkyGarrisons have Shield Projectors that have Design Limits; they can generate a shield of a particular maximum strength. The energy conduits can transfer a particular maximum amount of energy to Shield Projectors, Energy Weapons Crystals, Propulsion or Other Sections. The Spirit Stone has the same limitations; the smaller the Fragment the easier it is to destroy. As expected Combined Beams from multiple Migon BattleCylinders overpowered Nalen Class SkyGarrisons; penetrating their Shields and Destroying them. Fortunately the rest of Crystalorbs Expeditionary Division got to the Migon BattleCylinders in time to save the remaining Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, but Migon BattleCylinders are no pushovers and the attacking Crystalan Ships now took the brunt of their tremendous Firepower. The reinforcements to the Fleets defending Ocon eventually convinced the attacking Migon and Hakum Fleets that victory was no longer possible, and the destruction of 77 Migon BattleCylinders hammered home the point, forcing a full scale Migon retreat. 19893 BattleSpheres, 970 BattleSpears, 923 BattleCylinders, 3479 Hakum Sky Spears and 3136 Hakum Sky Super-Spears made the escape out of Ocon Federation Space The Hakum and Migon lost; 8107 BattleSpheres, 30 BattleSpears, 77 BattleCylinders, 4571 Hakum Sky Spears and 2964 Hakum Sky Super-Spears. The Andronians lost; 2154 SkyStriders. The Ocon Federation lost; 82 Planetary defence Stations and 375 BattleGroups each consisting of 11 ships for a total of 4125 Ships. Crystalorbs Expeditionary Division lost; 206 Esara Class SkyCruisers, 123 Casara Class Cruisers, 203 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, 3375 Intrepid Class Ships and 1056 Indigo Class Ships from the Knowledge Division; Indigo Class Ships were assigned to different commands for the duration of the operations. Bringing the count to 15749 on the Migon side and 11324 on the Galactic Alliance side. Crystalorbs Crystalan Ships specially outfitted with Fragments of the Spirit Stone for the duration of current Operations began to Vortex Migon and Hakum Ship wrecks to CIDR-1; the Migon Ship wrecks were an important element of Crystalorbs long term strategy for winning the war against the Migon enemy. The rest of Crystalorbs Expeditionary Division capable of Fighting is Vortex Sequenced to join the rest of the Crystalorb Fleet at Byon. As the fleet Jumps into Byon Space they find 900 Planetary Defence Stations, 5107 BattleSpheres, 27 BattleSpears, 33 BattleCylinders, 1254 Hakum Sky Super-Spears, 2146 Hakum Sky-Spears, 1000 Hakum Sky-Swords, 1234 Hakum Sky-Daggers and 250 Hakum Sky-Blades arranged in a defensive position around Byon. Clearly the Migon had taken lessons from what happened to Mardon and they were preparing for a more protracted fight in an attempt to delay the attacking fleet until the Migon reinforcements arrived. However the assembled Hakum/Migon Fleet is still outnumbered by 652 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, 9375 Full Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 8012 Young Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 12340 Full Adult Indigo Class Ships, 8012 Young Adult Indigo Class Ships, 3594 Esara Class SkyCruisers, 3477 Casara Class Cruisers supported by 5485 Andronian SkyStriders; to a total of 50947; Crystalorbs 45462 and the Andronian 5485. Aurora arrives on the CCS Nalens Command Centre as the fleet makes a tentative approach toward Byon. Cmd-Elrig : Guardian Aurora; Your actions on Ocon were nothing less than Heroic. Cmd-Arog : Generations of Our People will remember the Actions of Crystalorbs Expeditionary Division as worthy of distinction. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Naole : You did good Aurora. Aurora : Im honoured to be of useful service. Admr-Quanite : " Byon is a great deal more defended than Mardon!" Gen-Holnari : " The Migon Border fleet will be upon us in 17 minutes." Naole : Then lets not waist time! he activates the JCC All ships open fire! There are light flashes as the ships open fire. The Fleet opens long range fire on Byon Defences and the Migon respond in kind. The long range fire is meant to determine the capabilities of the shields of the 900 Byon Planetary Defence Stations. As the ships move closer to Byon the battle grows in intensity and both sides are keenly aware that the clock is ticking until the arrival of the Migon Border fleet. The Migon knew that should the Migon Border Fleet arrive before Byon was destroyed the probability for its survival rose exponentially, and the Migon had determined the optimal distance for Asteroid planetary bombardment; therefore all they had to do is keep the Crystalans from reaching optimal firing range long enough for the Migon Border Fleet to arrive. As the battle ensues Naole realise that time is running out. Naole : Bloody hell! he gets on the JCC Rinav and Maen; Release the Planetoid! Rinav : On your Command! Maen : On your Command! Aurora : At this range we wont be able to ensure that the Planetoid hits; they could deflect it! Rinav and Maen open an Inter-Dimensional Vortex that ejects a 565 km wide Planetoid at 100000kph towards Byon. Gen-Onlec : " Look at that!" Naole : Impressive! As the Planetoid hurtles towards Byon the Planetary Defence Stations target the surface of the approaching Planetoid with combined beams of such power they cause the Planetoid to explode; ripping the Planetoid apart and sending fragments flying in all directions. The pieces heading for Byon are further destroyed by other follow on beans. Aurora : What power! Naole : Rinav and Maen; Release the Planetoid! Cmd-Arog : Isnt this a waist of precious Energy? Theyll just blow them up! Guardian Naole opens a JCC with Hilan on Crystalorb. Naole : Hilan; Prepare the BattleMoon Killer! Hilan : But Naole we have only had 7 hours to implement your method and design! We havent had time to perform tests! Naole : This is the test Hilan! I need that weapon! Hilan : Albright! Preparing the BMD Cluster! One Hundred unmanned Esara Class SkyCruisers with their shields at maximum are moved through a series of 11 Vortex Jump Sequences, and each time they move through a Vortex Jump Sequence they gain momentum due to the Inter-Dimensional Vortex forces and by the time the 11th Vortex Jump Sequence is completed the 100 Esara Class SkyCruisers are moving at 30% of the speed of light. Rinav and Maen open an Inter-Dimensional Vortex that ejects a 612 km wide Planetoid followed by another 673 km wide Planetoid both moving at 100000kph towards Byon, and as the Planetary Defence Stations target the Planetoids the Crystalan Ship Cobalt opens an Inter-Dimensional Vortex that releases 100 Esara Class SkyCruisers moving at 30% of the speed of light. The Andronian and Crystalorb Fleet then proceeds to Destroy all Migon allied Ships; the BattleCylinders being the priority. Each Esara Class SkyCruiser has a mass of 7.36E19 ?0.1% of Luna Mass?, therefore by ?1/2? Mv^2 the Kinetic Energy of each Ship is 0.5?0.001X7.36E19? ?0.3X3E08? ^2 = 2.9808E35 Joules or 2.9808E35/4.184E15 = 7.12428983E19 in Megatons of TNT. With Byon defences focused on the Planetoids the One Hundred unmanned Esara Class SkyCruisers slipped passed Migon defences and slammed into Byon; ripping off entire chunks of the planet into the Space and because of the density of the Ships the impacts carried the energy deeper into the planets Mantle forcing magma through the cracks on the crust created by the seismic shockwaves. Given the Speed and density of the Esara Class SkyCruisers they could not impart all their Kinetic Energy onto the Planet Byon; this largely due to the fact that at that momentum energy levels of the Esara Class SkyCruisers Byons Mantle and outer core behaved more like fluids. The Higher Pressures near the planetary core deflected the SkyCruisers path towards the core; forcing them back towards the Crust and into space. As the fleet observed the catastrophic destruction of Byon and its Planetary Defence Stations Screens at the CCS Nalens Command Centre showed a Migon Fleet in the Earth System. Gen-Holnari : " Looks like they are raising the stakes; retribution is at Hand!" Aurora : I see 200 BattleCylinders; theyre going to destroy Mars! Cmd-Arog : We should send a Fleet to stop them! Naole : We will do no such thing! Aurora : But Naole they are going to kill billions on Mars! Naole : Our orders are to Complete our mission! Cmd-Arog : We have achieved our objectives! Weve Destroyed both Mardon and Byon, and Ocon is safe; weve done what we set out to do! Naole : There is still the matter of collecting Migon Ship Wrecks! Aurora : Youre going to let Billions of Humans Die just so we can secure refined minerals? Surely lives are more important than resources? Lives have to be worth more? Guardian Naole looks at both Arog and Aurora. Naole : The two of you are as skilled Commanders as I am; you are probably better leaders; more effective. But there is a reason both the Crystalorb Council of Elders and the Crystalorb General Council wanted me to Command all operations. Cmd-Arog : What reason is that? Naole : I alone amongst the current group of Guardians understand the true burden of leadership! I know how to make the Hard Choices; Ive made hard choices before and the Council of Elders understood that should the situation demand it I would make the Hard Choices again. Cmd-Arog : What Hard Choice necessitates the Death of Billions of Humans? Gen-Onlec : " Naole wants the Migon to know that Crystalorb had the Power to act but chose not to act." Naole : It is the only way to make sure that the Migon dont use Humanity or other Races to force Crystalan acquiescence and compliance; just as they did to the Andronians. Gen-Holnari : " I know it looks heartless but Naole is right! If the Migon realise that Crystalans will not fight for the weak they wont bother trying to distract Crystalorb with diversionary wars." Naole : Theyre here! he gets on the JCC All Ships; Reform the Battle Lines and stand ready for Battle! Gen-Holnari : " The Migon Border Fleet is here!" Gen-Onlec : " You can feel them like Andronians?" Naole : Only when they are within range of our Psionic Probes! Just then the Migon Border Fleet jumped in from Hyperspace; emerging just outside weapons range. Cmd-Arog : We cant beat that; we dont have the numbers. Naole : I know! But we will make a stand anyway! Gen-Onlec : " Dying here will achieve nothing!" Naole : We will fight them here and now regardless of the consequences! Cmd-Arog : Regardless of the consequences? We need the Crystalan Ship fleet to rebuild Galactic infrastructure! Naole : This is not open to discussion Commander! Prepare your people for Battle! Cmd-Arog : On your Command! Gen-Holnari : " Naole; you are certain this is necessary?" Naole : This may be the most important thing we do today! Admr-Quanite : " I like your spirit Crystalan, but be advised the Reinforcing Galactic Alliance Force is more than half an Hour away." Gen-Onlec : " More than enough time for the Migon Border Fleet to do incredible damage to your fleet." Coms-O : " Sir; Im picking up a transmission from the Migon Border Fleet" Naole : On screen! Coms-O : " Aye Sir!" A Migon face appears on the Holographic Volumetric Displays and begins to speak. It is General Sozei of the Migon Federation speaking a language not in the Crystalan database; therefore unable to be translated by the CCS Nalen. Gen-Sozei : " Teac Nea Sonic tonek nevi Efilim. Namax cenil taklano mearoc aicom nafa seoc huil ouh em kanusamil dirando menij hano na a nu e Nam. Efilim du se ahun nafa em nevi gr e nu a taklano bilam se au!" Then just as suddenly the Migon Border Fleet jumped back into Hyperspace; disappearing behind the closing wormholes and later picked up by long range probes as they made their way deeper into Migon space. Aurora : What the hell was that? Admr-Quanite: " That was one of a Thousand Migon Languages; Cryptic and mostly about the tone of what he was saying rather than what was actually said." Aurora : You can speak Migon? Gen-Onlec : " All the Older Races can speak each others native Tongues!" Cmd-Arog : What did the Migon General say? Admr-Quanite: " He said; the Efilim have today proven to be an enemy worth Fighting. And the Migon had underestimated Efilim capabilities; a mistake the Migon will not make again. He then said that your masters had done well to train and prepare you but it wont be enough." Aurora : Efilim? Gen-Holnari : " It means Proto-Phaylon or Basic Phaylon type." Naole : Its worse than I feared; that they would not fight proves it! Gen-Holnari : " You did want this fight all along, but they didnt take your bait did they?" Cmd-Arog : Im lost here! What would have been the point of fighting a battle we could not win? Naole : The Fight itself was the point; it couldve ended the war! That they would not fight even after we slaughtered billions of their kind on two planets proves that they are far more calm, organized and methodical than any of us ever imagined. Cmd-Arog : Are you saying that we slaughtered Billions on Mardon and Byon just to lure the Migon into a fight they would have won? Gen-Onlec : " I think Mardon and Byon were always legitimate military objectives, but had the Migon engaged this fleet at this moment we would have achieved far more than we had hoped for." Gen-Holnari : " When Naole refused to help Mars I realized what he was planning, but I must admit that I thought that the Migon would fight. Winning this battle would have cost them 70-90% of their Border Fleet, and such a loss would have cost them the war." Cmd-Arog : How? Naole : Youve seen the numbers they have protecting their planets! If they lost 80% of their Border Fleet in a battle against our Fleet they would have been unable to protect the core of their space from the approaching Galactic Alliance Force; thus ending the war far more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Now this war will drive itself to a preposterously dark and ghastly conclusion. Gen-Holnari : " Ill take the Andronian Fleet and try to head off the Migon fleet in the Human region" Gen-Onlec : " Im getting reports of attacks on Azleck and Nabi Infrastructure!" Naole : We have to go Home and debrief! We must stand ready to assist Ocon; its not beyond the realm of possibility that the Migon might return to Ocon! Admr-Quanite : " So Crystalorb will not help the Humans?" Naole : Its time humanity learns the true value of its Allies! Cmd-Arog : Perhaps the Council of Elders might see things differently! Crystalan Ships specially outfitted with Fragments of the Spirit Stone for the duration of current Operations began to Vortex Migon Ship and Station wrecks to CIDR-1. Fragment Carriers then opened a massive Inter-Dimensional Vortex around Byon sucking the planet and its surrounding material into CIDR-2. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 56 ─ Warship Statistics - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 56 Warship Statistics ?~? In the Earth System the 6631 BattleSpheres, 323 BattleSpears, 307 BattleCylinders, 1159 Hakum Sky Spears and 1045 Hakum Sky Super-Spears Completed a near total destruction of all military infrastructure; including a BattleCylinder bombardment that left Mars in a state unseen since the planet formed some 4.5 Billion years earlier. The Migon fleet then went on to hit and destroy the Capitals of all 5 Human federations. A Migon Fleet of similar composition to that which attacked the Humans destroyed Arun and its major instillations. A third Migon Fleet of similar composition to that which attacked the Humans attacked and destroyed the Anabi Homeworld; fortunately the Andronian Fleet that was part of the attacks on Byon and Mardon arrived in time to prevent a total destruction of the infrastructure of the Nabi Federated Kingdom. The Azlecks were fortunate in that they had in their possession 4 Crystalan built SkyGarrisons, and upon hearing of the Migon attack on Ocon evacuated their 900 million citizens to the SkyGarrisons hidden in Hyperspace. The 4 Crystalan built SkyGarrisons are essentially Large Esara Class SkyCruisers; built by Crystalans for the Azlecks during the Golden age of Crystalan power. The 4 Crystalan built SkyGarrisons were designed by Azlecks but built by Crystalans, and they were always meant to serve as a contingency in the event of a calamity. The Anabi on the other hand were not so fortunate; caught completely unprepared their Homeworld was bombarded to the point where its core was destabilized to the point where a planetary collapse triggered the melting of the crust and the reformation of the planet; exterminating all forms of life; including 12 billion Anabi. All that remained of the once powerful Nabi Federated Kingdom is the 2 billion Anabi on the 4 remaining colonies; not even a kingdom anymore. The fleets from the Older Civilizations forced the marauding Migon Allied Fleets to carefully calculate their movements in order to avoid direct confrontations with fleets from the Older Civilizations. However this did not stop the Migon from targeting and devastating Hundreds of Worlds belonging to the less advanced Civilizations. Outposts, Military Instillations, Colonies and Homeworlds received an equal dose of Migon rage; none was spared the wrath of the Migon Federation. In spreading their fleet wide 30 fleets each escorting 31 BattleCylinders covered more area and did more damage more quickly. The Major Powers Very Advanced Civilisations that are not Older Civilisations; the Ocon Federation is an Older Civilisation but not the Entig Republic in the Galaxy understood that if the situation persisted the Galactic Alliance would collapse. A fundamental principle of the Galactic Alliance was in danger of complete failure; the Idea that all those who are in danger stood a greater chance of survival if they stood together and formed one cohesive force. These were not mere cracks in the Galactic Alliance but massive fault-lines! The attack on the Azlecks and the Nabi left the Major Powers suddenly feeling vulnerable and therefore unwilling to devote their own resources to the protection of others; a tenet of the Galactic Alliance that had until this point not been fully tested. Everyone knew that they could not survive on their own, but what they know to be logical and rational isnt always what is politically possible; Everyone was waiting for someone else to take the risk first. The profiles of United Human Civilization UHC Warships: Juggernaut Class Frigates: 1? 4250 meters in length. 2? 2000 meters width at the back and 400 meters width at the front. 3? 1800 meters Height at the back and 310 meters Height at the front, 4? 28 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 3 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 4 Plasma Cannons, 100 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 15 Missile Tubes/Launchers. 6? 12 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 8 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 50 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. Apollo Class Destroyers: 1? 5850 meters in length. 2? 2900 meters width at the back and 600 meters width at the front. 3? 2400 meters Height at the back and 500 meters Height at the front. 4? 28 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 4 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 162 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers. 6? 18 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 12 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 50 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Aries Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9920 meters in length. 2? 3500 meters width at the back and 800 meters width at the front. 3? 3100 meters Height at the back and 700 meters Height at the front. 4? 35 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 8 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 250 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers. 6? 32 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 20 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Gandhi Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9920 meters in length. 2? 3500 meters width at the back and 800 meters width at the front. 3? 3100 meters Height at the back and 700 meters Height at the front. 4? 35 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 8 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 250 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers. 6? 32 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 20 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Asia Class BattleCruiser: 1? 11500 meters in length. 2? 3000 meters width at the back and 600 meters width at the front. 3? 2400 meters Height at the back and 500 meters Height at the front. 4? 30 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 8 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 12 Plasma Cannons, 200 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 32 Missile Tubes/Launchers. 6? 30 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 22 Gunships of 175 meter length, 8? Jump capabilities of 58 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. The Vanguard Class BattleCruiser: 1? 9930 meters in Length. 2? 3600 meters Maximum Width on the 7230 meter long and 3600 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 65 meters thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 12 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 5 Plasma Cannons, 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 30 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 120 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 25 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 2 Crystalorb Black Crystal coated Gunships of 180 meter length and 40 Drone Fighters. 8? A Primary Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 9? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Secondary Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Nubia Class Destroyers: 1? 6500 meters in Length. 2? 3000 meters Maximum Width on the 3650 meter long and 3000 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 45 meter thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 12 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 5 Plasma Cannons, 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 35 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 60 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 19 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 2 Crystalorb Black Crystal coated Gunships of 180 meter length and 20 Drone Fighters. 8? Jump capabilities of 55 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Primary Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Secondary Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Valiant Class Corvette: 1? 950m in Length. 2? 500m Maximum Width on the 550m long and 500m wide Cylinder. 3? 20 meter thick Armoured Hull with 5m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A Crystalorb Electrolaser Energy Crystals. 5? Equipped with 3 Multidirectional Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 3 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 6 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam Cannons Of the Enhanced Weapons Array arranged in groups of 3 at 2 levels. 6? 5 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 3 Drone Fighters. 8? Jump capabilities of 70 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Enhanced Weapons Array Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. The SkyCruiser profiles The Atlantis Class SkyCruiser: 1? 26950 meters in length. 2? 9000 meters width at the back and 1500 meters width at the front. 3? 8100 meters Height at the back and 1200 meters Height at the front. 4? 300 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 60 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 500 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers. 6? 60 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 40 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 75 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The India Class SkyCruiser: 1? 26950 meters in length. 2? 9000 meters width at the back and 1500 meters width at the front. 3? 8100 meters Height at the back and 1200 meters Height at the front. 4? 300 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 60 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 10 Plasma Cannons, 500 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 30 Missile Tubes/Launchers. 6? 60 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors, 7? Carry 40 Gunships of 180 meter length. 8? Jump capabilities of 75 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Dragon Class SkyCruiser: 1? 27500 meters in length. 2? 6700 meters width at the back and 750 meters width at the front. 3? 6200 meters Height at the back and 600 meters Height at the front. 4? 275 meter thick Armoured Hull. 5? Equipped with 55 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 12 Plasma Cannons, 350 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and 32 Missile Tubes/Launchers. 6? 70 Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? Carry 50 Gunships of 175 meter length, 8? Jump capabilities of 70 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 9? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System. 10? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking and Multidirectional manoeuvring. The Afruika Class SkyCruiser: 1? 30km in Length. 2? 8km Maximum Width on the 18km long and 8km wide Cylinder. 3? 310m Armoured Hull with 20m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal external layer. 4? A large forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 240 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 60 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, 5 Plasma Cannons, 1 Missile Tube/Launcher, 30 Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons. 7? 80 Advanced CVI Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 8? Four Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 9? Carry 2 Crystalorb Black Crystal coated Gunships of 180 meter length, 50 Drone Fighters and Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 30000 people. 10? Jump capabilities of 80 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 11? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 12? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. The profiles of the Crystalorb/Crystalan Ships The Esara Class SkyCruiser: 1? 30km in Length. 2? 8km Maximum Width on the 18km long and 8km wide Cylinder. 3? 430m Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull. 4? A large forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 240 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 80 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons. 7? 80 Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 8? Ten Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 9? Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 10000 people. 10? Jump capabilities of 96 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 11? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 12? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. The ?Updated? Casara Class Cruiser: 1? 16000 meters in Length. 2? 3000 meters Maximum Width on the 12000 meter long and 3000 meters wide Cylinder. 3? 90 meter thick Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull. 4? A forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 180 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array, and 40 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons. 6? 10 Advanced Olen Crystalorb Nuclear Fusion Reactors. 7? One Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 8? Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 2000 people. 9? Jump capabilities of 85 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 10? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 11? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. Characteristics: Intrepid/Indigo Class Ships: 1? 28.5km in length. 1? 4.6km maximum height 1? 5km maximum width. 4? A Missile Tube/Launcher for Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles. 6 primary Energy Crystals, and 14 secondary Energy Crystals; all the Energy Crystals create the Enhanced Weapon Systems. 5? A 3 layer 400m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 120m thick, and the third 160m thick. Intrepid/Indigo Class Flagship: 1? 42.75km in length. 1? 6.9km maximum height. 1? 7.5km maximum width, 4? A Missile Tube/Launcher for Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles. 6 primary Energy Crystals, and 14 secondary Energy Crystals; all the Energy Crystals create the Enhanced Weapon Systems. 5? A 3 layer 600m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 180m thick, and the third 240m thick. The Indigo Class Crystalan Ship Cobalt: 1? 58km in length, 2? 8.5km maximum height. 3? 9.8km maximum width. 4? A Missile Tube/Launcher for Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles. 6 primary Energy Crystals, and 14 secondary Energy Crystals; all the Energy Crystals create the Enhanced Weapon Systems. 5? A 3 layer 950m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 270m thick, and the third 410m thick. The profiles of SkyGarrisons The Crystalan built Azleck Republic Protector Class SkyGarrison: 1? 120km in Length. 2? 15km Maximum Width on the 84km long and 15km wide Cylinder. 3? 950m Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull. 4? A large forward Crystalorb Energy Weapons Crystal that is part of an Enhanced Weapons Array system that is capable of generating Thunder Force Strikes. 5? Equipped with 800 Multidirectional Electrolaser Particle Beam generating Energy Weapons Crystals as part Of the Enhanced Weapons Array. 6? 380 Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons. 7? 380 Advanced Crystalorb Fusion Reactors. 8? 20 Million Spherical Crystalorb Robots managed by an implanted Bio-Organic Brain. 9? Spacious Accommodations for a crew of 100000 people. 10? Jump capabilities of 96 LightYears from Nth Hyper-Space to Normal Space. 11? A Fusion powered plasma propulsion System as Secondary propulsion System. 12? Repulsive Electromagnetic Radiation energy Propulsion System that uses Spatial Compression Technology for braking Multidirectional manoeuvring and as the Primary Propulsion System which can be used together with the Energy Weapons Crystals for Atmospheric manoeuvring. The Nalen Class SkyGarrison: 1? 200km in length, 2? 17.5km maximum height. 3? 20km maximum width. 4? 2 Missile Tube/Launcher for Crystalium712 Nuclear Missiles. 5? 14 primary Energy Crystals, and 150 secondary Energy Crystals; all the Energy Crystals create the Enhanced Weapon Systems. 6? A 3 layer 2000m thick Refractive-Reflective Skin/Hull; the first 2 layers were 570m thick, and the third 860m thick. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 57 ─ Consultations - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 57 Consultations ?~? Day: 4 Earth date 20-05-2611 With the Galactic Alliance in danger of Collapse the Older Civilisations turn to Crystalorb for help; for the Crystalorb Commonwealth is the only Major Power that could make the first move. The Older Civilisations understood that Crystalorb had the technology and the numbers to bring order to the Galaxy, and so they hastily sent representatives to Crystalorb for crucial negotiations with the Crystalorb Council of Elders, the Guardian Council and the Knowledge Council. In attendance: Ambassador Vinach the Andronian Federation Ambassador to the Galactic Alliance, Ambassador Crimola the Carmak Republic Ambassador to the Galactic Alliance, Ambassador Tamil the O''con Federation Ambassador to the Crystalorb Commonwealth, Ambassador Novlig the Entig Republic Ambassador to the Crystalorb Commonwealth. Lord Bital and Leader Remin on Secure Communications Link. Military attendance: General Holnari of the Andronian Federation, General Onlec of the Folong Empire, Admiral Quanite of the Jiquam Federation and Sky-Chief Nareb of the Carmak Republic, High Commander Senalo of the Hildrano Enclave, Commander Elrig of the Entig Republic and Sky-Commander Khilag of the O''con Federation. Speaking for the Crystalorb Council of Elders is Elder Utel Lesedi, Elder Aten Lesedi and Elder Deov Kanu. Speaking for the Guardian Council is Guardian Commander Arog, Deputy Guardian Commander Isan and Guardian Aurora. Speaking for the Knowledge Council is Knora Hilan and Knora Naole. Once all greetings and opening addresses are completed they all begin to speak freely but always keenly aware that the Crystalorb Elite is observing the discussions. Amb-Vinach: So as you can Imagine the situation is quickly spinning out of control. Eld-Utel: I can Appreciate your predicament, but youre asking us to die for those who did not shed a tear for us; not to mention a drop of blood! Hilan : These people you want us to save are of no value to Crystalorb, and if they will only be of actual value in ten to twenty thousand years then fighting for their survival is an erroneous waist of resources! Amb-Crimola : " Surely you must recognise that none of the Major Powers can survive without the assistance of the Older Civilisations. The Azlecks came to the aide of the Human Civilisation at a crucial point, and thereby allowed the rise of Crystalorb; something that could not have happened without a selfless act from the Azlecks." Naole : We are not unaware of our Debt to the Azlecks! This is why we built 4 SkyGarrisons for them at great expense to Crystalorb. An investment that proved its value and eventually saved the Azlecks. Admr-Quanite: " The point being made here is that every Civilisation the Migon destroys kills with it the potential for the emergence of another Crystalorb." Eld-Deov : You think we dont know that? Admiral; we are not so arrogant as to assume that a Major Power like us cannot emerge from the less advanced Civilisations. However the evidence suggests that such an occurrence is so rare we may discount that possibility completely. Lord-Bital : Isnt the possibility of such an emergence reason enough? Eld-Aten: At what cost? The cost for us is always measured in Crystalan lives. Recent operations have taken their toll on our population and Our people are weary of losing more people. Lets not pretend we dont know why the Entig and the Oltana are party to these discussions; you are here to strong arm Crystalorb into acquiescence. Ldr-Remin : Thats not why we are here, and we would never violate your trust in that way. Lord-Bital : Not after every thing youve done for us! How many Crystalans were killed in defence of Ocon? Eld-Utel : Thats not what we meant by toll! Lord-Bital : How many Crystalans died so that we might live? Eld-Utel : An average of 75000 on the 203 destroyed Nalen Class SkyGarrisons and an average of 810 on the other Class of Ships plus 4431 Crystalan Ships gives a total of 19 085 031! The visitors are shocked to learn the true cost of victory in the battle for Ocon. Lord-Bital : By the Stars! We only lost 1.78231 million; more Crystalans died in defence of our Homeworld than Oltana! Hilan : It turns out that even Victory has its price! Cmdr-Elrig : I can see why you are unwilling to commit to further fighting! DCmd-Isan: We are not unwilling to fight; we just need legitimate reasons! We need to be able to explain to our people the purpose of their sacrifice, and doing so for our friends is a reasonable and legitimate reason Amb-Vinach: " Are you saying that only the Entig and the Oltana are worthy of Crystalan lives?" Cmdr-Arog : Despite their tendency to be wilfully unprepared for the dangers that face them the Entig and the Oltana have been Crystalorbs truest Friends. While we like the Andronians and others the bond we share with the Oltana run far deeper than a convenient military alliance; we model our Evolution on them! Gen-Onlec : " I would have thought youd base you Evolutionary progress on the Phaylon; wouldnt that be a better fit?" Naole : We dont know anything about the Phaylon besides the obvious! We know nothing about their History, Culture and Evolution; the real substance of a Civilization. We think what a Civilization becomes is a function of what a society chooses to be. Amb-Tamil : " Did Commander Arog say that we are wilfully unprepared for the risks that face the Ocon Federation? I thought you wanted the Migon to Attack the Ocon Federation?" Aurora : The Attack on the Ocon Federation was inevitable; what we wanted was the timing of the Attack to be at a moment of our choosing. We wanted them to Attack the Ocon Federation completely unaware of Crystalorbs return; thus creating an opportunity for us to destroy or critically damage a great deal of their fleet and therefore leaving them effectively weaker in the grand scheme of things. Commander Arog is saying that as admirable as the qualities of the Oltana are, for an Older Civilization the Ocon Federation has proven incapable of defending itself; this runs contrary to their potential. SkyCmd-Khilag: " Youre saying that we are not pulling our weight? Naole : You are not even almost pulling your weight! Amb-Crimola : " You cant reprimand an Older Civilization like this!" Lord-Bital : They can, and they should; because theyre right! Eld-Utel: Lordship; if we have to ride to your rescue again we wont bother to ask for permission but simply move your Inhabited Planets to a place where we can keep you safe! At the heart of Crystalan military capabilities is Ocon technology; capabilities at which the Oltana are still vastly better than Crystalans. Im surprised the Andronians havent taught you the intricacies of Interstellar Warfare? Amb-Vinach : " We didnt want to interfere with Oltana Culture!" Lord-Bital : We are not a warrior culture; not like Crystalans! Our people have been resistant to the transformation of our Culture, but recent events will no doubt change Oltana Culture Forever. Eld-Utel: After recent operations Crystalorb will need time to rearm and gather Energy. We simply dont have the resources to support a Galactic scale planetary protection Operation. Amb-Novlig : " It is important to find out what Crystalorb is capable of doing? Crystalans arent known for being forthright about Crystalorbs capabilities; we are always surprised to find that Crystalorb has new radical technical capabilities that are ground-breaking." DCmd-Isan: It doesnt matter what we can do, because even with that even if we deploy across the Galactic Alliance Space it wont make any meaningful difference to the outcome of the war! Gen-Holnari : " Your thinking about another attack on a Migon Capital arent you?" DCmd-Isan: You saw how quickly they pulled out of the border when we attacked Mardon! I say we raise the stakes; prove that we can destroy their BattleMoons. Gen-Holnari : " You are talking about Attacking Core Migon Space?" Hilan : We were thinking Citadle. Attacking on the other side of the Galaxy Guarantees that we avoid the Bulk of their defensive fleets, and it makes them understand that if they dont take the defence of both their borders seriously there will be Grave Consequences. Amb-Crimola : " Grave Consequences? Thats your big plan? Is this the nuanced Crystalan Approach Ive heard about for two years? Risk everything weve built over the past two thousand years in a high stakes game of chicken?" Naole : With respect your Excellency; what the Older Civilizations have done over the past two thousand years is postpone the inevitable. If the Crystalorb Commonwealth had been destroyed at the Battle for Crystalorb all of you would be knee deep in the bloodbath left over by Migon Atrocities; our defeat was your Salvation. Eld-Aten: The 10000 BattleSpheres they lost at the Battle for Crystalorb Gave the Older Civilizations time to prepare for a foreseeable Migon Assault; preparations the Older Civilizations clearly neglected. Gen-Onlec : " We used the lull in the fighting to rebuild Civilizations devastated by Migon Assaults. Something that is necessary for the continued Stability of the Galactic Alliance." Cmdr-Arog : And therein lies the problem; you spend so much time and resources trying to hold the Galactic Alliance together that you loose sight of the ultimate goal of defeating the Migon Federation. The Battle for Crystalorb was lost, but true to form we survived and returned to the fight ten times more powerful than before. We have since identified the weaknesses that led to our defeat, and we will not make the same mistakes again. If the Less Advanced Civilizations want to survive then they will have to step up; Devote the Resources of their Civilizations towards Survival. If they continue to depend on the Older Civilizations for protection then they are doomed! Amb-Vinach: Are you trying to suggest that we are incapable of protecting the Galactic Alliance members? Ldr-Remin : Hes not trying to suggest anything; they are flat-out saying it! Admr-Quanite : " You have some nerve Crystalan!" Eld-Utel: Oh please! If we had left our survival in the hands of the pathetic Galactic Alliance we would be dead! Look whats happened to the Azlecks and the Nabi; they would be extinct if it were not for Crystalan technology! Fortunately we recognized the impotent Galactic Alliance for what it was a long time ago, and because of this we sought to take the fate of our Crystalorb Commonwealth in our own hands by developing the capabilities that not only saved us, but also saved the Azlecks, the Anabi and the Oltana. Amb-Vinach : " What? We didnt have any part it that?" Lord-Bital : It would be insulting if it wasnt true! Crystalorbs Vortex Jump Sequence Technology prevented the overrun of Ocon and the total annihilation of the Anabi. What the Crystalorb Commonwealth and the Andronian Federation did to Byon and Mardon collapsed Migon infrastructure in the entire Sector; this is what a properly constituted Military Alliance produces; an overwhelming force. SkyCmd-Khilag: " The Young and the Old working together to vanquish Evil! Eld-Utel: Which is why the attack must be repeated on Citadle; cripple their entire forward defensive infrastructure. SkyC-Nareb : " You Crystalans are perhaps the most powerful to Evolve in the past hundred thousand years, but you are also the most reckless and callous: something reminiscent of the Migons descent into evil. This is the path to Evil; you surely must see that!" Eld-Deov : We are not unaware that we are on a road that could lead an unprepared Civilization to embrace the more destructive tendencies; the kind that the Migon and others embraced. This is why we place certain limits on Crystalan Power. By rejecting Empire we remove the risks associated with Empire. This is also the reason Crystalorb has not joined the Galactic Alliance, because joining the Galactic Alliance would require a change in Crystalorb Ideology due to certain obligations of membership. If the Crystalorb Commonwealth were to join the Galactic Alliance we would be required to Control and Police a minimum of 25 Star Systems; something that seems far too much like an Empire for Crystalan taste. Gen-Onlec : " The 25 Star Systems minimum guarantees that all members operate sufficient technology and capabilities to be useful in a crisis. However Crystalorb has already proven to be far more useful than most members of the Galactic Alliance." Hilan : And joining the Galactic Alliance would only Compromise our Capabilities; something thats not of Crystalan Designs. The requirements of Galactic Alliance membership would expose the Crystalorb Commonwealth to more risks than acceptable. Amb-Crimola : " What would it take to bring the Crystalorb Commonwealth into the Galactic Alliance?" Amb-Vinach: Are you seriously suggesting that we begin negotiations for Crystalorbs membership while the enemy is at the gates? Amb-Crimola : " No time like the present! This will Guarantee that Crystalorb gets the best terms; which I suspect is the only way we will ever get Crystalorb to accede to Galactic Alliance membership." Gen-Holnari : " Ambassador Crimola is dead right; we are here for Crystalorbs assistance, but what we really need is for the Crystalorb Commonwealth to accede to Galactic Alliance membership. Amb-Vinach : This could destabilize the Galactic Alliance. Gen-Holnari : " The Galactic Alliance is already destabilized, but Crystalorbs membership may be the thing we need to restore it." Eld-Aten: If you are serious about negotiating then Restoring the Alliance will not be sufficient! Cmdr-Senalo : What are your terms? Eld-Utel : First we will need Level 2 Membership! Older Civilizations are Level 1 Members and that gives any three Level 1 Members a veto. The Entig Republic, the Qualong Republic, the Dranek Federation and the Ronian Conclave are the only Level 2 Members and they hold a veto that requires unanimity amongst all Level 2 Members. Eld-Deov : Crystalorbs membership will require Galactic Alliance Reforms to membership requirements. Eld-Aten: And finally; Crystalorb will need the Galactic Alliance to Build. Maintain and Operate a Fleet of Ships. Gen-Onlec : " Is that all?" Clearly annoyed with Crystalans Talk about the impossible; what makes you so special? Admr-Quanite: " Hold on; having a separate Galactic Alliance Fleet might actually be more useful that having to Convince members to contribute Ships to a mission." Amb-Vinach: What sort of Reforms are you looking for? Eld-Utel: We will need every Member to Contribute 1.5% of their Annual Resources to the Galactic Alliance; the 1.5% of their Annual Resources will be calculated as a function of total Energy Consumption. Cmdr-Senalo: And an active Fleet with unrestricted passage through all member territories on top of that? Ldr-Remin : None of the members will agree to unrestricted passage through their territories. However limited movement through all member territories would be possible; provided certain protocols are observed. Gen-Holnari : " As for the Reforms Crystalorb needs Im reasonably confident that a majority of members can be convinced provided Crystalorb can agree to certain additional stipulations. Eld-Deov : What stipulations? Gen-Holnari : " To convince a majority of members to change the tenets of the Galactic Alliance by introducing a general 1.5% tax on resources and operating a Galactic Alliance Fleet Crystalorb will have to offer more than parity; more than what is expected of all others." Eld-Deov : What are these additional conditions? Gen-Holnari : " Crystalorb will have to devote an additional 3.5% of resources to the Galactic Alliance for a total of 5% of resources. Crystalorb will also be required to build the fleet of Ships for the Galactic Alliance." Eld-Aten: We can devote an additional 3.5% of our resources to the Galactic Alliance for as long as the war with the Migon persists, but building Ships for the Galactic Alliance isnt feasible; not unless there is an incentive for Crystalorb to transfer advanced technology for use by less advanced Civilizations. Naole : Why Crystalorb anyway? Im sure you can build Ships that are far more capable than Crystalorb Ships. Amb-Vinach: " Its not about what we can build but how quickly we can build it? Crystalorb technology is powerful enough to be effective against the enemy and it has already been provided to Humans and Azlecks so we dont have to deal with issues related to protecting the secrecy of the technology. To that end the Galactic Alliance will provide the resources required to build the Ships and offer 8% of the value of each Ship as profit." Eld-Deov : We cant get it done for less than 15% profit! The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Amb-Vinach : " It has to be 9% profit Eld-Utel : We could be persuaded to do it for 13%! Amb-Crimola : " 10% profit paid for in Heavy Elements from Level 1&2 Galactic Alliance members provided you can produce 40-Five Ship BattleGroups a year!" Naole : It all depends on what sort of ships were talking about! Amb-Crimola : " For political reasons the Ships cant be larger than the largest UHC Destroyer; so Cruisers or BattleCruisers are out of the question!" Gen-Holnari : " A while ago we looked at procuring a BattleGroup formation of 3 Apollo Class Destroyers and 2 Nubia Class Destroyers to protect some of the Younger planetary Civilizations, but then humans lost a large chunk of their Ship building capabilities and we had to go with Kulnet Ships." Eld-Aten: We can meet these stipulations! Amb-Vinach : " Then we have a deal!" Eld-Utel : We have a deal Ambassador! Cmdr-Arog: You will have Crystalan support to your operations as soon as you pass the resolution through the Galactic Alliance Council. Hilan : Until then we have our sights firmly fixed on Citadle! Cmdr-Elrig : So youre going ahead with that? Aurora : Of-course! Amb-Crimola : " Oh you are Stubborn! I like it!" They break for private Consultations. Gen-Onlec : " Im surprised Crystalans were willing to part with so much for so little in return. They are giving the Galactic Alliance a tremendous amount of resources." Amb-Vinach: " What they are getting in return may not be apparent but it is far more important than resources." Cmdr-Senalo : What? Gen-Holnari : " They have dismantled our control over the Galactic Alliance! This fleet of Ships they want built removes the Galactic Alliance members dependence on the Older Civilizations for Protection; therefore drastically reducing our influence." Admr-Quanite: " If you knew thats what they were doing then why did you let them do it?" Amb-Vinach: " Because the Crystalans are right; the dependence on the Older Civilizations for Protection must end if the younger Civilizations are to survive." Gen-Holnari : " Crystalans arent like other species! You saw them after the attack on Byon; they were prepared to die just to give the Alliance Fleet an opportunity to win this war. I mean millions of Crystalans understood and accepted the need for a sacrifice, and they were willing to make that sacrifice. They are warrior born; all of them! I doubt you will find a people more committed to this war." Amb-Crimola : " True; they have to be! They are the only Civilizations the Migon cannot allow to survive." SkyCmd-Khilag: " How so? SkyC-Nareb : " Youve seen how powerful theyve become, and in a little while their power will equal that of Older Civilization; thus given sufficient time their power will eclipse that of the Migon and the Migon know this." Amb-Tamil : " The Crystalans may not have surpassed us in technology, but given the size of their fleet they have surpassed us in power, and with the development of Crystalium1417 its only a matter of time before their technology is as good as ours if not better." Amb-Novlig : " The source of their power is cultural rather than genetic; in the beginning the Hodians had essentially the same DNA but in a few hundred years theyve turned out to be vastly inferior to their Crystalan counterparts. We thought it was the Crystal Heart that made the difference, but recent simulations based on current Crystalan behaviour suggests that while the Crystal Heart is a significant component the Cultural Aspect is far more significant. They are what they are because they chose to be what they are!" Gen-Onlec : " Why do the Andronians want the Crystalans at the Centre of the Galactic Alliance? Is it the Vortex Jump Sequence? Or is it something else? Have you seen something in them that warrants them having a central role in the Galactic Alliance?" Gen-Holnari : " Crystalorb will return to the Inter-Dimensional Pocket; they dont know that it will, but its inevitable. Then once they are back in CIDR they will use Inter-Dimensional Vortexes to explore the Galaxies; searching for Transcended Beings." Admr-Quanite : " They are looking for the Phaylon?" Gen-Holnari : " At first I thought their extensive Energy production and storage infrastructure was geared towards the war effort, but when I realized they planned to more than quadruple the number of Fusion Reactors on Crystalorb in the next Hundred Years it became clear that they were looking beyond the war and towards intergalactic exploration. Crystalorbs Knoras are looking for ten times the number of Fusion Reactors currently on Crystalorb; that is exactly the sort of Exotic Energy necessary to reach and explore Galaxies outside the local group of Galaxies. For now they only see this option as a contingency; they love contingencies, but it will evolve into something else. Crystalans are essentially transforming this planet into a planet size Ship. They havent formally formulated the questions in their minds, but they are clearly instinctively following a path that leads to the search. Putting them at the Centre of the Galactic Alliance will delay their departure; thus giving the other younger Civilizations time to learn as much as possible from Crystalans before they leave." Amb-Tamil : " When the time comes they will ask!" Cmdr-Senalo : Ask what? Amb-Vinach : " They will ask us to come with them!" Cmdr-Senalo: When you say us; do you mean all the Older Civilizations? Or do you mean just the Oltana and the Andronians? Gen-Holnari : " All the Older Civilizations! However since we know that the Oltana will agree to go, the Andronians have no choice but to follow, and I suspect the Entig will also leave with the Crystalans; so the real question seems to be what will the rest of the Older Civilizations do?" Amb-Crimola : " This will split our own Civilizations! Some will go and some will stay; a fracture in the very Heart of the Older Civilizations!" Admr-Quanite: " An opportunity to meet the Phaylon! Find out how they did it? How they Transcended?" Amb-Vinach: " The very Idea is enticing to some of us! Yet some of our people will feel a responsibility to stay behind and look after the younger Civilizations; individuals will make their own personal choice!" Amb-Crimola : " But not yet! For now there is still the Migon threat to deal with, and the Crystalans seem intent on making their move on Citadle; should we give them some military support?" Admr-Quanite : " We dont have the ships to spare!" Amb-Novlig : " The Entig cannot let Crystalans go to Citadle alone; to that end we have re-tasked a thousand of our StarCruisers to join the Crystalorb Fleet preparing for the Assault on Citadle!" Gen-Onlec : " We need those ships for Galactic Alliance Operations! Weakening our response now will have serious consequences for those we hope to protect!" Cmdr-Elrig: Im sorry General; we failed the Crystalans at the Battle for Crystalorb, we wont fail them again! If you need ships; there is a surplus of ships on the border with the Migon; there is your answer. Gen-Onlec : " So youre going to be reckless because you feel guilty?" Amb-Vinach: " The Entig are only doing what comes naturally; separating from their mentors in the Older Civilizations and charting their own path through their partnership with Crystalans!" Cmdr-Elrig: Its not like were pulling out the entire 5000 Ships, we are simply reassigning a fifth of that force to Crystalan operations; not forgetting that it is entirely possible that Crystalans are as right about Citadle as they were about Ocon, Mardon and Byon. Amb-Crimola : " Then so be it!" The Crystalans are having their own discussions about the progress of the talks. Cmdr-Arog: My concern is that the Older Civilizations will find a way to pass the resolution in the Galactic Alliance Council before we make our assault on Citadle; thereby effectively cancelling our mission. Hilan : They wont be able to pass that resolution that quickly without giving up something important, and you know how they are about their most advanced technologies. My best guess is 4 days, and by then it will be too late! Cmdr-Arog: An attack on Citadle will prove once and for all to the Migon and to the members of the Galactic Alliance that Crystalorb is a power to be reckoned with! Why did they choose the Apollo Class Destroyer and Nubia Class Destroyer? Surely there are other ships amongst member Nations that are as effective if not better designs? Eld-Utel: Its a technology transfer! They chose the Apollo Class Destroyer and Nubia Class Destroyer as an elegant way of transferring Crystalan Technology to member Nations; as we train them to operate the ships they will gain a wealth of knowledge about advanced Crystalan Technology and warship design. DCmd-Isan: Is it wise to allow the Older Civilizations to make us share so much with so many? What guarantee do we have that our technology will not end up in the hands of our enemies? Eld-Deov : We are not sharing anything we havent already shared with others! Besides knowing how something works is not the same as being able to reproduce it; our technology protects itself. Aurora : Still; knowing how something works provides an opportunity to build defences! This could lead to the Migon developing better defences to Crystalorbs Enhanced Weapons Array. Naole : We know all about the Enhanced Weapons Array, and yet we cant defend against it; there is no effective defence against the Enhanced Weapons Array. And while we may let the Galactic Alliance operate the latest version of the Enhanced Weapons Array we are not about to share with the Alliance the production technology! DCmd-Isan: I would have thought that it would have been more strategically advantageous for the Galactic Alliance to have a fleet composed of a wide range of ship types and capabilities! Eld-Aten: Clearly the Older Civilizations did not want to be bogged down in the bureaucracy of production tenders and contracts; Giving the production Contracts to Crystalorb is efficient and it has the added bonus of placing the Crystalorb Commonwealth at the centre of Galactic Alliance activities. It forces the Crystalorb Commonwealth to maintain good relations with a majority of Galactic Alliance members. Cmdr-Arog: And it also keeps a sizable Chunk of our capabilities tied to the Galactic Alliance; thus preventing us from building up to a unilateral action. Naole : We cant really blame them after what happened the last time. Hilan : Between the Heavy Elements collected from recent operations and the Heavy Elements we will receive as payment for building Ships Crystalorb will achieve 200000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors in 50 years relative Normal Space time; thats 1145 CIDR time. To augment our current energy need we have already started Construction of 20000 Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors, and while these reactors can only produce about 28.7% of the energy of Crystalium814 Reactors the additional energy is necessary to maintain sufficient energy reserves for all foreseeable contingencies, but once enough Crystalium814, Crystalium947 and Crystalium1417 stockpiles reach operational levels we will begin replacing the Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors with our most Advanced Fusion Reactors. Eld-Utel: Would it be possible to donate the 20000 Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors to the UHC? Hilan : All our Fusion Reactors are designed to be removable and interchangeable; Terrestrial, Crystalorb Ships and Stations, and the same applies for the Energy Storage Systems; it makes it easier to upgrade and repair. We could give them to the Humans; do you want them to use them on their ships? Eld-Utel: It seems to me that the Humans will blame us for whats happened to them; All their Capitals have been Destroyed, the Human Fleets have been Decimated and the Human Population has been reduced to a little over 5.13297 Billion Humans not including 700 Million Hybrids and 1.4 Billion Hodians; who by the way we warned of an imminent Migon attack thus allowing them to get out in time; fortunately the Hodians headed our warning. Cmdr-Arog : We alerted the Hodians to the threat but not the Lodians. Eld-Utel: Weve formed an Alliance with the Hodians, and the Lodians have proven unreliable; their record with us is spotty at best. Aurora : It certainly looks bleak for the Humans! Eld-Utel: Yes it does; However the fact that theyve taken a beating makes it possible for Crystalorb to take control of the UHC. In their weakened state we can use them; we can outsource the political and bureaucratic obligations arising from the deal weve just made with the Older Civilizations, but we will have to give the Humans something substantial. Aurora : That goes without saying! Hilan : Given whats happened to the Humans we have to revise our plans for them; for if the humans are to survive it will be under Crystalorbs protection and guidance. To that end; we must rework our plans for the UHC and find a sustainable way to keep them alive long enough for them to reach a capability level that would allow them to protect themselves. Naole : Perhaps we should take a page from the Migon Book! Eld-Utel : How do you mean? Naole : We take one of the moons in the Earth System and systematically transform it into a BattleMoon, and then we go a step further by adding more layers in order to create a permanent mobile home for Humans, Lodians and Hodians. This gives them actual security rather than having to depend on an interstellar infrastructure; if things get hot they can simply move somewhere else. Hilan : Why stop there? We could turn it into a MotherShip; a Ship that is a Home, Warship and Ship Building Facility. Eld-Deov : That sounds expensive! DCmd-Isan: Not necessarily; if we could get the Hodians to partner with us we could complete the project without it causing a severe drain on our resources. Naole : Building such a MotherShip will require the Construction of at least 40000 Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors, and once the majority of the population is settled we will have to upgrade the Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors to Crystalium814 based Fusion Reactors. Between our Commitments to the Galactic Alliance, the rebuilding of the Crystalorb Fleet, the Construction of CIDR and now the Construction of a MotherShip for the UHC there is barely enough to start rebuilding Our Energy Reserves; so if we do this we wont be able to mount a Large Scale Military Operation such as the current one for at least 5 years without seriously compromising our contingency measures. Eld-Aten: I can see Naoles point; this is indeed a risky proposition. However; we abandoned the Humans and left them to die; the only way to make this right is to help them rebuild Stronger and more United. Cmdr-Arog : We owe it to our Collective Conscience to do this for them! Hilan : Naole; I sense you carry a lot of guilt for what you were forced to let happen to the Humans. Aurora : We all carry that guilt! Hilan : I think its hard for us to understand what its like for you Naole; for us Humanity is an abstract concept that we havent had to live, but you were born and raised as a Human; the Crystalan Identity is still to some extent a secondary machination to the original Human Identity to you, and so having to let Humans die weighs incredibly heavy on your Soul. But you must know; surely on some level you must know that you are the only one of us who could make that decision, you are the only one of us still Human. Aurora : You are the Envoy of the Forbidden! That means you represent not just the Crystalan Dead but also the Humans in our Bloodline that Crystalans descend from. As far as weve come, we came from Humans! As Evolved as we are, we Evolved from Humans! Eld-Utel : And we must never forget! The Elders open a Coms link to Atola and Bruce who are about to meet with the Hodian High Council onboard a Hodian SkyGarrison. Eld-Deov : How did it go Group Captains? GCapt-Bruce : We engaged the Enemy as ordered Sir! GCapt-Atola : But the Enemy was not interested in a fight Sir! GCapt- Bruce : They Clearly had a defined set of instructions Sir! GCapt-Atola: The Migon BattleSpheres engaged the Galactic Alliance ships in the Ra System allowing the BattleCylinders to Bypassed defences and attack the Major colonies directly! GCapt- Bruce : Lordship; Its a Total Loss! Aurora : By the Source! Hilan : Have the Hodians survived intact? GCapt- Bruce : Aye Sir! GCapt-Atola: The Hodians Heeded Crystalorbs warning, but even so they lost 300 million who could not get out of major Human Colonies in time to avoid the onslaught. GCapt-Bruce: The Hodians did try to warn the human Governments; they pleaded with them! Aurora : But it didnt do any good? Cmdr-Arog : As usual they wouldnt listen; they never listen! DCmd-Isan: Are there any Human Governments left? Or Even Military Leadership? GCapt-Bruce: The United Atlantic Federation managed to save their entire Executive Council and a majority of the Elected Atlantic Federation Senators. GCapt-Atola: The Executive Council of the United Atlantic Federation Is planning to relocate to Earths moon once things settle down! GCapt-Bruce: For whatever reason the Migon left the Joint Forces Command Centre on Earth''s Moon intact. For the second time the Migon did not bother to attack the Joint Military Base and the Ship Building Facility on Earth''s Moon. By United Human Civilisation Security agreements the Joint Forces Command Centre on Earth''s Moon has Five Force Commanders active at all times; one Force Commander from each of the 5 Human Governments. The Five Force Commanders form the Joint Forces Command Council; which has the shared responsibility for the security of the United Human Civilisation. Yet somehow the Migon do not consider it a worthy target; indicating that to the Migon Security instillations are not a high value target, and what theyre really interested in is decimating populations. Security Instillations are only targeted if they protect large population centres. GCapt-Atola: The Migon have hit every Major Human Colony! Humanity is Exposed, Vulnerable and Defenceless; we either act now or we disregard the Normal Humans and let the light of mankind be extinguished. Eld-Deov : As compelling as the situation may be, we have to continue to abide by the pre-approved plans; making emotional judgments at this point can only hurt mankind. Eld-Aten: As it is the Migon believe that Crystalorb has abandoned Mankind; thus negating the benefits of any further attacks on Humans. However if we now ride to Mankinds rescue it would give the Migon a reason to target Humans. Eld-Deov : For now; we proceed as planned! Bruce, Atola; We are sending 2 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons with each supported by 4 Esara Class SkyCruiser BattleGroups! Eld-Utel: Group Captains; you will liaise with what remains of human authorities and evacuate Humans in distress! GCapt-Atola : Evacuate Humans to? Naole : That World that was once Home to Us All! Eld-Utel : Earth that was! Eld-Deov : And Earth that will be! Eld-Aten: Earth is the Beacon that will pull all Humans together once again! Through Earth Humanity will begin Again! Eld-Utel : Group Captains; these are you orders! GCapt-Bruce : On your Command! GCapt-Atola : On your Command! The Coms link to Atola and Bruce is Ended. Moments later the meeting with the representatives of the Galactic Alliance continued. Eld-Utel: The Crystalorb General Council has passed the Legislation allowing the Crystalorb Commonwealth to formally join the Galactic Alliance under the agreed upon conditions. Amb-Vinach : " So quickly?" Hilan : We dont believe in unnecessary delays! Eld-Aten: Crystalorb has 450 StarPort Bays; short for StarShip Port Bays! We are Building another 550 StarPort Bays on CIDR. Historically 25% of the StarPort Bays are reserved for trade, 25% of the StarPort Bays are reserved for Ship repairs and 50% of the StarPort Bays are reserved for Ship Construction. Each StarPort Bay can accommodate 1 Esara Class SkyCruiser or 4 Casara Class Cruisers, and given that the Casara Class Cruiser is 16km long each StarPort Bay can accommodate 8 Apollo Class Destroyers or Nubia Class Destroyers. Thus to fulfil our obligations to the Galactic Alliance we need only build 25 additional StarPort Bays on CIDR to replace the ones being designated for Galactic Alliance Construction. We intend to use the UHC to handle the bureaucratic intricacies of an Interstellar Ship Building Project. The Humans will handle all the supply contracts on our behalf; leaving Crystalans free to do what Crystalans do best; build! Amb-Crimola : " Really? Youve already found a way to wiggle out of having to cultivate relationships with Galactic Alliance members? Relationships are important! Is it really that difficult for you?" Cmdr-Arog: We have found that we have very little in common with other sentient species. For some strange reason that continues to puzzle us most Civilizations consider Crystalan Ideology to be a bitter pill to swallow. Is it difficult for us to form Relationships? Aurora : Absolutely! DCmd-Isan : We have to Behave and Act Honourably! Aurora : But Diplomacy by its very nature is Dishonest! Naole : So we try and avoid having Diplomatic Relations with nations we cant trust! Cmdr-Arog: Thus avoiding the more problematic aspects of Interstellar Diplomatic Relations! Eld-Deov : Crystalorb has a lot on its plate; we are doing the best that we can! Crystalorb has plenty to do given the task of bringing the Nalen Class SkyGarrison Fleet to 4000, repairing the Adult Crystalan Ships, bringing Baby and Juvenile Crystalan Ships to Adulthood, bringing the Crystalorb Ship Fleet to; 16000 Esara Class SkyCruiser BattleGroups and an additional 15000 Casara Class Cruisers. Not to mention the excavation of CIDR, the extraction of minerals from CIDR-1 and CIDR-2, the task of bringing the Terrestrial Fusion Reactors to 400000 in 50 years relative Normal Space time; thats 1145 CIDR time. Now there is the matter of building Ships for the Alliance and building a MotherShip for the UHC! SkyCmd-Khilag: " 400000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors? When did you decide to double your Numbers? Hilan : The plan was for 200000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on Crystalorb and another 100000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on CIDR, but once we decided to build Ships for the Alliance and a MotherShip for the UHC we had to revise the numbers upwards to 400000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on Crystalorb and another 150000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on CIDR; an unprecedented task given that there are only 34000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on Crystalorb and another 8000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on CIDR. We have already started Construction of 20000 Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors on CIDR, and while these reactors can only produce about 28.7% of the energy of Crystalium814 Reactors the additional energy is sufficient, and it turns out that if we stop all construction projects for 55 days and devote all our resources on the Terrestrial Fusion Reactor Build Program we could build another 50000 Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors on CIDR. Once Crystalium814, Crystalium947 and Crystalium1417 stockpiles reach operational levels we will begin replacing the Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors with our most Advanced Fusion Reactors; which incidentally need Crystalium814, Crystalium947 and Crystalium1417 to be optimal. Amb-Vinach: " You want to go from 34000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on Crystalorb and another 8000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on CIDR to 400000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on Crystalorb and another 150000 Terrestrial Fusion Reactors on CIDR in just 50 years?" Eld-Utel: Weve come to understand that Energy is the name of the game in this war! This is not something that is beyond Crystalans Abilities! Naole : Though we would have to construct all 508000 additional Fusion Reactors with Crystalium317 as the primary Element; upgrading to the most Advanced Fusion Reactors; the Tri-Element Crystalium814, Crystalium947 and Crystalium1417 based Fusion Reactors. SkyC-Nareb : " Why do you want 550000 Fusion Reactors? Isnt that way beyond your foreseeable need?" Eld-Deov : The truth is we dont know what our foreseeable needs are! Eld-Aten: Yes! For all we know we might need such exotic Energies; best to be prepared you know. Naole : We think that there is a possibility that we might be Energy Immortals like the Velrovians. So if it turns out that we are Energy Immortals it might be useful to have a massive energy surplus. Not to mention that Vortex Jump Sequences consume a ridiculous amount of energy. Cmdr-Senalo : What exactly is this MotherShip you want to build for the UHC? DCmd-Isan : Like all Great Ideas its Completely Insane! Eld-Aten: The MotherShip will be the most magnificent project Crystalans have undertaken on behalf of others! Cmdr-Arog : Its Construction will Change the Galaxy Forever! Naole : The basic Idea is that we take one of the moons in the Earth System and systematically transform it into a BattleMoon, and then we go a step further by adding more layers in order to create a permanent mobile home for Humans, Lodians and Hodians; thus transforming a BattleMoon into a MotherShip. The MotherShip gives the UHC a secure Capital; if things get hot they can simply move somewhere else. Hilan : A Ship that is a Home, Warship and Ship Building Facility! The MotherShip will initially consist of at least 40000 Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors, but will later be upgraded from the Crystalium317 based Fusion Reactors to Crystalium814 based Fusion Reactors. The MotherShip must have 2 Billion Spherical Crystalorb Robots. The MotherShip must have 5 Billion spacious four Bedroom Apartments and 2 Billion single rooms each with its own bathroom. The MotherShip must have 2 StarPorts; one for Interstellar Trade and one for StarShip Construction. The MotherShip must have 1 StarPort Construction Bay for the Atlantis Class SkyCruiser, 1 StarPort Construction Bay for the India Class SkyCruiser, 2 StarPort Construction Bay for the Dragon Class SkyCruiser, 1 StarPort Construction Bay for the Afruika Class SkyCruiser, 2 StarPort Construction Bays for the Aries Class BattleCruisers, 2 StarPort Construction Bays for the Gandhi Class BattleCruisers, 4 StarPort Construction Bays for the Asia Class BattleCruisers, 2 StarPort Construction Bays for the Vanguard Class BattleCruisers, 2 StarPort Construction Bays for the Nubia Class Destroyers, 36 StarPort Construction Bays for the Apollo Class Destroyers, 2 StarPort Construction Bays for the Juggernaut Class Frigates, 10 StarPort Construction Bays for the Valiant Class Corvettes, 100 StarPort Construction Bays for the Gunship Class StarShips and 2 StarPort Construction Bays for Protector Class SkyGarrisons. The Protector Class SkyGarrison is used by the Azlecks and the Hodians, therefore their knowledge of its Construction and Operational Maintenance can easily be transferred to the UHC. The MotherShips Primary Armament will be the Cone part of 100 Protector Class SkyGarrisons, and the Secondary Armament will be the Cone part of 1000 Afruika Class SkyCruisers, with the Tertiary Armament being thousands of Fusion Beam Convergence Cannons, Standard Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons, Plasma Cannons and Missile Tubes/Launchers all attached to a 2km Gold Crystalorb Crystal Armour Hull with 200m thick Crystalorb Black Crystal second layer. Eld-Deov : I know it sounds expensive, but weve brought in others to share the work load! DCmd-Isan: We are already negotiating with the Hodians to be our primary contractors so we could complete the project without it causing a severe drain on our resources! Amb-Vinach : " You realize that you are talking about the equivalent of building an entire Planet?" Aurora : Its about the same as building a full scale colony on a Mars size planet! Gen-Holnari : " It is Ambitious!" Cmdr-Arog : Its the only legitimate way to guarantee human survival! Naole : The other option would require the Integration of all Human types into Crystalorb! DCmd-Isan : And I cant see Human Leaders agreeing to that! Amb-Crimola : " A structure like that would be too big to be Efficiently Mobile!" Hilan : We are not looking for Efficient Mobility; only Emergency Mobility! To that end we have already started drilling on a moon thats 2000km across; a perfect size for our purposes! Naole : The Solid Iron Core is a perfect building block for the CCS Tera! Once we transform the outer layer of the Solid Iron Core into Crystal we can expand it to a 1000km across Solid Core; only then can the real layering work begin. Each layer will be a self-sustaining habitable zone complete with Parks, Hydrophobic Farms, Factories, Fusion Reactors, Hospitals, Apartments, Schools and Universities. The Final Layer will be the Military Zone. The MotherShip will be built as a Cluster of Modules; each Module built using the Interlocking Block Construction. Weve already started the initial work of planning for the manufacture of the Interlocking Blocs, and as you know both Crystalorb and CIDR have extensive facilities for the production of Interlocking Blocks. Gen-Holnari : " CCS Tera? So Crystalorb will maintain Ownership and Control?" Cmdr-Arog : Crystalorb is carrying the entire cost of the project! Aurora : Besides; we cant trust the UHC to maintain the CCS Tera in a good working order! Look at what theyve done with their own instillations! Amb-Tamil : " What about the Ships produced by the CCS Tera?" Eld-Deov : This isnt complicated! Eld-Utel : Were not going to give anyone anything! Nothing is free; not really! Amb-Vinach: " Crystalorb gave each of the Older Civilizations a priceless Power Source? Vortex Jump Sequence Technology is equally priceless? Arent they all invaluable gifts?" Eld-Aten: Giving all of you our most advanced technology in the form of the Power Sources and Vortex Jump Sequence Technology serves Crystalorbs interests. Amb-Novlig : " In what way?" Eld-Deov : To build the Power Sources Crystalorb had to have technical insights into each of the Older Civilizations, and that gave us a rare understanding of all of your Genetics, Technology and Energy Generation Systems. As for the Vortex Jump Sequence Technology we always intended to share it with all of you; for no matter how powerful we become we will always need Allies. Amb-Crimola : " Oh please! We didnt give you anything you didnt already have? Your Phaylon Reactor is far more advanced than anything at our disposal and you know it? Giving us the Power Sources and Vortex Jump Sequence Technology may have served Crystalorbs interests but it was a gift and you know it." Eld-Utel : You misunderstand! The insights gained from your Genetics, Technology and Energy Generation Systems helps us understand them! Admr-Quanite : " The Migon?" Eld-Utel : The Migon are just like you; warped and evil, but just like you! Gen-Onlec : " What?" Eld-Utel: They werent always evil, but at some point the Civilization turned Malevolent, and understanding the whys is the key to peace. They may be your enemies now, but all of you know the Migon intimately, and when the time comes the Migon will listen to you. Eld-Deov : Our role as we understand it now is to bring this ghastly situation to that inevitable point as quickly as possible. Hilan : And the only way to do that is to make things untenable for the Migon. We must rain so much destruction upon their heads that they will have no choice but to talk! SkyC-Nareb : " Do you honestly believe you can succeed where we have failed?" Hilan : I may be speaking out of term here, but how many of you have actually destroyed Migon worlds? No doubt you have the capability, but until Crystalorb entered the war you didnt have the opportunity; we gave you that! Cmdr-Senalo : There are legitimate reasons for not attempting that route! Hilan : Yeah; we get it! However we also know that the longer this war continues the closer Crystalorb gets to being beyond the Migon Federations ability to destroy and the Migon know this. This is simple truth about being Crystalan that weve always known is that the longer a Crystalan fights the stronger he or she becomes. It is an inescapable truth of our biology; the Chest Crystal is reactive! Every time we heal we heal stronger, and that also goes for the Crystalan Ships! The Crystal was made to be hard to kill! The Azlecks made it that way! The Azlecks wanted a capability that could rise to meet a challenge, and thats what we are; Migon know this. They know they have to win this war in this generation or they will loose it all. If you think the attack on Ocon was intense then hold on tight because were about to go down the rabbit hole. SkyCmd-Khilag: " Rabbit Hole? Naole : They will regroup; then theyll come out fighting stronger than ever! And when that horrific day comes; we either meet that challenge or the whole Galaxy will go up in smoke. Admr-Quanite : " You actually believe that you would survive a Death Match with the Migon?" Eld-Aten: Bloody Hell! Dont you get it? We are already in a Death Match! DCmd-Isan: Theyve tried to kill us twice! Once on Earth and then again at the Battle for Crystalorb, they tried to kill the Azlecks and the Nabi, and recently they launched a direct assault on Ocon! Aurora : They have destroyed hundreds of worlds, and they are poised to destroy hundreds more! The only way to stop the current cycle of destruction is to raise the stakes; we need to prove to the Migon that their BattleMoons cannot protect them. The Migon need to understand that they can no longer hide behind their BattleMoons, and this is why the attack on Citadle is necessary; for as long as they believe that their BattleMoons can protect their Worlds this War will not end. Amb-Vinach: " Its this or nothing! You could pursue a mix of strategies that would have more balanced results. The course of action you have chosen will have grave consequences for most of the Civilizations in this Galaxy!" Eld-Deov : Humans have a saying; you cant make an omelette without breaking a few eggs! Amb-Crimola : " Really? Thats the attitude youre going to take?" Eld-Utel: For the longest time we at Crystalorb could not understand how all of you could be so Powerful and so Weak at the same time! Then we witnessed the Migon attack on the Entig Republic''s Postig colony; a true revelation! None of you have ever been in a Zero Sum Game; every war youve fought have been about everything other than your survival! Until recently you were all like the Oltana; Completely Unprepared for All Out Warfare. Amb-Vinach : So you think us inept? Eld-Aten: Thats not what were saying! Your lives arent actually on the line here; at least not yet! But mark my words; once the Migon are done with the rest of the Civilizations in this Galaxy they will come after all of you! Naole : We understand this kind of enemy; when we first went to War with the Hodians we were outgunned, outnumbered and outmatched. Again when we faced up to the Circleans they had a clear and unmistakable advantage over Crystalorb. However on both occasions with our survival on the line we rose to meet that challenge! I believe we can do that again! Gen-Holnari : " I agree with the Crystalans! Weve been avoiding an all out Confrontation with the Migon for over Two Hundred Thousand Years, and most of our battles have been largely about territory and the protection of Civilizations at the edges of the territories under our control, but the direct assault on Ocon is a game changer, and we can no longer pretend that we dont know whats coming; we are all in danger now!" Lord-Bital : We know what its like to be in danger of extinction! And now we know what its like to owe your survival to your friends! Even now our Homeworld is protected by fleets of Crystalan and Andronian Ships; something that must never be necessary again. The Oltana now understand that change is no longer just an option but has now become a necessity. The Ocon Federation will once again go through a series of transformation that will make us more like the Andronians and the Crystalans; just as we did when we first met the Crystalans! We need to move out of our comfort zones; Harness Exotic Energies, Build Stupendous Structures and Challenge Ourselves to Reach for the Impossible. As the talks continued it became clear that Crystalorb was slowly winning over the most powerful Civilizations of the Galactic Alliance, and they were beginning to see things Crystalorbs way. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 58 ─ BattleMoon - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 58 BattleMoon ?~? Day: 8 Earth date 24-05-2611 The Crystalorb Fleet is ready to Deploy and awaits final orders from Naole; the Operations Commander. The Crystalorb Fleet is composed of 650 Nalen Class SkyGarrisons, 9000 Full Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 8000 Young Adult Intrepid Class Ships, 12000 Full Adult Indigo Class Ships, 8000 Young Adult Indigo Class Ships, 3500 Esara Class SkyCruisers and 3400 Casara Class Cruisers supported by 1000 Entig Republic StarCruisers; to a total of 45550; Crystalorbs 44550 and the Entig Republics 1000. As the Fleet prepared for Battle Naole took a moment to Address the Troops on JCC and at the CCS Nalens Auditorium. Naole : Greetings! he takes a moment as everyone settles down This isnt like the last time we went up against a Migon Capital Planet; we dont have 2 Andronian SkyStrider Fleets covering our backs, and most importantly Citadle Is protected by a Migon BattleMoon! This is our moment; Crystalorbs moment! Today we prove to everyone that we are a power to rival the finest! Today we prove to all who still question our capabilities that we are a pre-eminent power! But most importantly today we prove to the Migon that nothing can protect them from the retribution they justly deserve! Naole pause as the auditorium erupts in cheer We have gathered extensive intelligence on Citadle, and we have concluded that we can expect a minimum of 3000 BattleSpheres, we wont know the exact number of defending Ships given the size of the region and the number of Migon instillations, but we do know that Citadle has 100 planetary defence stations. The Migon have been so busy attacking the developing region that they havent bothered to build a proper defensive line, and that means that Citadle is in fact a Forward Base; with the next Capital 4000 LightYears away. Therefore they wont be able to respond quickly enough to prevent the defeat of Citadle. We have developed an appropriate Battle Plan and those details have been downloaded onto Crystal Armours and Ship Databases. The name of the Game is Thunder! We will rain Thunder upon their heads! What weve gathered from Older Civilizations is that the Migon BattleMoon has 40000 Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons complete with Beam Convergence and 8000 Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons fully capable of Fusion Beam Convergence. Fortunately the Migon BattleMoon can only aim a maximum of 25% of its weapons at a single target; and that is its weakness. The key to destroying the Migon BattleMoon is attacking one area on its surface; synchronised tightly controlled fire on a single area will deplete and suppress their attack capability while weakening their shields long enough for us to deploy our BMD! The Migon BattleMoon is designed to defend against Convergence capable Multidirectional Particle Beam Cannons and Advanced Fusion Beam Cannons, but they werent designed to defend against the Thunder Force Strikes produced by the Enhanced Weapons Array on Crystalorb Ships and the Enhanced Weapon Systems on Crystalan Ships. Commander Elrig of the Entig Republic has offered to provide cover from the defending Migon Allied Ships while we attack the Migon BattleMoon, and the 3400 Casara Class Cruisers will support the 1000 Entig Republic StarCruisers in that role. Therefore the rest of the Crystalorb Fleet will use Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma to concentrate Thunder Force Strikes on the Migon BattleMoon. Once we destroy the Migon BattleMoon well switch to Attack pattern Esara 021 Gamma to eliminate the rest of the defending Migon Allied Ships. Given the risks to the fleet well need to form a tight formation of SkyGarrison BattleGroups and the Esara Class SkyCruisers taking point. Putting the Esara Class SkyCruisers on point puts them at a greater risk of destruction, but the Esara Class SkyCruisers are expendable, and this is why weve reduced the crews on the Esara Class SkyCruisers to just the command staff. This is how we win People! That ends the Address. Shortly after Naoles Address a Micro Fragment of the Spirit Stone Opens an Inter-Dimensional Vortex to CIDR allowing a Larger 1.5m Diameter Fragment of the Spirit Stone to emerge, and as the Larger Fragment fuses with the Micro Fragment the Inter-Dimensional Vortex closes. Onboard the CCS Nalen A2292CL the TaskForce Commanders update their Divisions and auxiliary BattleGroups that the countdown to Battle has begun. A Fragment of the Spirit Stone opens a Massive Inter-Dimensional Vortex to Normal Space and joint Crystalorb and Entig Republic Fleet pours out of the Vortex and jump into Hyperspace. Wormholes open into the Citadle System and thousands of Crystalium712 missiles emerge and detonate as soon as the wormholes close; with each of Crystalorbs Ships firing 10 missiles. Then a secondary set of Wormholes open and Crystalorb and Entig fleets jump into the Citadle System; opening fire using Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma to concentrate Thunder Force Strikes on the Migon BattleMoon while each of Crystalorbs Ships simultaneously fires 100 Crystalium712 missiles at the Migon BattleMoon. The Migon BattleMoon returns fire in a tremendous discharge of weapons. 3400 Casara Class Cruisers and 1000 Entig Republic StarCruisers engage 4723 BattleSpheres, 12 BattleSpears, 4 BattleCylinders, 2234 Hakum Sky Super-Spears, 2026 Hakum Sky-Spears, 1000 Hakum Sky-Swords, 2534 Hakum Sky-Daggers and 1250 Hakum Sky-Blades actively attacking the joint Crystalorb and Entig Republic Fleet. Clearly the Migon had taken lessons from what happened to Mardon and Byon, and they knew what would happen should they fail to protect the BattleMoon, but the joint Crystalorb and Entig Republic Fleet was perfectly implementing a well researched strategy. The Bombardment by the Crystalorb Fleet creates a weakness in the BattleMoon capabilities. Naole : Nalen; Deploy the BMD! Nalen : On your Command! The CCS Nalen opens an Inter-Dimensional Vortex that releases 100 Esara Class SkyCruisers moving at 30% of the speed of light. The 10 Esara Class SkyCruisers with their shields at maximum are moved through a series of 11 Vortex Jump Sequences, and each time they move through a Vortex Jump Sequence they gain momentum due to the Inter-Dimensional Vortex forces and by the time the 11th Vortex Jump Sequence is completed the 100 Esara Class SkyCruisers are moving at 30% of the speed of light With the Migon BattleMoons defences focused on the 4.5 million Crystalium712 missiles and the attacking Crystalorb Fleet they only managed to stop 94 of the 100 unmanned Esara Class SkyCruisers. The 6 unmanned Esara Class SkyCruisers slipped passed Migon defences and slammed into the Migon BattleMoon; ripping off entire chunks of the fortified Migon BattleMoon creating enormous seismic shockwaves that level everything on the BattleMoon. The Crystalorb Fleet then sanctions Attack pattern Esara 021 Gamma to eliminate the rest of the defending Migon Allied Ships, but 724 BattleSpheres, 2 BattleSpears, 219 Hakum Sky Super-Spears and 183 Hakum Sky-Spears manage to escape into Hyperspace before they are destroyed. The 100 Planetary Defence Stations are quickly eliminated using Attack pattern Nalen 015 Gamma Thunder Force Strikes from different SkyGarrison BattleGroups. Subsequently all that was left to deal with is Citadle itself, and Naole is unsure how to proceed. Cmdr-Elrig : BMD one more time? Naole : No! We need to conserve; both Energy and the BMD Weapon. DCmd-Isan: Lets go the old fashioned route! Drop every Crystalium712 missile we have left on that Rock and finish off the job with Thunder Force Strikes, and once we Vortex Citadle to CIDR-2 the collision with the planetary material in CIDR-2 combined with the Spatial Pressure will Kill Off anything that survives. Cmdr-Elrig : That will do it! Naole : Yeah! Commander Isan; Do that! DCmd-Isan : On your Command! Commander Isan gives the order for all of Crystalorbs Ships to Fire Crystalium712 missiles at Citadle, and missiles primed for cluster detonations are released. The CCS Nalens communications Officer chimes in. Coms-O : " Priority JCC from Crystalorb sir! Its Commander Arog!"If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Cmdr-Arog: Knora Naole; Great work! Word of the Crystalorb Fleets success has reverberated throughout the Galaxy! Naole : But has it served its purpose? Are the Migon withdrawing? Cmdr-Arog: Too early to tell! Anyway the urgent matter is that Auroras SkyGarrison BattleGroup Vortex Jump Sequenced an Andronian led Taskforce responding to an attack on the United Atlantic Federations Atlas Colony. The intervention was successful and 5 BattleCylinders were destroyed, but the sixth BattleCylinder tried to ram itself into Atlas; fortunately Auroras SkyGarrison BattleGroup managed to bring the BattleCylinder into a relatively gentle contact with the ground. And thats when things went Haywire; 450 Migon poured into Atlas Cities, and guardian Aurora elected to engage the enemy. One of the Migon is a Diac; some kind of Migon Super Warrior General! Naole : Has Aurora engaged the Diac? Cmdr-Arog: 10 minutes ago and Im afraid its not going well! We are preparing a Guardian Force to reinforce the Expeditionary ! An anxious Knora Naole interrupts the Guardian Commander. Naole : I need a Site to Site Vortex Jump Sequence! Commander Isan; youve got this? DCmd-Isan : Aye sir! I can Finish Up here! Cmdr-Elrig : Im coming with! The 837 Entig Republic StarCruisers still Capable of combat must rejoin Galactic Alliance Operations. Naole : Lets do it then! The CCS Nalen opens an Inter-Dimensional Vortex and the 837 Entig Republic StarCruisers follow the Cobalt BattleGroup into the vortex; the vortex closes a moment after the CCS Nalen enters it. Onboard the Command SkyGarrison CCS Rinav Commander Isan assumes command of the Crystalorb Fleet. The Crystalium712 missiles reach Citadle and begin Cluster Detonations followed by Coordinated Weapons Fire from the Crystalorb Fleet. The fleet observed the catastrophic destruction of Citadle. DCmd-Isan : Alright People; lets rap it up the Migon reinforcing Fleet is only a little over an hour away! Rinav : Commander? DCmd-Isan : What is it? Rinav : According to Interstellar Data of the Area collected by the Fragment of the Spirit Stone there are 11 Heavy Mineral Rich Planets within 500 LightYears of Citadle; Its why Citadle was made a Regional Capital. DCmd-Isan : Open a JCC to the Fleet! Coms-O : " Aye sir!" DCmd-Isan: I just learned that therere are 11 Heavy Mineral Rich Planets within 500 LightYears of Citadle; the reason why Citadle was made a Regional Capital! We cant afford to leave so much raw resources in the hands of the Migon so Im ordering 4 SkyGarrison BattleGroups to every target planet in order to Vortex the planets to CIDR-2! If you run into major resistance wait for reinforcements to be Vortex Jump Sequenced before you engage. Good Luck people! SkyGarrison BattleGroups Jump into Hyperspace as they leave for target planets. Rinav : Sir; this will be a serious drain on Crystalorbs Reserve Energy! DCmd-Isan : We dont have a choice! Rinav : The Council of Elders did not Approve this sir! DCmd-Isan: Naole left me in charge and they gave him Blanket Authority to do as he saw fit! Im only doing what he would do! Crystalan Ships specially outfitted with Fragments of the Spirit Stone for the duration of current Operations began to Vortex Migon Ship, Station wrecks and the BattleMoon wreck to CIDR-1. Fragment Carriers then opened a massive Inter-Dimensional Vortex around Citadle sucking the planet and its surrounding material into CIDR-2. When the despatched SkyGarrison BattleGroups reach the target planets they remove any opposition by destroying mining facilities and ships and then proceed to open massive Inter-Dimensional Vortexes around target planets sucking the planets and their surrounding material into CIDR-2. Once the tasks are completed the Crystalorb Allied Fleet Activate Vortex Jump Sequences to the Crystalorb System. Screens at the CCS Nalens Command Centre show Ships assembled in the Atlas System as the Nalen exits the Vortex. The CCS Nalen manoeuvres close to Atlas in order to deliver Naole. Naole and his Guardian Armoured Escort prepare to disembark. Naole : This is a Guardian Protocol; Pull out everyone not in Guardian Armour! I dont want Crystalans without Guardian Armour on Atlas; its to Dangerous for them! Nalen : On your Command! Naole and his Guardian Armoured Escort disembark the CCS Nalen for Atlas. However on the surface Auroras Expeditionary Guardians have already engaged the Migon, and Aurora herself is in a desperate battle against the most powerful class of Migon Warrior; the Diac. The Diac are the Migons version of Ascended Crystalans; Genetically Engineered And Bread for Ultimate Physical Strength. This particular Diac is General Zadoc of the Migon Federation; a Migon Fleet Captain. Aurora was waging a titanic battle against Zadoc, but she was clearly outclassed by the Diac, and because of this she was completely defensive. Gen- Zadoc : " Ascended Crystalans are supposed to be Crystalorbs Warrior Elite, but the Five of you are nothing more than Insects; I expected more!" Aurora : What is your Goal here? You have no ship, no possibility of escape. Surrender and you and your people will be fairly treated as prisoners of war. Gen- Zadoc : " Youre leaving out the most important part?" Aurora : What? Gen- Zadoc : " Clever little insect! If I get captured then Crystalorb gains unmitigated access to my Biology; my Specialized Genetic Data! With that knowledge you can evolve a defence!" Aurora : Either way you will not survive this day! Gen- Zadoc : " Neither will you!" The Diac attacks and Aurora and her four Escorts take turns fending off Zadocs attacks. For the 5 Ascended Crystal Guardians defeating Zadoc is beginning to look like an impossible task, and they are just buying time until Guardian reinforcements arrive from Crystalorb. Fighting a Migon is a complicated exercise since the average Migon is about 4 meters tall with 9 limbs, and that''s 4 legs, 4 arms and a massive Tail. Two of the Migon''s arms are much larger than the other pair, and the larger pair is webbed like a bat. Each of a Migons 4 legs and 4 arms has 4 claws, and the powerful Tail has serrated edges and a massive claw at the tip shaped like a spear. The claws on a Migon are not ordinary; each of a Migons claws can be energized and has the cutting power comparable to a Crystal Lance. The Migon carry a portable Energy Blaster on one or both of their 2 smaller arms. Migon Warriors are stronger than Crystal Guardians, but the standard Migon Warrior is not as strong or as fast as an Ascended Crystalan. However the more Advanced Migon Warriors have abilities that exceed that of Ascended Crystalans, but the Diac Class of Migon Warrior have abilities that far exceed that of Ascended Crystalans. Being Psionic Creatures Migons have Psionic Abilities similar to those of Circleans; Hypersonic Flight, Psionic Shields, Energy Manipulation and Control. However because the of fact that Migon are Negative Psionics the extent of their ability to Manipulate and Control Energy is limited by the chaotic nature of Negative Psionic Energy. Aurora as the most powerful Ascended Crystalan on Atlas was finding out first hand about the extraordinary power of a Diac. The Green Guardian was of having to fend of the bulk of Zadocs attacks as her Escort were not Powerful enough to sustain a confrontation with a Diac. Zadoc was finding the fight relatively easy despite the fact that he was battling 5 Crystal Guardians; 3 of them Ascended Crystal Guardians. Aurora is one of the most powerful Ascended Crystal Guardians, and in Crystal Armour her abilities are second to none, yet somehow Aurora was finding itself at a significant disadvantage in the fight against Zadoc. Crystalorbs Fluidic Crystal Armour is Robust and Firm on the inside encased in a Fluidic Crystal Skin. The Fluidic Crystal Skin repairs minor external damage instantaneously while protecting the denser inner Armour. Therefore the new Fluidic Crystal Skin covered Crystal Armour is virtually invulnerable against superficial slash attacks and the Migon had to focus more energy into their claws to be effective. Older Civilization data gave Crystalorb an Accurate description of the capabilities of the Migons Nipaklium Armour. There is a brief break as they separate. Gen- Zadoc : " Good! You wield Andronian strength perfectly!" Aurora : Andronian? I am an Ascended Crystalan! Gen- Zadoc : " Ascended? Really? How disappointing!" Aurora : You think us weak dont you? Gen- Zadoc : " You Ascended Crystalans would be that much more powerful if youd only embrace your true nature." Aurora : Like your Friends the Circleans? Gen- Zadoc : " The Circleans were a rare and spectacular find! And given enough time they would have found a way to achieve the Ascended Crystalan Form. But you destroyed them; took them away from us! They would have made a worthy and powerful ally. Nevertheless what we gained from our association with them gave us a window into the Powers of Ascended Crystalans; in particular the secrets of your Power Source!" Aurora : Youre trying to replicate the technology arent you? It wont work! The Circle left Crystalorb before the Crystal Heart Matured; they cant possibly imagine the depth of its might. Gen- Zadoc : " Our study of the Circlean Power Source indicates that the Circlean version of the Power Source would be equivalent to the Crystalan Power Source; giving us a networked Interstellar Energy Grid!" Aurora : It figures that the Migon being a negative Element would make the same mistake the Circleans made! Gen- Zadoc : " How dare you?" The Diac is clearly angered by Auroras last utterance and the battle resumes with even greater intensity. Despite the fact that Aurora and her four Escorts outnumbered the Diac they were finding it increasingly difficult to fend off Zadocs attacks, and even as they took turns fending off Zadocs attacks they new that the clock was ticking. For the 5 Ascended Crystal Guardians defeating Zadoc was not just unlikely but it was beginning to look like an impossible task. The goal for Aurora and her four Escorts shifted to survival; they were now fighting for their lives. With the Guardian reinforcements from Crystalorb still minutes away Aurora and her four Escorts found themselves in the most intense Physical Confrontation ever experience by a Crystalan, and every passing moment brought the fight to its inevitable conclusion. The Knoras of Crystalorb knew that Aurora and her four Escorts had no hope of survival against the Diac without immediate assistance. An unexpected blast generated from Zadocs tail catches Aurora by surprise; leaving her blind to a Claw attack from one of Zadocs legs. Aurora : Ah! Gen- Zadoc : " Didnt see that one coming did you Efilim?" Zadoc completes his Claw attack by stabbing straight through Auroras chest with one of his hand and there is a massive energy burst as Auroras Energy Bleeds Out. Just as Zadoc is about to finish things off by decapitating Aurora theres a rumble as the atmosphere burst with Energy. Naole : Super Flash! A Super-Massive Energy Burst from Naole creates an energy wave that disrupts Zadoc; freeing Aurora in the process. And in the energy wake Naole and his 7 Escort Guardians line up against Zadoc as 5 Advanced Migon Warriors form up around Zadoc. Gen-Zadoc : Wow! Clapping his hands Just Wow! Naole : What have they done to you Aurora? Gen-Zadoc : Now this is what Ive come to expect of a Crystal Guardian! Naole : Zadoc I take it? Gen-Zadoc : The one and only! Naole : I am Naole! Naole looks at one of Auroras Escorts She needs Immediate Medical Attention! Derun : On your Command! Apprentice Guardian Derun moves away with an unconscious Aurora. Gen-Zadoc : Clearly she was just the appetizer! Killing one as infamous as you is obviously the main course. Naole : You cant win Diac! Knoras cant loose Physical Confrontations under these circumstances! Gen-Zadoc : Knora? Naole : Members of Crystalorbs Knowledge Council! Gen-Zadoc : Im not interested in duelling a Council; I just want to deal with you! Naole : Fighting one Knora enjoins the others! You fight one you fight the others! Gen-Zadoc : All I know is that killing you will bring great honour to my Bloodline! The warrior who kills Naole the Destroyer will earn a sacred place amongst Migon. Naole : Destroyer? Gen-Zadoc : You should be honoured! Only one other Enemy Warrior has earned such infamy; his name is Holnari. We never understood why Lodians and Hodians placed so much faith upon your return, and we never imagined that their faith in you was anything more than wishful thinking. So imagine our surprise when the legend turned out to be true! Upon your return the Circleans are Destroyed, Crystalorb re-emerges and 3 Migon Federation Colonies are Destroyed. You are in fact the Destroyer! Naole : What I am is a keeper of Knowledge! I am an Envoy of the Forbidden! Gen-Zadoc : Your life ends here Destroyer! From the gathering Clouds Lightning Strikes Naole as energy is channelled from a fragment of the Spirit Stone through Cobalts Systems. Naole is rebuilding core energy to replace expended energy. The atmosphere is electric with anticipation as a Fully Powered Naole Stands across from an incomparable Fully Powered Zadoc. Billions of Crystalans across the planet Crystalorb are focused on this titanic match up through the Crystalorb Network. Naole : Im just one Knora, and though I may fall another will rise to take my place! Death is not the End for us! Gen-Zadoc : Already re-powering! I heard that you Crystalans could do that! Suddenly and without warning Zadoc attacks. Abruptly there is an incredible rumble in the Area, and everyone understands that Zadoc and Naole have begun their battle. All most can see are brief flashes of light, but those on the field could all feel the Shockwaves generated by the collision of the two enormous forces. From the Shockwaves it is clear that Zadoc and Naole are fighting at higher energy levels than that of Zadocs battle with Aurora and her 4 Escorts. Zadocs strategy was obvious; Try as hard as he can to win the fight as quickly as possible. Naole on the other hand had a strategy that called for him to keep out of Zadocs reach in the hope that Zadoc can be defeated once reinforcements arrive. However even though Naoles strategy seemed less risky than Zadocs strategy it was being thwarted by Zadocs willingness to use even more energy to shut down Naoles attempts to evade attacks. Even with the Crystal Lance in use Naole could not Block Zadocs blows, and each blow had to be carefully deflected, but even deflection was risky given the speed and intensity of the fighting. Naole was taking major hits and given Zadocs energy level Naole could barely hurt Zadoc, but Naole was burning through far more his energy reserves than Zadoc, and Naole knew that unless he did something radical he would eventually lose the Fight. Just minutes into the fight the intensity was not decreasing as most had expected, but it was actually increasing at a rapid pace as Naole systematically raised his speed and power in an attempt to match Zadoc. Naole had no choice but to use more and more of his energy just to stay in the fight; raising the intensity at every turn in an all out attempt to overpower and crush his enemy. Suddenly Zadocs rise in speed and power catches Naole off-guard and Zadocs sends Naole crushing to the ground. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 59 ─ Diac - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 59 Diac ?~? Everyone onboard the CCS Nalen reacts to Naoles crash as his Escorts react to protect him while he recovers. Theres another Lightning Flash as Naole restores his core Energy. General Holnari, an Armoured Aloran and Commander Elrig Arrive on the CCS Nalens command Deck. Cmdr-Elrig : Naole is something else isnt he? Gen-Holnari : " Hes actually going one on one with a Diac!" Cmdr-Elrig : Can he win? Elnami : Naoles on the run; hes completely defensive. Omnala: Makes sense; he cant match Zadoc blow for blow given the intensive energy level, so hes making Zadoc burn off his energy by chasing him. Gen-Holnari : " Why arent you two on Atlas alongside your Compatriots?" Elnami : Orders! GCapt-Bruce : Not all Green Guardians can be at risk at the same time. GCapt-Atola : Its a proclamation from the Council of Elders on rare abilities. Cmdr-Elrig : Isnt Naole a rare power? GCapt-Bruce : Naole possesses amongst the rarest abilities! However once Aurora engaged the Diac Naoles involvement became inevitable. Gen-Holnari : " All of you should prepare yourselves; this fight can only end one way." Omnala: General; Are you saying that even the additional Energy being channelled to Naole wont be enough? Gen-Holnari : " Its not about how much energy Naole has it his disposal but about how much damage his body can take. The Diac has a rugged and durable body; capable of absorbing tremendous damage; I should know!" Elnami : You fought a Diac? Gen-Holnari : " A long time ago! His name was Ginod, and I barely made it out of the Fight alive. Ginod was extremely powerful; definitely Stronger than I was at the time; a lot stronger. This is back when we thought that we could free Migon slaves from subjugation; before we realized that freeing Migon captives was impossible. But now we know better!" Cmdr-Elrig : How did you do it? How did you defeat the Diac? GCapt-Atola : Is it how you became infamous as Zadoc said? Gen-Holnari : " The truth is I couldnt defeat Ginod! I became infamous for Killing a Migon Principality." Cmdr-Elrig : Migon Principality? Thats the Migon Ruling Class! Gen-Holnari : " It turned out one of the Migon Principalities ventured into the planet targeted for liberation; Ginod was his protector. We targeted the Migon structures from space; killing the Principality, but his protector survived. So when ground operations started we had to confront remnants of the Migon force, and thats when we came upon the kind of power we could not have foreseen. In the end we had to lure the Diac into the open where one of our ships could target him; thats how we killed Ginod." Guardian Omnala uses her Chest Crystal to make a Psionic Communications Link through the Spirit Stone Fragment on the CCS Nalen to Knora Hilan. Omnala: Dad; General Holnari says that Naole will lose. Hilan : I know! He knows it too! We all know! Omnala: Dad; he will die! Hilan : I know Son! I know! Omnala: Should I do something? Hilan : Hold on Son; I am coming! Knora Camin, Knora Savan, Knora Peo and Knora Rilen join the Psionic link. Rilen : We are all coming! Peo : We must all be there! Savan : This is our fight know! Camin : Our Duty! General Holnari links up through Guardian Omnala. Gen-Holnari : " As long as you understand that a Diac is Empowered by the fighting; somehow absorbing the Negative Psionic Energy generated by any form of physical combat. As a consequence numbers become largely irrelevant; because the greater the number of warriors fighting the Diac the more Empowered the Diac becomes." Hilan : General; this has to happen! It was always going to come to this! Rilen : The Knoras of Crystalorb must confront this monstrous power! Peo : Its meant to be! Gen-Holnari : " Why? You will all be killed!" Savan : It is up to us to find a way to defeat the threat! Camin : We must use Elder Might to find a path through this Forest! Gen-Holnari : " Elder Might?" Hilan : Elder Might is the Powers of an Elder! More specifically the Collective of Powers of Elders; manifested when all Eleven Elders are engaged in a singular battle. These powers were extended to Knoras after the formation of the Knowledge Council and Proclamation of the Order of Knoras! Rilen : General; we have to fight this Diac! We have to defeat this Diac so that we can absorb his knowledge and the Secrets of his Physiology, then add the Special Abilities of the Diac to that of all Crystalans!If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. The Psionic Communications Link is cut as the Knoras enter Inter-Dimensional Vortexes to CIDR. Cmdr-Elrig : By the Stars! Gen-Holnari : " Is that even possible?" Elnami : Knoras are the most powerful Class of Crystalan! Gen-Holnari : " Even more Powerful than your Elders?" Omnala: Orders of Magnitude more Powerful than Elders! Gen-Holnari : " And Crystalans are OK with this?" GCapt-Bruce : The primary role of Knoras is to Actualize the wishes of the Crystalan Collective! To transform Thoughts and Ideas into Substance! Expanding the Powers and Abilities of Crystalans is a part of that duty; something Knoras are very adept at! Cmdr-Elrig : Of Course! They knew that this Day would come! Theyve always known that they would have to go hand to hand with the Migon! GCapt-Atola : None of us ever Imagined it would be this soon! General Holnari talks privately to one of the Alorans. Drako : Im going down there! Gen-Holnari : " What? If you go down there youll Die!" Drako : They are Children General! And theyre dying while we stand Idle! Gen-Holnari : " Children?" Drako : Because of their Strength we often forget how young they are, but they are Children! We cant let them die alone; they must know that we are with them! Gen-Holnari : " If you go youll expose the Aloran Enclave!" Drako : Its time General! Gen-Holnari : " Are you Sure?" Drako : This War is as much our Fight as that of any of the Vulnerable Species! Gen-Holnari : " Is it the right time?" Drako : All I know is that the Crystalans are in need Now! They could have walked away and left the people of Atlas to suffer, but they chose to put themselves in danger. Its one thing for the Migon to attack from Space, but its another thing entirely for them to kill the population of a Planet one person at a time; this slow and protracted slaughter is offensive in the worst way. Gen-Holnari : " Do what you have to; I have my orders!" Drako : And I have my orders! Gen-Holnari : " Then perhaps it is the right time!" Back on Atlas the tremendous battle between Naole and Zadoc rages on unreservedly. Naole knew that the others were on their way and that the potential for victory was at hand, but Zadoc somehow sensed Naoles optimism, and that triggered a special ability of a Diac; activating his killer instinct. With Zadocs killer instinct active Naole found it increasing difficult to find the rest he needs to rebuild his core energies, and that meant that the balance was tilting heavily in favour of Zadoc. Naole was keenly aware that Zadoc was closing down his ability to rebuild his energies, but even as his Energy Reserves were rapidly depleting Naole could not conserve Energy and he had to keep up with the rising intensity of the fight. However Naole knew that at some point he would have to back off and let his Escort Guardians take over as he rests and restores his Core energies. Unfortunately for Naole and his Escort Guardians Zadoc had an accurate understanding of Crystalan Physiology, and he knew that a Crystalan operating at Naoles energy level burns through a large amount of energy to maintain the abilities and powers of a Crystalan. Just as Hodians had discovered in the past the Migon knew that the key to defeating a Crystalan lies with Depleting Core Energy Reserves. On Crystalorb or any Crystalan structure or ship Crystalans can rebuild their Energies relatively easy, but on Foreign Planet with no Crystalan infrastructure a Crystalan would have serious difficulties sustaining combat energy levels. Not even an Ascended Crystalan can maintain Combat energy Levels for protracted periods without Crystalorbs support infrastructure. Realising that he can no longer stall an energy rebuild Naole signals his Escort Guardians. Naole : Now! Naoles Escort Guardians move in to relieve him. The switch where Naoles Escort Guardians take over the fighting thus allowing Naole a moments rest while he rebuilds his Core Energies had been successfully done several times before and it had been done for Aurora. What Naole and his Escort Guardians did not anticipate was that Zadoc had become aware of their strategies and had now formulated a method to use the switch to his advantage. As Naoles Escort Guardians executed a coordinated attack on Zadoc using Lightning Wave attacks General Zadoc generated a Psionic deflector Shield essentially deflecting the attacks of Naoles Escort Guardians onto Naole. The combined energy of the deflected attacks depleted Naoles primary Shield allowing Zadoc to make his move against Naole. A Claw went into Naoles Forehead essentially ripping his head apart and a Hand went into Naoles Chest ripping out his chest cavity. A weapons discharge from Zadocs blaster and his tail completed the attack Vaporizing Naoles Chest and Head. The shock of Naoles death reverberates throughout the Crystalorb Network as Crystalans everywhere feel Naoles passing. Onboard the CCS Nalen those near the medical facility hear Auroras Howling Scream as she feels Naoles death. A deep sorrow falls over all Crystalans inboard, and an inalienable sense of loss washes over Naoles friends and colleagues. What remains of Naoles lifeless Body falls to the Ground. Isis; an un-Ascended Apprentice Guardian with a Clear Crystal assigned to heal the injured reacts to Naoles death. Isis : No! It cant be! Her distress and agony combined with her outrage summon Energy from the Fragment of the Spirit Stone to her; triggering a rather Special Event; the Spontaneous Ascendance of a Clear Crystalan. The Ascendance of any Clear Crystalan is a Special Event, but the Spontaneous Ascendance of a Clear Crystalan is an extremely rare Special Event, and such events usually signify the Maturity of an Exceptional Crystalan on the scale of Naole, Casara, Aurora, Dirang and Nasara. Lodians once likened the Ascendance of a Clear Crystalan to the birth of an Angel; this in reference to the enormous amount of Positive Psionic Energy released at the moment of Ascendance of a Clear Crystalan. The Spontaneous Ascendance of the Clear Crystalan Isis releases so much Positive Psionic Energy that it forced Zadoc to move away from the Crystalans because as a Negative Psionic large amounts of Positive Psionic Energy are hazardous to him. The Positive Psionic Energy released by Isiss Ascendance rejuvenated all the Crystalans on Planet Atlas; healing them and restoring their energy levels, and this applies to the Humans on Atlas. As the Positive Psionic Energy begins to dissipate Inter-Dimensional Vortexes Form in the skies above them, and 10 Knoras and their support personnel emerge from CIDR. Isis : Knoras; you are here! Hilan : You did great kid! Isis : I tried to heal him, but I couldnt! Rilen : The damage to his body is too extensive! Isis : So there is no Hope? Hilan : Im afraid not! As the Knoras move closer to Naoles body massive Electrical Energy Arcs on the scale of Lightning connect the 10 Knoras to Naoles body. Gen-Zadoc : What sort of unnatural Power is this? The Diac Zadoc speaks as a little over a Hundred Migon Warriors emerge from the Migon ship wreck and form up around him; the new Migon Warriors had been in stasis and so it took them a while before they were fully restored. The Knoras seem unperturbed by the additional Migons. Hilan : You have just activated an Ancient and Deadly Power! Gen-Zadoc : An Ancient and Deadly Power you say? Really? Rilen : Knoras wield Elder Might! As such Knora are protected by a powerful Bonded Energy Charm! Gen-Zadoc : You threaten me with Magic? Superstitions and Hokum are your weapons now? Pathetic! Hilan : You have just activated an Elder Might Bonded Energy Charm called Power Balance! Gen-Zadoc : Which means what? Peo : When a Knora is killed in battle the Knoras power divides equally amongst the surviving Knoras! Gen-Zadoc : I dont see how thats a problem for me? Hilan : It seems simple; except the longer a Crystalan fights the Stronger that particular Crystalan becomes! Gen-Zadoc : Its a multiplier Effect! Brilliant but One flaw in your logic! Rilen : What flaw? Gen-Zadoc : The more of you fight the stronger I become! Peo : We are well aware of your Evil Power! You are Empowered by the Fighting! Gen-Zadoc : This is why the Diac were created! Numbers mean nothing in this fight! Hilan : You think youll be able to handle what ever energy we can master, but what you fail to comprehend is that because when a Knora is killed in battle the Knoras power divides equally amongst the surviving Knoras we have to go through Spontaneous Evolution to accommodate the new energy! Gen-Zadoc : Im over a million years old! You think you can become in an instant what Ive become over eons? Peo : We have seen a Crystalan Power that can Burn through the Shadows; a Power that can Defeat any Foe and Vanquish Evil! Rilen : Whatever door we open lets every Crystalan through! Whatever we become they become! Camin : Even if you can somehow overpower all of us, every Crystalan will gain the Power level of the last Knora, and all Crystalorb needs to do is appoint a new Knora and Power Balance makes sure that the new Knora is battle ready within minutes! Savan : Naole knew that if he entered this fight the rest of the Knoras would have no choice but to also join the fight! Dirang : Thus setting the stage for Accelerated Crystalan Evolution! Camin : By the time this battle is over the Average Crystalan will have the potential to be stronger than the Average Migon! Rilen : All Thanks to You! Gen-Zadoc : I see what you are doing! Youre trying to intimidate me into surrendering by convincing me that giving up is the best thing for the Migon Federation; in the best interest of all Migon, but its not going to be that easy, and its not in the nature of a Migon to give up without a fight! Peo : I didnt think youd be reasonable! I fully expected you to fight till the end! Rilen : And when you Die we will Absorb your genetic material and Add the Special powers of a Diac to the Powers of a Crystalan! Hilan : Making Crystalans that much more Powerful! Gen-Zadoc : We will just have to see about that! Hilan neglected to inform the Diac that there are three Bonded Energy Charms that protect the Knora. Just then Viceroy David Ralefa of the Hand of Destiny and 100 Grandlord Supported by 1000 Enforcers, Under-Lords and Overlords land. Shortly after the Hodians Land a 5 member Aloran Team Lands nearby. Lord-David : Is this a private party or can anyone join in? Hilan : We welcome your assistance your Lordship! Lord-David : So you deliberately picked a fight with the Ultimate Monster? Hilan : They didnt give us much of a choice! Lord-David: They are a despicable bunch these Migons, but their latest actions take it to a whole new level. Theyve unleashed a wave of Death across the region the likes of which none has seen before! Its one thing for the Migon to attack from Space, but its another matter entirely for them to kill the population of a Planet one person at a time; they want a slow and protracted slaughter; perhaps the most offensive act Ive ever witnessed! The leader of the Alorans approaches. Drako : My sentiments exactly! Drako removes his Armours Helmet Theres something extremely disgusting and odious about what the Migon are trying to do to this region! Lord-David : Drako? Peo : The legend Himself! Drako is surprised that they recognize him. Drako : I am Drako; Commander of the 4th Legion of the Aloran Enclave and military liaison to the Andronian Federation! Hilan : It is you! Drako : It is surprising that any of you know my name! Lord-David: You are Drako; Guardian of the Sky! You defeated the terrible white Dragon in the battle for the Soul of Mankind! Hilan : There is a hundred thousand year old sculpture of your face on Earth! Camin : Not to mention countless drawings depicting the battle for the Soul of Mankind! Drako : In the old days Humans called me Dragon of the Sky, and the enemy of Humanity was called the Great Beast! Lord-David : Great Beast? The Evil Dragon who terrorized humanity! Drako : In the old days Rogue Migons would set up camps on primitive planetary Civilizations, and once these camps were established the Migon would subjugate, feed on and systematically terrorize the planets population. Earth once had such an encampment of Rogue Migons! Hilan : How did you get involved? Drako : As you can imagine leaving Alora is an incredibly difficult choice for Alorans, and many refused the assignment as military liaison to the Andronian Federation, but I felt a calling to the Stars. So when I was asked to be Aloras military liaison to the Andronian Federation I accepted with honour and embraced my destiny. From that moment onwards I would represent Alorans, and that means confronting the evil of the Migon where possible! Lord-David : We are grateful Commander! Hilan : Indeed! Lord-David : Now; where do you want us? Hilan : There are Crystalans Fighting and Dying all over this planet; we are in desperate need of reinforcements! Lord-David : Got it! Lord David issues instructions to the Hodians. Drako : Well help with the Diac! Lord-David : Desperate need of reinforcements? Im given to understand that you have a Four Billion Strong Army? Peo : Four Billion Crystalans trained to fight Space Battles! Hilan : Only a tiny fraction of the Crystalorb Force is properly Trained for Ground Operations! Drako : Four Billion Strong Army? Thats a Quarter of the Aloran population! Totally inconceivable! Hilan : Ooh! Im going to like these Alorans! Drako : Did I misspeak! Lord-David : You just Gave us an important detail about the Aloran Enclave! Drako : What? The population Size? Savan : Older Civilizations never Reveal anything about themselves! Drako : Theyre afraid that they younger Civilizations will be able to extrapolate data on capabilities from population Size! Alorans believe in being honest with our Allies Rilen : You are already a favourite! Savan : Only the Ocon Federation has ever been completely honest with us! Hilan : But then again the Oltana have only ever been completely honest with Crystalans! Lord-David : Looks like the White Dragons are getting Rowdy! Drako : Lets get to it then! They hear a voice as Lord David joins his Grandlords. Gen-Zadoc : You must be extremely desperate to call upon Abominations to Defend you? You Efilim are indeed Pathetic! Drako : So you know about us? Gen-Zadoc : I have nothing to say to you Abomination! Its an affront to us for you to be in our presence! Savan : So you know about the Alorans? Gen-Zadoc : Whats there to know? The Andronians got a hold of Migon DNA, and then proceeded to pollute it by mixing it with Andronian DNA to produce all sorts of Abominations! Halflings, Weaklings, Half-breeds; Abominations! The other Migons let out a powerful roar, and the Alorans respond with a roar of their own. Camin : The Alorans are proof of the possibility of a different path for Migons! Gen-Zadoc : You are beneath us, all of you; without exception! We will tolerate no usurpers! With that the battle begins again. - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 60 ─ Elder Might - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 60 Elder Might ?~? Meanwhile back on Crystalorb the senior Guardians are visibly frustrated by the delay in deploying a reinforcing force. Cmdr-Arog : Why hasnt the Council of Elders authorized the deployment of the reinforcing force? The longer we wait the more of our people die! Eld-Utel: The Knoras made it clear that no reinforcing force should be deployed until five Knoras are dead! Cmdr-Arog : We are going to wait until they are killed? This is madness! Eld-Deov : Careful Guardian! Cmdr-Arog: Apologies Honoured Councils! How are the deaths of Knoras acceptable to you? Eld-Aten : The deaths of Knoras are not acceptable to us, but we have a choice; we have to trust the judgement of the Knoras! Nulen : Knoras are too important. The skill set is very rare; nearly irreplaceable! They are not Elders who can be replaced in a heartbeat, I mean; its much easier to replace an Elder. Eld-Utel: We are not unaware of their importance; which is why faith is necessary here! Crimson: Why do the Knoras think that their deaths are necessary? This cant be about Crystalan evolution? Nulen : That is the critical question isnt it? Eld-Deov : Ever since we authorized Auroras intervention on the planet the Elders and Knoras used Elder Sight to seek out our enemies. Eld-Utel : What we Discerned is both Unsettling and Disturbing! Eld-Aten : We felt a tremendous collection of powers in the area! They are watching every move we make and theyre preparing to react! Eld-Deov : So far everything Crystalorb has done has taken them by surprise. Eld-Utel : And now they wait for us to make a forced Error. Eld-Aten : We are not going to walk into a trap! Eld-Deov : They need a victory; something they can show their people to restore their morale after three massive defeats at the hands of Crystalans. Eld-Aten : The loss of our Knoras is anticipated but not inevitable. Eld-Utel : The Knoras are the most powerful of Crystalans, and if they cannot defeat the most powerful Migon warrior then we are all in trouble. Eld-Deov : If we are to convince the Migon that their survival is at stake we must prove ourselves equal to their strongest and mightiest. Cmdr-Arog : We destroyed 3 of their worlds! That is proof enough! Eld-Utel : To you perhaps, but not to the Migon. Crimson : And what happens if Five Knoras die? Eld-Deov : Then all bets are off! Nulen : We walk right into what you believe to be a trap? Eld-Deov : Yes! We confront 3 to 4 more Diacs and up to a hundred thousand Migon warriors. Nulen : Wow! Cmdr-Arog : A hundred thousand Migon warriors? Eld-Utel : The Migon warriors arent the problem; the Diacs are the real threat. Cmdr-Arog : Yeah! Eld-Deov : Numbers are meaningless to Diacs! Eld-Aten : Consensus is building that; Defeating a Diac will require a Power Level Higher than that of an Ascended Crystalan. Nulen : And you believe that the deaths of our Knoras will achieve this knew power level? Cmdr-Arog : And what happens to us if it doesnt work? Eld-Aten : This is not a plan imposed by the Council of Elders; it was developed by the Knoras themselves. All we are asking for here is that you have a little faith in the Knoras. Trust the judgement of the Knoras!Stolen novel; please report. Crimson: For all their knowledge and wisdom the Knoras are not infallible; they can make mistakes! Eld-Utel : We had the same concerns as all of you. Eld-Aten : I asked the same Questions you are all asking. Nulen : What did they say? Eld-Deov : The Knoras answered with a Question! A set of unusually complicated questions of their own. Nulen : Questions? Eld-Aten : What happens when the Migon deploy a Diac onto Ocon? What happens when the Migon deploy a Diac onto an Allied Homeworld? What happens when theres a Migon Diac on Crasla, Entig, Andronus or even Crystalorb? Nulen : So the Knoras are trying to find a solution to a potential problem? Eld-Aten : Once we sent Aurora to contain the Migons on Atlas Colony we inadvertently triggered a failsafe. Eld-Deov : When you send Aurora you send Naole! Crimson : Naole being a Knora is part of a Sanctioned Power; Elder Might! Eld-Utel: And therein lies the Trouble! Once Naole was in a Fight it brought the other Knoras into the fight; a fight that was always going to happen; the Knora were always going to have to confront the Diacs. Nulen : Once they entered the Fight they set out the parameters for further Crystalorb involvement? Eld-Aten : We dont know much about the Diac but the little that we know indicated that they are a power like no other! Eld-Utel: Sending more people into the fight will only make the Diac stronger! Naole withstood the power of a Fusion Beam, and yet the Diac killed him! We cant make any sudden moves until the Knoras make an assessment of the powers of a Diac. Cmdr-Arog: You are afraid that if we lose this battle the Diacs will become the primary Migon weapon? Eld-Utel: We should all be afraid! If they come out victorious in the scenario theyll make more Diacs, and the Galaxy will fall. Crimson: This is unsettling! A moment ago we were on the brink of victory but now theyve somehow turned the tables! Eld-Deov : The Migon are an Ancient Power! And even though it seems like we had the upper hand in the last three battles Crystalorb is still a long way off from being their equal; we are not even a near peer. Nulen : The balance is still heavily in their favour? Eld-Utel : Undoubtedly! Eld-Aten : Watching our Knoras battle the Diac tells us theres still a long way to go before we are a true Galactic Power. Elder Might has never been tested in battle; weve never had to! But weve always known that this day would come; always known that the powerful Bonded Energy Charm that is Elder Might would be tested in Battle! Eld-Utel: And since Crystalorb law strictly prohibits Elders from participating in any kind of fighting the Knoras were always going to have to test the efficacy of Elder Might! The conversation comes to a sudden halt as their full focus shifts to the battle on Atlas Colony. General Zadoc had just completed an attack that resulted in the abrupt death of Knora Neru, and in the chaos of the immediate aftermath of Nerus death Knora Camin is also killed by Migon Solders. The shock of the successive deaths of 2 Knoras reverberated across Crystalorb to the horror of all Crystalans. The Crystalorb forces regroup in the wake of the Knora Deaths; thus allowing Knora Dirang and Knora Rilen the space and time necessary to gather sufficient Positive Psionic Energy to restore life to Knora Neru and Knora Camin. However General Zadoc attacked and Killed Knora Rilen; thus preventing the revival of Knora Neru and Knora Camin. Gen-Zadoc : Just as I thought; you are nothing! You are beneath me, all of you! Hilan : Is that right?! Gen-Zadoc : Pitiful! Hilan : At the cost of my life I sacrifice my Life Force to activate the Elder Might Bonded Energy Charm The Sacred Ritual of Life! There is a massive energy release as a Fragment of the Spirit Stone Brings the bodies of all the dead Knoras and living Knoras to a single spot, and then a White Aura appears around the bodies of both the dead Knoras and living Knoras. A powerful Energy Shield surrounds the Knoras. Peo : Now the stage is set for your defeat Diac! Gen-Zadoc : Is it Now? Ive heard that before! Peo : Elder Might can be considered as the 5 Seals of Sacred Power! The First Seal is Power Balance, and the Second Seal is The Sacred Ritual of Life! The Second Seal cannot be activated unless the First Seal is activated, and the Third and Fourth Seal can only be activated once the Second Seal is activated. Gen-Zadoc : And the Fifth? Peo : The Fifth Seal is Forbidden! Gen-Zadoc : So your hokum fails you ah? Peo : The Forbidden Fifth Seal does not require any other Seal to be Active, but its power is Forbidden! Gen-Zadoc : huh! Peo : Prepare yourself Diac! With the Sacred Ritual of Life activated the life Force of all Dead Knoras is restored automatically upon death. Savan : The Sacred Ritual of Life brakes through the Limits of Power! Peo : Return my Comrades! Return! Knora Hilan, Knora Rilen, Knora Neru and Knora Camin revive back to life even stronger than they were before, but thats not all a Dark Sphere forms around Naoles body. Gen-Zadoc : Him too? Peo : I think the Sacred Ritual of Life can bring him back to life! Hilan : Legend says; He died before he was born! Therefore because of this his has only ever truly been Half Alive; his Soul can Will His Body back to Life! Savan : The Vision he Showed us! Hilan : Yes! As a Sacred Knora of Crystalorb its not his Wife who is his primary bond; its those of us who are bonded to each other by a Sacred Oath! He will live because we want him to; because we need him to! Then the Dark Sphere around Naoles body sucks in the dead bodies of 7 Migons and Vanishes into an Inter-Dimensional Vortex to CIDR. Gen-Zadoc : After all that talk of power he runs away! Are the rest of you going to flee too? Peo : Run? Hilan : You still dont get it? Gen-Zadoc : Whats there to understand? Youre all harder to kill! However that does nothing to Change the power difference between us; nothing you do can change this! Peo : Elder Might was developed to destroy an enemy that can defeat the armies of Crystalorb! Hilan : The power difference is precisely why you are about to die! Gen-Zadoc : Really? Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha! As the Diac continues to laugh an Inter-Dimensional Vortex from CIDR appears and the Dark Sphere containing Naoles body returns. Peo : Can you feel it? Hilan : Finally hes ready! Gen-Zadoc : So the Shame of his Cowardice brought him back! Peo : Now it Begins! Hilan : Since Five have Died the remaining Four went through Spontaneous Evolution! However since weve returned back to life the Elder Might Bonded Energy Charm Power Balance doesnt allow excessive Power Disparity Amongst Knoras therefore we have to go through Spontaneous Evolution! They glow as their Bodies evolve. The Dark Sphere containing Naole disappears to reveal Naole fully restored and more powerful than ever. However Naoles Physical appearance has changed beyond expectations. Hilan : Wow! Gen-Zadoc : So this is your Spontaneous Evolution? Youve taken Andronian Form! Naole : The 4 meter long tail coming out of my back looks Andronian but its actually a fusion of Andronian and Migon; exemplified by the Red Energy Crystal instead of a Migon tail Spike. I suppose the 1.2 meter long Clear Energy Crystal tipped tentacles from above my ears are actually Migon Head Horns with an Andronian twist. Gen-Zadoc : So thats why you took their bodies? Naole : I thought you understood? We will feed on your kind just as you feed on others! Gen-Zadoc : Easier said than done Halfling! Naoles response is interrupted by Hilan. Hilan : What the hell did you do to yourself? Naole : The Crystal Heart gave me a few new options! Hilan : And this is what you chose for all of us? Naole : I made a few improvements! Hilan : A few? Naole : We needed more powerful bodies! Hilan : Why Migon? Naole : The blood of Ancient Dragons already flowed through Crystalan bodies and that made them compatible. Hilan : Is that an Exoskeleton underneath your skin? Did you turn the bottom layer of your skin into an Exoskeleton! Naole : It was either that or scaly dragon skin, but that seemed a bit unseemly for a humanoid! Hilan : Wheres your Armour? Did you absorb it along with the 7 Migon and their Armours? Naole : I need more Density to Support Higher Strength levels! Hilan : Youre insane! Did you think about How this would affect the rest of us? Naole : Oh! Hilan : Yeah! Just then Clear Spheres enveloped the other 8 Knoras and the Spheres Vanish into an Inter-Dimensional Vortex to CIDR. Gen-Zadoc : I take it the others are going through a similar Transformation? Naole : Yeah! I must say; I appreciate your patience! Most enemies would not allow their adversaries the time to gain more power! For a monster you are very Noble! Gen-Zadoc : It cant be helped! Beside youve wrapped yourselves and the abominations in a ridiculously powerful Energy Shield! Naole : Even so; Thank You! Drako : So youre the one responsible for the Chaos in the Galaxy? Naole kneels on one Knee as Drako Approaches Him. Naole : Lord Drako! Drako : One such as yourself need never kneel to me! Naole : I may be the only one of my kind who still remembers the courtesies of Old, but I am not at liberty to forgo them your Lordship! Drako : Then it cant be helped! Therefore rise Knight of the Old Order; Knora of Crystalorb and High King of the Velrovian Enclave! Naole : Thank you your Lordship! Though I fear I may no longer be High King of the Velrovian Enclave! Drako : How come? Naole : I did die after all! Drako : Death servers a Kings power! Naole : It is as it should be; a Velrovian now sits on the Throne of the Velrovian Enclave! Drako : So tell me; have you acquired sufficient power? Naole : Not even Close! Drako : But youve become so much stronger! Naole : You cant overpower a Diac! I think that was the whole Idea behind their creation! Drako : Then why go through this transformation? Naole : I needed a more powerful form to hold the kind of energy reserves needed to summon a power that can kill a Diac! Drako : I thought you said you cant overpower a Diac? Naole : True! But maybe I dont have to! Drako : How so? Naole : It might be Easier to just kill the Diac than to fight Him! Drako : Easier to just kill the Diac huh? Naole : Sometimes you have to assassinate rather than combat! Though taking such an action undoubtedly requires knowledge of the killing arts! Then an Inter-Dimensional Vortex from CIDR appears and the Clear Spheres containing the 10 Knoras return and open to release the Transformed Knoras. Dirang : Thanks for the Horn you Jerk! Naole : What? No tail? And only one Horn? Neru : You know; I liked the way I looked! Rilen : Naole; how much do you weigh? Naole : Im a little over 74 tons, so you guys must range between 60&70 tons! Dirang : You Bustard! How am I supposed to sleep in my bed? Naole : Im thinking Energy Bed! How come you guys have one of the 1.2 meter long Clear Energy Crystal tipped tentacle from the backs of your heads? You need 2 to cross reference omni-directional data! Hilan : Our Eyes are pure Clear Crystal Now, so it has the same effect! You wouldnt know this since youre Eyes are pure Blue Crystal! The tail is extravagant and Unnecessary! Camin : Thank Heavens we have no Tail! Peo : So this is the durability you sought? Naole : When I fought him He pierced My skin far to easily; my Armour was his only Obstacle. Rilen : Is it enough though? Hilan : Thats not what its for! Camin : No? Peo : Energy Storage! Neru : Hence the tail on this Idiot! Rilen : I see! The Diac approaches the Edge of the Energy Barrier. Gen-Zadoc : Are you going to keep me waiting? - - - 【VAF】Chapter║: 61 ─ The Power of a Crystal Guardian - - - - - - Vision of an Alternate Future Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians - - - ?~? VAFChapterU: 61 The Power of a Crystal Guardian ?~? A partially Recovered Aurora joins General Holnari and Commander Elrig on the CCS Nalens command Deck. Gen-Holnari : " It looks like your Knoras are finally ready to show their true strength." Aurora : I should have never involved them. Spoke Aurora in a dispirited tone. Gen-Holnari : " Dont fault yourself too harshly young warrior; it is in the nature of the Migon to bring about the chaotic in all things. Though it surprises me that they chose this particular moment to test the resolve of the Crystalans. Normally they would wait until they have the upper hand on the interstellar battlefield to take a look at the capabilities of their opponents." Aurora : So its happened before? Gen-Holnari : " It is their method! Overwhelm their target with military power; then force them into direct confrontation to determine if their opponent is a worthy species in their eyes. Though they dont normally bring out their Diacs until the last moment to render final judgment." DCmd-Isan : And what happens when a species is deemed unworthy? Spoke deputy commander Isan as he joins the conversation along with commander Arog. Gen-Holnari : " The Migon have proclaimed themselves the final arbiters of this galaxy. If a civilization cannot survive the onslaught of their lesser Migon they are deemed to be unworthy!" Holnari has a solemn look on his face. Cmdr-Arog : So they are lesser Migons after all? Gen-Holnari : " Unfortunately these endless wars they engage in are nothing more than proving grounds for their brood. The Diac is likely the firs true Migon any of you have ever seen. They normally leave all the stages of their infernal brood wars to the Lesser Migon. Its not worth their time to send over even a single Ascended Migon into battle; let alone a late Stage Ascended Migon like a Diac." The shock that went through the room was palpable as the Crystalans realized that the information they had on the Migon had been lacking to an extraordinarily dangerous extent. As the information filtered through the shock would extend to all of Crystalorb. Aurora : Wait! What? Gen-Holnari : " Oh! Your Ancestral Spirit must have thought you too young or somehow not ready to properly understand the nature of your circumstances. But your Knoras dont seem surprised by the powers of a Diac since as Middle Phase Corporeal Ascended Beings they can sense the structure of Ascendance. Given that the truth seems set to be revealed you are bound to find out." DCmd-Isan : You make it sound as though Ascendance is nothing special?! Cmdr-Arog : But otherwise common?! Gen-Holnari : " When your entire race is Corporeal Ascended it is common." It felt like a bombshell had been dropped on the Crystalans. Aurora : So its just like father suspected! The older races are born Corporeal Ascended. DCmd-Isan : As expected the Knoras didnt bother telling the rest of us! Aurora : Isan; Its not like they could prove such a thing. Gen-Holnari : " For it is Through Bonding that we achieve immortality; unbound by death and with a chosen Attunement to order we become paragons of virtue that shines across the stars as a beacon of Order! Awakening the Soul is merely the first step." Cmdr-Arog : Bonding? Like elder Might?! Gen-Holnari : " For Awakened the Souls of Crystalans have rather sparse Spiritual endowerments; likely a consequence of your abnormal physical endowerments.!" Aurora : The bloodline inheritance is limiting us?! Gen-Holnari : " The average Crystalan has surprisingly low Spiritual Resonance for such an advanced people; a clear indication that the initial souls you are born with must be a fraction of what is normal for naturally evolved beings. Humans as a group seem somewhat engineered to some extent and as such have 25% the Spiritual Resonance of the naturally evolved; clearly whoever modified the Earth Hominid knew how to limit the damage to Spiritual Resonance. However since Crystalans are an accidental creation the dispassionate Realm Administrator likely regards Crystalans as artificial life-forms which results in your low Spiritual Resonance. There is a reason this universe is not dominated by Digital Super-Intelligences!"You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. DCmd-Isan : But we are able to Reach Corporeal Ascendance! Aurora : Yes! Why? I mean the humans are barely scratching at the surface even after all this time. Cmdr-Arog: That is likely because there are groups amongst humans actively misleading humans with false religions and focusing them towards digital technology. Aurora : Oh! Gen-Holnari : " Your Ancestral Spirit or Crystal Heart as you call it is probably aware of the Crystalan deficiencies and actively supports your spiritual development. Otherwise it would be impossible for beings so firmly tethered to this Reality to even step on the path of Transcendence." DCmd-Isan : Transcendence is the goal after all! The Crystalans look on with understanding. Gen-Holnari : " Transcendent Beings like the Phaylon and the Elder Dragons have gone beyond the limits of the reality. We believe that they have been summoned to the higher realms by the will of the Creator!" Aurora : What is the Creator?! Gen-Holnari : " The answer to that question is a mystery wrapped in an enigma! Andronians believe that existence is Thought Given Form by will in order to answer that question." Cmdr-Arog: What? The creator asked itself a question and the Multiverse came into existence in response? The Entig chimes in. Cmdr-Elrig: For all we know the are lots of creators out there; each with its own Multiverse cluster in response to the question; What am I! Gen-Holnari : " Looks like the Crystalan Knoras are about to begin!" Their focus returns to the planet. Vortices appear delivering 11 new Crystal Armours to the Knoras. Gen-Zadoc : Looks like you are finally ready to get things started! Hilan : Our Attunement to Order puts us at a disadvantage when doing combat with someone Attuned to Chaos therefore adequate preparation is always a necessity. Gen-Zadoc : You think your surface level cosmetic changes will make a substantial difference?! Hilan : At the very least I dont have to hold back! Gen-Zadoc : I didnt know you were at such leisure? Though it didnt look like it from my perspective. Hilan : My previous body was simply too aged to support my full power, but thanks to you Ive been restored to my peak. It would have taken me hundreds of years to achieve Physical immortality the way our Spiritual Ancestor demanded, but by triggering the Bonded Energy Charms that Protect Crystalorbs Knoras a shortcut was made available. Gen-Zadoc : Well; lets see what youve got! The Diac pulls back from the energy barrier protecting the Crystalans and their allies as Knora Hilan speaks the Oath that activates the new Crystal Armour. To everyones surprise the Crystal Armour Hilan is wearing is read with jiggered lines of black and includes a black tail double Hilans height. Naole : Thats New! Hilan : It seems the Crystal Heart thinks we can handle a little black now. Hilan turns to face the only 2 Clear Crystal Knoras. Hilan : Pay attention to my energy flows, and remember the control methods I exhibit Onat : Yes Master! Xoxa : Yes Master! Hilan sighs at the thought that his former disciples refuse to treat him as an equal despite being Knoras now. As he begins powering up and steps outside the barrier. The moment his foot steps outside the barrier a red Aura flashes outward covering the area in a read hue as all energy in the area transforms to the Red Spectrum Energy. Gen-Zadoc : A Quasi-Domain?! Hilan rose into the air as he powered up to his maximum. Hilan : When we encountered the Ascendants of the other species it became obvious that Crystalan Ascendants have profoundly inferior Spiritual Resonance. In fact it should not be possible for Crystalans to achieve Ascendance! Gen-Zadoc : But here you are! Hilan : That is intimately tied to the Powers of a Crystal Guardian! Gen-Zadoc : Right! Your innate species protection Spiritual Abilities. Hilan : Exactly! The true Power of a Crystal Guardian flows from the Heart! The power of a Crystal Guardian comes in response to a need. The power of a Crystal Guardian emanates from a choice. Choosing to protect Crystalans is what it means to be a Crystal Guardian. The Power of a Crystal Guardian is the Crystallization of Bloodline Spiritual Resonant Will of Crystalans that Bonds Crystalans who need protection and a Courageous Crystalan Consciousness. The Crystalan version of Quasi-Ascendance! Gen-Zadoc : Ah! Because you did not evolve any of your abilities yourselves but gained them through the genetic infusion of material from highly evolved beings it is probable that the Laws of this Reality regard you as artificial life-forms akin to organic robots. That means your initial souls are vastly inferior to naturally evolved beings. To compensate for that your Crystal Heart found a method to connect your Souls to evolve Champions or Heroes of the Crystalan collective. That means that Spirit Stone of yours is at least at the Spiritual Ascendance Tier. Hilan : We have never encountered a being of the Spiritual Ascendance Tier; so we wouldnt know! Gen-Zadoc : Given your interactions with the Older Civilizations you have probably encountered more than a few Spiritual Ascendants; Its just that the Laws of this Reality gave you souls that are functionally limited in the types of innate traits. Most of your traits are likely focused on harmonizing your bodies with the reality. So you are unlikely to pick up on the energy of a Spiritual Ascendant projecting into an Avatar body. Hilan : So its as we suspected! The Older Civilizations are colluding with Migon in some kind of Grand Game. Gen-Zadoc : Make no mistake; this is not some trivial Game! This war is not some amusement for Older Civilizations! What is happening has serious consequences for all of us! The limitations on what type of powers can participate is to prevent the depletion of the major forces; which would leave the galaxy vulnerable to invasion by a number of covetous powers. Hilan : I see! Gen-Zadoc : The power flowing into you from other Crystalans is what allows you to manifest your Soul in the form of this Quasi-Domain; An Ability usually reserved for those on the cusp of Spiritual Ascendance. Now that I know that you are mostly powered by the souls of your Crystalan collective Im eager to see what you can do! Hilan : Then lets begin! Their titanic battle begins Hilan starts things off with a focused beam of Red Spectral energy which results in a bright red flash as Zadoc blocks with is Chaos Energy shield and moves in closer to Hilan at speed he had not bothered to use until this point. What is most surprising is the fact that Hilan is able to respond Zadocs a speed easily surpassing any movement speed the Crystalans have shown so far. The speed of combat continues to rise as the Dragon and the Armoured Knora exchange blows that are either blocked by their own personal shields or counter-blow. The deafening shockwaves from their encounter generates winds and a storm begins to gather from the energized atmosphere. The rumble of thunder in the sky is indistinguishable from the sound of the exchange of their blows. Red Lightning flashes everywhere as the energised atmosphere releases pent-up energy. The two combatants are moving so fast that they seem to ignite the air as hot streaks of fire can be seen blinking in and out of existence. Those who can tell realise that the speed of combat is slowly but steadily rising, and they cant help wondering when the two will run-up against the hard limits of operating in a planets atmosphere. Then Hilan receives an energized claw capable of breaking through his shield and the armour receives a pronounced gash. However in the next instant the Crystal Armour self-repairs and the fighting grows fiercer. Zadoc has no time to contemplate why the new Crystal Armour has a sudden jump in capabilities as he is forced to defend himself from the swipe of a tail that somehow disrupts his own shielding damaging his own armour and forcing him to pull back to allow his armour to heal. On the CCS Nalens command Deck no detail of the fight escapes their notice thanks to Crystalan Ships sensors. Naole Joins in Via Holographic Projection. Naole : I knew Senior Hilan was Strong but this is ridiculous! Aurora : Father was one of the big 5, but this new transformation likely puts him in the top 3 most powerful Crystalans of all time. The other 4 are in seclusion at the proclamation of the Spirit Stone. Gen-Holnari : " So your Ancestral Spirit is already preparing your elite for Spiritual Ascendance?" Aurora : I dont know what that means, but father said that the Spirit Stone wants them to reach Immortality Through Spiritual Gen-Holnari : " That is the natural path to Spiritual Ascendance. Your Ancestral Spirit clearly already knows of the limitations of Naoles Corporeal Immortality; which is more like Digital Immortality." DCmd-Isan : Hilans combat power seems to be at a different level! Naole : Yeah! About five times what Im able to muster; even in this new draconic form. Cmdr-Arog : Really?! Naole : Yeah! Cmdr-Elrig : And a Domain to boot! Gen-Holnari : " Simply put; by having a better Spiritual Foundation Hilan is able to manifest his Soul into a Quasi-Domain thanks to a much higher Spiritual Resonance that is able to draw Power from other Crystalans!" Aurora : But can he win! Gen-Holnari : " Unlikely!" DCmd-Isan : But hes fighting on par with the Diac? Cmdr-Arog : Maybe if they all fight together? Gen-Holnari : " Theres the Third and Fourth Seals of Elder Might!" Cmdr-Elrig: Could it be Hilan is jus buying time for the activation of the Third and Fourth Seals of Elder Might? Naole : The Third Seal is Collective Spiritual Energy Resonance! Aurora : Father is the only Knora that can operate Collective Spiritual Energy Resonance! As long as the Third Seal is Unlocked Father has access to the entirety of Crystalorbs Energy Reservoirs. Gen-Holnari : " However if Im reading the way this Elder Might is weaved into the souls of the Knora it seems to be connecting their consciousnesses as well. They are all gaining experience in fighting the Diac as Hilan continues to fight. Oh! It seems that one of the natural traits of the Red Crystalan is Thought Acceleration, The blue have Parallel Thinking, and the Clear Crystalans have Timeline Mapping. The Clear Crystalans are the most Phaylon of all Crystalans." Holnari seemed almost Amused. DCmd-Isan : What the hell?! Cmdr-Arog : You can see the Bonded Energy Charm?! Naole : As expected you are much more than you seem! Cmdr-Elrig : Wait! Could it be? Holnari interrupts Elrig. Gen-Holnari : " The Red Energy is a bad match-up against a Diac, but since Hilan has near endless amounts of Energy the fact that the Diac is feeding on the Chaotic energy of the confrontation means nothing to Hilan. This could theoretically go on forever!" Holnari is behaving like hes watching something truly interesting. Gen-Holnari : " So the answer has to be the Fourth Seal of Elder Might! Hilan is only laying the ground work for the activation of the Fourth Seal of Elder Might, and if my reading is correct then Someone is about to be Elevated to the Level of a Quasi-Transcendent" - - -