The Khroniktan Alliance Fleet's Story

Initiating final pre-voyage checks.

Cargo loaded? Check. Shields stabilized? Check. Energy crystals activated? Check.

Life support online. Defense systems online. Engines online. Comm’ systems online. All systems go!

All personnel to stations! Dimensional breach in… shatu… shinbali… mokhad…

Darkness.

Void.

Emptiness.

A flash of light.

Just outside the border of the Sol system, a flash of light erupted in the dark emptiness of nothingness and gave chase to the endless shadows of space. A swirling vortex of purple, blue, red, and gold forged a violent tempest where there was once a calm blackness. Like a raging sea storm the energies churned, gathered, dissipated, and thundered as a funnel in the fabric of space and time formed. Blue and violet lightning illuminated the cosmic maelstrom.

A blinding light erupted from the vortex. Three enormous shapes emerged from the maelstrom in single file. Their surfaces were like golden diamonds that radiated with auras of shimmering light. The hulls of the vessels were crystalline and seamless. Like three stars, they hovered unhindered by the cosmic wrath of the vortex. Two of the vessels were triangular while the third bore a more rectangular shape. All three of the mysterious vessels rivaled the size of the asteroids that they brushed passed with little effort as they lumbered towards the center of the star system.

For the humble humanoids that called the Sol System 'home', the brilliant multidimensional portal mine as well have been a fireworks display. Whispers of the incredible energy-surge left in the wake of the dimensional breach echoed for millions of miles on end, easily reaching the ever-searching scouters and radars of the Terran National Government. It wouldn't be long before the three massive vessels confronted a trio of much smaller-looking ships. The insignia of the TAF was plastered over their hulls, as did as each of the vessel's names. Joy Ride. Theseus. Nero's Fiddle.

The first of the trio, Nero's Fiddle, advanced towards the hulking leviathan ships with considerable speed. A hail would be sent to their bridges quickly. If they chose to accept them, they would be presented with the holographic image of a young, stern-faced man with raven locks, adorned in a finely-pressed military uniform.

"Unknown parties," the image spoke, "please identify yourself immediately. This is Captain Aaron Vrail with the Achaian Armada. You are intruding in Terran space."

Sire, three incoming vessels. They appear to be signaling for communications. Shall I respond?

Aye. Activate the Arcaneogram.

As you wish, my lord.

After a moment the screen within the bridges of the Terran vessels would come to life with a mirage of static, as if the receptors were trying to comprehend a signal that had never been previously encountered. An eerie low hum resonated from the speakers. Slowly the snow storm of incoherent pixels warped and shifted. Cosmic energy flowed through the screen like a conduit as it was gradually illuminated with a golden hue. A soothing and calming aura of tranquility and peace flowed from the object along with a soft tune that melted away any anxiety, tension, or uneasiness in the room with the symphony’s warm embrace. The radiance flowed from the glass like a graceful golden flame and melded into a tall humanoid form.

The figure grew in size until it nearly doubled the height of the human crewmen. It was wrapped in long flowing robes that just barely covered the being’s clawed, paw-like bare feet. A long furred tail swayed along the ground. Short golden brown fur covered the being’s body large and muscled body. Like a shining waterfall, a golden brown mane surrounded a fierce yet noble feline-like face and flowed down his shoulders and back. His eyes shone like two stars that illuminated an aura of great wisdom, power, nobility, virtue, and honor. A massive broadsword, jagged and covered in glowing runes, rested in his paw-like hands. They gripped the hilt and held it like a cane with the point facing downward. The image of golden light and warm flame shimmered slightly as he raised a clenched fist to his chest in a salute.

“Greetings, friends,” the being said in a deep, strong, yet gentle voice, “I am Neodin Shadowslayer, son of Lo’din the Fearless, King of the Aryites, High Priest of the Chosen, and Prophet of Leolik. On behalf of the Khroniktan Alliance, I extend a banner of peace and friendship towards you and your race. Please respond if you can understand me.”

"We greet you then, King Shadowslayer," Aaron Vrail nodded, "and we are pleased you come in peace. We understand you perfectly. If you would tell us where you come from in the Multiverse, how you came to our system, and why you decided to come here?" There were still questions to be asked, of course. Just because someone said they didn't want in trouble didn't mean there was no threat.

The two other ships pulled up to Nero's Fiddle in a flank, but made no aggressive or hostile actions against the Aryites. Vrail briefly turned to a nearby technician. "Search the Union archives," he commanded, "get me everything you can on the Khroniktan Alliance, if there is anything at all."

“Our people hail from the world of Khroniktus, a domain not of this realm.” replied the shimmering visage of the Aryite priest-king. “It is an ancient world abundant in arcane and magical energies. We have journeyed here through a gateway formed between the folds of time and space in search of kinship among the stars. Several of your moons ago we encountered a faction known as the Aschen Empire during another of our explorations into this dimension. After a short diplomatic meeting, we had agreed to meet on the world of Terra in order to secure a possible treaty and trade agreement. Our vessels come bearing gifts and diplomatic convoys for your people. In exchange for the many exotic foods, trinkets, furs, and other trade items on board our cargo vessel, we were to acquire knowledge and technology.”

As the Terran vessels drew closer, an invisible scan resonated across the ships. Information regarding cargo manifests, weapons, positions of personnel, blueprints, and other information that may be a boon in case of hostilities poured into the Khroniktan Frigates and Galleon. Their crystalline hulls shimmered with light as the defensive shields were activated.

They were new to the cosmos, but they were not naive to the possible dangers that lurked in the darkness.

Aaron frowned slightly at the mention of the 'Aschen.'

"I am sorry that you had the misfortune of meeting with the Empire before you met with us, High Priest," Vrail nodded, "you must have come to our dimension in a different time when Terra was under the occupation of the Aschen. We have since fought them off and regained our sovereignty as a planet. Although we currently have an uneasy peace with the Empire, it was not in their place to designate our home-world as the grounds for diplomacy between your two nations."

Aaron cleared his throat. "That said, I would be happy to welcome you into the Sol System as guests of the Terran National Government. My people would be only too happy to receive you on our planet, if you would allow me to escort you there?"

The Aryite king’s lion-like maw tensed with a frown. He turned for a few moments as he brought his attention to an unseen party. King Shadowslayer spoke long with them. His words bore vague resemblance to a miss-mash of the Terran Middle Eastern and African tongues, yet they flowed like an ancient river refined by the guidance of time. There was a long pause as the priest-king locked himself in deep thought. Finally he returned his attention to the Terran.

“Yes, Captain.” he said. “I am afraid we were delayed due to certain… domestic issues on our home world. The construction of these vessels and the advancement in our portal magic were temporarily halted by an aggressive and advancing military campaign against our lands by a most heinous and dark entity. However, after a grueling and courageous stand, we were able to push them back and resume our research.

“We offer thanks for your hospitality, Captain, and would be honored for you to guide us to your world. Lead on!” he said with a smile. The cosmic energies forming the visage of the Aryite king began to dissipate. Within moments the bridge of the Terran vessel returned to its previous state.

The Triremes turned in formation quickly, their thrusters blaring as they began the journey through the Sol System back to Terra.

Aaron Vrail, meanwhile, would be consulting with one of his technicians.

"We have nothing, sir," the crewman shook his head, "whoever these 'Khroniktans' are, they're not in our records. Or in the Scatteran's. I think they were telling the truth when they said they were from another dimension. No organized nation has had contact with them in... well... ever."

Vrail sat contemplatively in his seat, mulling over the facts. On one hand, accepting the Khroniktans posed a dangerous threat. This union was alien and mysterious. Who was to say the lion-men were not plotting their downfall this minute aboard their ships? The Trireme's backs were turned to their own. It would be easy to shoot them down now. What if the Khroniktans were enemies in disguise?

That said, if the Khroniktans WANTED to kill them, wouldn't they have done so already? The fact that they were willing to commune and treat in a civilized, respectable manner already spoke volumes about their character. Perhaps they truly desired diplomacy? If so, then securing an extra-dimensional ally for Terra could also be an enormous asset in the long run.

Pros and cons, pros and cons. Though young, Aaron was anything if not careful. Reason and intellectualism had always been the captain's principle moral guidance, and they hadn't let him down since. They had advanced him through the university an early age, keeping him at his books while he friends went off to party and drink. They had kept him prudent and disciplined in his service to the TNG, quickly elevating the aspiring soldier from bridge technician to forward-defensive overseer to first-mate to captain. It would see him through now, in this trial.

"Open a comm-link to the Aryite," Vrail gave an order to one of his men. A moment later, the audio-link would be established.

"I thank you for joining me, King Shadowslayer," Aaron spoke calmly and fluently, "since we're relatively close to Terra, I'm going to refrain from using slipspace travel or any other means of hyperspace transportation. Just a steady thrust should see us there in a few hours time." He twirled at a curl in his hair. "Perhaps you could tell me about your people? Your nation? You must understand that no one in this universe has any idea who or what your alliance is. We don't even have a basic grasp of it, really. We are very eager to learn."

As the Terran vessels lumbered through the cosmos, the Khroniktan ships followed closely behind. They gave no sign of acceleration, no sign of friction against the space dust or asteroids that surrounded them, or even the fabric of reality that wrapped around the physical entities that swam through its embrace. They simply went – like magic.

It was true. Due to the almost paranoid cautiousness that the Khroniktans practiced during the engineering and construction of their vessels, their ships were outfitted with enough firepower to take out a medium sized fleet and had virtually unlimited power. The Khroniktans took nothing to chance when it came to the unknown.

Sire, the human officer is requesting communication via audio. Shall I patch you in?

Aye, very well.

Yes, my lord.

“Aye, Captain.” The Aryite’s deep voice rang through the channel. To the average man, the being’s low resonance would be chilling, yet calming. It was like the low rumble of a waterfall mixed with the hum of a great battle horn. Neodin was a charismatic and careful speaker – a king in all rights of the word. “I honor the opportunities to strengthen the bonds between our peoples. During our scouting missions to this realm, we have accumulated a limited knowledge of your world.

“Our world, Khroniktus, is a world scarred by eons of war that has stripped the flesh of the earth. Most of Khroniktus is covered by wounds that have thus far been immune to any form of healing bestowed upon it. Only a small portion has retained the required sustenance for life, thanks to Leolik’s blessing. Due to the scarring, the ley lines that run through the fabric of the plane have been exposed, allowing access to the raw cosmic energies that flow at the core of Existence.

“Over the course of millennia, the Aryites – my people – and the Rokin, have learned to access and channel these arcane energies. Instead of creating tools to alter the world around us, we sought inward and studied how we could manipulate and harness the world – for the good of all. Generations of studying what your people call magic has made us adept in its properties. Because of our choice of advancement, we have remained in what your people call a ‘Late Medieval’ period. However, recent discoveries have prompted us to look outward – towards the stars.

“Overall, the Aryites are a peaceful people. We are a nation of scholars, sages, philosophers, magi, architects, craftsmen, and priests. We serve the mighty and righteous Leolik, who guides us in His ways and ignites within us the Eternal Flame. However, when provoked, we are a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. A true Aryite fights with honor and ferocity, courage and cunning, strength and keenness of mind. Whenever a malefic tyrant has sought to encroach upon our sovereignty, they have always been met with far greater resistance than they have comprehended!

“The Rokin have been our close allies for centuries. They are a stout race that has a resemblance to the avian species of your world, like the Aryites bear likeness to your wild felines. Rokin are renowned for their grand choirs, music, poetry, and literature. We have several among our voyage that are chronicling this momentous occasion.

“There are two other races among our confederation: the Derew and Elementals. A Derew is a noble and magical creature formed from the forest. They take the form of great living trees. The Elementals, as you may guess, are creatures that represent a personification of the elements. However, these two members of our faction are not represented in our convoy. Their preference is to remain in the territories that they have called home."

"Interesting," Vrail nodded, fervently listening to Neodin's brief insight. If he was truly the first man this side of the Multiverse to have contact with the Khroniktans besides the Aschen, then he wanted to know as much about him as he could. "It's a curious tale. Remarkable how such diverse and unique races can all unify together in a peaceful alliance. I think our own universe could learn a thing or two from yours."

The captain reached for a glass of water that an engineer presented to him, sipping at it tenderly. "You'll find that our little corner of existence is not much different from yours, King Shadowslayer. We have armies and empires and nations. There are weapons and cities and churches and schools. Magic exists as well, though no quite in the same way it exists for your people." Vrail took another sip, shaking his head. "But enough of this, you shall learn all there is about Terra soon enough." He leaned forward in his seat. "I am curious. You mentioned earlier that your Alliance has recently been engaged in a conflict with a 'most heinous and dark enemy.' Who is this enemy you speak of? Why were you at war? I should think that most of the intelligent races in your dimension would have allied themselves with you by now."

As the rhythmic flapping of giant wings faded into the distance, three distinct lights twinkled across the night sky. They were like stars, but if someone watched them for an extended period of time, they would seem to be getting larger.

Or closer.

As the futuristic metropolis spun down into its nightly slumber, three distinct lights twinkled across the night sky. They were like stars, but if someone watched them for an extended period of time, they would seem to be getting larger.

Or closer.

Aaron listened to Neodin's elaboration carefully, his brows furrowed, his chin on his fist. On one hand, this tale spoke in defense of the Khroniktan's valor and courage. Fighting off an overwhelming menace in defense of one's homeland was perhaps the most noble cause a man could fight for. Whoever these Erebim were, they certainly sounded like a grave threat. Vrail was happy that the Aryites seemed to have it under control...

On the other hand, what if the Khroniktans had inadvertently brought the Erebim with them...

"No need to worry then, King Shadowslayer," Aaron nodded, "there are no Eribim here. At least, not so far as I am aware of. I hope you shall find rest and comfort in your stay on Terra. I am certain the TNG will lend every faculty to make you as comfortable as possible."

A nearby technician gave Aaron a signal. The captain nodded curtly, before turning back to the comm. "In fact, we are approaching Terra now. Please, High Priest... enjoy the view."

That said, the planet (which had been growing in size at a distance for the last few minutes) would now become completely apparent. A medium-sized planet, Terra was beautiful. Lush blue oceans... thick green forests... proud, jutting mountains... rolling deserts of sand... Terra indeed was a multifariously geographical planet. Several small clusters of metal and lights dotted a few areas on the land masses, alluding to cities.

...that said, there were also a few unpleasant sights. Several long, stretching scars bore into the one of the continents crudedly, as if some god had jammed a knife into it and dragged the blade along the surface. There was a fair bit of polution in the nothern hemisphere of the globe, giving the area a slightly smoggy outlook. Many of the visible cities looked as if only a fraction of their buildings were alight, the other half of their metropolis left in ruins and darkness.

Indeed, Terra bore some scars.

“I pray that it is so, Captain.” Neodin replied. “For my people have expended many resources and much manpower in the mission of containing their path of destruction to the desolate wasteland that the call home.”

The Aryite priest-king stood before a large window in one of the Khroniktan vessels. Though the outer appearance of their ships was of slick, seamless, golden crystal, the inner halls resembled the stone passageways of a medieval fortress. They were filled with the warm glow of magical torches that lined the walls. Neodin braced his large paw-hands on the stone-slab windowsill and eyed the planet’s view through shimmering rendition of a window.

“This world is truly beautiful…” he said to himself. “It bears much resemblance to ours, yet…”

“It is also sick…” replied another deep Aryite voice.

Sheodin Thundermane stood just a hair taller than his brother. Azure and silver robes flowed across a body which was covered in auburn fur that contained traces of silver, gray, and white. A long silver mane flowed across his shoulders and upper back as his eyes, filled with an ancient power and wisdom, looked at Neodin. An aura of ancientness, authority, and incredible power resonated from him, much like the king. Yet his was much more cosmic and arcane in nature. A long furred tail swung behind him. In his paw-like hand he gripped the handle of an enormous mallet like a cane. The neck and handle appeared to be constructed from a strong polished stone. Runes covered the neck that lead to the crystalline head, blue as the deepest sea, which reverberated with a low.

“Aye…” Neodin nodded. “See those lands at the head? They remind me of the smoke-clenched mountains of Ereb Nataan.”

“I can feel the planet cry out to me, brother.” Sheodin leaned on the windowsill. “The elements writhe in agony from the poison and scars inflicted upon it. Clearly, these beings have much to learn about the inner workings of the universe.”

“They are young, Sheodin, and do not possess the same affinity to the astral plane as we do. If they allow it, we will teach them what we can in exchange for the knowledge we desire. Truly, seeing this world in such pain brings sorrow to my heart.”

“Perhaps…” Sheodin sighed. “I doubt they are ready for such knowledge though. We would need to nurture their wisdom before supplying them with the knowledge, lest they use it for nefarious purposes.”

“Aye… Look, brother! See those citadels of steel and stone? Their masonry vastly differs from ours. It also appears that many are in ruins. Perhaps from war?”

“Ask the Captain. It would be unwise to stumble into a conflict we are ill prepared for.”

“As my thoughts…” he said before returning his attention to the connection with Captain Aaron. “Captain, your planet is very beautiful. If I may ask, what of the scars that mar it? I see much destruction among your metropolises. Is your people at war?”

"We were, King Shadowslayer," Aaron commed back, "a bloody, costly war with a foe that desired our planet and our freedom." He turned towards his own bridge-window, admiring his homeworld quietly. "We 'won', technically. Sometimes it doesn't feel that way."

A technician spoke up quickly. "Sir, we have clearance for landing in the Wing City Spaceport."

"Copy that," Vrail nodded, quickly comming back to Neodin, "King Shadowslayer, we are now going to descend into Wing City, the capital of the Terran National Government and one of the largest cities on our planet. I'll send you the coordinates. Just stay on our tail."

He looked back towards the technician. "Take us down."

“Is there ever truly a victor in war? There are those that survive, and those that perish. The similarity between our peoples is that we fight not to assert our dominance, but because we must. We fight so that previous battles were not in vain. We fight for survival – and to honor the spilled blood of our kin.” Replied the Aryite. “I will organize our landing party, Captain.”

The massive crystalline careened into orbit around the planet. Cosmic and arcane energy surged across their surfaces, forming pinpoints of light that pulsated and rippled like waves on a golden sea. From the pinpoints emerged a dozen smaller vessels that were crafted from the same crystalline material. They rivaled the Terran vessels in size, but bore rectangular or diamond-like shapes.

Inside the vessels were primarily crates of cargo – exotic fruits, meats, cheeses, furs, and ornately crafted jewels and other trinkets. However, some of the ships were filled with security personnel. Protecting the line of rectangular Galley transports were flanking rows of diamond Trireme Fortresses. Evenly spaced, the caravan followed behind the Terran vessels.

The formation descended slowly upon the Terran capital, the glittering ships passing quickly through the planet's atmosphere and passing into the city below. An ocean of buildings greeted them swiftly, the Terran populace teeming with life just below.
The Triremes would lead the vessels to a large spaceport some miles away and would direct them to a designated landing dock. Upon landing and exiting their ships, the first Aryite diplomats would be greeted by a series of Terran politicians flanked by marines.

The ships glided through the planet’s atmosphere. Despite the terrible friction, the Khroniktan vessels remained unfazed as if unaffected by the mundane laws of Existence. Their crystalline hulls retained their glowing golden hue as they floated over the city. As the Galleys descended to their designated landing zones, the Triremes remained in aloft like guardian angels over their earthbound cousins. They took defensive positions around the station – passive yet alert.

A single vessel diverged itself from the herd and landed where the flock of politicians had amassed. It landed with the broadside facing the welcoming party. The vessel hovered above the ground instead of landing directly onto the pavement. A moment passed before the side of the ship resonated with swirling light.

From the light emerged several pairs of armored feet. Gallant figures clad in golden plate exited from the light. An aura of mystical holy energy surrounded them. They towered head and shoulders above the Terrans and where two or three times their girth. Sheathed on their backs were large broadswords, shields, maces, and bows. Fur, ranging from a glossy black to a pale yellow, covered them where their bodies were exposed. The fur that adorned their feline-like faces and heads were neatly trimmed, tied back, or formed into dreadlocks. Other manes were gray and thinned. Large banners, bearing their gold and red standard, were gripped in the gauntlets of the two front Aryites.

The armor-clad lion-men marched lockstep to a rigid rhythm of snares, toms, and bass. However, none of the Aryite Chosen wielded any instruments among their arms. It was as if the cadence resonated from the air itself, or an invisible orchestra of spirits had materialized to guide the holy warriors. Two columns of ten marched with five paces between them.

“Shemot!... Imaki!... Shemo’ imak’ shemot!” barked one of the Aryites in sync with the cadence.

“Magtzeer!” he shouted. The columns and marching beat ceased at the order. “Lehuka nazeh makedat!” As one, the two lines pivoted inward and stood rigid with soldierly discipline.

“Ledaha!” The soldiers, in a robotic sync, stretched their gauntleted paw-hands behind their backs and unsheathed their large broadswords. Their blades resonated with runes of courage, righteousness, and virtue. They gripped the runeblades in both hands and placed the tips against the ground.

Another figure emerged from the ship. He was wrapped in long flowing robes that just barely covered the being’s clawed, paw-like bare feet. A long furred tail swayed along the ground. Short golden brown fur covered the being’s body large and muscled body. King Neodin Shadowslayer stood two heads above the other Aryites, and towered at twice the height of the Terrans. Like a shining waterfall, a golden brown mane surrounded a fierce yet noble feline-like face and flowed down his shoulders and back. Strands of silver and gray intertwined with the golden brown. His eyes shone like two stars that illuminated an aura of great wisdom, power, nobility, virtue, and honor. A massive broadsword, jagged and covered in glowing runes, rested in his paw-like hands. He gripped the hilt and held it like a cane with the point facing downward.

As he walked down the aisle between the columns, the Aryite Chosen lowered to their knees and bowed their heads in deep reverence to their King and High Priest.

Following Neodin came another figure. Sheodin Thundermane stood just a hair taller than his brother. Azure and silver robes flowed across a body which was covered in auburn fur that contained traces of silver, gray, and white. A long silver mane flowed across his shoulders and upper back as his eyes, filled with an ancient power and wisdom, looked at the Terran convoy. An aura of ancientness, authority, and incredible power resonated from him, much like the king. Yet his was much more cosmic and arcane in nature. A long furred tail swung behind him. In his paw-like hand he gripped the handle of an enormous mallet in the same fashion as his brother. The neck and handle appeared to be constructed from a strong polished stone. Runes covered the neck that lead to the crystalline head, blue as the deepest sea, which reverberated with a low hum.

"King Shadowslayer," a large, African-looking gentleman stepped forward, offering the Aryite his hand. "I am Parliament Chairman Rubano Malijin. It is my esteemed honor to welcome you to our humble planet." His smile was deep and disarming, his coal black eyes welcoming and inviting. "We have a transport waiting for you. It would be our honor to escort you into the hub of political activity here in Terra: our Government Center."

“Shuyamb.” rumbled the Aryite king. His voice was strong, deep, guttural, intelligent, yet gentle, kind, and diplomatically reserved. He brought a clenched paw-fist to his chest with a dull thud. “Greetings, noble leaders of Terra. I bring signs of kinship, peace, and prosperity from the free peoples of Khroniktus. We come in the name of righteousness, honor, and brotherhood. Among our cargo ships we carry exotic gifts of furs, fruits, meats, cheeses, clothing, jewels, and strong drink. Bring us your weary, so we may feed them. Bring us your sick, maimed, and wounded, and let us heal them. Bring us your homeless, so we may clothe and minister to them. Let us break bread and share knowledge, so both our futures may be brighter in the sight of Leolik."

Rubano indeed appeared quite taken back. Diplomacy certainly didn't work like this anymore.

"You honor us with your gifts, King Shadowslayer," the Parliament Chairman was quick to recover, "and we accept them graciously and humbly." A skilled diplomat, Rubano knew better then decline the charity of a possible ally. "It shall be our pleasure to return your generosity with prudent hospitality. I pray you, come with us to our Government Center. Let us make parley after we have eased your journey's weariness from your shoulders."

Neodin nodded to the man and turned to the other tall Aryite. “Brother.” He clasped his hand over Sheodin’s shoulder. “I ask you to remain here and organize the unloading of the Galleys. Ensure the clerics are supplied with Spells of Tongues, so they may communicate with the Terrans.

“Aye.” Replied the Arch-mage. He then turned and dismissed the procession. “Captain Sandrunner! Go and locate your uncle from the tavern that you spoke of. I will be there shortly.” One of the soldiers gave a quick nod to Sheodin and ran off.

As Neodin and two Chosen followed the Terran diplomats, the dozen other vessels began to unload with a variety of creatures carrying large crates. Among the Aryites were shorter avian beings that squatted a foot shorter than the humans. They were clad in leather and cloth garments and carried long staffs and composite bows. Large bipedal constructs, formed from massive floating crystals that radiated with arcane energy, also aided the Khroniktans in unpacking the caravan. Within minutes, a makeshift marketplace had taken form outside the station.

Initiating final pre-voyage checks.

Cargo loaded? Check. Shields stabilized? Check. Energy crystals activated? Check.

Life support online. Defense systems online. Engines online. Comm’ systems online. All systems go.

All personnel to stations. Dimensional breach in… shatu… shinbali… mokhad…

Darkness.

Void.

Emptiness.

A flash of light.

Just outside the border of the Sol system, a flash of light erupted in the dark emptiness of nothingness and gave chase to the endless shadows of space. A swirling vortex of purple, blue, red, and gold forged a violent tempest where there was once a calm blackness. The energies churned, gathered, dissipated, and thundered as a funnel in the fabric of space and time formed like a raging sea storm.. Blue and violet lightning illuminated the cosmic maelstrom.

A blinding light erupted from the vortex. Three enormous shapes emerged from the maelstrom in single file. Their surfaces were like golden diamonds that radiated with auras of shimmering light. The hulls of the vessels were crystalline and seamless. They hovered unhindered by the cosmic wrath of the vortex like three stars. Two of the vessels were triangular while the third bore a more rectangular shape. All three of the mysterious vessels rivaled the size of the asteroids that they brushed passed with little effort as they lumbered towards the center of the star system.

A ping echoed across the star system and was directed towards the third planet - a bustling green and blue orb called Terra. It hailed across all official frequencies for audio, video, and holographic mediums. An image of a tall anthropomorphic feline appeared on the screens and projectors. He was adorned in robes of azure and silver. His body, built like a mountain, was covered in auburn fur that was salted with traces of silver, gray, and white. A long silver mane fell across his chest and upper back. His eyes, filled with an ancient power, glowed like twin full moons.

"Shujhamb, peoples of Terra." the figure spoke in a deep baritone as he lifted a furred paw-hand in greeting. "I am Archmage Sheodin Thundermane, First Ambassador of the Khroniktan Alliance. Do not be alarmed, for we come in the name of peace and kinship. We humbly request permission to enter your orbit and an audience with a representative of your world."

Initiating final pre-voyage checks.

Cargo loaded? Check. Shields stabilized? Check. Energy crystals activated? Check.

Life support online. Defense systems online. Engines online. Comm’ systems online. All systems go.

All personnel to stations. Dimensional breach in… shatu… shinbali… mokhad…

Darkness.

Void.

Emptiness.

A flash of light.

Just outside the border of the Sirius system, a flash of light erupted in the dark emptiness of nothingness and gave chase to the endless shadows of space. A swirling vortex of purple, blue, red, and gold forged a violent tempest where there was once a calm blackness. The energies churned, gathered, dissipated, and thundered as a funnel in the fabric of space and time formed like a raging sea storm.. Blue and violet lightning illuminated the cosmic maelstrom.

A blinding light erupted from the vortex. Three enormous shapes emerged from the maelstrom in single file. Their surfaces were like golden diamonds that radiated with auras of shimmering light. The hulls of the vessels were crystalline and seamless. They hovered unhindered by the cosmic wrath of the vortex like three stars. Two of the vessels were triangular while the third bore a more rectangular shape. All three of the mysterious vessels rivaled the size of the asteroids that they brushed passed with little effort as they lumbered towards the center of the star system.

A few moments passed before the convoy settled into a high orbit over the world of Gaia. They would appear as a trio of new and particular bright stars to the inhabitants below - to be interpreted as any way they wished.

"Sire, we have established a stable orbit. What are your orders?"

"Send out probes. Map out any notable areas and search for the densest clusters of civilization. I want to know the locations of all major powers on that world within the hour. Have the magi calibrate the arcanogram and prepare for official first contact."

"Aye, milord."

Dozens of small golden spheres emerged from the ships. They hovered beside the vessels, unhindered by the gravity well of the planet and the abundant cosmic energies that drifted their the void like an ocean breeze. The spheres suddenly shot down to the planet like meteors without any sign of acceleration. Tails of shimmering radiance followed in their wake as they explored the globe in a grid pattern.

The Great city of Wer'Guawysvern sat bellow and the oracles and wizards of the mighty desert city began their works in the name of their great scaly Lord of the Southern Sands. Inikhethadaternock simply offered a toothy smile as he rose from his sandy throne and donned a silk robe to cover his bare sun-kissed skin. His elvish appearance he now took moved with grace as he took a scroll from a kneeling robed servant all the while his Hidden Claw strode right beside him keeping her silence until he was ready for her words.

"You know, Aurora, there is a fine line of wonderful news that I am willing to take." Inikhethadaternock commented as he unrolled the scroll and looked over the inscribed work only to smirk. "I was wondering how that assignment went. So you outright killed the man in public?" The Dragon quested slyly. Aurora simply nodded and kept her pace with her lord as they walked.

"I called him out for his betrayals and when he tried to deny them I silenced him." Aurora quickly commented. She kept her eyes forward as the two stepped into the daylight. "My lord what are you going to do about the newcomers who sit high above? Ra'Zahr and that wizard said that they would arrive but we have no idea as to what kind of force they have. Their technology from what I am informed is magical in nature but..." Aurora began to trail off the subject as her gaze fell upon Symir who only offered his own smile as he strode past the two.

"Aurora." The sand dragon chirped a bit as he continued to smile. "Go after that loving brother of yours and let him know that lunch will be served shortly. I expect him to be present during the festivities and for the arrival of our guests if they decide to come down from that lofty spot of theirs."

The Hidden Claw simply nodded and turned about to go after her brother. The King of Wer'Guawysvern simply continued on his way and began to look over his territory just to then bring his gaze up too the sky above. His keen vision brought a smile to his face as arcane energies began to flow heavily around him.

"Bring on the feast then."

Silence was all the Qenna would give towards the two, following quietly behind the King of the Sands. Qenna sighed inwardly as she strode along behind and listened to the words spoken between her sister and father 'Fools...the lot of them' She thought to herself as she leaned slightly on her walking stick, the Staff hummed with a power all it's own, her fingers brushing up and down the golden lines and runic markings while her gaze shifted to look at it 'I take it you already know a good deal about that thing in the sky dont you?' She asked, the tiefling would say while running her fingers through her hair to brush it from her face.

'Always...' The Staff replied as it said further 'It is a very curious design, however, I would need to interface directly with one of their minds to learn anything further. All I can infer is that their magic is almost superior to your own' Qenna nodded and would sway her tail back and forth gently as her gaze lifted up at the thought of a feast 'Great...another feast with the boring dignataries...wonderful of days' She said with a roll of her eyes and allowed her presence be known by a sharp rapping of her staff on the ground "My Lord...do you desire my contact with regard to those whom rest above our heads?" She asked him

Her face was practiced and even in tone, cold, steely eyes watching her Father while her grip on her staff tightened gently though she did bow her head "If necessary, I could arrange quarters for them and their number to stay within the city walls" Qenna offered.

The king of the sands simply turned to look at his wonderful court wizard only to frown slightly as there was still plenty to do.

"You know Qenna it is almost unbearable when you ask such simple questions." The sun kissed elf offered her a mock bow. His blue eyes seemed to glow as they held their gaze upon his half bread child. "I actually wish you to be present for when the new arrivals show themselves. After all Ra'Zahr and that large hatted wizard did promise me that those guests of ours would be most famished and tired."

Inikhethadaternock began to straighten himself up and popped his neck only to look over the vast ocean before them and the desert at their backs. "Have the people who work within my halls prepare a great meal and the dining hall. Make sure there is extra sand upon the floor and the cooling lamps in place, the blue flames. Once this is all done and over with I will require my maps and documents from our personal library to see what can be done with our new found friends to make them comfortable."