07/14/2015, 12:29 AM #244 Chapter IV
At their founding, the Hunteri were trained to be masters of survival. They were to be skilled enough to help those in need to survive. In the end, their last squadron had exceeded that expectation. They had preserved Venturia against impossible odds.
- Last known publication of Heroes and Legends of Venturia during the Inevitable Conclusion
Strix Command Ship Legacy Senari Orbit
Frict. Eleos closed his eyes as he wrestled with the situation that had just been dumped in his lap. Ignita, you cant just reactivate the Rixtrigan. The Void can tell when we use Rift Gates. It knows how we operate. Ignis wilted slightly under his criticism, which made Eleos lighten his tone. Youre so much like your parents. Between your fathers stubbornness and your mothers brashness, Im not surprised you thought that it was the right thing to do.
But, Uncle Eleos, the colonists were the ones that activated the Rift Gates. If the Void is as omniscient as you say, then it must realize that they would be testing it as well. Ignis brought herself up to her full height. We could begin organizing for the final strike now.
Lotus stepped in, Yet were far from that right now. We need to assemble an army discretely. We need to build up a fleet. She shook her head in dismay. Ignita, you jumped the gun, again. Were not ready yet. Eleos nodded solemnly in agreement. They had been waiting for the many Huntericova, colonies of survivors, to build up their numbers across the galaxy. They were playing the waiting game for their army. Ships were another story, and Lotus knew that it would be their greater challenge if the Hunteri didnt do anything for it.
Ignis however didnt share their view on the situation. We can assemble an army now. I can find the ships. Shev, I could find the Void by accident. All we need to do is recruit the colonists-
Why would they fight our fight? Theyre not mercenaries and even then, they have no reason to help. This is a Venturian problem. Well take care of it ourselves. That statement made Ignis step back. She knew what Eleos meant. He had survived the Senari Crisis, the civil war that resulted in the return of the Senari Federation. It was a Senari problem, and we dealt with it, was Eleoss saying. He was always bitter about not doing things himself, despite his time in Strix Squadron.
Its not just a Venturian problem anymore. The Universe is collapsing and I know its because of the Void. Ignis watched her aunt and uncle intently for their reaction. What she saw was grave resignation. They know, too. They just dont want to bother with that aspect of it because we already have enough to deal with. She looked down at her own gloved hand, reaching the same question that Lotus answered next.
I know you want to save everyone, Ignita, but we are few. Theres only so much we can do.
Our goal is to purge Venturia without using the Phoenix Code. Revere has managed to buy us time, but were not ready to strike at every Nihiliod at once. We have to operate like the Phoenix Code, just far more selective. Eleos pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to subdue the headache he felt. We have to do this because we cant access the GAIA Computer to change the program.
Hunteri Stronghold Sedes Imperii
Achlys still felt like she filled the entire chamber that housed the power core of the Palaci. Adapting back to life as a five foot six inch bipedal Arcain instead of a forty foot tall quadruped Arachnae was more challenging than she thought. I just need to give it time. Ill be back to my old self soon enough, just with a lot more energy coursing through my veins. Arcain blood was normally a silvery color, making their veins invisible against their skin. Achlyss, however, now took on a dark purple hue in some places due to the high concentrations of Gaiava. Most beings would die from Gaia Energy poisoning, but she was Arcain; she was born with Corlaviri embedded in her heart, granting her the ability to contain it.
Confirastrav, makita? Still claustrophobic, sister? Aion stood at the entrance with a sideways grin on his face which always betrayed his concern despite his show of good humor. This place is a lot emptier now that you
lost some mass.
Shacir, Hunteri. Achlys tried to keep a serious face, though eventually she gave in to fits of laughter. There was something disarming about how he could still find humor in these dire times. Part of her envied his ability to do so. Regaining her composure, Achlys addressed the leader of the Hunters. I assume youre not here just to crack bad jokes, makite.
Nay, just here to check on our favorite alchemist. Aion carried himself like a General who was wise beyond his years. Achlys knew, though, that he was a renegade who lived by the standards of the Hunteri. When she first met him, Aion was a mercenary searching for the truth of the War of the Eternity. Now he held command of a new generation of Hunteri during a dangerous chapter of Venturias history. His demeanor quickly became grave as he turned to Achlys again. I also want to know if youve sensed anything different. I would try to train our Vatians to access the Foyia, but I would rather not risk it.
Achlys felt herself sigh as she smiled wryly. She understood what he was really asking: He wanted a reason to be let loose; to stop hiding and start fighting. If you really want to know, Helios has an unusually high amount of Deiarc activity.
Helios, huh? Aion seemed suddenly fascinated by the dormant Corlaviri Crystal that made up the citys power core. Maybe its time to pay Joe a visit.
If I recall, we dont have enough transports to relocate our base, unless you intend on leaving some of your dear Hunteri here. Achlys watched a smile grow broader by the second on his face as he began to head back to the makeshift headquarters.
Nay, were all going. I trust the Deiarcs enough that if they know something is wrong then we should listen. He turned to watch Achlys smile as well. And yes, that does mean Ill even listen to your advice, Achlyita. Aion knew that they waited long enough; it was time to bring together the scattered Hunteri into one force. He had to trust that the resulting army would be big enough to handle what he had in mind. If not, then itll be a waste of life.
The main base of operations was a closed circuit system that fed off of the main computers of the city. It was contained and ultimately invisible from outside the city. Vatians, Irians, Papillians, and Arcains bustled about the various chambers that had been retrofitted as a concealed military garrison. Everyone worked with the utmost efficiency, carrying out basic tasks to keep everything operating and prepared for anything. As far as Aion was concerned, these people were true Hunteri. A female Vatian officer approached him, saluted, which he acknowledged with a nod, and then gave her report. Aion, sir, border patrol has reported that a group of bipedals have landed not too long ago. Scans indicate they are using Ventec equipment.
Aions brow furrowed. How many? And did they ID the ship they came in?
Two, sir. And the ship is also of Venturian origin: VE-C02443. According to scans, it originated from Helios via Rixtrigan. The Vatian stood with her arms held at the small of her back, waiting for Aions response. She held respect for him because of who he was as a person, not because he was her CO. It was something that all the Hunteri were taught, and something she took to heart.
VE-C02, Freighters designed for the Empire during Lady Avonnas rule. The kind of transport I would choose if I wanted to get people somewhere fast. Aion gave a start when he came back to reality from his thoughts. Which planet did it originate from, or, better yet, which space port did it come from? With that question, the Vatian blinked a few times as if it was unusual that he had asked.
Duon, sir. From the Pangaea Space port. She was about to ask why that was important but Aion interrupted her with the answer.
Then that means Morpheus decided to send us a sign. Something is wrong. He turned on his heel and made for the communications center. Spread the word, were preparing for Evaztrae. The Vatian froze at the order.
Sir, are you sure you want us to evac-
Positive. Assemble whatever squadrons you can and activate all systems to full. Deivipa caromuc Void locutinun. Hell if I care if the Void finds us now. He left the Vatian dumbfounded as he entered the room where they had all of their communication systems. He grabbed one of the intercom microphones and flipped it on as he activated the voice recorder. Attention all personnel, prepare for immediate Evaztrae. I repeat, prepare for immediate Evaztrae. Utilization of Ventec is permitted. Aion flipped the system to replay the message. All present in the room stared at him. Well? Dont just sit there, Rapi! Move!
The bustling activity that filled the lower levels of the Palaci suddenly erupted into organized chaos. Men and women ran about, shouting orders to others while carrying or packing equipment. Achlys was amazed that, despite their rushed actions, the Hunteri kept their efficiency. While crossing the central chamber to the communications room she was almost swept up in the rush as well. Achlys was surprised, after the ordeal of reaching the room, to find it nearly empty save for the person she was looking for. Aion was pacing in front of the long range comm system, seemingly at odds with himself as he spoke to whoever was on the other end. Eleos, I know its a risk, but I need you to get your backut over here. Im not one-hundred-percent certain I have enough transports here to completely evac my base. Yes, I know, its insane to issue Evaztrae when not fully prepared. Yes. Makite. Youre the last person I need a lecture from today. Hey, itll be like old times, right? All the rushed evacs? Cmon, just use the Rixtrigan. Eleos, theres no point in trying to minimize the damage, its already been done. Yes, we just declared our presence to the Void. Just get over here.
I dont remember Eleos being so cautious. Achlys said softly as she watched Aions reactions. He was tense, waiting for a response, hand held firmly to his ear so that he could hear even the slightest whisper that might come through the comm unit in his ear.
A moment more of silence was finally broken by a sigh of defeat over the comm. Fi, You win. Well be over there in fifteen minutes. We have to deal with a certain someone that decided to come back home.
Thank you, makite. Aion slumped into a chair letting relief flow over him. It only took a few seconds to realize what Eleos had said at the end. Unmomi, who came back home? A chuckle answered him followed by a quick wait-till-we-get-there before the comm went silent.
Strix Command Ship Legacy Senari Orbit
Eleos let his head fall back into the headrest of the seat of the comm station. I thought the saying was Like father, like daughter, not the other way around. Lotus simply laughed.
It could be worse, makite. Besides, it sounds as if Aion was tired. Most likely from sitting on his backut for so long. A dismissive wave was Eleoss response. Plus, he has a point; No point being subtle anymore. And itll be good for Ignita to be reunited with her father.
Aye, maybe that news will keep her from running off to whatever colony she was talking about.
It might be too late for that. The voice of Spear, out of breath and worried sounding, sounded from the doorway of the bridge. She just left for H-BP04. Eleos and Lotus both looked at him incredulously. I tried to stop her but, frict, she was too quick.
Shev. She went to a boundary planet? Eleos looked to Lotus who seemingly read his mind.
We dont know the status of the boundary planets when it comes to Nihiliod infestation. She got off of her seat on the control console and made for the exit. Ill take Anna and go after her. And you. Lotus pointed menacingly towards Spear. Youre coming, too.
What? What did I do wrong this time? He looked from Lotus to Eleos who had a smug grin on his face.
I think it was the part on how you couldnt keep a little girl from escaping. Spear adopted a look of skepticism. Ill make sure to contact Joe so that he can help try to intercept her. He responded with a silent shrug of agreement before leaving Eleos to his thoughts while he sat in the bridge. Yeah, just like old times. You were right, Aion. You were right.