Chapter One

[Quantum Rain]

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----Intro post shall arrive later----

[Quantum Rain]

"I'm not waiting forever, kid." The voice replied coldly, growing impatient obviously. "You've got a short time window to get out, so if you really want to live, get out and turn left, towards the far exit in the cafeteria. Don't act out of the ordinary, they still have access to the cameras here."

"...motherfucker..." Xaldius would grunt, knowing he doesnt have any choice. He would get out of the oven and follow her directions. He would have the rifle in both hands, but not acting too overly ready, but ready enough to take someone down on a moments notice.

"There are guards just outside the door, they're still looking for you, but if you act normal, you should be able to walk past them without being noticed. Turn left when you enter the hallway, and don't look at the turret emplacements on the ceiling." The voice continued with her directing Xaldius all the way down three floors, so far eliminating the need for conflict.

*Fifteen minutes later*

"Okay, on the other side of the corner are more guards. These ones won't let you through like the others, this section is explicitly quarantined, and all other exits are blocked... You'll have to find a way through this blockade and dash for it." The voice stated bluntly, with a slight annoyance at being bested by a bunch of security guards when trying to find another route.

[Wynn]

Xaldius would follow the voice's commands explicitly, acting on alert but not paranoid to keep himself from looking too calm either. He went past the guards and then reached the blockade. He began walking twoards them casually, trying to act like the other soldiers, despite the voice telling him that they would not let him pass.

[Quantum Rain]

The soldiers first yelled out for the soldier to just turn back. At first they weren't hostile, but watching the approaching soldier intently. Finally, they raised their weapons, far too cautious. "Go back, soldier, this area is off-limits." The lieutenant said loudly and clearly, as the others followed suit.

[Wynn]

Xaldius threw the rifle at one guard, drew his pistol and threw it at the other. While they were both reeling from the pain of taking heavy chunks of metal to the face, he ran up grabbed them by the face and slammed their heads into the wall next to the door knocking them unconcious.

"Silent, non-lethal kills is going to be difficult if i have to keep doing this..." Xaldius muttered to himself as he picked the pistol and rifle back up. He grabbed a keycard off one of the guards and used it on the door's control panel.

[Quantum Rain]

The door beeped a rejection at the keycard at first, then again and again. "It's a quarantined section, no one gets in or out... at least, not without the magic word." She said in response to Xaldius's tries, as after a few moments, the door opens of its own will. "Hurry up though, they're on to you now."

--Command Center--

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DIDN'T CALL ME?! YOU BUNCH OF USELESS...!" *Sigh* "Fine, dammit, status report... AND IT BETTER BE GOOD!" The commander yelled out at his subordinates, them responding by flinching every now and then. "U-uh-uhm, sir, well... w-we detected a quarenteened door opening without authorization just a few moments ago. The guards h-haven't responded...." "...YOU USELESS PILE OF [censored], GET EVERY SINGLE MAN WITH A GUN DOWN THERE ASAP!" "Y-yes, sir!"

--Hallways--

"I take back what I said earlier... they're not onto you, they're ahead of you, behind you, and there are several more coming your way... you may want to get a move on. Get out of the main hallway and cut through the dormitories to your left, I'll open the doors are you approach, just keep running."

[Wynn]

The door beeped a rejection at the keycard at first, then again and again. "It's a quarantined section, no one gets in or out... at least, not without the magic word." She said in response to Xaldius's tries, as after a few moments, the door opens of its own will. "Hurry up though, they're on to you now."

--Command Center--

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DIDN'T CALL ME?! YOU BUNCH OF USELESS...!" *Sigh* "Fine, dammit, status report... AND IT BETTER BE GOOD!" The commander yelled out at his subordinates, them responding by flinching every now and then. "U-uh-uhm, sir, well... w-we detected a quarenteened door opening without authorization just a few moments ago. The guards h-haven't responded...." "...YOU USELESS PILE OF [censored], GET EVERY SINGLE MAN WITH A GUN DOWN THERE ASAP!" "Y-yes, sir!"

--Hallways--

"I take back what I said earlier... they're not onto you, they're ahead of you, behind you, and there are several more coming your way... you may want to get a move on. Get out of the main hallway and cut through the dormitories to your left, I'll open the doors are you approach, just keep running."

Xaldius heard the words 'Keep running', dropped the rifle and took off sprinting through the path the voice had described. He moved at a superhuman speed, hopping tables, beds, chairs, or anything that obstructed a straight-line path.

[Quantum Rain]

"I'm trying to put random barriers up to bar their path, but they're slowly shutting down what's left of the defense systems I have access to. There's a squad of roughly twenty just outside this next door, they seem to be waiting for you, so they must have access to the sensors still. Damn, I thought I shut those down...?" She stated, muttering at the end at again being caught at a disadvantage. "Their armor is calibrated for melee weapons, just knock them out of the way and dash to the left, and whatever you do, if you hear a high-pitched sound, close your eyes."

Just as she said this, the next door opened up for Xaldius, revealing said twenty soldiers in heavier armor, weapons aimed at the intruder. Though they may be the immediate threat, he could possibly hear the click clacking of more opponents arriving from the right, still a distance away, but he needed to get going now to outrun them.

[Wynn]

"I'm trying to put random barriers up to bar their path, but they're slowly shutting down what's left of the defense systems I have access to. There's a squad of roughly twenty just outside this next door, they seem to be waiting for you, so they much have access to the sensors still. Damn, I thought I shut those down...?" She stated, muttering at the end at again being caught at a disadvantage. "Their armor is calibrated for melee weapons, just knock them out of the way and dash to the left, and whatever you do, if you hear a high-pitched sound, close your eyes."

Just as she said this, the next door opened up for Xaldius, revealing said twenty soldiers in heavier armor, weapons aimed at the intruder. Though they may be the immediate threat, he could possibly hear the click clacking of more opponents arriving from the right, still a distance away, but he needed to get going now to outrun them.

Xaldius continued sprinting, and left hooked the first one in the face, causing a domino effect to a chunk of the squad, another seven of them falling down behind him. He continued sprinting to the left as the voice said, at a speed that would leave the soldiers dumb-struck.

[Quantum Rain]

"As expected, they shut down all of the elevators. We're going to have to take the stairs. Go past three doors, turn left, and then run. There are more soldiers, but these ones aren't expecting you as much. The stairs, however, seem to be crowded... I'm counting about fifteen ahead of you, fourty-five behind. There are still more, too... they must have the whole damn base on these few floors!"

As Xaldius turns the corner, it is just as she said, minus the unexpected part. The soldiers quickly turned around and fired at the fast-approaching intruder, and these weren't stun shots either. There also seemed to be some small drones flying around too, firing at the intruder as well, and while less accurate, they're more rapid.

"The hell?! ...oh those smart bastards... Alright, we'll play by their game. Their current armor configuration is based on speed, they can move almost as fast as you can, but this makes their armor weak. Target the neck pressure point and you should be able to knock them out. Take the first guard's gun, set it to stun, and shoot your way through. The drones you can ignore, I'm jamming their targeting systems at the moment." She instructed, taking care to add in the "set to stun" part, if Xaldius were to notice.

[Wynn]

"As expected, they shut down all of the elevators. We're going to have to take the stairs. Go past three doors, turn left, and then run. There are more soldiers, but these ones aren't expecting you as much. The stairs, however, seem to be crowded... I'm counting about fifteen ahead of you, fourty-five behind. There are still more, too... they must have the whole damn base on these few floors!"

As Xaldius turns the corner, it is just as she said, minus the unexpected part. The soldiers quickly turned around and fired at the fast-approaching intruder, and these weren't stun shots either. There also seemed to be some small drones flying around too, firing at the intruder as well, and while less accurate, they're more rapid.

"The hell?! ...oh those smart bastards... Alright, we'll play by their game. Their current armor configuration is based on speed, they can move almost as fast as you can, but this makes their armor weak. Target the neck pressure point and you should be able to knock them out. Take the first guard's gun, set it to stun, and shoot your way through. The drones you can ignore, I'm jamming their targeting systems at the moment." She instructed, taking care to add in the "set to stun" part, if Xaldius were to notice.

Xaldius zigzagged a bit to avoid shots, and felt extreme heat hit him in the chest, he ignored it for the time, ran to the wall on the right, wall ran, kicked off then dropped kicked one of the guards in the face while still airborne. He rolled, grabbing the gun and setting it to stun in one quick motion. He got up and took cover around the corner of a doorway. He leaned out and began shooting the guards with stunshots in a firefight. After stunning them all, he would fall to his hands and knees gripping his chest. He had taken an extremely painful hit. He waited a few moments for instructions, but the voice would hear his strained breathing. I probably owe that guard a thank you for letting me 'borrow' his armor... that would've killed me outright if i wasnt wearing it... he thought to himself.

[Quantum Rain]

"I think they're on to the fact that I'm using the same sensor network and camera system to issue instructions, because they're jamming and shutting down both on the lower floor. I only have outdated information to work with, but I still have access to their communications. I'm working on getting the other two systems back online, but we're going to have to wing it." The voice replied, pausing a few moments.

"Okay, from what I had before the sensors shut down, there are around eight guards on the stairs. They only lead to the floor below here, as the barrier systems blocked the rest. Now obviously this is a trap, but we don't have much of a choice. Stun the guards and wait at the door. Whatever is on the other side, you can afford a few seconds to recuperate. The other guards are still a few minutes away thanks to my 'distractions.'"

The drones suddenly self-destructed as Xaldius turned to follow the instructions laid out for him, the hallway clear save for the unconscious bodies on the floor.

[Wynn]

"I think they're on to the fact that I'm using the same sensor network and camera system to issue instructions, because they're jamming and shutting down both on the lower floor. I only have outdated information to work with, but I still have access to their communications. I'm working on getting the other two systems back online, but we're going to have to wing it." The voice replied, pausing a few moments.

"Okay, from what I had before the sensors shut down, there are around eight guards on the stairs. They only lead to the floor below here, as the barrier systems blocked the rest. Now obviously this is a trap, but we don't have much of a choice. Stun the guards and wait at the door. Whatever is on the other side, you can afford a few seconds to recuperate. The other guards are still a few minutes away thanks to my 'distractions.'"

The drones suddenly self-destructed as Xaldius turned to follow the instructions laid out for him, the hallway clear save for the unconscious bodies on the floor.

Xaldius would begin walking twoards the stair well, still clutching his chest. "Does this armor have some... kind of armor mode switch on it?... I dont think i'm... going to be able to run... as well... i took a hit and it's... making it very [censored] difficult to breathe..." He continued walking calmly twoards the stairs so he could at least get a response before engaging.

[Quantum Rain]

"Well, based on your current adrenaline levels, I'll try, and hopefully not kill you... You're going to be in an excessive amount of pain in three hours from now, however."

The armor starts morphing from its previous configuration. While it appeared to have the same weight, it did feel lighter, and he could feel a weird object on his chest. While uncomfortable, and sending weird vibes through his body, it did relieve the breathing issue to a degree. "...that's as good as I can do, try not to get shot again though, the shield systems on that armor seem to be dysfunctional... they must have overpowered those rifles."

The door unlocked automatically as Xaldius approached it, but it did not open for him like the others, obviously as a precautionary measure that the being on the other end sought to give.

[Wynn]

Xaldius crept up to the door, reached for the handle and cracked it to get a quick glimpse of what was on the otherside. He saw the first couple of guards. He quietly set the rifle down. He pulled out his pistol, in favor of mobility. He opend the door slightly more and poked the gun and shot a stun bolt through the door before fully opening it. He quickly then kicked the door open the rest of the way, it would slam into another guard and knock him into the wall, either dazing him or knocking him out. He ran and jumped the railing and landed on the next landing below and quickly shot all the guards in his line of sight before they knew just where in the hell he had come from. He continued down the stairs and shot the next pair of guards coming up after him from a flight up, and continued again.

[Quantum Rain]

It wasn't long before Xaldius reached as far as he could go. He could visibly see the barriers blocking his path downward to freedom. Their solid, white glow like a curtain, only immovable by any force he could currently bring to bear. Lucky for him, all of the guards were knocked out, and the door above slammed shut, a testament as to blocking the way of the oncoming enemies. "They're getting really stubborn, but you have some time. Get yourself together and get past whatever is waiting for you past that door."

[Wynn]

It wasn't long before Xaldius reached as far as he could go. He could visibly see the barriers blocking his path downward to freedom. Their solid, white glow like a curtain, only immovable by any force he could currently bring to bear. Lucky for him, all of the guards were knocked out, and the door above slammed shut, a testament as to blocking the way of the oncoming enemies. "They're getting really stubborn, but you have some time. Get yourself together and get past whatever is waiting for you past that door."

Xaldius would opend the door slightly and peek through like he had before. "When you said I would be in pain for three hours, how much are we talking? Body-aches, full-body migrane?" he muttered quietly, so that the reciever would pick it up, but noone else on the other side of the door would.

[Quantum Rain]

"Well... using your terms, it will be the kind of pain that would cause normal people to jump off bridges, stab themselves with swords, or even cut off their own limbs to stop the agony. I delayed and dulled the pain for now, and so has your natural survival response systems... but that only makes it worse for later on."

Past the door, Xaldius could very clearly see several guards, at least fifteen on the side that he could see. They were eerily quiet, and there was an odd presence, familiar too. Before he could close the door again, though, it suddenly flung forward, over one of the leader's heads, and landed excessively loudly behind the plethora of troopers. They wore medium armor, offering mobility and protection at the same time, and light, repeating weapons. The familiar presence, as Xaldius sensed, was none other than the Archangel from before, standing perfectly fine in front of him, like an omen.

"Then again, you may not live long enough to jump off that bridge..." She commented, somewhat impressed by their numbers and tactics. All totalled, there were around 40 soldiers blocking every path, and the archangel in front of him. Up above, he could hear pounding on the door. It was strong and would hold for some time, but not forever.

[Wynn]

"Well... using your terms, it will be the kind of pain that would cause normal people to jump off bridges, stab themselves with swords, or even cut off their own limbs to stop the agony. I delayed and dulled the pain for now, and so has your natural survival response systems... but that only makes it worse for later on."

Past the door, Xaldius could very clearly see several guards, at least fifteen on the side that he could see. They were eerily quiet, and there was an odd presence, familiar too. Before he could close the door again, though, it suddenly flung forward, over one of the leader's heads, and landed excessively loudly behind the plethora of troopers. They wore medium armor, offering mobility and protection at the same time, and light, repeating weapons. The familiar presence, as Xaldius sensed, was none other than the Archangel from before, standing perfectly fine in front of him, like an omen.

"Then again, you may not live long enough to jump off that bridge..." She commented, somewhat impressed by their numbers and tactics. All totalled, there were around 40 soldiers blocking every path, and the archangel in front of him. Up above, he could hear pounding on the door. It was strong and would hold for some time, but not forever.

Xaldius strode forward and raised his hand as if he were about to punch the Archangel in the face, but it went wide and the hand found his sword on his side. Xaldius took the sword from the Archangel's sheathe, activated it, and slashed his shins. The cut wasnt deep enough to cause serious or permanent damage, but it would be enough to make him sit this one out. He immediately fired a few stun rounds as he ran back for the door way he just came out of and stomped on the stairs that made noise as if he were going up, then hid beneath them before the soldiers had time to chase him.

[Quantum Rain]

While Xaldius wouldn't have directly seen it, the sword was deflected by a layer of shielding on the Archangel's armor, as the soldiers remained still, their command still standing. "We aren't falling for any of your tricks, intruder." He yelled out loudly, the banging on the door still unceasing, but it didn't seem to be budging under the barrage. "Surrender and I may decide to end your life painlessly."

"I never did like that man... far too arrogant. This man has a tank-esque style, he can take hits far better than he can deal, but he's also reliant on short-range mystic attacks. This is usually effective against unskilled opponents, but you're not that green. I suggest challenging him to a duel, his sense of honor was always far too strong, and the others won't interfere during the battle. Though taking him down is a priority, if you find a chance to escape, take it. Just be careful, though. He's not that slow for an endurable soldier." The voice advised Xaldius, though it did seem to be a long-shot at best.

[Wynn]

While Xaldius wouldn't have directly seen it, the sword was deflected by a layer of shielding on the Archangel's armor, as the soldiers remained still, their command still standing. "We aren't falling for any of your tricks, intruder." He yelled out loudly, the banging on the door still unceasing, but it didn't seem to be budging under the barrage. "Surrender and I may decide to end your life painlessly."

"I never did like that man... far too arrogant. This man has a tank-esque style, he can take hits far better than he can deal, but he's also reliant on short-range mystic attacks. This is usually effective against unskilled opponents, but you're not that green. I suggest challenging him to a duel, his sense of honor was always far too strong, and the others won't interfere during the battle. Though taking him down is a priority, if you find a chance to escape, take it. Just be careful, though. He's not that slow for an endurable soldier." The voice advised Xaldius, though it did seem to be a long-shot at best.

"[censored] that!" Xaldius yelled out. "You thnk im just some scared murderer, but your the bastard hiding behind a bunch of pawns!" He continued. He gritted his teeth. "You probably dont even have the guts to take me yourself!" He then went on to challenge.

[Quantum Rain]

"One last note, archangels are known for their ability to switch between strategies at will, but this guy won't be very effective in trying to counter your speed and reasonable endurance. This man doesn't have many weak spots, not any that will bring him to his knees in one blow, after all, you witnessed that yourself. His armor is bodily encompassing, try to use that to your advantage. If you can get him to switch strategies, and thus off-balance, you can really catch him off-guard." The voice said silently into Xaldius's ear.

The floor rumbled softly at first, then grew, as the wall he was standing next to suddenly crumbled, revealing a quite agitated archangel with a steam-like blue aura around him. "Then die in agony!" He yelled out at the kid, running towards him with hands blazing with pure energy. If they connected, it wouldn't be pretty.

[Roach]

--Ramius--

Roach stood atop the tallest tower of castle Ramius he closed his eyes and concentrated he focused his force strength and magical power inter weaving them making them one and with a bright flash Roach transformed into a great Dragon with a roar he flew into the night sky spouting fire he circled the castle three time then soared out over the mountains. Moon light show of his white scales as he flew across the sky when he had circled the world in his three hour flight he landed atop his tower and returned to his normal state the ordeal had taken its toll roach felt ravenously hungry and very drained it would take practice to hold his dragon form for long periods. Roach reached into the pocket of his robe with shaking hands and with drew several pieces of jerky he devoured it and felt revitalized.

"And i thought teleportation was taxing" roach said to him self.

With a gust of wind Gandalf appeared before him.

"I suppose you think that was terribly clever?" Gandalf said crossly leaning on his staff

"Oh come now old friend it was just a bit of fun! Was it not you who taught me to always be exploring my power?"

"Such powers can be terribly consuming and should be wielded with responsibility. The Valar gave you such gifts to serve as a guardian of Arda. Though the fact that you managed a dragon transformation is impressive."

"Can you do that trick old man?" Roach said with a chuckle "I will use more discretion in the future but being able to transform into a dragon on a whim is a useful skill"

Gandalf raised his busy eyebrows in amusement "Very well but be mindful of your actions they always have consequences." with that Gandalf disappeared


Roach teleported down to the kitchens to get something to eat.

[Wynn]

"One last note, archangels are known for their ability to switch between strategies at will, but this guy won't be very effective in trying to counter your speed and reasonable endurance. This man doesn't have many weak spots, not any that will bring him to his knees in one blow, after all, you witnessed that yourself. His armor is bodily encompassing, try to use that to your advantage. If you can get him to switch strategies, and thus off-balance, you can really catch him off-guard." The voice said silently into Xaldius's ear.

The floor rumbled softly at first, then grew, as the wall he was standing next to suddenly crumbled, revealing a quite agitated archangel with a steam-like blue aura around him. "Then die in agony!" He yelled out at the kid, running towards him with hands blazing with pure energy. If they connected, it wouldn't be pretty.

Xaldius would charge forward, then slide and kick the man in a way that made him trip and fly over him. He got up, pounding the ground as he did so, and stood there ready for him to charge again.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Aves, Bottom of the Charadric Ocean--

*Ackbar continues flying, waiting for his strange adviser to appear, but sighs as he receives no response. He returns to where he left Ironbeak and Addrson and resumes his duties with them.*

--Three Months Later--

*The First Avian Colony Fleet reaches its destination and founds the colony of Coturnicidae. Initial reports show great promise thanks to the diligence, industry, and teamwork of the colonists--including Admiral Morvan herself, who pitches right in with those under her care. Similar success accompanies the departure of the Second Colony Fleet, 12 Star Nest ships, and the subsequent establishment of Alcidae. Now, the Third Colony Fleet, 24 vessels strong, is nearing completion and will soon begin to load up its passengers for the coming journey.*

*On Aves itself, massive restoration efforts are well underway to revitalize the war-ravaged avian homeworld, to clear away the wreckage and refuse and debris of 500 years of war from uncountable battlefields, to dispose of dangerous toxic materials and prevent them from wreaking further damage on the planet, and to give all those who died proper burials. Only a few months in, these endeavors have already met with surprising success thanks to the eagerness of the participants and their sincere desire to help their world heal.*

*The devastated Great City of Sapare is torn down and the young Galactic Avian Union moves its capital from Farruvian to a new location: Aves City, built on Ackbar's commission soon after the founding of Coturnicidae to provide a home and a new start for those who do not elect to go to the stars, but instead choose to stay and work for their futures here on the planet. The city is growing in leaps and bounds, and everywhere, the avians are starry-eyed with hope for their future. Philosophy, the sciences, and the arts return to their society in force, and the entire planet poises to enter a grand era of new heights and ideals.*

*The great warship that will defend Aves and its colonies nears completion. Its construction takes a huge toll on the planet's natural resources, such an enormous one that this ship will likely be the only one of its kind ever built. However, the ship is predicted to be so powerful that it alone will be sufficient to defend the entire avian race from any starborne threat. Ackbar's visions tell him otherwise, but he does not say so, knowing that the resources of Aves simply cannot provide for the construction of an entire massive defense fleet. It is risky to put the protection in one ship, but it is the only course of action that the avians can take at this moment. And he still has to decide upon a name for this ship.*

*As all this and more takes place, the Hiigarans return for several more visits and marvel at the avians' incredibly rapid progress. They go home and tell their public of a people that brought itself to the brink of destruction...and then pulled back. "They are a truly extraordinary race," they tell their colleagues, their friends, their family, and their audiences. "The avians come in more than ten thousand different of species that can vary in size and shape like a Hiigaran to a Skaal Tel, but they celebrate this diversity and are steadfastly united in their purpose." The two states set up a communications link between their respective capitals to facilitate further communication. Word spreads across the Exiles' territories, until the Sa of Sa's of the Daiamid, Sajuuk-Khar Karan S'jet herself, takes interest and schedules a diplomatic trip to Aves, only a few days before the great warship's finishing touches are made and it makes its maiden voyage. Ackbar still hasn't furnished a name, and in his office he ponders.*

Ackbar (to Addrson): Are you absolutely sure we can't put this visit off?

Addrson: Look, sir, with all due respect, I understand your dilemma, but to postpone a visit from the Hiigaran's most important official because you're trying to figure out a name for a ship would appear incredibly shallow. Yes, this ship will be our guardian among the stars, the protective wing stretched over the GAU, our first and last line of defense, but this meeting...let me tell you what I've learned about Karan S'jet. For one, she's over three hundred Hiigaran years old--most of them only live to be a hundred and fifty. For another, she's quick-tempered, ruthless, coarse, and absolutely unshaking her devotion to her people. She's led them through two terrible wars, brought them people back from the brink of extinction, and saved them from so many other threats besides that even I had trouble believing it. She's almost a god among the Hiigarans, Ackbar.

Ackbar: And to refuse a visit from a god would be the height of folly...very well. But what exactly is this visit about?

Addrson: On paper, sir, it's little more than just another friendly visit--a good neighbor dropping by to see how things are going, you could say. But I looked over the transmission and there are hints that seem to refer to a possible joint mission of some kind.

Ackbar: I see. Anything else?

Addrson: Nope. If I may, Admiral, I need to go. The new colonies require a lot of administration and management. And that's just the two of them...

Ackbar: Of course, Addrson. Dismissed.

*The trumpeter nods, salutes, and then hurries out of the office, his PDA clutched in his beak. Ackbar examines the cable from Hiigara informing him of Karan's intent to visit Aves, and then flies off his perch to the balcony outside his office. The place is not very different from his old workspace in Farruvian, but the scenery around it comes off as a far cry from the previous capital. Though much smaller than Farruvian, Aves City is growing in leaps and bounds and already bursts with activity. Flying avians and vehicles fly through every available level of airspace in the city, while running avians and other vehicles cram the streets. New districts and sectors of the city are being planned and built at a feverish rate to accommodate the huge number of avians streaming into it.*

Ackbar: He's right, this shouldn't be a hard decision at all... *After sweeping his eyes around the growing city once more, the Admiral flies back into his new office and drafts a cable to be transmitted back to Hiigara, signaling his acceptance of Karan's visit.*

--Blood Raider Space--

*With the Sansha's Nation so weakened, the Blood Raiders find themselves giving more and more ground as the Turian Hierachy's naval forces press harder and harder on its borders in their attempts to attack The World of New Song. Garrus and the rest of the opposition do what they can, but the hawkish faction has simply too much support. The Legions are beginning to make headway towards The World of New Song. Time is running out.*

[Roach]

--Ramius three months later--

With the Litany receiving a refit Roach found himself spending more time planet side. He had spend days mastering his dragon shape shifting and he had finally mastered the talent making it as effortless as a blink. He flew around Ramius at night swooping over the mountains and harassing the goblin population. Roach returned home late after his dragon flight and quietly opened the door to his chambers he found Lucas and Lance asleep at opposite ends of the dejarik board the little holo figures stood in position awaiting their moves roach tapped a button saving the game and shutting down the table. He covered Lucas with a blanket and kissed him on the forehead he muttered something in his sleep and shifted in the overstuffed chair. Roach then went and covered Lance with a blanket and kissed him gently on the forehead also. Roach walked out onto the balcony and gazed at the massive Christmas tree in the center it had be lit on Thanksgiving its multicolored lights twinkled in the darkness the cold winds blew down the mountains and Roach wrapped his cloak more tightly around him. winter had come on Ramius snow covered the valley below the castle and it glittered in the moonlight. Roach felt a had clasp his shoulder he knew who it was without needing to turn.

"Trevor checking up on us?" Roach said turning to face him.

"The boys have been out for a few hours i came to see if you got back alright." Trevor said looking up at the towering figure of Roach.

"Well im here safe and sound you don't need to worry for me Trevor its lance i worry about." Roach heard the wind rustle something and looked up above them in the door way was a bit of mistletoe.

Trevor spotted it and chuckled "Well you know the rule we are supposed to kiss."

Roach shook his head and pulled Trevor in for a kiss it started as just a friendly kiss but roach felt the spark of more and so did Trevor and it became more passionate and filled with need the two finally broke for air. Then they heard a pair of wolf whistles and turned to see Lance and Lucas standing there staring wrapped in the blankets roach had covered them with.

"That was intense." Lance finally said after a awkward silence

Trevor stepped around them and made a less than graceful exit leaving Roach with his to staring sons.

"Stop acting like you've never seen me kiss any one and go back to sleep!" Roach said pushing past them feeling silly for being embarrassed he felt like a child who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

--Other side of the blood raider Terriory--
Free Peoples Intelligence hears of the Turians Pushing Through blood raider territory. Admiral Gregori Yanishev commissions two Free Peoples carrier battle groups and six roving lines to protect the world of new song also a cloaked self replicating ion mine field and several Golan battle stations have been put in place at the other edge of the blood Raiders Territory.

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