Chapter X

MAPS:
(url="http://"http://www.carnotaurhq.com/webstories/roc3/roc_3_map.gif")Milky Way(/url)
(url="http://"http://www.carnotaurhq.com/webstories/roc3/ross_154_map.gif")Ross 154(/url)
(url="http://"http://www.carnotaurhq.com/webstories/roc3/eta_cassiopea_map.gif")Eta Cassiopea(/url)

CHAPTERS:
(url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004055.html")I(/url), (url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004071.html")II(/url), (url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004092.html")III(/url), (url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004119.html")IV(/url), (url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004143.html")V(/url), (url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004181.html")VI(/url), (url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004325.html")VII(/url), (url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004374.html")VIII(/url), (url="http://"http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/webboard/Forum8/HTML/004430.html")IX(/url).

The navy of Andromeda lies in ruins, broken by the determination of the free races. The A.S.S Shiva, that met an unlikely end at the hands of the Sijak's Ghosts. The A.S.S. Quezacotl, obliterated in the sacrifice of the Raiek's homeworld. The A.S.S Loki, torn apart in the bowels of Barad-dűr. The A.S.S. Xe'ls and A.S.S. T'akara, sisterships, both broken against the steel wall that was and is Phoenix Command. The A.S.S. Amun, doomed when it entered the Wolf Nebula and the heart of the Haorn. The A.S.S. Minerva, defeated by the Senn's last gift to the Skraine.

The navy of Andromeda is broken, all in one fateful day, with only the A.S.S. Zeus and A.S.S. Thor remaining, survivors from the final battle against the Drakal of Andromeda.

The Prylak, however, remain. Deep within the Proxima Nebula, the Prylak that took home there over twenty years ago are stirring, and far away, in Zone X, the Divinity, ultimate ruler of the Prylak, has finally lain aside It's private war with the psychics of the Katreen and left Zone X.

The final war, the final breath, the final wish. The final reign of chaos.

Reign of Chaos 3, Chapter X

DSN-5495
It was deep within the Proxima nebula, as far as the Miranu's nebulae penetration device had ever penetrated, that Lythrawn was to finally find what he had sought when he had set off from Barad-dűr, crossing the realms of the Milky Way, avoiding whatever Galactica patrols still existed after the near armageddon that had befallen them.

Deep within the Proxima nebula, where none dared to venture. The heart of Proxima herself dominated the stars, and the strange blue aura extended out in all directions, painting the black depths sapphire. In the most beautiful place in known space, deep within the perfect borders of the nebula.

There, Lythrawn found what he had sought.

Twenty one years ago, the Prylak of Ross had assualted the Milky Way for the second time in history, thousands of ships. An unstoppable horde that had swept across the Milky Way, slaughtering millions until they had finally met their match. The combined navy of Galactica, the Mercenary Alliance, the Azdgari and the Zidagar defeated the Prylak in that system that was once known as Galactica.

And from there, the surviving Prylak had fled, far into the galactic south-east, seeking whatever refuge they could find. Deep in the depths of the Milky Way, Lythrawn, who was at that time the commander of the invasion force, had first found the Proxima nebula, the perfect place for his forces to hide, and recover, over time.

Lythrawn had later been able to return to Andromeda, where he had confronted the Emperor. Lythrawn, the Prylak who had "changed". The Prylak who now returned to the host of darkness that had been brooding for twenty one years, waiting for their leader to return. They had been waiting for a navy to be at his back, but instead they saw four ships, four battered warships.

"I am returned," Lythrawn spoke to them in ancient Prylak.

"You are returned," one aged Prylak officer replied coolly, "yet you are not what you once were. Where is the armada of Andromeda that you had promised us? You have been gone longer than a year, and you return with less than you went with."

"Where is the aid you promised us?" questioned another.

"What of the starfortresses of Andromeda?"

"What of their emperor?"

"Nay, what of ours?"

"What news from Ross?"

"As you see, Lythrawn..." one voice began, the voice of Lythrawn's old second-in-command, who had during the time of the invasion been little more than the pampered nephew of the emperor. "...many things have changed since you were gone. We have seen your weak heart. Do you even know the fate of the emperor? Do you even care?? Are you a Prylak at heart any longer, or are you not? Where are your slaves -- what are these creatures that stand at your side as if they were equal?"

"You are not Prylak," spat the man. "You are not the Lythrawn I once held respect in. You bring back no news! You bring back no navy! You bring back no hope for the remnants of the once pride Ross..."

With that, the man, whose once youthful face was now a worn, aged wreck, turned on his heel and left, and he was followed unanimously by the other Prylak.

The carrier that had been scouting the system turned and streaked further into the depths, into Proxima itself, leaving Lythrawn and his "crew" to themselves.

------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair

(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 05-17-2002).)

The Invasion of Azdgari: The Beginning

Hyperspace:In vicinity of Azdgari space
A fleet that rivalled the great Emalghia Invasion Fleets hurtled through hyperspace. Ship for ship, it was far smaller, but in firepower, it was far greater. 2 ships at the center of the armada provided most of the increase. The G.N.S. Bellaraphon and the C.N.S. Balrog. Around them, large carriers, Galactica and Confederate made carried hundreds of fighters. Confederate Alliance Flagships, escorted by Galactcia WarCruisers defended the perimeter of the fleet. The numerous smaller ships of both navies filled the gaps. It would have been an unseen sight before the Prylak decimated everything. As was the fact all ships emitted Galactica IFF signals, and many ex-confederate ships had already had the hull paint changed to reflect their new nature.

And along with the ships from the Milky Way, a few precious Skraine ships that Galactica had siezed before the Skraine Exodus, would provide a shock to Azdgari.

----

Hundreds of ships exited into the Azdgari system as one, unmissible to sensors. The Azdgari could not miss the fleet. Nor could they miss the multitude of missiles that shot out nano-seconds later towards the Azdgari fleet and defences.

Galactica expected to win, and it would ensure that it would not be disappointed.

--------

Technological Intergration - 18 posts

Sentinel Defence System - 20 posts

Balrog-Class Dreadnaught Invincible - 1 posts

Nemesis-Class Dreadnaught - 2 posts

------------------
If someone makes a mistake, it is not my fault. I will however use it to my advantage.

Voted most likely to be a serial killer by Insane Asylum - 2002

(This message has been edited by RMA (edited 05-17-2002).)

The Invasion of Azdgari: Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide
The Alliance of Azdgari were indeed taken by surprise when the Galactica armada entered the system. Although the fleet was very small in numbers, comparatively speaking it still outnumbered the Alliance's defence force by nearing two to one. Galactica's initial barrage, which was so powerful it turned into a practical bombardment, was near crippling. Half a hundred Azdaras making routine patrols were obliterated by the stand-off missiles. So many missiles were fired, so quickly, that many were left without a target. More stand-offs struck down upon Dames, Veltes and Xarnes, accompanied by hyper-lattice warheads wargated in by the few Skraine ships, mostly cruisers.

The Azdgari rushed to counter Galactica, Athenas and Adrenas quickly taking off from the planets, but many were shot down by anti-matter railguns before they even escaped orbit. A mass of Azdaras upgraded with Sijak engines, so fast that their pilots could barely stand the stress, made a clumsy charge against Galactica's organised forces.

They were incinerated by an even larger number of mass missiles, followed up by two waves of Shrike fighters. Hundreds of bolts crashed into Galactica ships, the ships that had fired them destroyed before they hit their target.

Behind the Azdaras came a force of heavier Adrena gunships, which with their firepower and a large amount of luck managed to gain a short advantage over the Shrikes, destroying several of them. The fact that Adrenas were only armed with 360ş weapons helped immensely in those few moments.

Another wave of Azdaras was launched from the fourty extremely heavy Athena fighter-carriers, which moved out to the sides, so quickly that even the mass missiles had difficulty keeping on their tails. The Athenas then joined in the fray with the Shrikes.

However, the minor advantage was lost, and the Shrikes were organised once more.

------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair

The Invasion of Azdgari:Moths to a flame

The Azdgari fighters where tearing many Shrikes apart, their high speed allowing them to dodge the firepower of the Shrikes. Then the Azdgari learnt that Galactica was indeed ruthless. Hundreds of stand-off missiles exploded all around the fighters, the shockwave smashing them to bits. Of course, the fighters had been in the midst of Galacticas Shrikes, but the Shrikes had come to a halt, and diverted all engine power to the grav sheath. That, coupled with the fact they could absorb more damage, meant most of them survived, albiet damaged to varying degrees.

Then the Balrog was ordered forward to deal with the carriers, along with several WarCruisers for escort. It would make short work of the carriers.

The few Skraine ships had been busy, the location of the shield generators had almost been pinpointed on the moons, and soon they would destroy the generators, leaving the moons open to attack.

--------

Technological Intergration - 17 posts

Sentinel Defence System - 19 posts

Balrog-Class Dreadnaught Invincible - 8 posts

Nemesis-Class Dreadnaught - 1 posts

Total dreadnaughts:1 Balrog Class, 1 Nemesis Class (1 other Balrog under loan from Confederates)

------------------
If someone makes a mistake, it is not my fault. I will however use it to my advantage.

Voted most likely to be a serial killer by Insane Asylum - 2002

(This message has been edited by RMA (edited 05-17-2002).)

The Invasion of Azdgari: Desperate Times

The Azdaras were mainly destroyed, other than just over a hundred which managed to make it to Galactica's flanks, and began a ruthless yet suicidal assualt against the Skraine and Confederate vessels. Several warships were dragged down, and a number of Renegade Battlefighters fell, until the Azdaras were no more.

Meanwhile, the Balrog and an escort of warcruisers pushed forward into the Alliance ranks. The Shrikes turned on the Adrenas, and many quickly fell to the power of the thoron beams even as the Balrog moved in to attack the Athenas. There was a massive exchange of firepower between the two, with the Balrog having the advantage, but not tremendously.

The Balrog was damaged considerably, at 62% shields, and many of the Athenas were destroyed. Eight more promptly imploded and then exploded under a wave of stand-off missiles from the rear, and the remaining thirteen all rammed into the Balrog and the warcruisers. Two warcruisers were destroyed.

Several Shrikes were lost, but the Adrenas were also mopped up.

At that point, the second and final wave of defenders made a futile and desperate charge, led by an Alliance Flagship. They ran straight towards the Balrog, opening all available fire at it. Renegade battlefighters were simply torn apart then, as the Bellaraphon moved to flank the Balrog, opening fire with its massive weaponry.

------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair

(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 05-17-2002).)

The Invasion of Azdgari: Obliteration
The Bellaraphon had been saving its Thoron beams until they where needed, charging them up to maximum capacity that could be maintained. That point had arrived. Beams which had almost shattered a Starfortresses shields, impacted the Flagships shields, smashing through in seconds to the armour. Moments later, the Flagship exploded, the shockwave spreading out. Debris span, bodies locked in the final moments of death.

The Azdgaris last hope had failed miserably.

The Skraine ships finally launched their wargated warheads, obliterating the planetary shield generators. Both Dreadnaughts headed for the moons, flanked by the rest of the fleet, shuttles ready to unload troops and secure the moons.

At last, Azdgari would once again be in the hands of Galactica. Galactica had not been disappointed.

--------
Technological Intergration - 16 posts

Sentinel Defence System - 18 posts

Balrog-Class Dreadnaught Invincible - 7 posts

Nemesis-Class Dreadnaught - 8 posts

Total dreadnaughts:1 Balrog Class, 2 Nemesis Class (1 other Balrog under loan from Confederates)

------------------
If someone makes a mistake, it is not my fault. I will however use it to my advantage.

Voted most likely to be a serial killer by Insane Asylum - 2002

(This message has been edited by RMA (edited 05-17-2002).)

The Invasion of Azdgari: No Way Out
Their fleet incinerated, the Alliance was in wrecks. The three main cities on Xarnes, Veltes and Dames were in total chaos, with citizens attempting to flee and government officials trying to stop them, as any ship which left the ground would simply be obliterated.

The prime minister of the Alliance of Azdgari was found dead in his private chambers, after having taken cyanide. The first admiral was nowhere to be found, and the political council of advisors were all shockingly found gunned down in a mass in a room high in the headquarters of the Alliance, known was the "war room". Every one was accounted for, and suicide was out of the question - they had been murdered.

There was only minor resistance as Galactica's storm troops set down and began to clear out. A number of Azdgari marines, larger working independantly of each other, decided to "go out with glory" - in most cases they were simply shot down before they had a chance. Several more experienced soldiers were able to set up various traps, but it amounted to little more than a personal statement.

The highest ranking military officer alive after a rush of suicides, a field marshall, issued an official surrender, but he was unfortunately ignored. It turned out to be quite difficult to surrender when nobody particularly cares what you're saying, and nothing ruins a good surrender more than a dozen reckless crusaders charging at a rank of shock troops screaming; "For the Azdgari!" as they as vaporised by a somewhat bored trooper.

As such, Galactica had to eliminate every single military troop, down to the cadets, other than those who'd unloaded their own guns into their temple.

It was an unfortunate massacre, with an estimate of over three thousand dead - only a hundred and six of those were shock troops.

The first admiral, leader of the Alliance's military forces, remained missing. Only a vague report amount a man clothed in black travelling down into the bunkers underground New Azdgari City suggested anything about his location.

------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair

Depths of the Proxima Nebula

On his bridge, shrouded in darkness, Lythrawn growled menacingly. "I come here, expecting to find countless warriors ready to fight for me, and instead I find this!" he roared, throwing away a datapad violently. "If I had a starfortress at my disposal I'd wipe these people off the face of the universe!"

"My lord..." started Tratheck, Lythrawns second-in-command. His eyes flashed brightly as he continued. "...perhaps a show of force might change their minds. We did, after all, only come here with part of our fleet."

"It would be better than turning away," Ravaer the Haorn added. "Though you'd think that two Empyrean Supercarriers and a Prylak Dreadnaught would impress them enough..." He shrugged and growled a little. "Personally, I think all if not most Prylak are trecheous..."

Tratheck glared at Ravaer, but Lythrawn kept silent, his blue eyes almost glowing in the darkness. He kept still for a long while, thinking, contemplating his next move. "Very well... Order all remaining ships to this system immediately."

-----------------

On the other side of the galaxy, the Prylak fleet was quickly organized and set out towards Proxima. The Ravens totalled about 50, along with the other Empyrean Supercarrier, four other battlecruisers, and 3 Carriers and 6 Frigates. They quickly hyperspaced out and made the long journey to Proxima.

-----------------

When the extra ships finally did arrive, Lythrawn began scans for Tarsonis, the planet he knew the Prylak had settled on. He also sent out a message, audio only....

"I am Lythrawn. I have returned. Whether or not you consider me weak is your opinion and your opinion only. I am your leader. I bring news from the galaxy; Ross has fallen, and the Prylak the warfleets of Andromeda have be severely wounded in a foolish attack. I tried warning them, but no, they did not listen, and now many starfortress' have been destroyed because of it." Lythrawn began to raise his voice, making it more menacing. "I may not have a grand fleet with me, but I have enough ships to be dangerous, and with your help I will do my best to prove myself to you." His voice was now low, evil, and horribly menacing. "What is your answer?"

------------------
If at first you don't succeed...Hit it harder! - Me
--------------
Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it.
Coming to the (url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html")EV Chronicles(/url).

(This message has been edited by Captain Carnotaur (edited 05-17-2002).)

A chime sounded indicating that someone wanted to enter his office, and after checking their identity on the closed-circuit camera, Emperor BattleDoctor buzzed them in. High Admiral Fera stepped in, looking quite pleased, and as he saluted to his Emperor, BattleDoctor began to speak.

"Greetings, Admiral Fera. I trust you have the report on the battle in Azdgari?"

"Yes, sir." responded High Admiral Fera. "The Azdgari military forces were completely eliminated by the combined forces of our fleet under Fleet Admiral Yuarg and General Hurlatz' shock troopers. Some officers are still missing but we've got squads combing the bunkers with orders to shoot and Azdgari encountered. Overall the operation was a complete success."

"Good, Fera. I want a secret police presence on that planet as soon as possible to begin rooting out citizens still loyal to the former Azdgari government. Order them to randomly pick 20,000 Azdgari on arrival and execute them to make an example of what happens to those who refuse Galactica rule. We need to make sure we are in complete control there."

"Yes, sir. I'll get right on it."

"One more thing, Fera. Was the Balrog destroyed?"

Fera swallowed hard and responded. "Serious damage was dealt to it, but the Azdgari didn't manage to destroy the ship. I'm sorry, sir."

"No need to be so, Fera. Order the executions of any Confederate Alliance crew on board the ship and bring it to Sol. I fully intend not to honor that part of the treaty. Make sure to make the Alliance think that their ship has been destroyed."

Technology Integration: 15 Posts

Sentinel Defense System: 17 Posts

Balrog-clas Dreadnought Invincible: 6 Posts

Next Nemesis-class Dreadnought: 7 Posts

------------------
You can stab and shoot and spit
But they won't be fixing it

Underneath New Azdgari City
Topiros continued down the ancient, dank bunkers, holding a torch in his left hand and keeping his right hand firmly on the rail as he descended the treacherously winding steps. These bunkers had been build very basically, expanded on from an original escape route that had been built thousands of years ago by an Azdgari emperor with a very dubious position. Topiros knew, of course, that the escape route had long since collapsed, but the bunkers below offered some refuge. If he's stopped to think, he would have realised how futile his efforts were, but for now, he made a conscious effort not to think. Thought was dangerous.

He had no idea how long he had been descending, but it was beginning to become hot and Topiros, who was remarked for being entirely tireless, was beginning to feel the slow approach of fatigue in his legs. Being only half-Azdgari, he was not used to this type of terrain, with the very high, slippery steps. He held both Azdgari and Odine origins, and Odine rarely used stairs of any form.

A phase blast exploded into the earthen wall behind him, sending shards of rock into his back. In a panic, he leaped down numerous steps at a time, breathing hard and relying on the rail to keep him from falling. He jumped, his hand coming down hard on the rail, unfortunately down on a sharp nail. He looked down upon his hand with chagrin, his turquise skin broken. The nail had gone right through, and thick black blood oozed out from it. He cried out, and tried to pull his hand out.

Another phase blast was fired, once again missing. Topiros was grabbed from behind by a shock trooper, but in desperation the half-Azdgari was able to wriggle out and kick the trooper in the groin. With a gasp of air, the trooper fell forward and collapsed down the stairs, his bones cracking as he descended, the sound beginning quieter and quieter as he continued to bounce down the stairs. No-one heard him reach the bottom. He was dead by the second bounce on the sharp points of the stairs.

Topiros was kicked heavily from behind, and he lost his balance and began to fall. His hand was impaled on the nail, however, and it stopped him temporarily. He could feel his own weight letting the nail tear through bones and ligaments. His eyes watered from the pain, and he only saw a blur as a shock trooper levelled his rifle on Topiros' head.

Moments before the trooper fired, Topiros brought his left hand up from his side, with an Odine blade that he bore as an heirloom gripped in his hand. The blade was an odd one, serrated and in a very unusual, apparently ceremonial shape. The blade sliced through his wrist easily, though, as he brought it down with all his strength.

He was free then, his right hand still stuck to the nail, however, to fall down the steps. His neck fell down on the sharp edge of a corner, and the pain was nearly overwhelming. A series of phase blasts followed Topiros' descent, and then he heard the shock troopers running down to try and chase him.

Somehow, using his own agility, he managed to halt his descent by grabbing hold of the rail with his one remaing hand, the Odine blade falling free and clattering loudly. He pulled himself to his feet, wincing at all the blood yet somehow managing to continue down. In the darkness, one of the Galactica shock troopers somehow managed to step right on the blade. It pierced his armoured boots, and, through some poison in the blade, the trooper collapsed and fell forward, down upon two more below him.

Topiros looked once more at his hand. The poison had not taken him dead - yet, at least. Whatever poison was in it must have not been effective against Odine blood. Rushing down the stairs, Topiros came across a blast door with an identity scanner. It quickly confirmed him, and the door slid open. He ran through, oblivious now to the door closing on the head of a Galactica trooper.

Once inside, Topiros knew he had to close the second blast doors, and explore the bunker system further. However, bleeding intensely and overcome by shock, he collapsed on the ground, and fainted.

------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair

The Challenge
It was half an hour before a reply came, and the reply was in a form that was not expected. Five Prylak battlefleets hyperspaced into DSN-5495, and a virtual communication was drawn up.

Lythrawn was confronted by the five Prylak he had before talked with, all now dressed in military clothes - sheets of platemail and elaborate crests, poison tipped spikes fitted to their powerful tails, and each carrying a massive iron staff.

"And yet you say it not - what of the emperor?" asked the oldest.

"He does not know," replied the emperor's nephew. "Such things are no longer concern to him. Lythrawn of the Ross Prylak, you may regain your position here if you satisfy us all that you are capable, for we are the Warlords of Proxima, and we have as much right to rule here as you - more."

"What would you have me do?" Lythrawn asked.

"Defeat my champion in unarmed combat," replied one of the Warlords, named Thassrugar. He indicated to a massive Prylak at his side, caped in glittering black steel. "Do this and you shall to me have been proved worthy."

"Defeat my flagship with thine, and only thine," replied another Warlord, named Ionathur. "Should you achieve this, you shall to me have been proved worthy."

"Know the fate of the emperor of Ross," answered the youngest of the Warlords, Aileghar. "Know this, and bring proof to me, and you shall to me have been proved worthy."

"Bring back the beacon from a Haorn mothership you have felled," commanded the eldest of the Warlords, Mezhothar. "Do this, and you shall to me have been proved worthy."

"And what of you?" Lythrawn asked the emperor's nephew.

"Destroy Carnotaur," the Prylak said, and the other Warlords turned to him, confused. The highest of the warlords grinned. "I've been following you all along, Lythrawn, and only this will prove that you are still Prylak. Destroy Carnotaur of the Confederate Alliance, and you shall to me have been proved worthy."

"Alternatively," spoke Mezhothar, "you could challenge all five of us, now, to a fight to the death in space or on ground. It is your choice."

The communication broke off, and Lythrawn found himself back on the bridge of his battlecruiser, facing five unidentifiable Prylak warships. The Wraiths that had been among them were gone, left during the communication.

------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair

(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 05-18-2002).)

The Challenge

Lythrawn was silent, and meanwhile, Tratheck and Ravaer looked at him intently. "What will be your response?" Tratheck asked.

Lythrawn was still silent, but finally he did respond. "What else can I do? Do their challenges..." Paused and growled. "And then kill them all if they aren't impressed. Iragaur!"

The Prylak lieutenant ran over to him. "Yes sir?"

"Get me my armour immediately. I have a warrior to slay."

Within a few minutes Lythrawn was ready, his armor ready for combat. In the combat room (a special room on his battleship designed to allow Prylak to fight each other in duels or just practice) of his ship he stood, with Tratheck and Ravaer also armored and armed with swords, and behind them many prylak warriors, also heavily armed. Though none of them would take part in the combat, Lythrawn wanted them there, partially just as a show of force. Even for a Prylak, Lythrawn was quite tall and strong, and was ready to take on whatever the Proximans had to throw at him.

He sent a message to the Prylak. "Very well; I am ready for your challenges. Thassrugar; show me this warrior of yours. He shall fight me in the combat room of my ship and none other place."

------------------
If at first you don't succeed...Hit it harder! - Me
--------------
Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it.
Coming to the (url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html")EV Chronicles(/url).

The Challenge: Chi-Kanyeun
A Prylak courier pod was dispatched by Thassrugar's warship, and was collected. A group of Prylak were quickly escorted to the combat room, all wearing black scale mail. They surrounded two figures in something vaguely resembling a phalanx, and all the ceremonial Prylak were armed with massive weapons somewhat similar to the battle-axe of human middle ages, but larger and more deadly. In the centre of their escort were two men, one caped in white chain mail and with a goliath onyx staff clasped in his hand, the other a gargantuan Prylak, with layer after layer of heavy battle armour, shining black, covering his chest, arms and legs. His massive tail rose over his head, and the standard Prylak poison tip had been added and was held in place by a fine lattice that connected to his armour. He held nothing in his hands.

The armed Prylak filed out to the side as they entered the combat room, taking up positions against the wall. Thassrugar entered and walked into the middle of the room.

"I am Thassrugar ec Bharados, Warlord of Proxima, Master of the Chi-kanyeun fighting style. As part of your agreement, you will fight my greatest student," Thassrugar stated bluntly. He turned and walked to the door, when he stopped. "To the death," he added, and closed the two iron doors. He then turned, and leaped back on them. "You may begin when you're reading, Huorak."

The dark figure of Huorak stepped into the middle of the combat room. He did not flex his muscles or pose in any way. Huorak was not an untrained killer - he surpassed his master in his own fighting style. Chi-kanyeun concentrated on wearing the opponent out, slowly, by forcing them to exert their energy. Huorak would simply defend everything Lythrawn threw at him, until Lythrawn made a mistake.

"Fight," Huorak said simply, his voice low. As those words left his lips, he moved only very slightly, to show that he was entering a, rather unconventional, battle stance. "Fight."

------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair

(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 05-18-2002).)

(Message, Lambda-3 Encryption)

To: Grand Admiral Espona, Haorn
From: Emperor BattleDoctor, Galactica

Your offer for a conference on how to best dispose of the hated Prylak seems acceptable to us. We propose that a meeting be held on Haru'el. I will begin notifying the other governments. Please send a response soon.

(End Message)

(Message, Theta-8 Encrypted)

To: Any governments who would receive, barring the Confederate Alliance
From: Galactica Imperium

I trust that you have all received the Haorn offer for a conference to discuss the Prylak. We have proposed that the meeting be held on Haru'el, and we strongly urge you all to come. Please respond to either the Haorn or Galactica.

(End Message)

Technology Integration: 14 Posts

Sentinel Defense System: 16 Posts

Balrog-class Dreadnought Invincible: 5 Posts

Next Nemesis-class Dreadnought: 6 Posts

------------------
You can stab and shoot and spit
But they won't be fixing it

(Message)
(to:BattleDoctor, Galctica)
(From:Grand Admiral Espona, Haorn)
(encryption:royale)

Greetings.

The location suggested is agreed. I pray that more will come to see the true threat.

End.

Battleship Group 1: 7 posts

------------------
"He said no! Now we have to use the damn pigeons!"

The Challenge

Lythrawn stood still, watching Huorak intently. Seeing that he didn't move, Lythrawn didn't move either. He didn't know what fighting style his opponent used exactly, but he knew that, from the look and actions of him so far, it probably had to do with defense.

And so they stood there, eying each other. The two Prylak continued to stand still for a long while until Lythrawn spoke. "What Huorak? Are you scared to fight me? Are you frightened to fight me, Huorak? Well?" Lythrawn grinned evily and growled.

------------------

Meanwhile, Tratheck was told that a message had been intercepted from Galactica. Deciding that the message was not directed at the Proximans, he typed up a reply while Lythrawn was busy.

------------------

(Message to Galactica)
(From Tratheck of the Prylak of Lythrawn)
(Encrypted)
(We have intercepted a message regarding an Anti-Prylak coalition. Though we aren't sure if this is directed at Lythrawn, we are willing to cooperate in an offensive against Andromeda. Lythrawn detests the Andromedan Prylak and will be willing to cooperate if certain 'assurances' are made that Galactica and their allies will not turn on us. If this coalition is directed against us, may the best warriors win.)
(End Message)

------------------
If at first you don't succeed...Hit it harder! - Me
--------------
Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it.
Coming to the (url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html")EV Chronicles(/url).

The Challenge: Silent Killer
Huorak said nothing. His eyes did not even register any recognition of Lythrawn's words. There was nothing inside him, it seemed. He stood for only a moment longer, a dark, brooding figure, his eyes dangerous.

And then he was off the ground, his powerful legs managing to push him high, despite the layers of armour that he bore. Lythrawn had no chance to respond. Huorak landed directly behind Lythrawn, and smashed his tail across the back of Lythrawn's plate armour, scratching and to an extent burning it. Huorak then kicked backwards, hard, behind Lythrawn's right knee, causing the Prylak's leg to buckle.

As Huorak turned, Lythrawn span around to face him. The advantage was in the hands of the master of Chi-kanyeun, however. Huorak delivered a shocking uppercut into Lythrawn's face while sliding down, trapping Lythrawn's legs in a scissor kick. Lythrawn fell to the ground with a crash, and Huorak quickly came to his feet.

As Lythrawn staggered up, Huorak twirled and kicked Lythrawn once again at the legs. This time Lythrawn went flying, his head crashing into the wall.

Lythrawn was already considerably hurt, and Huorak had not even been touched.

------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair

(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 05-19-2002).)

(Message, Omicron-7 Encrypted)

To: Tratheck, Prylak of Lythrawn
From: Galactica Imperium

Though Galactica has had no contact with Admiral Lythrawn since he invaded our space 20 years ago, we would be willing to open relations with him to discuss certain things. The message was indeed speaking about the Andromeda Prylak. We hope that we can all come to an amicable agreement to fight the common enemy.

(End Message)

Technology Integration: 13 Posts

Sentinel Defense System: 15 Posts

Balrog-class Dreadnought Invincible: 4 Posts

Next Nemesis-class Dreadnought: 5 Posts

------------------
You can stab and shoot and spit
But they won't be fixing it

OOC: Hope this doesn't tick off SD. It's really one of my first hand-to-hand combat posts...

----------------

The Challenge: Revenge

Lythrawn staggered upwards, appearing to be considerably wounded. He started to walk towards Huorak again, the massive Prylak suddenly jumped into the air and landed behind Lythrawn again, hoping to deal a crippling blow to the already horribly injured Prylak.

That was his mistake.

As Huorak landed, before he landed in fact, Lythrawn had already turned around and ready to fight. When Huorak kicked, Lythrawn spun out of the way, then kicked at Huorak's leg before the kick was even half done. Instantly the Prylak admiral then lept at Huorak and burried his claws into his neck and bit down hard on his head. Huorak's massive arms threw Lythrawn back, but the Prylak spun through the air as he was thrown, and in the process his poison-tipped tail slashed against Huorak's chest and face.

The huge Prylak then raced at Lythrawn and took a flying leap at his opponent. As he landed and delivered a crushing kick against Lythrawn, the Prylak admirals tail once again lashed out at his opponent, this time cutting against his arm.

As Lythrawn landed, he immediately jumped to his feet again and rushed back at Huorak, dodging under a powerful kick, then roaring loudly and spin-kicking directly into Huorak's knee. The kick was delivered with such force that the giant prylak was knocked off his feet. As he fell, Lythrawn jumped into the air and came crashing down on Huorak's head again, digging his hand and feet claws into his neck and face and biting his neck as well. Huorak kicked Lythrawn back again, but as he did, Lythrawns hands remained clenched while dug into Huorak's neck, and so ripped out some skin and flesh.

Lythrawn got back up again, fairly exhausted, but leaving Huorak also a bit exhausted and his head badly bloodied as well.

----------------

(Message to Galactica)
(From Tratheck of the Prylak of Lythrawn)
(Encrypted)
(Very good. Lythrawn is busy at the moment but will attend this conference of yours as soon as he can. I can, however, put forth some of the demands of Lythrawn:
• Any attack made against Lythrawn will be delt with swiftly
• We must have assurances that you will not attack us. One of which is giving us technology, or perhaps some other good agreement that you can come up with.
• The majority of the systems in Andromeda will be handed over to Lythrawn.
• Any and all captured Prylak technology or ships will be handed over to Lythrawn unless stated otherwise.
Though we can negotiate some of the parts of each of these demands, they will basically stay the same.)
(End Message)

------------------
If at first you don't succeed...Hit it harder! - Me
--------------
Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it.
Coming to the (url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html")EV Chronicles(/url).

(This message has been edited by Captain Carnotaur (edited 05-19-2002).)