NationStates Jolt Archive

Hundreds of probes had been sent out. Hundreds of necroscopes, each piloting the tiny vessels, mere shells with atmosphere recyclers, scanners and comm units. Upon entering a system, they scanned the area, as if looking for something. When the scan was completed, they left, as if nothing had happened. But their search could not last forever, their prize would be found.

After months, no, years... years of silence... 3rd Alternate Listener (a rank corresponding to a Private on watch duty) Wesley Orsen didn't really expect much to change. In all the time he had been in the outpost, there had been one false alarm. No real threats, just a glitch in the algorithm. This was probably a good thing. He never knew it, but he had horrible heart problems. When the entire sensor readout screen turned a far lighter shade of green and screeched loudly at him, they kicked in. With his last dying shudders, he managed to fall on the radio controls and make a number of disturbing noises. Meanwhile, five other outposts in the system were screaming about a massive amount of signatures surrounding the capitol planet. Which was bad.

The Necroscope who had found their prize quickly signaled the rest of his compatriots. Within seconds, their ships had doored into the system, and communiques had been sent to Otagian Command. The Ridgeans had been found, and the now the real mission could begin.

In an instant, Otagian avatar vessels had doored into the system, broadcasting a message to the Ridgeans in system.

"Greetings, servants of Tarenteor. We are the Otagians, and bring tidings from the ESUS. We seek an audience with Taren, for there is much of importance to discuss."

There wasn't a wait to talk to Tarenteor. There weren't Privates sending greeting broadcasts, or secretaries that promised to connect them in "just a moment". Within seconds, Tarenteor was already replying. And, of course, being a prick.

"You bring tidings from the ESUS? Just tidings? No greetings? I'm hurt. Still I suppose it will have to do. Well, hello. What is it you wanted to talk about? I'm busy hiding from a large planet that is trying to kill me and the rest of the nation. Know him? His name's Ven Ker'seahn. Wait, of COURSE you do, you're his ally. Nonetheless, go on."

"We apologize for our nation's actions against yours. We were a young nation, and I'm sure you can see that upsetting Ven Ker'seahn is NOT a good thing. If we had refused to ally with him against you, he may very well have destroyed us next. Irregardless, we bring news of a threat to the ESUS. While you may not consider yourself a member at the moment, I doubt that the Consortium would differentiate."

Tarenteor raised an eyebrow.

"So, you want our help? And what makes you think we want to, or even CAN help you, Otagian?"

Taren stopped, smiled, and laughed to himself.

"I suppose you're not going to offer me anything of worth. Or, for that matter, anything at all. I'll warn you now, I'm not known for my charity."

"Not able to aid the ESUS, or too cowardly to aid your compatriots? While it is true that we did not come to your aid against Ker'seahn, its uncertain whether ESUS forces could have made much of a difference in the battle. Your home system was destroyed within days, little could have been done to help. Also, many of the Ridgeans that Otagian forces captured have been freed, and are living in our territory as citizens. Your empire is not entirely lost, Taren. With the aid of the ESUS, you could regain your former glory."

Tarenteor grinned slightly.

"Pfft, former glory? Just by reappearing we would be more glorious than before. Should we choose to show ourselves, we could begin a series of conquests so great the galaxy would wet itself. We haven't yet, because we have better things to do with our time. And, I certainly hope you don't think that protecting those who would have let us DIE is more important than supreme conquest. CONVINCE US, Otagian. Give us something with at least some kind of importance. I'm sure you can find something."

"Powerful? Surely you're jesting. If you are so glorious, why haven't you destroyed your creation, Ven Ker'Seahn, yet? All must prove their might, Tarenteor. Even one such as you, and there is no greater proving grounds than the battefield."

This time, Taren's face broke into a full smile, laughing slightly.

"You're more of a bastard than I took you for, Otagian. Flattery and mocking in the same response? I am impressed. Well then, let the battlefield be the proving grounds."

As these last words were spoken, space began to ripple and boil. Within seconds, so many Ridgian ships had moved insystem that most radar could only detect it as a giant mass.

"Where to, Otagian?"

If AI's could smile, this one was grinning like a madman.

"I knew you'd come around. We shall rendezvous at ESUS Headquarters, where we shall make plans. I shall meet you there, my friend."

Pulling open a Mobius gate, the Guilder pulled the Avatar vessels into the Continuum, although not before a message was sent to ESUS Headquarters.

--Tarenteor is inbound. Remove Ven Ker'Seahn's symbiotes wherever they may be in system. Take whatever measures neccessary. Taren will be rather cross if he must confront Ker'Seahn immediately.--

Again, space began to curve in on itself, a Dali-worthy, mindnumbing tapestry of paradoxal force. The system was empty. Empty of everything, even the planets. The small star just hung in place, before slowly fading, until only a blinking hunk of metal remained.

-----

Everything was still. Scores of ships, usually loud and violent, floated quietly. For some intangible reason, it was almost... sad. After over an hour of silence, a miniscule transport shot from the fleet, towards the ESUS Headquarters.

"Here's to hoping the welcome's good."