NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: Anyone interested, this is a semi-closed thread. If you want to join, please say so here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=528416) so we can discuss things)

According to myth, the god Hhregghrazz created the universe when he stabbed his mother, the black goddess Emmez’zhreg when she would not answer his question. Because of his curiosity, he took away the most important of lives to make the most mediocre of creations. Because of his curiosity, the universe came into existence at the peak of existential capabilities. However, as widely accepted that fact once was, it was nothing more than a shiver of a lie that existed as a taboo religious garbage flowing endlessly throughout the empty-minded of the Detested. Twenty four Pariahs; that’s how many masters there existed, but now, only a small handful existed. A small, fraction of the power these desolate beings once held, yet it was enough.

From the darkness from the ruins of the old world Maradonn, Totalius had achieved immortality. No, it was not one where he lived on forever, his flesh and blood unstoppable by age – he died, like all living things, as close they be to death, expired. However, he left behind a legacy, one that lived, filled with all his memories, the remains of his feelings, the remains of his sanity and his intelligence and his power. It was the steel shell of his soul, or what little was left of it. Floating silently through space, it came upon this small empire, this little group of humble beasts that shivered with sadness throughout the never-ending universe. And there, the new Totalius, built anew from curiosity, showed them what dominance meant. Within a small series of brutal campaigns, the Pariah turned on each other; those whom swore loyalty to naught but themselves.

And now, our chapter begins upon the frozen wastes of the capital warship The Abolished, the steer head made of skulls as the cannons carved from silvery, ivory-like bones. Wrinkled and malicious, the roars of pained beasts were heard as cage upon cage was littered with life, no matter how little and how close to death. Here, upon the bridge, sitting at his helm with his fist grasping the knob of a world in his hands, Totalius sat, his face silently cold as his mask was torn from his face, his eyes without lids. Sitting there, draped in the blackest of robes, Totalius sighed as his breathing was fine, his heart throbbing with relief. He was healthy, fine, and he was, in the end, a Pariah.

Totalius was once a lanky man of tall proportions, towering over the tallest of men, yet now, he was entirely different. The only thing left was his silvery left eye, a black ‘T’ engraved upon his iris as his genetic signature. He was dressed now in dark robes, a long, sleek sword at his waist as it stretched out in length to triple his height, his built thin and twig-like. He held a melancholic expression, his mouth sown shut in silence as the lines were still visible, crawling out of his lips like worms. His eyes were dropping in a perpetual sob, his face stricken with purple veins beneath his pale corpse-like skin was his sharp nose etched out. Atop his head laid a mat of long, sharp and unkempt hair, a series of bony inflammations at his spinal cord akin to sharp horns. If he had a normal expression, he would have been fairly handsome, yet he did not – he was sorrowful, sad-like, mouth shut. Sitting there, he sat quietly, his chin perched upon his hand.

When he spoke, it was still Totalius – cold, dark, like a shiver and an icy breath of evil wind. He sat there, watching the dots of the stars in the distance upon his bridge as the remnants of the world laid below him, the icy world upon which he knew no name. “I believe a campaign of relative existence within the interpolitical spectrum is necessary.” He said, turning his head to look behind him, revealing a small circle of men sitting within a corner. All of them, shaded in blackness, held swords as long as they were, held similar expressions – dark, sigh-like faces of sorrow and contempt, with a deep hatred for the universe at their blackest of hearts.

One of them, a waist-length haired woman with the coldest of eyes, spoke. “I believe it’s logical to assume that we, as Pariah, must lead our clans to survival, and survival only.” She said, as another stood up, in a white lab-coat styled shirt, his hands in his pockets as he shook his head. As he did so, his long hair shook violently, the others watching.

“Quiet, Karimin.” He snapped and barked, his voice a meld of many voices into one, as if he were a multitude of shattered souls given new life. “The Pariah exist as the mere representations of the abomination force to create immortality when the Corastent is killed.” He said, as the woman spat on the ground, his hand on her handle as her silver-like sword was readied in its sheath.

Another, still sitting, sighed. “Karimin, you are wrong, so don’t think otherwise.” He said, his head bald, revealing multiple cut-marks upon his scalp, painted in pain beautifully as his skull was slightly visible, his face the face of a skeleton, his eyes still in his sockets as his nose did not exist – only a black hole. “Know your place, Karimin. You might be proud of excessive pride, but you’re an E level Pariah. You should be proud to be in the council.” He said, as Karimin frowned.

“Proud?” She laughed, as Totalius looked on from his throne. “All the Pariah are on this council.” She said, raising her head to the dim light, revealing the small ‘E’ upon her throat. It seemed to be the only common feature these Pariah shared; their ranking – A, B, C, D and E. Otherwise, they all had their own different, unique looks, separate from the concept of the swarm of the Abominations that floated and drifted mindlessly outside the capital ship. Totalius, once more, looked on as the edge of known space was now their home. “What do you think, Bariegus?” She asked another Pariah who sat upon the circle, his legs crossed as his arms were crossed as well, his face and body hidden by a long draping of cloth amidst his black robes. His throat, covered by a skin-like collar, could not show his class ranking. He was a Pariah – that fact alone showed his danger.

“I don’t know, Karimin.” Bariegus replied, closing his eyes in thought as the white lab-coated Pariah smiled. “What, Hremneska?” He asked, looking at the smiling scientist-like figure as he nodded. “Do you agree with my argument?”

“It’s not much of an argument, so yes.” Hremneska said, looking at Karimin with amusement. “You’ve lost, Karimin. You might be the youngest Pariah, but that doesn’t mean you’re the strongest.” He said, looking at Totalius.

“Though,” Another one said, sporting the features of a normal child, a ‘D’ visible upon his throat as he nodded, coming out of the darkness as well. “It’s probably best to begin some sort of mutual understanding with those who fear us, and those who respect us.” He offered, as Bariegus nodded, Karimin clenching her teeth in frustration. “Respect is a vital commodity nowadays.” He reasoned.

“What do you think, Mununrya?” She asked, as Bariegus chimed up.

“Mununrya isn’t here. He’s preparing for the diplomatic reasoning, remember?” He told Karimin, whom nodded.

“This adjourns today’s council.” Totalius ordered, as the lights dimmed once more into blackness.

Within the edge of the unexplored space, in the blackness, the horde came, a seemingly endless supply of fresh violence and viciousness that was surpassed by none, the mechanical army of the dangerous Abominations slashing and slivering with anticipation through the coldness of space. They were aiming at Colony 2 without mercy, a sun-blocking army that had spread forwards and forwards with swift speed as their claws were prepared, shields of Outcasts blocking the way to pave for the bloodied corpses of Abominations, providing bridges of defences as they swiftly turtled their way there.

“The horde is ready to ravage.” The Minus spoke from their ships above the planet, silent and drifting in the quietness before the storm, the large mass preparing themselves for a strike. “Though, isn’t this a bit small for the Abomination?” The Minus spoke amongst themselves, shrugging. “Other species find it so difficult to breed, it seems.”

“You just need to do what you can.” Another said, with impunity, watching the endless wave pour towards Colony 2 without mercy, ready for their attack. The Detested have finally shown their faces, the most despicable of the curious.

OOC: In the last three paragraphs, that attack was aimed at Azaha.

Something disturbed the old man. Someone returning to power, a person he thought long dead. It can't be... Oh, Totalius you clever man. It took Darth Trilkan some time before he found Totalius's Force Signature. It's been a while since he encountered the old man. At least since before it was believed that Totalius was dead. Now, it would appear that he is not. It is rather difficult to avoid the Emperor's eye, especially if your Empires mantained a close relationship. He sensed that something was in motion, a war of sorts. He could tell that it will be an assault near his home front, someone not totally unknown to the Empire. Totalius could use his support, hell the Empire's territory was one of the largest in the immediate area.He touched a button on the side of his Throne.

"Yes?"

"Set up a holographic communications channel with Totalius."

"But sir... Totalius is dead."

"DO IT." Trilkan hissed loudly.

"Chanel connecting sir. Awaiting Totalius's chamber's response."

And so the Emperor waited. Perhapse it's time, he thought to himself, that I contacted and old friend...

“Fear. Hatred. Discomfort.” One of the Minuses said, as he groaned in pain, the fingers of a nasty woman Pariah dipping into his eyes, her fingers rummaging around softly as he smiled back with glee. “Feed me more.” He said happily, before she groaned in disgust.

“A masochist is not needed here in the colony.” She said, tearing the beast limb from limb, blood splattering everywhere as the organs splashed with thickened rosy hue upon the cold surface of the floor. She smiled slightly, the blood dripping into her lips as a black shadow came from behind. It was the bald Pariah, his skin like snow, his face that of a skeleton hidden beneath tight cloth.

“You’re a hypocrite.” He said, as she turned around with an evil smile, her eyes large and bulbous, before he turned around in disgust.

“I find it terrible that someone like you needs to have a rotten personality when I am cursed with such a condition.” He complained, walking off as she still cackled in the distance, forcing a fist aimed at her face, a millimetre afar. “Stop it, it’s disgusting.”

“Oh?” She asked, hinting a pint of hypocrisy. “Aren’t you the one who kills as well? You’ve killed more than me, a bloodthirsty warrior, they call you. Even amongst Pariah.” She said, as he gave an evil sidewards glance.

“I kill for protection.” He argued, as she wondered.

“Protection?” She asked, him nodding.

“There’s suffering in the world, and to prevent myself from being placed into that fold, I will kill any amount needed to prevent my own suffering. The more I kill, the less enemies I will fight, and the less harm I will be in. Every time I take a life, my own extends just a little bit more.” He said passionately, as a cackle came from her, forcing him to walk off in disgust.

“Extending your life.” She said quietly to herself, watching his silhouette engulfed by the blackness. “It looks like I’m not the only one who believes that.”

“So, they began?” Karimin asked, as Bariegus nodded. “I can’t believe it. They actually did it.” She frowned, before running her fingers through her hair in frustration. “Surely Hremneska isn’t that idiotic?” She said, as Bariegus sighed. “Though, why are they attacking the colony?” She asked, as Bariegus shrugged. “Lord Bariegus, what do –“

“You have no need to call me Lord, Karimin.” Bariegus reasoned, as she smiled happily. “We’re on equal terms within the council.”

“But my respect for you is that of Lord.” She reasoned, as another figure walked behind her, a chilly feeling running through her spine as she shivered. She clenched her teeth in discomfort, her hands grasping tightly as the blood began to pour from her fingers to her wrist, the figure barely taller than her, of medium height. Yet, why? Why was this strength so engulfing, so dangerous? Bariegus had no difficulties standing in its presence, yet she did. Trying to regain her stability, a pale hand touched her shoulder as she responded in full, her hand on her sword as she whipped around with incredible speed. As she turned, she saw who it was – pale faced, pale eyed, snow-white haired Mununrya, back from his diplomatic missions.

“Where did you go?” She asked, as Mununrya sighed, walking along the empty, dark hallways, his hair like a lamp as it shined and shimmered with utter brightness and brilliance amongst the void of the never-ending hallway. “Where did you go, Mununrya?” She asked, as Mununrya looked back at her, frowning. “What?”

“You lost your temper again, didn’t you, Karimin?” He said coldly, as Karimin frowned back.

“Don’t give me that kind of voice, Mununrya.” She complained, as Bariegus nodded.

“Treat your mother with more respect, Mununrya.” Bariegus ordered, as Mununrya nodded.

“Something is odd about the their system, Hremneska.” Totalius said, watching the drifting stars outside, as the lab-coated Pariah began to pour out some water, both of them drinking slightly as the coldness ravaged their insides, their stomach boiling in pain as they clenched their teeth. “How can a Pariah reproduce?” He asked, as Hremneska looked carefully at Totalius’ piercing eyes.

“They can’t.” Hremneska explained. “The Pariah are a dying breed.”

“Then why is there a family relationship?” Totalius asked Hremneska, as Hremneska nodded in compliance.

“Lord Totalius, the Pariah are more than humanoid. They retain distinct emotions as well, such as anger, vengeance, love. I want them all under the belief that they are a family, so that love cannot spring. It becomes difficult to keep things in order when things are ruled by passion rather than logic.” Hremneska argued, as Totalius chuckled with an eerie, dark smile, his lips still sown shut.

“I see.” He said, before a message flashed upon his mind, lights blinking as his head was spinning within a flurry of distortion. “It’s been a while since I’ve had this feeling.” He said, closing his eyes as he heard the footsteps of Hremneska walked away.

“It’s not my business to bother in what your business is, Lord Totalius.” Hremneska replied. “It’s only a matter of time before I find out what all this is about, and perhaps, you can tell me what is exactly going on.”

“So, you’ve found me, haven’t you? Have you kept a channel open for my return all this time? I’m flattered, I truly am. I see, in the vastness of this universe, you find me. Truly, you are a man worthy of respect. Are you doing well?” Totalius responded out loud, using his mind as a transmitter.

The Nova Sword flew through hyperspace being escorted by the Battle Barges Halsia's Hammer, Hellfire, and Demon's Bane such was the escort provided to the Emperor. They were on their way to quell a daemon infestation on a colony world but due to an anomaly in a nearby system they could not fold space. He had with him ships and soldiers from three different Legions in addition to his personal force of Space Wolf escorts from the 21st Company. Space Wolves, Seismic Fists, Gray Knights, and the Hellblazer legions were all under his command during this mission to include two of the Primarchs themselves. The Nova Sword itself was three times larger than any normal Battle Barge and the two Primarchial flagships were one and a half times larger.

On the bridge of the Nova Sword Emperor Ryan Nova stood tall looking out the forward viewports as he heard the alarm sound he knew just by the presences he could sense out in normal space. He laughed and said, "Well it seems we have a new powerful foe to fight." The science officer spoke up, "Lord the colony that was there a few months ago is no longer.....there at least not as we knew it. And there is a large force of unknown vessels in space around it."

Ryan grimaced knowing that this was not good at all. If a new more dangerous force were to enter the universe it could mean another threat to the peace and unity of humankind. He looked sourly and said, "Helm, adjust course to the colony and send the message to the escorts to follow us in." The helm officer nodded in acknowledgment as the vessels sped off in the new direction Ryan gripped his sword in anticipation. He was part Space Marine after all so he enjoyed the thrill of battle.

Minutes later the force dropped out of hyperspace. Impressive in it's glory the largest ship, the Nova Sword, was a glistening white color. The smallest was a gunmetal gray belonging to the Grey Knights. The other two were of equal size one was colored Violet and Green showing it belonged to the Hellblazers and the second was Dirt Brown and Green showing it's allegience to the Seismic Fists. The vessels were fully shielded and armed to the teeth. Emperor Nova sent out his psionic message knowing these being would respond to it.

I am Emperor Nova of the Imperium of Man. What did you do to this Colony? Where are all the people? And why did you attack them?

He had a difficult time staying awake, the captain. He despised these long patrols with a passion, fearing his years of service and experiance going to waste. What he feared even worse, was the that he may be forced to retire. That is what truely chilled him to the bone.

Then he was snapped from his thoughts. Inside his armored bubble of his bridge, deep within the bowels of the Lunar class cruiser, monitors and communication portals sprung to life. Only meters infront of his chair, a man, seemingly dead, and connected to the ship itself, began to speak.

"Emergency transmission incoming, Cap-tain." It droned, the monotone of its voice still disturing the captain to this day. "Emergency Distress, Priority Alpha plus, relay from comsats 3845A, 3845B, 3867A. From, hive colony code 2, Segmentus Colonia. Discerning, recent assault on system and inhabitants. Local planetary defense forces unable to compensate for surge of unknown hostiles. Time since transmission, 8 hours. Extrapolating probability of survivors, please wait... ... ... .9384%."

His jaw was slack under his head. Not at the suprise of being attacked, but the 'wow' factor of finally seeing action. Quickly bringing up surrounding space information from his neural implants, he quickly found out that he was the closest, a 2 hour jump from the colony. The next closest ships was a frigate squadron, 5 hours jump, and a Grand Cruiser, some 11 hours jump.

It shamed him. He knew that the prime directive in such situations forbade him from engaging in direct combat. As first responder, it was up to him to scout, and send a report to Segmentus Command. And finally, await for reinforcements if the current attack would be too large.

He doubted it. He commanded a Lunar class cruiser, a ship some three times the strength of 'battleships' of other empires. He grinned widely, before slamming on the internal com system to the engine room and psyker stations.

"I want us jumped within the MINUTE! We are heading for Hive Colony 2. We are to make pace at 110% effeciency." Without waiting for an answer, he switched links to a general announcement. "Attention all hands! Our soil has been attacked! We are the closest responders, meaning, we get first glory today! We will arrive at our destination in 2 hours time! All weapons will be loaded, charged, and primed when we make our exit into the Materium! Glory to the first man to die!"

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

"Oh Emperor... oh Emperor... Oh Emperor... s-save me.. please... I mean not to show fear... b-but there are too many..." A young woman, in ragged clothing chanted, repeating the plea many times over. She clutched a primitive pistol. It rattled as she rocked back and forth, hinting to its emptiness.

Then there was a loud crack, las fire, or perhaps the sickening sound of bone and flesh being rent apart. She screamed, and burst into tears. "Please, merciful Emperor, save me!"

Another crack. This time, she could not scream. She had already been broken in half.

When Emperor Nova asked, Totalius answered. However, he could not speak with human tongues, and such, his voice became nothing more than a jargon or chortling pain and discontent. Instead, his most trusted figure, Bariegus, spoke for him.

Standing upon the communications column, his face still hidden beneath a mummy-like wrap, his large collar drifting just past the topmost end of his jaw, he closed his jet black eyes for a fraction of a second before opening them again, his hair frizzling with delight amidst the golden mahogany streaks within them. Standing there, he nodded to himself slowly, looking at the flashing lights of the technological pad, pressing it slightly with his finger as if he were some sort of newborn, unaware of the things in the world.

“I am Bariegus, of the Pariah class Detested. We mean no harm towards intervening forces. Please do not interfere, and perhaps we can avoid what would be an otherwise bloody conflict.” He replied confidently towards the Nova emperor.

From the floating city within the sky, the streets built from dead bodies of the abominations, scavengers moving about with a thirst and hunger with relentless furor, the a large, towering figure stood upon the tip of the pedestal as he sneered at the crowd below, his teeth fanglike as blood dripped from his jaws, the sight of chewing flesh in his molars visible. There was a nail stuck between his teeth that he tried desperately to pull out. Upon his shoulders, newly adorned skulls kept a long leather-like patch of a cape together, elegant yet eerie, the innards of the draping clothing rosy red as its exterior was a flesh pink. His face was somewhat covered by shadows, his mouth a long, deep smile with pearl white fangs as his eyes were the reddest of red; a burning, fiery magenta shade without signs of distinguished passion. Here, he stood, high above the teeming masses of the preparing Abomination that swarmed below him like insects, droning and talking and muttering and laughing and whispering all below him.

“Continue the attack!” He ordered, roaring and yelling as his voice was an ice cold blast within the fiery streets of chaos, the city buildings rumbling and crackling with excitement as the lights danced in amusement at the horrid flames that erupted amongst the landing center of the planet they peered at with hungry eyes. “We will take everything, from the smallest man, to the largest child, to largest man to the smallest child! Those who cannot be taken are nothing but food, and we will not let this planet go to waste!” He said with a satisfied stare, before a voice rang throughout the valley-like scars of the city, audible to all like a divine voice.

“Lord Ghrezznuaren of the Minus.” The voice said, with a cheery disposition audible in its radio, as the Minus standing atop the city tower nodded. “Lord Garamunka, what do you need?” He asked casually, though a tone of respect was evident in his voice. “My legions are ready to serve.” He said happily, watching the teeming masses.

“Breed, breed, breed. That’s the main objective right now. Foster billions of Abomination children, and send them to war upon the rest of the planet.” Garamunka’s voice commanded, as the Minus laughed loudly, nodding to blank air as he clapped his gnarled hands together with excitement.

“Yes, of course, my Lord! We will ravage them as you command.” He said happily. From the skies, dipping into the lower trophoshere, more than enough were being sent down in droves to be capable of blocking out the sunlight, ripping and ravaging as they went along. Many abomination minions were perishing, but their numbers were so great that it made little different on how many were dying within this locust storm.

Every living thing was targeted, every dead thing was eaten, and everything in between was broken down into pieces and harvested to create newer, more vicious abominations that further bred and bred and bred, a never-ending tide of weak, yet merciless beasts. From the floating city in the sky, the Minus smiled.

“Deploy the Outcasts, and bring me down there. I have never tasted human flesh before, and I hear of its legendary succulence.” He said hungrily, blood still dripping from his teeth.

From the bridge of the quiet, secret capital warship of Totalius, he looked with interest as Bariegus stood beside him, quietly observing the skies above the planet with him. It was a grand ship – massive, gargantuan, enormous, but it was not of Abomination design. It was a ship long ago that drifted, carrying Totalius’ remnants towards the coldest of space where he began his second domination. Here, on this magnificent ghost ship, the cannons, strong and sturdy, were fully usable, the firing capabilities equal to that of capital ship class, and nothing less. However, rarely did it ever see war. Instead, it was the heart of the Pariah city, and such a grand vessel drifted endlessly in space, guiding its teeming trillions of insignificant minions along, the grandiose home to only seven of such despicable. Sitting here, on the large, beautiful bridge, the view incredible as the ceiling and the wall itself were glass, revealing all within a shimmering dome, Totalius sat upon his throne.

His throne was a throne of bones and littered sorrow, a shining silver throne with an ivory glint that smelled strongly of bloodlust and terror. His throne was a throne with unquenched thirst for depravity and debauchery. Here, with his mouth sown shut, Totalius watched from the safety of his enormous home the attack of the Class A Minus Ghrezznuaren, his golden gloved fingers perching softly on his chin. “Who will come to defend?” He asked Bariegus, as Bariegus shrugged. “Who?”

“I don’t know, Lord Totalius.” Bariegus replied, looking onwards as well, closing his eyes in a soft sigh, before sitting down beside him. “It’s true, however, that the colony we are attacking may prove to be a more pricy target than we can imagine. It’s a world in the expensive hands of another empire.”

“All are these days, and there’s nothing you can do about it, save try your best.” Totalius preached. “Blood, horror, terror, they’re all words and ideals by society. We live on this because that’s our only means of survival. If we cannot get rid of this taboo, we still harm ourselves. If we do, we still harm ourselves again. It’s a hypocrisy that hurts in some ways.”

Nova knew that they spoke the truth that this would be a bloody conflict. But he also knew it was their charge to protect the allies of man and the servants of the Emperor. He spoke in High Imperial Gothic, "Ready the bastions for war; spread out into battle formation. Prepare the landing and boarding parties. We go to war battle brothers." He spoke and his voice was heard across the vessels in the task force. The massive vessels of the Imperium opened their bays and thousands of fighters issued forth from their armored hull.

From the hulls of the ships Dratherian shieldships fell away into ship to move to the fore of the fleet where they engaged their powerful shield generators. He turned to the comms officer and said, "Call up reinforcements from the Imperial Navy we may need some serious back-up." He then thought spoke yet again, This is your last warning leave the people of the Imperium alone and return to your own space. Or face the consequences.

OOC Yes and well they weren't patrolling your space exactly the Imperial Republic has colonies all over the universe to include the Milky Way. As it was explained certain spacial anomalies prevent the fold drives from working to full effectiveness. In these cases the Dratherians use hyperspace and warp drives to clear the anomalies so that they can execute another fold. In the past they would have passed this colony and as such noticed it's disappearance or halting of communications distress signals and such. And the Imperium knows your nation to be a servant of the Emperor.

“How important is a first impression?” Totalius asked the small, yet silent group of Pariah as they stood in their positions, Bariegus standing beside Totalius like some sort of makeshift bodyguard as humans were standing across from them, numbering in small numbers with smirks wide and thin upon their greedy faces. “Mr. Hergen. Please, answer my question.”

“Where’s my money?” One of them asked, a somewhat older man with a thin face, his hair tied back into a ponytail as his forehead revealed long, deep scars into his skin. He had a wide, leering mouth of joy and he did not seem to mind. “I want my money, buddy, before any shit goes down.” He demanded, as the other mercenaries around him nodded and smiled. “Besides, you ain’t got no help if something bad goes down, ain’t it?” He asked, looking at Totalius as he lit up a flaming cigarette, the stench of dirt and debris filling the air, as the Pariah coughing slightly.

“Put out that cigarette. When you are in my house, you will abide by my rules.” Totalius ordered, as Bariegus and the others nodded, Hergen tsking, flailing his finger around.

“Damn it, Totalius. Now, I don’t give a rat’s ass on who you are, so keep that high and mighty shit all to yourself, ya hear?” He asked, taking out his pistol playfully, aiming it at Totalius’ head. “It’s a fairly shabby house, but I can overlook it, don’t you think?” He said happily, as the other mercenaries carried long, wide smiles.

“Sheriansk.” Totalius said, drawing the attention of one of the Pariah – the one with a pearl white skeletal features and the droopingly large eyes amidst a bald, scarred head. “When I requested you hire the most skilled or intimidating mercenaries you can find, did you take discipline into consideration?” He asked, as Sheriansk shook his head. Totalius sighed. “I see. Very well.” He turned back to Hergen and his gang. “I’m sorry, but I have no need of your services. Perhaps we can do a more definite job in the future, if you are interested.” Totalius offered, before spit flew at him.

Hitting it in midair, the saliva splattered onto Bariegus’ sheath, his hand up blocking it from hitting Totalius as Hergen raised his eyebrows in respectful admiration. “Oh? Looks like you’re fast enough.” He said, pointing his gun at Bariegus as he fired, a thin ray speeding along as it was smashed harmlessly against his sword. He was shocked, and so were the rest of the mercenaries.

“What the – that sword should have been smashed to pieces.” He said, firing madly as it as the same – it only dissipated harmlessly off its edge. “Damn, what the hell is that thing made of?” He asked with anger, taking out another pistol as before he could even reach for his gun, Bariegus was behind him, his blade against his atom’s apple as the wraps smelled strongly of blood. Sweat poured down his face, his teeth groaning with dissatisfaction, looking at the sword carefully to try and deduce what it was made of. The blade itself was actually not a blade, it seemed, as a long chain-shaped bone-like structure was attached at its base, stretching incredible lengths that soon enough reach all the way to his – tailbone. It was a tail, the sharp edge at the end of the stinger-like composition used as a sword.

“What the hell are you people?” Hergen asked, as Bariegus closed his eyes, before his fingers grasped strongly against Hergen’s left eye, and tore it out, the optic nerve still hangly delicately upon his soft fingers.

“Bariegus, there is no need to mark him.” Totalius said, a sliver of light shining upon one of his. “Mr. Hergen. We will pay you what you are paid to do, nothing more. So, you go in, your team confuses the enemy, you move out. Fair?” Totalius asked, as Hergen was still screaming in pain. “Fair, I guess.” Totalius confided to himself.

From the large ship of Totalius hanging like a spider within a web upon the blackness of the milky webs of the universe, a small squadron of uniquely designed fighters dipped down towards the planet, their weapons armed. They were mercenaries, and obviously, they stood out amongst the abomination horde that was quickly pouring down into the atmosphere.

Dawning upon a knife-like rock entrenched world, Totalius looked with disorderly wonder as his fingers scratched the surface of his throne, looking carefully as his transmission flung over. "Bariegus?" He asked upon the transmission, as the voice replied dutifully, a visible capital ship drifting nearly endlessly in the hairy asteroid belt. It was the domain of a planet registered as 'Kelex', within a system unfamiliar to them. Nevertheless, Bariegus continued.

"All abominations prepare. We will begin breeding nursery immediately." Bariegus commanded from his flagship, looking around at the planet below him with distinct wonder, his eyes drifted silently as his wraps were thin, tight, his collar drooping high up into his cheek. Like always, his neck was invisible, nothing but a silvery stare from his pearl eyes were there. His fingers high up in command, he swung it down with conducive motion, graceful, powerful, with authority. "Fierrkrush." He commanded to the other Pariah, a woman with no distinctive or abnormal features; like the others, she carried a long blade by her side dipped neatly in a clay-like sheath, the chain connected to the blade actually a nulled piece of her spine. "Who is the Minus Lord managing?" Bariegus asked.

"Lord Jhrez'Vaaqzar." Fierrkrush said confidently, silent to the end as Bariegus nodded.

"Very well. It would be prudent to relay this to Lord Totalius." Bariegus commanded, as she nodded, walking away. In the deep, dark hallway, Fierrkrush was strolling before a black shadowy form appeared before her, a short child with no adnormal features save a concerned, soft look on his face. He carried a mat of brown, dirty hair and at his waist was a sword, like the others; significantly shorter than the others, yet there was obviously a mark on his neck - a crude 'E', barely visible. He leaned against the wall casually, as if trying to give off an aura of calmness. Fierrkrush frowned.

"Garamunka. What do you want?" She asked angrily, annoyed as she walked along, Garamunka smiling as he walked beside her, his hands dipped deep into his pockets. Fierrkrush still kept her guard up.

"Are you alright with Bariegus being second in command?" Garamunka asked Fierrkrush, who only raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Do you know who would be second in command if Bariegus is rid of?" He asked more specifically.

"This could be taken as treason, Garamunka, and if I report this I'm sure Totalius would be interested as to why the Pariah are plotting against each other." Fierrkrush said, as Garamunka smiled. "What's wrong?"

"No, it's just - " He paused slightly, his steps slowing down. "Do you know what Totalius is after?" Garamunka asked, Fierrkrush without a clue as the halls around them were churning into light.

It was a bright, beautiful chapel-like interior, the lights shining with the large splash of starlight shimmering amongst the floor, the stained glass like diamond light. "You know, it feels so incredible." Garamunka said, Fierrkrush looking at him with a look of interest. "Totalius wants the Isolationist." Garamunka explained. "Even if we kill Bariegus, if we get the Isolationist we can bring it Totalius for power."

"Can we even kill Bariegus?" Fierrkrush asked with concern, as Garamunka sighed.

"I don't know. Bariegus isn't the second in command Pariah for nothing. But, the isolationist should be our priority."

"What's the isolationist?" Fierrkrush asked with a lack of interest, though obviously she was obliged to quell Garamunka's endless curiosity.

"The isolationist is in this universe somewhere. The isolationist is a vessel capable of giving birth - to Pariahs." Garamunka said, walking off as Fierrkrush was in distinct surprise.

There's somebody out there who might be able to give birth to Pariah? She thought, the idea wracking her mind.

Biyveron
Outliers Region, Amazonian Dominion

The stars were absent in the cloud-ridden sky of Biyveron, second planet from the massive blue giant that penetrated the system with its energy. Rachel Kyslin was simply another member of the Dominion-out in the Outliers region by mere chance. It was her home, and for 22 years she'd lived there from birth to now. The world was calm enough-natural worries had been problems at first, but things had settled down. The "space triad" of Biyveron, it's in-system frozen neighbor Asril, and one system over, rocky Kelex, were at the very outskirts of Amazonian space entirely, facing out into the dark expanses of space.

Who knew what was out there...certainly not the inhabitants of this world, despite it being used as a sectorial defense planet. The world had had scientists descend on its far side in droves, but Rachel's side of the planet was calm, peaceful-without change, status quo. Things weren't lively at all, but not that she and other populants of the three planets minded. Life was overall good-supplemented by the tech of the Dominion, the Outliers region itself was well-enough supplied and looked after that little had to occur. The occasional light of a low-flying capital ship in orbit proved the reassurance of their safe and secure society.

Radio messages pulse in the everlasting night.

Transmission Log for LRP 226
226/4 - Jesus Christ, James, the hyperdrive's out again

226/1 - Well quit pickin' at the damn thing.

Outliers Region, Amazonian Dominion
Long Range Patrol 226, led by CSD Constellation (designated CSD-226/1
226/4 - I ain't pickin' at no damn thing! It's too old!

226/1 - Well, hell, how quick can you jury-rig it?

226/4 - 'bout two hours, then that's it. It needs replacement.

226/1 - Understood. We're close to an inhabited planet. We can make planetfall there and replace the damn thing.

226/4 - Roger that. Commencing repairs, CSF 226/4, Pasithea Actual, out.

226/1 - CSD 226/1, Constellation Actual, out.

Captain James Briggs leaned back in his harness and sighed, picking his coffee back up and sipping the ersatz crap. He looked around the dark, cramped bridge of his light destroyer, and nodded to his crew. "Pasithea is out for repairs again. We're gonna make planetfall in a little over two hours for replacement. So, get ready. This could mean some R&R on astra firma." After the crew's subdued cheering subsided, the Captain gave them a smirk. "Remember, this could also mean a battle, if the inhabitants aren't too friendly. So, check weapons and get the Marines ready." The bridge became a flurry of activity.

Three Hours Later, Amazonian Space
In Orbit Around A Blue Giant

The six vessels of the scout wing were thrust back into realspace. Always a harsh transition. The Constellation floated in the center of the formation. On point was the 'eyes' of the wing, the Pasithea. To the sides of the Constellation were the twin frigates Ithaca and Rose. Tucked under the formation was a second destroyer, the Sturgeon, which was escorting the freighter Paradise. The Paradise served as the tender and troop carrier of the wing.

The six vessels floated towards the planet Biyveron on inertia, going a mere thousand klicks per second. All systems but life-support, basic sensors, and communications were powered down. Captain Briggs opened an open-band channel with the planet, hoping to catch Port Authority.

226/1 - This is the Commonwealth Vessel 226/1, Constellation. Repeat, this is the Commonwealth Vessel 226/1, Constellation. Port Authority of Planet Biyveron, do you read? Repeat, Port Authority of Planet Biyveron, do you read? We're in need of repairs. We're capable of paying. Can we get assistance?

The moon of the besieged planet. It was nothing more than an arid rock, dotted with small craters and canyons. It had a slight blue hue to it. When the system's sun reflected off it, the moon casted off an eerie glow. However, the moon at this time was on its no moon phase, meaning it was in a perfect position to not show in the night sky of the besieged planet, but also in a key position to to be right in rays of the sun. But more specifically, in the sun's radiation, enough to hide a large ship's sensor shadow.

This was the exact thought of Captain Ramus as his ship exitted the warp in a brilliant display of light and distortion. No one would ever see this display, because of the sun howerver.

"Sensors, report."

"Clarify." The montone voice of a servitor responded. Ramus cursed under his breath.

"Obviously we haven't been spotted yet because we aren't being shot at. But, are there any ships between us, and the planet."

"Negative. There are no signatures of any artificial object. However, there are large ammounts of debris orbitting the planet."

Again the captain cursed. That meant the PDF had really failed. There was no one in hiding, waiting for reinforcements, or anything of the sort. They had all already been blown out of the sky. The next thing he had to do was send out probes.

"Operations."

"Yes, captain." Finally, a human voice responded.

"I want two probes launched. They are to be posititioned at 45 degree angles to give us the ability to see the enemy, and recieve telemetry. Are the probes ready?"

"Yes sir, all systems are ready, weapons, shields.. and probes. Launching, sir."

It only took the two small high velocity probes to each their destinations. Ramus hoped that the radiation from the sun would be enough to mask the small probes, even at their decreased exposure to the sun itself. He hoped, and waited for the data to be transmitted. "Got it sir."

"Good. What do we see?" He said, with a certain apprehension.

"Multiple ships sir, over a thousand, the probes don't have the capacity to count and detail all the ships. There's alot of them, and of unknown nationality. They all appear to be rather small, besides a centralized mother ship it seems. They all seem to be in geo sync orbit with the main hive. That's all the probes can gather, sir."

"Damnit." Cursing out loud this time. "Alright, how long until the fleet And city reach dawn?"

"1 hour, sir."

"Alright, alright.. we need to send teams down... give me time to think this through..."

“Should we provide any form of defence in case the owners of the planet come to their aid?” Bariegus asked Totalius, who looked at Sheriansk with advice. Standing there, Sheriansk shrugged. “Do we leave this to the Minus superclass to deal with them?” Bariegus asked again, as Totalius nodded.

From the floating city of the abominations within the Azaha lands, the Minus Lord Dhekkthiarrun was taking charge. “Send them a dummy signal.” Dhekkthiarrun ordered to his minions, as they nodded from the helm of his command center aboard the city. It was like every other piece of work laid by the Detested; somewhat crude, unstable and unreliable at best, with the frequent sighting of foreign technology plainly laid into its hearth for some unknown purpose. Despite being fairly advanced beings themselves, the Detested were not as apt with machines than most species. Nevertheless, they didn’t care – they relied more on their sheer size in numbers and survival tactics to overwhelm their opponents. However, no sheer size strategy could work against a multi-front war, which was evidently dawning upon the horizon – both of them.

As the forces of Jhrez’Vaaqzar were dawning within the orbit of the stone fist Kelex, with no regards to whether they were detected or not; it didn’t matter anymore, but then again, it never did. There was no subtlety in the Detested and their actions, though perhaps many times it would have been helpful, considering their many visits to near extinction. Dhekkthiarrun, however, was a much more Minus of a Minus, a much more intelligent specimen than his fellow Minus Jhrez’Vaaqzar. He planned on impressing the Pariah above him with what he could do. Sitting within his bone-like bridge, looking at the whirring lights and the softness of the short glare of the star afar from him, he fanned himself as he waded through the slight heat and discomfort. “Is the dummy signal sent?” He asked to his minions, their squeaking and chattering providing a definite ‘Yes’.

“Then send it.” He commanded without a second’s trace.

Distress Open message to any nearby vessels
Our horde is out of control! We require assistance to…subjugate them…unable…control…assistance…control…

With that fake message, there were no screams or cries of pain – only an evil silence remained.

Meanwhile, at Kelex, Bariegus sat in his chair, watching from his command ship as the nursery city hung like a thread over the planet, its shadow creating a reasonable penumbra upon the planet. From there, it looked like little swarms of locusts were descending upon the planet from that penumbra, a massive storm of blackness within another. Power hungry abominations lashed out with furious teeth, bloodthirsty with their fingers prepared. Numbering within the millions at least, they were a steady stream of a weak, yet constant black rope of death.

“They will most likely know we exist now. We need to just bite them, at the very least.” Jhrez’Vaaqzar said silently. He was a Minus with an abnormally small brain, at least for the cerebral induced Minus. He seemed humanoid in one sense, but his face was little with wormlike inflammations, throbbing with hunger within his flesh as his cheeks were not rosy, but a pale skeletal white. “The Kelex resistance will be significant, I assume, once they rally together. I will hold this position, upon which we can strike from behind at the other end of the planet. The forces will be directly from the capital ship. Mr Lord Bariegus.” He said, as Bariegus opened his channel.

“What is it, Jhrez’Vaaqzar?” Bariegus asked. “Do you need assistance?” He had no intentions of giving any.

“No, Lord Bariegus. I am fine with this scenario. I merely wanted to inform you of my intentions upon opening up this front here.”

“It is Totalius’ wish to open up a multi-front war. He believes we can find the Isolationist swift this way.” Bariegus said with confidence and belief.

It was odd how Totalius thought – apparently, he believed sending thousands upon thousands of Abomination hordes at two planets within completely different systems was a prudent idea.

Orbit of Biyveron

Constellation had made good work-though contacting a station in orbit over a planet was never the most difficult thing to do. Though the Dominion had always been somewhat hostile, a visit by damaged outside vessels was something to lift the monotony of the Outliers region. Usually, nothing came through that wasn't going in hyperspace around the system-the Outliers was a base colony, for expansion, not for intrigue.

Biyveron Station-it had been a tough name, indeed-floated in high orbit above the insanely lush planet, its black and silver outline a stark constrast to the verdant planet of oranges, greens, and blues below. It bristled with sensor relays, docking ports, weapon blisters, and other nodes or various devices. The comm came in clear.

<"Biv Base here,"> the station commed back, using the traditional slang for the sectorial station, <"Does your entire group need assistance, or only a lone ship?">

As the station commed in, a group of four ships-led by an Akira-class Destroyer, flanked by two Otari-class corvettes and a Nova-class frigate-banked around the planet. They weren't the station's only defenders-most certainly not, for a sectorial base-but they were what was on hand within an ETA 3 minutes. They rounded the planet, forming back with the base.

Storms were brewing upon Dechelus, the flagship of the Minus civilization; ionic flickers were splashing their communications with nothing but blackness, yet that was not the only storm that raged upon the silent, eerie surface of the hook-like warship. Deep within, inside the hearth of the throbbing, beating steel bridge amidst the long, winding helm of the flagship, stood a small ring of Minuses, all standing as they watched each other. They carried identical clothing – a cherry red robe that drenched down far past their ankles and their legs, coupled by a long, twisting collar that stretched up to their fast, covering their leering mouths. They contained pale skin and silvery irises, almost tear-like, and their hair was ruffled slightly. They seemed to all be identical, with no discerning them, yet they spoke and acted differently. Standing there, in a circle thinned out slightly by the storm, they looked with malice and conspiracy towards each other, nodding.

“I think it’s the most logical choice of action to take some form of movement against the Pariah.” One of them spoke, a chortling voice coming out from his mouth as his throat was heard crying in pain, as if strained and battered and broken. The others shook their heads, discussion flying out in a strained conversation – as strained his throat was. “Think about it.” He continued, his hands outstretched in an attempt to have them welcome his ridiculous ideals. “The Pariah are a superclass that are oppressing our people for so long, yet we still continuously and loyally serve them. Isn’t that unfair?” He asked them. Silence, before murmuring continued.

“It’s not a matter of fair or unfair, but whether the goals we set as a group and as an army have placed are met or not.” Another minus spoke, with a strong, female tone, her hands out as well, as if it were some kind of odd, foreign custom. The others continued to talk, yet they took in the words as if it were food and water. “The Pariah are a bit lax in their duties, yes, but we cannot have any form of rebellion that would succeed against our masters.”

“I’m sick of being called a Minus. Why do the Pariah become so lucky?” Another spoke with a strong, vindictive voice that rang and roared with potency throughout the rooms, his arms raised in a roar as he barbarically gave out a yelp of bloodlust. “I’m sick and tired of being called a Minus, and being low on the spectrum. We are the most intelligent of the Detested, and we should lead!”

“Ah, but we are not displaying signs of intelligence if we are plotting against the Pariah.” Another said, looking around as many agreed, even clapping was heard. They seemed to be a cowardly group, or perhaps they were simply pragmatic. Nowadays, it was difficult to discern needs from emotions. “Besides, the Pariah have led us well so far, and with the new Pariah Lord Totalius in the reigns, we should be able to advance in technology much better. We must be honest – there was originally no need to advanced in technology, but as Lord Totalius gets more and more ambitious, we will need to advance significantly to adapt to the changes that are offered.”

“What are you saying? We can’t belong as lackeys towards the Pariah.”

“Are you forgetting the Isolationist?” Another asked, as silence filled the air.

“Dad, higher!” The little girl said, her arms raised up high as she perched blissfully atop her father’s shoulders, looking at the throbbing ships that pummeled through the air, somewhat silent, yet the movement sluggish and painful. The father was a fairly tall figure, his hair parted at the middle and his face somewhat rugged and scarred, though his arms thick and muscular. He carried his daughter and bore her upon his back, his disheveled and weary back with caring identity. As he stood there, he smiled.

The little bundle upon his back carried coal black irises and silvery hair – a Pariah.

226/4 - This is Pasithea Actual. Four warships incoming. IFF reads as Amazonian. Over.

226/1 - Understood, Pasithea. Disregard, it's just S.O.P.

Captain James flicked off the tac-net. One of his crewmen got his attention, and informed him of the last Biyveron Station transmission. Briggs changed the freq over to the Biyveron Station's, and opened the channel.

226/1 - This is Constellation Actual. Only one vessel, the Pasithea, needs emergency repairs, but we've been away from home for some time. We could all use maintainence, resupply, and some R&R planetside, if that would be alright with you. Over.

James leaned back in his seat and waited for a response.

Meanwhile, the vessel began firing retroes, slowing their advance a bit as they got nearer to the planet.

Orbit of Biyveron

Harmless enough apparently, this newcomers. It was all well-the nearby defensive ships formed back up into "casual" formations as things went back down to a relaxed state all around. The station keyed back comms to the ships, confirming their request.

<"Copy, Constellation. Pasithea can hook to one of our shipyard racks; and the rest of your ships can link up to normal boarding ramps-we're sending your ship a spec of the station's access points for ease. The planet is avaliable all the time, but a word of warning-it's not the most friendly place down there-but if you can avoid the natural effects, it's not too bad.">

The station keyed off the comm as the shipyard dock to the station's starboard side began opening, the massive grapler device expanding to accept a new arrival.

Something was stirring on the ignored planet. An existence unrealized as the great warships that policed the sector zoomed back and forth, readying to fight their first war in a long, long time. While the Dominion of Ruthless Slaughter combated a serious threat, the naive fools were oblivious to the one already existing within their borders...
A flight of Strike Cruisers (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/DominionofRS/StrikeCruiser.jpg) raced by in low orbit over the planet, along their assigned patrol route. They passed it by with not so much as a sensor sweep. And why should they? To their knowledge no one lived there, and nothing occurred in Dominion space without the knowledge of the Dominion Warfleet.

Little did they realize that this presence wasn't alone. Or at least, wouldn't be for very long...

Near the orbit of Biyveron, a small sliver of a souct ship was passing into their space, with no cares for being known, or being detected, a scout with no intentions of hiding. Drifting aimlessly, it seemed as if its pilot was hallucinating, the movement erratic and unstable as the flickering madness of its trail left nothing more than unphased ionic particles. Clinging quietly, it still scratched and shimmer with an awkward distortion, being blasting itself slowly towards the destination.

It was unarmed, it was battered, and it was alive - broken and smashed together from the bodies of abominations, it was sturdy enough to last the long voyage in space from the hive-like home of the cities, yet not strong enough to carry weapons nor pose a threat. Inside its hallowed, stone-like steel halls, it was quiet, sprayed and flayed with flesh and blood, without a single trace of human life dotting its interiors. Inside, it was a ghost ship, flying endlessly without controls or a pilot as it began to slowly dip down into the orbit of the system, making its presence known.

Upon entrance within the gravitational pull, it splashed out an odd message, an audio signal sent with a cold, callous, eerie voice with bonechilling capabilities. Nothing was heard beyond it other than the quiet screams of gunfire in the distance.

Can you dock here? It asked mercilessly, without remorse, fear or pain eminent within its noise.

Bariegus sighed, sitting down at the table as he swept into the chambers of the silver city. It was a chaotic scene outside, a ravaging of beauty as the abominations were breeding without stop in sight. Meanwhile, upon this steel pedestal of peaceful amnesty, he stood, contemplating as the final flicker of tea touched the glass table behind him. Sitting there, Karimin nodded, looking up at Bariegus as she sighed. “Bariegus, what are you planning on doing with Sheriansk’s increased influence?” She asked, as the city began to dip down into the summits of an isolated, ice ridden planet.

From the ice cold heart of a forgotten planet, Bariegus looked around with interest as his army of abominations walked along the icy turf with a slow pace, shrugging off the cold painfully and walking slowly as they cried and belted with discontent. The abominations shivered and belted out with complaints, yet Bariegus walked alongside them, his arms perched safely inside his large fur coat, his sword-like tail safely and warmly placed within a pearl white porcelain sheath. Walking slowly, he finally reached the edge of the large frozen sea before a blast of red thunder shocked his ranks behind him, smoke rising in vestiges as beside him stood Karimin.

Karimin frowned. “They know.” Karimin said with disappointment, as Bariegus sighed. “We need to break them, now. They are hostile. Hostile.” Karimin spoke with disgust, her hand reaching her sword as another blast rocked their ranks. Despite the twin large craters deep within the frozen earth, they were still like a flood, running along madly between the sea as another blast of crimson fire shocked the earth and still did not loosen the sea. It was a mile of ice above a valley of frozen sea, ice strong enough to handle the structures perched upon it and the giant behemoth artillery that were drenched alongside it. Karimin did not charge, though she waited quietly as the outcasts began to charge, falling by the numbers as they waited.

“Help them, Karimin.” Bariegus ordered, as Karimin nodded, charging forwards within the heat of fire as a uranium shell ricocheted harmlessly off her lips, unfazed and unhurt as her iron skin continued. Blaster and plasma weapons seemed unable to break a single bone, and the only thing tearing through were her clothes and the white porcelain sheath. Freezing in a torn and tattered coat, she rushed towards them as the defending soldiers fell back slightly before sending out a deathly wave throughout the chilling earth.

“Under order of Lord Totalius, and under demands of Lord Bariegus, you are to desist your attack immediately, or face decimation.” She yelled, before an artillery blast shocked at her, her chest splashing with blood before a series of defending soldiers opened fire. She tried to block the shots, yet they were so large in number and the abomination still madly rushing that she could not do so. Spraying everywhere in a flash of blood, Karimin began to groan in pain before a porcelain white hand covered, the figure of Bariegus standing in front of her, blocking the shots with ease.

Artillery fire pummeled towards them once more, yet this time there was no splash of blood from Bariegus – he raised his hand, and effortlessly, he smashed the powerful blast aside. “It seems the enemy is much better armed than we suspect. Can you stand, Karimin?” He asked, as Karimin tried to raised herself up, yet unable to. Bariegus, as always to his character, sighed before nodding. He dipped his long, lanky arms behind her back and carried her froth up to the level of his shoulders, his left hand free as it blocked the blasts effortlessly. Nothing could harm his skin, nothing. It seemed that way, as he walked with steadfast determination towards the enemy flanks, his sword unsheathed as he raised his sword with Karimin with him, her face blushing.