Bloodlines are such a curious concept to define people. Based on genetic templates, lineages, families and high or low-born. I don't understand the difference, blood is blood in my opinion. Many cultures, I have witnessed place a high degree of importance on this arbitrary concept. The origin of one's birth connects them to the architects of conception. The Samsiran Empire valued bloodlines for many cycles, eras dating back to the early cycles of the Empire. So, I suppose given that information, bloodlines are indeed important.

Yet I have no such experiences with this concept, I was grown in an underground lab. The only connection to my lineage is a simple file number attached to the stored genetic material. Well, back to bloodlines and this strange notion of family. The Samsiran Empire, Potif Kingdom and Martop Imperium. They all had, at one time or another, a royal family and bloodline-based aristocracies. Familial relations were a staple of not only our society but even the ruling government. Even odder the Empire and largely the Potif Kingdom placed a high degree of importance on bloodline purity.

The Martop Imperium had such a close-knit community of aristocrats that they apparently rarely breed outside the aristocracy. Strange choice in my opinion as with my limited knowledge of Korvenin biological studies. The absence of genetic diversity can create problems down the line. Yet despite this logical viewpoint, they continued this practice all the way until their capital city was rendered to ash by nuclear fire.

These extreme measures always baffled me, my learning of the various countries' social and familial hierarchies. It made me wonder if this concept of bloodline and family has so much merit, why do they kill each other? I am commenting mainly on the chaos of the Potifian's darkest era. Specifically, the civil war of the bloodlines. The ruler of the Martopian's at the time was King Hijali Martopan the fourth, the old King had very few accomplishments during his reign and the only notable attribute was his prolific breeding practices.

King Hijali took many wives and mistresses during his time and fathered over sixteen children in total. This action, of course, had dire consequences down the road. He dropped dead of a heart attack at age one hundred and fifty. Following the King's death and barely a minor cycle in the grave, his sixteen children engaged in a five-way civil war. The war nearly tore apart the imperium into city-states.

The family feud lasted for many major cycles and only ended when one of his daughters brought all her siblings together to the negotiation table and poisoned them all. With their deaths, her ruthless ascension was assured. Then began the reign of the Black-Blooded Queen, Thesia Martopan the first. Ironically her reign brought an end to the internal conflict and revolutionised the Imperium for many major cycles to come. Of course, she did declare war on the Potif Kingdom with reports of several instances of war crimes and massacres, during that bloody conflict.

I think am getting off-topic, families seem important to some but less important to others. The question here is... Is family important to me? If I would compare notions of the family to my people. Arbitrary genetic similarities were a source of unity and strength, forming the base of most monarchies. Yet blood could slay blood when it suited them, rendering the question, should blood define family? If we compare it to the Wokan's, family unity comes from shared hardships and growth as families grow from communal circumstances, regardless of blood. Yet I have seen the faint traces of bias when it comes to direct blood relations, amongst even the Wokan.

In regards to the Pintonian's, bloodlines are a major part of their society as each family define themselves by how they serve the collective. Service is inherited down the bloodline as a rite of passage for the descendants. This in turn creates strong bonds within families from shared experiences. In some cases, it can alienate families, some may seek another path. The Garudan's have an honour-bound society and bloodlines don't really come into much of their culture, except for who the children are raised by. Now it comes to the Demthesian's, according to the scraps of information I have gained of the legion. They have strict bloodlines and a rigid social hierarchy similar to an aristocracy. Except there is no stigma against breeding with other bloodlines below one's own station.

All these various new societal structures and cultures expose their new ideas and values to me. It makes me question if I should value blood and family. I don't have a family or a lineage in a literal sense. I am an outsider in this situation, with no direct connection to those tight-knit bonds. Yet, I care for their lives, and wish to help them survive and finally grow as a people, regardless of species or history. Is this what the desire to protect your family is like?

Ruktan Class Frigate, Ship Docking Bay Three.

The battle was over, the dead had been moved to their final resting place before they can be properly buried as per the customs and traditions of the Wokan. I stood there at the centre of the battle's aftermath. The scorch marks depicted the intense laser fire from all sides, clearly seen on many surfaces. In front of me is the three battleships I have now acquired. I would thank the Wokan soldiers that nicely returned them to their new owner.

I will admit I was pleased with the result, yet the bitter notion of Gem's soldiers dying in the battle, while my own personal forces sustained no casualties made me feel odd. The losses were expected from a tactical perspective, yet the result still left me with a bitter feeling. Normally such thought patterns would be inhibited by the implant's protocols. It's not strategic to have the clones dwelling on the fact that scores of their brothers and sisters were cannon fodder.

Still, the positives must be celebrated as many Garudan's had been saved. I turned to the right, witnessing a happy sight. Hera and Itoa both ferry the former Garudan slaves out of the storage container and into the light. Their faces revealed a varied mixture of emotions from fear to delight They were wary, yet the visage of Itoa and Hera served to calm them. I let my two Garudan allies get the now free Garudan's settled into their new temporary lives before we retake Garuda. The nice sight of the Garudan's realising the possibility of freedom was within reach. It was indeed an intoxicating sight, but I have other concerns to take care of.

The sound of a familiar voice enters my right ear hole. The voice is of Chief Security Officer Gem, his arm had received first aid stemming the bleeding but he would need further treatment. I turn around to witness him speaking to a handcuffed Wokan, the second in command of the former Wokan militia under Commander Zeff.

I walk forward with Pok and Elkra trailing behind me. We approach and the sound of Gem's voice became clearer. "Tell me what happened to my sons Randax and Lotha?" His words were indeed laced with emotion. He was clearly distressed but I allowed him to ask the question, I was curious as well about his children. The Wokan soldier paused for a time, his handcuffs rattling against his lower body. He starts to gyrate, clearly hesitating to answer.

He seems conflicted, it must be difficult for him to leak information to us, since we are technically the enemy. His conflicting feelings seem not to last long, he speaks up. "We tried to contact Captain Randax but he refused communications. We sent a messenger before we left for the Ruktan, but haven't received any response." I had not expected that perhaps Gem's son had rebelled against Zekton, perhaps an opportunity.

Gem's eyes widen at the news, I suspect he is both worried or perhaps happy that one of his sons is alive. Especially since he seems to be rebelling against Zekton. He steps forward, while I observe from the side, prodding the Wokan soldier for more information. "What about my youngest clutch child, what about Lotha... Is he safe?" The question was full of emotion to the point of desperation. His prior confidence he had shown me was gone. The grizzled Wokan was now a worried father, desperately trying to locate his children.

The atmosphere suddenly became thick with tension. The tone of a room is a vital facet of an environment, I must pay strict attention. The concept was once foreign to me, yet after some time observing the interactions of various entities. The importance of the room's atmosphere became apparent. The Wokan soldier finally speaks up, after some time gathering himself and being weighed down by Gem's oppressive insistence. "Lotha went missing many cycles ago, he was sent by Zekton to quell the revolt of the eastern tribes. But never returned, we didn't have the manpower to send reinforcements so we..." He explained the events frantically trying to plough through the words. He acted as if speed, would somehow prevent the meaning, to reach Gem's ears.

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Unfortunately for our now-shaking Wokan, the meaning was conveyed quite clearly prompting the expected reaction. Gem lunges forward grabbing the fearful Wokan with his upper arms, and shaking him. The action is strange as if somehow, he could shake the truth from the Wokan's limp body. The gravelly voice of Gem resounds one more time, with further questioning. "You left my clutch child to die in an unknown land without aid. Why you..." His voice was now laced with heat, bordering on a gorging flame. It threatened to spill over and vent upon the soldier.

The situation has become quite tense, so I step forward to pull him back from indulging too much in his misplaced anger. My movement does not go unnoticed as my presence seems to soothe him or at least temper him. Perhaps it's my gaze or overall presence, I tend to evoke such a reaction.

I am about to save the poor frightened soldier, when a beneficial distraction is heard from the side, towards the ship's exit ramp. The sound of a familiar voice reaches me. The voice of Quroken my forever faithful pilot. "Captain you should see this." Stepping out from the ship he ducks down below the small opening leading out of the ship, gesturing me to accompany him.

I turn to Gem who seems to be calmer, his gaze moves questioningly at me and then at Quroken. I glance towards the centre ship, before nodding in affirmation. Turning back to Gem to make direct eye contact. His beady insectoid eyes narrow, before he asks his question softly, now as calm as he can ever be. "What is it, Captain?" He asks and to the point, he is able to ease up on his overbearing exertive presence. This act gives the young Wokan soldier some space to breathe.

To respond to his query, I lean my head towards the ship gesturing to the presence of Quroken, waiting on the off-ramp. Gem immediately understands, and passes the soldier off to one of his security officers, to be sent to interrogation. He turns to me and begins following our little entourage towards the ship, accompanying Quroken inside. The vessel bore an extreme resemblance to the Hellmak, granting me a quaint bit of melancholy.

I was once a prisoner aboard such a vessel, now I command forces aboard a ship that dwarfs this by sheer size and firepower. Making our way to the centre of the ship, to the familiar central gathering room. Gem, Pok and Elkra stop just short as Quroken turns around, speaking in a hushed tone. "The ship received a concerning communication from the planet, marked as being from sixth Pralator Randax for Commander Zekton." Still maintaining a calm expression, the Pintonian nods his head whilst casting his gaze on Gem. His eyes linger for only a split nano-cycle before back to me.

The news shocks Gem to his core, at least I believed he is shocked. He is remaining stock still and frozen in place, he begins muttering something incoherent. I move closer to him, trying to calm him as much as I am able. I turn to Quroken and gesture to him to play the communique. He pulls out a datapad and taps a few buttons before presenting the screen to all of us. After some time, the screen boots up and the visage of a strange Garudan appears, in stark contrast to expectations. Gem's eyes flash with confusion... I think or perhaps disappointed, well he doesn't seem happy with this turn of events and I can't blame him.

We all wait as calmly as we can ever, despite the circumstances just before the strange Garudan speaks. The Garudan is of typical appearance, tall, possibly as tall as Elkra. Yet he wears strange garb, almost like a cloak covering his entire body. The appearance is a mix of gold, red and dark blue. Two red strips descend down the front of the cloak, surrounding a central insignia depicting a blue circle with four extended limbs.

The rest of the cloak is coloured with a gold hue giving off an opulent, yet the gaudy expression of wealth and luxury. In his right hand is perhaps some sort of sceptre, the make is clearly far more advanced than the Garudan could ever muster. Perhaps the origin of this strange Garudan will be revealed from his words. "I am Grand Priest Unbaran, a devotee to the Skyfall Gods of the blackened sea. I have been given the glorious privilege to convey the words of The Great Skyfall God-King, his divine eminence Randax, keeper of the flame." The furvert and loyalty were aptly portrayed in his tone and mannerisms. This speech reminded me a little bit of the Meraxian priests. Devoted religious furvert, that's the expression I can ascertain from this brief observation, this is likely not good.

Everyone froze for a time, they gazed with utter confusion and shock Likely trying to process the strange message from this equally strange Garudan. I turn my gaze to the others and witness their confounded faces, right before I turn back to observe the message. "I have a message from our illustrious divine, for the heathens above who usurp his authority over the blackened sea." He speaks to whomever this message is for, with sheer contempt or some sort of hatred, it's difficult to tell. I have noticed during the recorded Meraxian religious broadcasts they all had that same look.

The look of utter disdain or benevolent charm, both an odd pairing for those who consider themselves righteous. The fanatic continues with his strange religious rant. "The one known as Zekton has committed an affront to his divine eminence by daring to command the ruler of the sky!" He near yells his last word with even more religious zealotry. Calming down and glaring down at the camera to continue. "For this heresy, you have been deemed an enemy of the Skyfall Gods, leave his eminence's domain or you shall feel his wrath. This warning is your only mercy, be thankful." The religious zealot leaves these final words, laced with subtext before ending the video message and leaving a blank screen.

All four of us are taken aback, to be honest, I had not seen this coming. The events on Garuda seem far more complex than anticipated. The possibility of Garudan's on the side of the opposition will make any potential conflict a bloody affair. Naturally, I turn to face the now-shocked Gem. His beady eyes flutter constantly with all four of his fists clenching and unclenching. The emotional turmoil is obvious to see, I gaze towards him for a short time before he speaks. "What... What does that mean... He said my son's name!" His voice rises, clearly displaying his mounting frustration. He turns to me to continue his tirade. "What's going on... I... I don't understand?" The wide-open eyes lock onto me, as If I contained some secret and he is trying to pry me open to obtain. True answers from a clone birthed only a major cycle ago are not the best person to come to for advice.

Still, an answer is what I seek. I activate the hyper-accelerated thought capability of my implant. The environment around me seems to slow to a crawl. With room to think, I begin my contemplation of events. Well given the message, it's clear Gem's son, Randax has some control over the Garudan's on the planet. The reverence in this supposed grand priest's eyes were those of a zealot, along with the outrageous claim that Randax is some sort of sky deity.

I initially believed the Garudan's had minimal influence from concepts such as religion. Yet Pok believed in the sky people, so it's indeed possible there are extremists among the Garudan's. If that is the case, then it's possible an entire community of Garudan's have become fanatics under their new god-like figure, Randax the keeper of the flame.

It's possible that the title may be related to the weapons of the Wokan and likely he has a ship to further enforce that perspective. Now how to deal with this, killing Randax may cause more problems than it's worth. Gem is still his father and holds some compassion towards his children. I could capture him; it would keep the bloodshed to the minimum yet I still don't know how much control he has over the Garudan zealots. There is a possibility they may commit ritual suicide, similar to some past tragedies on Korvan or even attack innocent Garudan tribesmen if they haven't already.

With these many facets in mind, my strategy to liberate Garuda will need a few tweaks as a troublesome enemy has just appeared, with unknown capabilities. Intelligence is the key, I must gain a better understanding of the opponent's location, resources and the territory they control. The first and most crucial goal is still the original. Liberate the Garudan slaves and retrieve the Vixorm serum. Perhaps the Wokan captives will assist us with intelligence. I should extract as much information as I can before moving forward. Yet I still have a number of preparations to make onboard the Ruktan, best to deal with them first.

With these considerations, I decide to deactivate accelerated thought. My perception of time returns to normal, just before I speak directly to the frantic Gem. "Calm down Gem, we don't have all the facts, we will investigate the validity of this message, I promise that." My words seem to soothe the Wokan, his calm has yet to fully take over so I continue speaking with my hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps the soldiers we captured may be able to tell us something." Not exactly my best effort to soothe another sentient being, with pragmatic words, but It's a start. He nods in affirmation, a trait I see spreading amongst the ranks of the Ruktan. I nod in return causing silence to descend once more, as we ponder the next move.