It was once said power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Is it power that corrupts, or is it those who obtain power were corrupt? Is it possible that power in the palm of a saint will remain pure and unchanged? If one was to claim power and remain pure through temptation and struggle could they unite the universe?

On a far off world from ours nestled in a sector of the Omega Supercluster, a separate society of humans began their evolution on a larger than Earth planet called Protoria. It was a beautiful planet covered mostly by water filled by countless island nations that knew no battle between themselves. Protoria was encased with a dazzling set of rings orbiting the planet, remains from a once proud moon blasted by an ancient collision. This ring of heavenly rocks would often fall on these young civilizations causing damage and fear on a constant basis but curiosity and intrigue simultaneously. The core of the moon withstood the impact and had settled on an altered, nearer orbit. The now small moon shined with a luminous light show every night inspiring Protorians to find hope in themselves and in their futures. It would be a savior to them as the glorious gaze of the moon would illuminate, shimmer and warn the Protorians of an impending fall of the ring. As generations and ages passed the Protorians gathered together and found ways to protect themselves from their former moon. They built civilizations high in the hills and mountains far away from the oceans to protect from tsunamis. Their structures were strong, and formidable against nearly any falling rock. And as ingenuity and technology advanced through the countless years the many nations came together to give birth to space travel for the first time. Space ships launched from every nation had been mobilized to nullify the threat of the rings. They were sturdy, small gun ships large enough for a small crew. It didn't take long for the nations to negate the risk of the falling ring vaporizing, or diverting the larger pieces and allowing the smaller rocks to be burned up in the atmosphere. They had disposed of all threatening rocks without dissolving the natural beauty their planet and ring offered. For a time, the Protorians could advance themselves without any immanent danger unlike any time before.

In a unified expedition, a team of international astronauts took on the first moon landing mission in Protorian history. They had become fascinated with the unknown moon and imagined what wonders had awaited them. The largest shuttle the nations could construct was set to take off, large enough for ten crew members and a cargo port vacant for hopeful resources, and many other items to collect for scientific research. Most of the population were glued to their viewing screens for live coverage and updates to the anticipated moon mission. Protorians were truly unified all together and they were all amazed at what they could all accomplish. The space craft lifted off and was on its way with out a hitch as everyone was waiting with anticipation for them to arrive to their destination. Four days later the shuttle had made it to the moon's low gravity pull and started its descent. As it dove towards the moon, systems started to malfunction, communications went dark, instruments began to behave erratically, it had been caught in a pulse of energy. Yet with all hope seemed lost the crew managed to manually come to a safe landing and thanks to past ship designs, the sturdy ship had made it with minimal damage but still it needed some repairs. For a span of two days the fate of the crew were unknown to all those back home. Never could they fathom before the riches and rewards that they would come to discover. Nor could they imagine what would come to pass.

A rare and malleable metal was one of the first discoveries. One that would allow the Protorians to engineer structures for their impressive cities, new cutting edge space centers and state of the art ships. They found a renewable and abundant fuel source three hundred times more efficient than any source before, powering their space crafts and sustain their power grids. They identified new minerals for countless new scientific advancements for healthcare and rejuvenation. But their most important discovery would be found tracking radiation to the source of moon's riches. The team was lead through a cavern system to a rocky temple with a large black crystal standing about five feet tall embedded in a center stone flanked by pillars. A series of visible energy waves cascaded from the crystal down the center pillar and through the surroundings. The new types of metals and materials were heavily concentrated around the temple. From the center of the crystal a white orb could be seen pulsating rapidly but dissipated as soon as it was noticed. They could feel a heavy pressure around them, the air in their suits was suffocating, the crystal began to glimmer and vibrated as they neared. A single brave soul reached to touch it and was immediately engulfed by a black mist at his feet and flowing upwards and around him. He was lifted above the surface, the aura becoming like a single entity flying around the astronaut exploring him. They were all thrown back with a sudden deafening flash and were changed forever. They all recovered quickly, bringing themselves up to their feet. When returning to their ship they found it repaired with all electrical systems and instruments working properly. Back home the terrestrial Protorians had been waiting for days for any update to the shuttle and the crew. Upon their safe return they were heralded as heroes. News and stories spread across the planet as to what they had discovered, a source of unfathomable power. All of them noticed an immediate change within themselves. Any allergies and every medical deficiency was instantaneously Erased. They felt young, energetic and could recover from injuries swiftly. They didn't need to eat or sleep as much. It was a miracle, and surely a sign of good things to come after dealing with the rings their entire existence. Cosmic karma had made a full swing back to their favor for the first time and the future was bright. More expeditions were sent for the study and mining of the moon. An international facility was built for extraction, experimentation on the moon making way for exciting new developments, it was the first of many stations in space but the only one on the moon. An new and vast civilization of Protorians were born.

Unknown to most however, in the shadows those who look to dominate and conquer put their plans into actions. The Protorians, with out the unifying threat of the ring would find a new threat; themselves. War had come to this once unified planet for the first time bringing a new era of horror to Protoria. Small skirmishes began springing up around the planet. A cascading series of battles brought the entire planet against each other. One of the larger nations calling themselves “The Ascended” rushed against the others to bring peace on the planet and to claim control of the valuable moon facility and the mysterious powerful crystal before damage could be done to it. Lead by their beautiful and silver tongued Queen Selustra. She was graceful, with long golden hair and a soft but frozen glare. She had dark eyes, the window to a confident and powerful soul. She was adorned with strong and focused facial features and a smaller, thin but healthy build wrapped by extravagant form fitting dresses. Yet she would command attention with her presence and charisma and would not tolerate weakness in her palace. She ruled with a fierce aura. Yet to her credit she did care very much for her people and even care for all Protorians. It was her care and love for her people and other Protorians that drew attention and respect towards her. She wanted to completely unify all of Protoria under her rule. Her hopes and goals in peace were misplaced, the other nations had built themselves up and they had their own culture and civilization. In her conquest of the planet and people, she placed her trust in her most faithful and successful general, Tarik Ilfant. A very capable and calculating man who's egregious tactics won him unyielding support from his queen and subordinates. They charged and defeated any others in their way under the guise that they had suffered the most under the rings and it was their destiny to unify Protoria. Tens of thousands of lives were sacrificed for the so called greater good and for the smallest bit of victory. With all opposing the Ascended scattered and unorganized the Ascended were able to quickly seize space and the moon facility, newly built orbital stations and resource shipments. They had control of much of the surface and near complete control of space. Using everything they took control of they launched another offensive wave in an attempt to end the battle once and for all. Even with everything in their favor, Tarik had yet to unveil his ultimate weapon.

An alliance was formed of the remaining powers also seeking peace, who survived the Ascended's dreadful blitz. Only with the combined might, the newly formed Sovereign Alliance had been able to hold off the overwhelming punishment the Ascended would be able to deliver. The Alliance was comprised of easily more than half of the planet's terrain and population but they still remained out out gunned and underwhelmed in machines for war compared to the Ascended. They were able to stave off their oppressors to nothing better than stalemates but even so it gave them the precious time they so desperately needed to regroup and prepare. They were brought together by a very charismatic man called Nyrox Atralta, a respectable man with salt and pepper hair, sharp beard and grey, hopeful eyes. Even in tough conditions, narrow escapes and losses he never let his expression give away what he was really thinking remaining steadfast to those around him, a pillar to depend on. He was in great shape for his age, a strong man with simple pleasures. He was a gifted strategist, negotiator without equal, and a calm and cool disposition. He had become a celebrity, and was in nearly every way more than a match for Tarik Ilfant. Even though they were extremely overwhelmed and at a massive disadvantage, Nyrox's strategies kept the Ascended guessing and off balance. Under his watch the Sovereign Alliance became a beacon of hope as more nations joined them who were once threatened or trampled by The Ascended. With their strength gaining most had thought at some point Nyrox would soon wage a formidable counter offensive, however at least from an outsiders view, Nyrox would continue to pursue a defensive campaign, continuously outwitting Tarik and The Ascended rather than an offensive one. There was much hidden up his sleeve he had yet to be known.

“Set the bait, let them eat, spring the trap” Nyrox's most famous sayings. He began to publicly speak and lead the Alliance from his command center a top a tower in a forward military base not to far from the battle front. It was well defended and he kept the flow of resources, gunships and bombers going through the base. Every night he would stare at the stars, view the small space stations and moon from his balcony. He would examine the night sky and view his orbital strategy from the surface. One night while gazing with some of his top brass he noticed a new flickering light near the moon that would seem to pulsate as though it began to make its way to a closer orbit. ”It's ready” he spoke softly as the others looked up to see it as well. He turned to them and with a calm demeanor “I want you all to evacuate forward command, split up and retreat to safer territory.” He stood there for a moment as his generals swapped looks of confusion at each other. “I want you to take our cargo ships for your return, don't use your personal shuttles. The next deployment retreats to the cities in half an hour.” He continued. After another moment of glances one of his generals broke the quiet silence. “Sir, what are we up against? What's your plan?” Nyrox took a deep breath, cleared his throat and began again. “A week ago our code breakers intercepted a message acknowledging their launch of a weapon they call 'Shooting Star'” He continued in a calm confidence as he always had. “Truth be told I'm not sure what it is or what it means but we do know they've been able to successfully integrate the crystal as its power source. I'm sure they have no doubts that they have this war already won.” He then raised is voice and stance in a powerful resolve. “But they've shown their hands and we are about to play ours. I'm going to open an unencrypted channel with Queen Selustra and draw her attention. The moment she responds I want you to launch every possible ship and shuttle craft capable of space combat and engage whatever this new weapon is. It must be taken out of commission and the crystal retrieved. Our numbers remain fewer than theirs but you will take whatever advantages they give you.”

The Generals started to gather themselves and understand the task they had in front of them. It was hard to imagine that they remained out of the loop to their standards. Nyrox had always kept them up to date on all of his plans and even involved them with their expertise. “I'll have their eyes on me, but I have something of my own ready as well. Everything is riding on this battle, but I have nothing but all my faith in all of you to finish this fight.” He spoke gaving one last look, and moved to dismiss them. As they all started to make their way one last general hesitated behind for a moment. “If I may, Sir” he begin speaking with fragility. “With all due respect, my old friend. Whatever their plans are, your prototype shields won't hold for long. I know their limitations but I'm sure you do as well.” Nyrox smirked and and nodded. “Very true, they were developed to protect against the falling ring, but it will protect me long enough for you to win this battle though.” He paused standing towards his remaining general. “I'll see to finish updating your base defense systems before I leave.” His general mentioned. “At least any other attack they send won't stand up to the base's defenses.” He added before turning towards the door to exit himself. “Promise me this won't be the last time we meet on this world, Commander.” His general requested turning towards him once more. “With my faith in your fight, we will meet again General Erras.” Nyrox said calmly and confidently.

The Ascended had completed what could only be described as a weapon of unimaginable terror. It was an orbital cannon capable of launching Energy mortars from space. They were unfortunately able to extract the crystal and adapt it to their deadly monster as the prime core of the station's beating heart. What was once the salvation of the Protorians was now an angel of death. The massive cannon itself had no defenses so the Ascended would have an escort of ships to protect it. They had hurried to complete it and Nyrox knew they wouldn't have been able to properly test it prior to actually use it, let alone know what limitations or dangers attacing the crystal might have had for them. The weapon had to be destroyed before they could bring it to its full potential and the crystal recovered if Nyrox wanted to save Protoria.

The next morning Nyrox kept to his usual routine while the rest of the base was in full alert. Crews fueled and loaded the bombers and gunships with munitions, pilots boarded their vessels and took off to their destinations. Nyrox saw them off from his balcony with a salute. He had ordered his entire fleet of ships to make heavy attacks against strategic targets he picked out. This would be the first time the Sovereign Alliance went on the full offensive, even Nyrox didn't know how the Ascended would react, but was confident in his assumptions. He did know however that it would catch them off guard and draw their forces away from his true intention. With his fleet dispersed, and his Generals hopefully ready to do their parts, his trap was set. After an hour the first reports of imminent attacks came in he closed himself in his command office. He activated on his is communication system to broadcast himself in an attempt to contact Queen Selustra.

“This is Supreme Commander Nyrox Atralta of the Sovereign Alliance broadcasting on an open channel. I respectfully request Queen Selustra of the Ascended to respond and peacefully surrender to Alliance forces.” He stood strait up with his hands behind his back at full attention waiting to see he had any response. He knew the world was watching and would wait for Selustra to respond. “Nyrox” a calm and soft voice came over the comms, “Its so good to hear your voice but so sad at the same time. How could you have turned your back on us and do so much damage to me and our people?” Queen Selustra then came up on the screen with a scowl of sadness and heartache “You were by my side for so long. You had my unyielding trust and now you ask for my surrender? What's happened to you?” Her voice dialed back a bit. She sat on her thrown and began to relax as though she was relieved of pressure off her chest. Nyrox took off his hat and held it to his side. He ran his other hand through his hair to fluff it up. His faced turned to a look of frustration and concern. His thoughts were mixed, many emotions ran through his mind and he quickly gathered himself. “My queen,” as he took a small bow. “Perhaps one day I will apologize to you. Although I know I will never deserve it.” Selustra quickly snapped back. “Have you any idea the damage you've caused, I've brought the people of Protoria together, our people. At least, I did once, until you revolted against me. Your rebellion has cost our kingdoms peace and unification. We were one, the crystal was our fortune from fate, Protoria had a grand future.” Nyrox was shaken from her words, yet he remained steadfast and responded firmly. “Your highness, the crystal is not a gift, its not a good omen, it is a curse. There is only darkness within, hidden by a false promise. If whatever is freed from its prison, there is no where to hide from its wrath. My queen, we can have peace, we can have unity, I beg you to listen to me as I have asked so many times before, I ask you to put your trust in me once again. We must not use that crystal.” He remained calm but defiant, awaiting for her response. His breath slowed and time seemed to stop. In his mind he knew that it was already over. It was his last chance to stop his former nation from unleashing what he believed would be the end of them all.

Nyrox was a member of the first expedition to the moon and had first hand experience of what the crystal was. He was an unknown last minute add on to the ship's crew after the original crew member backed out for an unknown reason. It was him to be the first to reach out to the crystal and his experience with it changed more of him than any of the others. From the dark aura that surrounded him in that moment, he could see a blurred future, one that would have dire consequences if he would not intervene and change fate himself. He could feel the suffering presence of a malicious, negative power with in the crystal. It haunted him, and the premonition he received had guided him through his life ever sense. It was a powerful crystal that could perform miracles, but it was malevolent and came with a price, a curse yet to be revealed. He knew that there was more to come, and once the crystal's power had been unleashed, Protiria would be doomed.

Queen Selustra looked down as to consider what he had asked but that pause didn't last long. His words began to move her, but ultimately fell short and Selustra remained still. She was torn, Nyrox had been so close to her. He was her mentor, a friend and pillar of support. There was no one she respected more and felt connected with. Irregardless of their past, she was sure what she was doing would be for the best for her planet and all Protorians, even if they fought against her. “Have faith in me, I'll show you Nyrox, I'll show you the bright future of Protoria. I'll grace you with a chance for you to lay down your arms and I offer for you to surrender with my full guarantee of peace.” She stood up from her throne brought her hands together as if to show Nyrox respect. “You won't have much of a choice soon. Come back to me, please. Come back to your home, end your fight, end your rebellion and end this pointless war.” She cried. She then reached her hand forward as if for him to take it and for him to accept her offer even if through a screen. He stood there knowing that there was no turning back. His space forces had launched by this time and would soon assemble for a combined attack on The Ascended's orbital weapon The Ascended believe was still a secret. Selustra didn't want to use the weapon, least of all on someone who was so important to her. Nyrox forced a smile and bowed once more. “One day I will ask and be worthy of your forgiveness and I will earn your trust again my Queen.” She sat back down still illustrious as she always been, but understandably immensely disappointed. She pondered for a moment. “I will forgive you, end this war and come back to me. I don't want harm to come to you.” She responded with hidden hope. “It seems I will have much more than I thought to apologize for. But I will save you from yourself if I have to my queen.” He said resignedly and immediately cut the transmission short. He put on his hat again, regained his composure and left his office to return to his command center. “But that day is not this day.” He spoke to himself as though he was speaking to her for the last time.

Under the personal command of Tarik Ilfant, the Ascended moved their merciless beast over Nyrox's command center. The Ascended had taken the bait. As all forces from the Sovereign Alliance's forward command base went on the full offensive and when the Ascended confirmed multiple personal ships of most of the high ranking officers stationed at the base, it seemed to be too good of an opportunity not to make an attack of their own. With most of the Sovereign ships out on their own sorties and seemingly minimal defenses on the base itself, Tarik ordered half of his forces protecting his orbital cannon to make an assault on the base. His split of ships entered Protoria's atmosphere and set up for their attack runs. But as the attack began Nyrox activated his prototype shield covering and protecting his base from their air assault. The Ascended forces were caught off guard, but continued to make futile assault runs at the base. Most of the Ascended ships had been brought down by anti-air defenses or crashed as they flew into the shield, the remaining ships couldn't return to space and retreated to Ascended occupied territory with few able to make the long trip back. Tarik was upset of the loss of half his fleet but quickly saw a perfect opportunity to test the orbital cannon's full abilities, he ordered the crew to prepare their monster for its first assault, and if successful it could be a final crushing blow. The cannon came alive for the first time, engineers and officers oversaw the statuses of their respective systems from their posts encircling the crystal's power core tube in the center. In the center of the orbital cannon was housed the extracted crystal, encased in the weapon's main core and surrounded by the terminal posts of the engineers and officers. The crystal started to glow as the limitless power within it was siphoned to charge the cannon. While still in a slow power up, an alert sounded and lights started to flash. Radars and sensors picked up a large formation from all sides of the orbital cannon. One officer stood up, thrusting his headset off. “Sir, hostile units converging from all sides.” Tarik stood at his post, leaning over some near by handrails knowing he left himself vulnerable, but far from beaten if he played it smart. “Disperse the fleet to defend the station, and continue to power up the cannon and fire on my mark. Target the traitor's command center.” Tarik vigorously ordered. He knew he now had a slight advantage of numbers even if it was much closer than if he had he kept his entire fleet in close proximity. As he reset the battle in his head he noticed a small and quick flicker from the station's lights and unusual white pulsing from the crystal. He looked around to see no one else seemed to notice it, perhaps he was stressed and the situation was getting to him, perhaps things would play out much worse than anyone could have ever expected.

Alliance forces had entered orbit with near perfect timing. They had come from all over the planet allowing them to easily surround the Ascended's ultimate weapon. With Tarik sending half his defenses away in vain and with the Alliance sending all of their available ships, the battle had become essentially even with a nearly one to one ratio. Ships from the Alliance began their assault immediately, they quickly assembled in formation and attack groups. The Ascended began the battle on the defensive, cluttered and disorganized. The alliance quickly gained a slight advantage wiping out small squadrons of Ascended ships. “Dispatch the moon defense force immediately! And bring in all available ships in to form a close perimeter.” Tarik demanded. He hadn't lost control of the situation yet but if he made any other mistakes, he and his forces would be in serious trouble. At that time the cannon had set in orbit perfectly over Nyrox's command center. “Optimum firing position achieved Sir.”A second officer yelled. “Cannon nearing fifty percent firing charge.” Another officer announced. “Fire immediately!” Tarik roared in an impulse. All he needed was to destroy his arch nemesis' base with a single shot, and everything would right itself. The station hummed, vibrated and began the firing sequence. Vents on the surface opened to the cold vacuum of space to cool it off. All systems read optimal, the targeting computers locked on, and the crystal shimmered and flashed. A blinding light filled the core and then with a breathtaking sight, the cannon fired its harrowing shot for the first time. They sky shined bright, blinding all around it like a solar flare jutting from the eruption.

The cannon's energy blast penetrated the atmosphere with ease, Nyrox brought on his shields at full power. Generators rumbled and towers projecting the shield sparked up to produce a barrier of light that had expanded from the towers connecting them all and shrouding Nyrox's base. It sizzled, cracked and electric shimmers ran through the barrier like a free and wild animal. The sky became brighter, like a reverse eclipse. An unstoppable force met an unmovable object above Nyrox's command center with an blinding flash and deafening crash. Clouds plumed and separated as the cannon's power forced the atmosphere to split away from its shot. A dark cloud of debris filled the area and black clouds started to billow from the center as the cannon finally made contact to Nyrox's shield. Only static was heard over Alliance comms from the surface. The large explosion expanding from where the base once rested gave way to dread and uncertainty of the result of the attack. The pilots continued their assault on the space cannon, unknown to them if their beloved leader had seen the last of his days.

Static remained for a moment but then a voice came over the comms. “That one kind of hurt, don't let them do it again.” It was Nyrox, he had retreated to an underground command center for shelter. The shield had held up against the first shot, there was minimal damage done to the base itself, only a few anti-air batteries outside the shield were destroyed and debris scattered all over. However, the generators supplying power to the shields had over heated and nearly fried themselves trying to sustain enough power. They tried to bring the shields up again to full power but the generators gave out and the precious shields began to sputter. “Re route all available power to the shield power grid.” Nyrox calmly ordered as he blew off dust from his Command desk. “Evacuate all remaining personnel to the lower levels.” He added then continued to charge the generators and give the damaged ones time to reset. As the smoke cleared it was evident that the base had more than survived but had been able to absorb the majority of the blast and remain largely intact. This gave the Alliance forces a major moral boost, and set up the Alliance with a huge advantage to turn the tide of the first major space battle. They continued their attack and captured the momentum at least for the moment.

Tarik wasn't ready for the situation he found himself. While still on the defensive from the immediate threat of Alliance orbital ships, he quickly ordered the cannon to be charged again for another assault. His last hope to repel the Alliance attack would still take time to arrive based on the moon. The terrifying cannon then came alive again as it powered up a second time. Sensors and readings were still in acceptable levels even if fluctuating wildly. The station began to shake violently with rockets finally making contact from the Alliance offensive and causing structural surface damage. It slowly drifted out of its position in orbit as the Ascended attempted to adjust to maintain a lock on to Nyrox's base. Tarik ordered his forces to retreat even closer around his cannon hopefully closing any defensive gaps, creating a tighter window for Alliance weapons to hit.

While the cannon continued to charge the Alliance forces reassembled to adjust to the Ascended's new defensive strategies. The Alliance began the attack with sixty four attack ships against the Ascended's sixty eight. The Alliance's assault had dwindled Ascended forces to just twenty eight ships to defend the cannon. They had still lost many ships themselves however. With a force of thirty six ships they split into two groups and stagger their attacks. Twenty eight ships would press an attack to try to drive off the defensive perimeter and the remaining group would concentrate with heavy hitters making a direct assault on the cannon. Inside of the station Tarik could see his back up forces getting closer but he knew he still wasn't out of the woods yet. “Disregard all safeguards, charge at maximum output!” Tarik exclaimed. The crystal started to be siphoned again, but at a faster and more dangerous rate. It pulsated exponentially, it seemed to vibrate, hum and looked as though pieces of the crystal were dispersing inside the power core. With all the commotion and chaos within, Tarik was again the only one to notice any oddities from inside the station. “Ensure the target remains insight, we can't miss this one.” Tarik reminded his officers. He then heard something like a dark but soft moaning growl. It caught him off guard, he had no idea where it came from or what could even make it. Again he was the only one who seemed to have notice any questionable experiences. He glanced quickly at the crystal, he saw what he thought was a set of eyes observing him but they disappeared as quickly as he noticed, but were they real or was the battle getting to him. “What the...” He spoke quietly, shaking his head and squinting back at the encased crystal. He snapped out of his trance as an officer broke the silence. “We're at seventy percent now sir.” He turned to the firing officer. “More than good enough, fire the weapon.” He responded looking back at the shimmering crystal. The firing sequence started up once again, the station's systems were pushed to their limits, the cannon's power core shined brighter than before. Just as the cannon started to fire, Alliance rockets hit their mark causing a significant explosion and budging the station just enough to knock it off its orientation. The blast from the cannon screamed down towards the surface, just as Nyrox put his shield up with whatever power he could manage. With the cannon moving off the target at the last second the blast had missed a direct hit and ended up impacting the surface just a few miles from Nyrox's base. The impact dug out an enormous crater, and it sent tones of rocks and debris flying in all directions. The area shook violently and cracks on the surface began to stretch from ground zero. Even though its wasn't a direct hit to the command center, it was enough for a small section of the base to crumble. Unfortunately for Nyrox, that section held one of the shield generator towers, one of eight towers projecting the shield above. As it fell an electric storm thundered from the top of the shield projector. It destroyed the local power generators and brought down the shield completely but not before it protected the base from the vast majority of damage it would have sustained with out it.

“Don't let them do that either.” Nyrox grumbled over Alliance comms. He always found a dark sense of humor during a battle and perhaps even more so with everything depending on a victory in this one. It was his way of dealing with all the stresses and hardships during the civil war. “I need status of anything useful, I doubt we have anything left after that hit.” He continued to his base command. “Any non-crucial personal evacuate the base or descend to lower levels.” He knew he was backed into a corner with no other hope than his space fleet to bring the cannon down. The brave Alliance space force had broken through the Ascended's defense for a critical hit, however it wasn't enough to knock out the space cannon completely. Alliance forces reassembled for one more attack run that would cripple the orbital beast when the Ascended's moon defense force arrived just in time pushing the Alliance to break off their final attack before it began. Alliance forces had no choice but to temporarily retreat back and formed into their own defensive formation. Now out numbered eight to one the remaining twenty ships desperately scanned for any way to destroy the cannon through the new countless ships. Their bravery and honor was a testament to how much they believed in the Alliance and Nyrox as well. Nyrox was the fidelity they looked up to and the Alliance was a cause to fight and ultimately sacrifice for.

The sun had began to sink behind the other side of Protoria and darkness filled the battle field and it had seemed that the Alliance was left with no answers. “Charge the cannon to maximum levels, I want nothing left to chance for this one. I will finally have that traitor pay for all he's done.” Tarik commanded with a now calmer and superior demeanor. “All for the glory of the Ascended and for the honor of Queen Selustra!” He added triumphantly. Nyrox historically got the best of him, and the Alliance Commander let him know it when given the opportunity. Tarik could finally claim a victory over his nemesis and possibly end the war with one final blast. Even when Nyrox had been Tarik's equal rank in the court of Queen Selustra, Nyrox was clearly the Queen's favorite. They had a very strong history, with Nyrox being very involved with her life from a young age. Only one of many reasons for Tarik to be envious. Once again the cannon came to life, the Alliance's assault wasn't enough to cripple the cannon, or even enough to disable the orbital colossus from firing. The damage to the station had bore scars and wounds to the surface of the station, leaving it open and vulnerable. However unless the Alliance could make an attack run on the station, all that would be left is what could have been. They were still on the defensive, constantly being pushed back further and knocked unbalanced unable to recover or find an opening in the Ascended's defensive ships. Tarik was able to recompose himself. He was very much a brilliant strategist in his own right, and saw no counter attack that could threaten him now. “Cannon at fifty percent power, Sir.” The first officer noted. “Don't over stress the cannon, continue the power up sequence. I don't want to do anymore damage to it than need be.” He had the Alliance right where he wanted and wasn't going to take it for granted. Lights flickered and the crystal shimmered just as the times before. He dismissed it as nothing and assumed to be as a natural phenomenon to this point. However he did stare at it, waiting for the gaze of the eyes to appear again. Nothing came of it, surely it was the overwhelming stresses getting to him, that couldn't have been anything before. The officers and crew started to breathe their own sighs of relief, and even small infectious celebrations rang out spreading to the entire crew. “Ninety percent charged sir.” The first officer gleefully updated. “Remember this day gentlemen.” Tarik grinned over looking his crew. “We've won this battle for our Glorious Queen Selustra, the lives of our lost today and for the unification of Protoria. We've come so far and sacrificed so much. And as the first domino of rebellion falls today, Our future is bright with the power of the crystal, Its ---.” He was interrupted with an enormous, powerful quake shaking the station violently.

Tarik was knocked off his feet and the crew thrown around with a massive shutter from the station. A loud bang and whirl was heard from within the bowls of the orbital cannon. The station's command center went dark and emergency lights dimmed the command center. Sirens and alarms rang, and some of the crew hustled back to their stations, while others tended to those still unconscious and others with injuries. Tarik was able to get up to one knee on his own power, his hand brushed with blood from a cut and bruise on his side. “Find out what happened, we can't lose this chance!” He ordered in pain and urgency. The cannon's command center flooded in an ominous emergency red lights. Small vibrations shook the station, creepy metallic moans rose from deep within. But as the crew and officers had recovered and returned to their stations and the recovery process began a blinding bright light and deafening boom came from the crystal. It burst into smaller shards rotating in a vortex within the power core. Lightning erupted into an electrical storm and became more violent. The glass surrounding the core and crystal began to crack and shatter from the extraordinary power emanating from the crystal. Terminal stations, lights, and panels sparked and blew out from the over charge. Cries of fear rang through the command center and panic ensued from those witnessing what was happening before them, some being thrown around, others being electrocuted and fried. Tarik attempted to regain control of the situation. While others fled out of the hectic command center, most remained to try to shut everything down and salvage what they could. Finally the core's shell erupted outward with a sonic boom knocking everyone back to the walls or to the floor, chaos filled the command center. As Tarik fell back against the wall, a black mist formed from the center of the vortex and flowed towards Tarik. A shadow figure appeared before him speaking in a dark echoed voice, one accompanying an unfamiliar language. Tarik's wide fearful eyes reflected the low red glow of the emergency lights as he gazed upon the malicious entity. He was filled with fear like never before. He knew he lost more than the battle, but he didn't know what he had unleashed.

Alliance forces outside had been forced back so far that any chance of an attack was out of reach. The Ascended's defensive formation and overwhelming numbers were too much for the Alliance. No amount of desperate actions could put themselves back on the offensive. The remaining Alliance forces retreated and gathered once more well out of the range of Ascended weaponry. They assembled in an vertical and horizontal arrow formation for one last chance to make the crippling blow. However just as they were to make their daring and sacrificial assault a blinding light shot from the orbital station. It was brilliantly bright flanked by the setting sun. The flash slowly receded followed by an electrical storm and deadly eruption. Small explosions lit up the night sky from the electrical blast obliterating the defending ships. Debris from the cannon and ships were dragged in the explosive force flying in all directions. The cannon itself split into multiple large pieces and began to drift in all directions. A final harrowing explosion came from the top of the cannon where the command center once was. The final eruption ripped through space with deadly ferocity. It thrust what was left of the cannon into the atmosphere towards the surface below. From the spreading electrical storm, debris and explosion, there was nothing that could survive from the destruction of the orbital monster. The entirety of the Ascended military orbital fleet was in the vicinity to protect the cannon and had ended up sharing its fate. They along with their horrible trump card had ceased to exist. The remaining Alliance pilots witnessed with a sense of dread and disbelief, the battle was won to their disbelief. The victory had come at an enormous cost of loss of ships and life but nothing compared to what the Ascended had lost.

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From his lower command center Nyrox sensed something had changed yet his base remained intact. With the explosion of the cannon, all communications and sensors he used to observe the situation had gone dark. He ordered his crew to begin repairs on what they could and reestablish comms while remaining safe from another possible attack. The shield was brought back online up to half strength, and everyone began to wonder why another attack hadn't come yet. Nyrox took a chance exiting out of the lower command center and climbed to his balcony where he had spent most of his time. It was hauntingly silent outside. He could see where the second attack made contact creating a massive crater and damage to the corner of the base. From the still standing command tower, he gazed upward to find a beautiful and humbling sight. Like the Auroras, the cannon's destruction had left a curtain of white and red throughout the upper atmosphere. Countless large sections of the former station fell down towards the planet spreading far and wide. Other explosions continued to re light up the night sky marking the destruction of Ascended forces from the enormous blast. Finally a voice cracked through his radios. “Its gone, it blew up and took everything with it.” A pilot announced exasperated. Nyrox stood there nearly speechless. He had never seen anything so beautiful yet so solemn. “What happened to the crystal?” Nyrox responded in worry.

In the coming months Nyrox left the war to his most trusted general Tren Erras, who spearheaded the Alliance to unimaginable victories, freeing nations conquered by the Ascended and defeating those allied with them. He was a very capable commander in his own right, a very gifted leader second to Nyrox. Under his leadership The Alliance methodically forced back The Ascended to nearly their former glory and completely taking control of orbit leaving the Ascended's forces on the moon base stranded. Meanwhile Nyrox assembled an elite team to hunt down and retrieve the crystal before the Ascended could reclaim it themselves. However after nearly half a year of searching orbit and Alliance controlled territories where remnants of the cannon laid in graves, no trace of the crystal was found. He left no stone unturned, no doubt in any mind that he had missed it or that the crystal would be lost forever. He remained confident, yet failure to find the crystal had worried him and weighed heavy on his mind. The longer time went on with it still missing the worse chances were that it again fell into the wrong hands. At the same time the Alliance's assault began to slow down getting closer to the Ascended's capitol. The fighting had become fierce and the Ascended resorted to desperate and horrible measures. There was more than the forces of the Ascended that changed.

A year after the destruction of the space cannon Nyrox gathered his search team, General Tren Erras and his high command in the capitol of the Sovereign Alliance. He needed to get the entire Alliance on the same page and redirect all his efforts how he saw fit depending on the statuses of the war effort. On the morning of the Assembly Nyrox stood alone in the conference room looking out the window to the air and star port that flanked the city. The crystal still eluded him but with no sign of the Ascended controlling it once again there was hopefully no immediate danger. He took a cup of tea he had made for himself just as Tren had and other higher ups had entered the room. Tren walked up beside Nyrox as the others exchanged small talk between themselves. “The fault is mine, Sir. There is much more we could have done and yet we haven't come close to ending this war anytime soon.” Tren began. “We should have captured Queen Selustra by now.” Tren acknowledged to his Commander. Nyrox scoffed and nodded his head. “You've taken us further than even I would have been able to.” He commented towards Tren. “I've had much less success myself.” Nyrox added on his own failure. “Don't beat yourself up too much, The Ascended have done more than their fair share and we don't need to add to that.” He said turning to look outside once again. “Her absence has made things a little easier but as quiet as she and her court have been lately does at least raise some questions.” He commented in a slightly concerned manor looking towards where her castle would be far beyond the horizon. “What ever she's up to, it can't be good.” He suggested to himself.

At that moment the head of Alliance Intelligence interrupted with excitement in the room. “Commander Atralta, We're receiving a high priority message from Queen Selustra on a secure channel.” Everyone turned to Nyrox with great anticipation. “Bring her up on the screen, let's see what she wants to say.” He said quickly preparing for anything from her. A blank screen popped out of the wall and lit up with a communication from Queen Selustra. She sat peacefully and her attention was else where with her eyes closed looking as though she was meditating. Nyrox once again took his hat off and stood at attention, choosing not to bow this time. “My queen, I am graced by your presence.” Queen Selustra gazed on him with hollow and sorrowful eyes. The others backed off as to give them space but remained attentive to the conversation. “Nyrox, the one who got away from me.” Queen Selustra spoke in a hushed but stern tone. “I've been waiting for a long time to see you once again.” As she tilted her head and smiled, it seemed she had something hidden up her sleeves. “Do you realize all the damage and death you've wasted? My planet, my people lay in devastation thanks all to you!” She spoke raising her voice. “Ever sense that fateful day you step foot on that moon, you've done everything you can to stab me in the back at every chance you've had.” She continued pointing at her chest and leaned in. She took a quick pause before leaning back up right. “I've had faith in you all the way up until now that you would make the right decisions and join me uniting my planet.” she began to stand up. “It wasn't supposed to be this hard, it shouldn't have been so difficult for someone like you to understand the unity and salvation that I am.” She said calmly in a dissatisfied voice. She looked down and brought her hand up holding a spectacular bracelet Nyrox had given her as a gift when she claimed the throne to be the next queen. She massaged it between her fingers deep in thought. “How can I make you see?” She said snapping her head back up and staring daggers to Nyrox.

All eyes in the room were fixed on Nyrox anxiously awaiting his next move. He was leaned over the table, his fist clutched and knuckles white on the chairs in front of him, and his face filled with dread. “Something's wrong with her.” He muttered quietly to himself. The moment was tense and seemed to last an eternity. The room was quiet and cold, everyone anxiously waiting for anything to happen. “My queen, the Alliance wasn't meant to be your adversary. It wasn't formed to be a military force of defense against you. It was born in blood for the free people of Protoria.” Nyrox resounded posturing up right to speak with power. Even he could always command respect from her. “Its not unity but control you seek. Its not peace but power you fight for. And its not rebellion when nations of their own constitutions defend themselves from tyranny.” It certainly caught her off guard but still she did not back down from her stance. “Our nation was a beacon of justice, it was a nation of respect and honor.” He spoke passionately. “We were revered and held to the highest standard. We lead Protoria into a new era after the threat of the rings was gone. And it was us who defended those unable to when the first wave of nations marched for control of the crystal and others. We were a nation of heroes, revered and honored. I was so proud of us, proud of you.” He paused for a second for his words to settle, and his demeanor dwindle. “But in the end, we became what we were fighting, we became the evil we defeated. I couldn't bare to stand with what we were. I couldn't follow you anymore. You've unwillingly unified Protoria, but in defense against you.” Nyrox still had compassion for Selustra. His words were strong but also tender in tough love for her. “You were right to start the fight against those who wanted the crystal, but after your victories against them you took their place on a more violent level.” His words not only aimed to hit Selustra hard but those around him were reminded why they followed him. “Let me help you Sel, like I always have. I know you, perhaps better than yourself, this isn't who you are.”

Queen Selustra stood there nearly befuddled but then brought herself with a small eerie grin on her face, her eyes dead set on him with a stare that brought Nyrox to an uneasy feeling. She looked down and continued to caress the bracelet gently, focused solely on how it felt in her hands. She was calm and nearly emotionless, looking neither upset or angry but unusually peaceful. Her breath slowed and she raised her eyebrows looking to back at him. In her stone cold dagger stare she managed to draw a tear from both eyes. The first tear falling on the bracelet she was holding but the second she caught on her cheek wiping it from her face as though she was mindlessly wiping crumbs from her lips. She looked at the tear on her fingers pondering at it and then once more down at her bracelet. She closed her eyes and squeezed the bracelet and let out a quick and quiet chuckle. “This means so much to you, doesn't it?” She whispered to herself. “Or is it him.” She paused in realization. “Yes, its more than that, Isn't it?” She finished in an erratic amusement caressing it once again. She placed the bracelet back on again turning her entire attention to Nyrox. “There is so much I'm going to show you, and I'm going to open your eyes to exactly what I've seen and what will be.” She commanded now highly energetically. “I'm sorry Nyrox, but I have to do what's best for you and my people now. I'm going to bring a new future for all Protorians. I'm going to bring a new order and a new purpose to everything and every one on this planet.” She said resolutely. “There's a lot that's changed, me most of all. And I'm going to bring change to this planet, all for the better. You'll see, it will all make sense when everything is done.” She took a step forward and closer to the screen. “I will come for you soon, Nyrox. I will still have you at the end of all things.” She finished triumphantly. Her presence even through the transmission was suffering. She stood up tall in superiority giving one last victorious glare looking down on him and walked away as the transmission was immediately cut.

“Damn it! I let it happen.”Nyrox roared breaking the silence and throwing a chair into the table in front of him. He wiped his face with his hand, put his hat back on and leaned over the table.“Put all sectors on high alert and prepare for the worst. Prep your defenses and be on guard, I don't know what she's going to do next but we need to be ready for it. We don't have much time.” He ordered sternly. Everyone briskly proceeded to exit the room with the exception of Tren. He stood in place while the room cleared then approached Nyrox leaning over the table defeated. “I've never seen you like this old friend.” Tren reassured him. Nyrox composed himself, gave out an exhausted sigh, stood back up and looked towards him. “I have no doubt whatever she has planned we'll be able to counter her. She knows she doesn't have a play here, we still have the advantage and we can defend from anything she's going to throw at us.” Tren finished. Nyrox gave a defiant and quick nod no. While it had only seemed to be a strong threat to Tren, Nyrox knew there was much more going on and he realized what was just on the horizon. “We backed her into a corner and she's going to do something unthinkable out of desperation” He said disturbed. He had no time to waste and things would be set in motion far quicker than he expected. “I have a special assignment for you Tren.” Nyrox retorted after calming himself more and centering his thoughts and emotions. He grabbed a data pad he had placed under the conference table drawer and handed it to him. Tren looked it over briefly and then acted slightly taken aback when he put the pieces together. “How long have you been planning this, Sir?” Tren asked intreagued, and wide-eyed. “Ever sense I had my first experience with the crystal all those years ago, and even before the war. Its no longer an idea, but a plan nearing completion and I need you to finish it.” He responded. “What are you going to do?' Tren questioned as he began his exit. “I know where the crystal is.” Nyrox answered with a sense of ominous conjecture.

With Nyrox taking command, the Alliance regained momentum, organized their orbital and surface forces and began to push to The Ascended's capitol and Queen Selustra. But the closer they drew to their victory the harder the Ascended put up a fight and the more harrowing their sacrifices were. They began to fight to their deaths, dreadfully brutal in their counter attacks, bringing the battles to new levels of horror and destruction. Captured Ascended forces would eventually confide their days had become darker and Queen Selustra was no longer the benevolent leader she once was. They felt they were all being sacrificed and the front lines were safer than being back home. Their entire population had been reorganized for battle and their inner city had been reconstructed like a fortified death trap. The population were suffering not just from the Sovereign Alliance but mostly from their leaders and those they once trusted as their heroes. Food and resources were slim, crime would go unchecked in the general populous and citizens would take whatever advantage they could from their neighbors. Desperation and depravity reigned and neither the elderly or vulnerable were immune. As the Alliance closed in, there felt to be no salvation for them. Nyrox was broken and empty, he hurt so much for his people more than ever. In private he was a eaten alive and filled with guilt, he knew there were better choices he could have made, and even could have changed history if he had only done better. His biggest battle would from inside, from his constant failures and the pressure being put on him by Queen Selustra. It was a fight to save his home and Queen Selustra before everything was too late. In public he was the same as he had always been. He was torn between ending the war and reclaiming the crystal against saving his nation and bringing peace once again. But he had no other choice, he couldn't allow Selustra the time or chance to unlock the full power of the crystal and use it against everyone in her wake. However he feared it was too late, deep inside he knew he already was. It wouldn't take long for Selustra to make her move.

On Protoria's most fateful day, Nyrox met once again with his high command. His forces had finally secured territories surrounding the Ascended's capitol and were ready for the final invasion and hopeful end to the bloody battles. He was at his war table, studying all possible strategies with minimal damage and peaceful capturing of forces a top priority. From surveillance and recon reports his home was nowhere what it used to be. By all accounts his knowledge of his old home were useless by how much his city had changed sense he had left. The Ascended's final stronghold was his for the taking if he played everything right. He was near to establishing his final plan when his General in charge of orbital forces received a priority report. Nyrox stood in anticipation awaiting what else could have gone wrong to this point. After a moment the General the stated. “Sir, our intelligence operates have detected enormous seismic activities centered around the moon facility.” Nyrox was taken aback, The Ascended still remained in control of the international moon facility. And while the Ascended have been cut off from it, and all defensive forces had been obliterated, it still remained their only formidable foothold they had in space. The facility was built originally for scientific research in an international partnership between all nations of Protoria. It didn't make any sense, sensors on and around the moon had never picked up any kind of seismic activities of any kind and there shouldn't be anything to have given any sign of that. At least there shouldn't have been seeing the crystal had been removed long ago. He instantly regretted not making a bigger effort to take it earlier in the war. Perhaps by doing so would have not only prevented whatever was going on, but it would have allowed him to spare more forces and resources for other fronts. “Send a ship for visual contact” Nyrox replied inquisitively. “What could possibly be going on now?” He mumbled. He brought up screens on the wall connecting the ship he sent with a load out of many different types of sensors.

An Alliance ship was dispatched from a nearby orbiting space station to ascertain an answer to the mysterious readings. The pilot was to record the readings and visuals he was receiving from the moon's surface. As he began an approach to the moon, the temperature gauges and seismic detectors began to go through the roof. The pilot pulled back out of caution and began to stream the ship's recordings. It was brought up on Nyrox's screen and the high command watched as history of Protoria changed forever. Seismic and temperature alarms continued to skyrocket until a large flash appeared on the far side where the research station had been constructed. Space on the back side of the moon began to glow as though the sun was performing an eclipse from behind. An enormous mushroom cloud billowed from the surface, and debris flew outward into the void of space. The moon itself began to shutter, small sections of it sheered and split off. When the pilot was able to recover from the blinding flash, the unfathomable reality of what just happened hit hard. “What the hell have they done!” He cried. Not a moment later transmission was cut and his transponder went dark as though the ship and pilot were never there. With the screen flashed loss of contact to static everyone in the room shared a feeling of dread. Nyrox turned around to look out the window to see what looked to be the sythetic eclipse getting brighter. He turned his head and put his arm above his eyes attempting to block out the light. The flash dwindled slowly but the sky showed an ill fate of what was to come.

Nyrox and his high command were left speechless and for the first time Nyrox had no answer. He grimaced and brought his head down in defeat of what he saw before him. He glanced up after in realization the blurry future he saw years ago had come to pass from his experience from the crystal. The room started to erupt into chatter and panic as the flash continued to slowly dim. “Calm down everyone, we need to know what's going on up there. Gather every local recourse we have to figure out what just happened, and go from there.” Nyrox reassured them. “We're not going to make the situation worse blindly jumping to assumptions. We're going to face whatever we now have to deal with head on and with a unified plan.” He said to settle his people. But he knew something that massive and destructive sent the moon out of orbit on an inevitable impact with Protoria, and he had no choice but to fall back on his last but critical plan to save the Protorians.

In the coming days the Alliance confirmed Nyrox's worst nightmare. The moon tumbled and quaked on its inevitable but slow collision towards Protoria while also as it continued to slowly tear itself apart. As it crept closer it entered the remaining rings surrounding the planet crashing into the countless rocks sending them hurdling in every direction. An enormous domino affect of hundreds of thousands of astral collisions re-birthed the danger of the rings once forgotten to a whole new unfathomable level. They began to rain down once again, crashing to the surface with no bias of what they hit. And as the citizens of Protoria felt the sting of the ring again they knew it was only the tip of the iceberg with the worst yet to come. The war had come to a grinding halt, it was nearly impossible to survive the rings let a lone fight battles through it.

The Alliance retreated all of their forces to their major cities and to their larger space ports. They rescued and took in as many Protorians as they could, still many would be left to a terrible fate being the unluckiest of the unlucky. City security gathered the citizens to a protective bunker, housing an embedded rocket in the middle of it. The underground base would not only be strong enough to provide a protective shelter but also a staging area for evacuation ships that had been built with a different purpose but now would hold a secondary mission. They were split into smaller groups, families and neighbors stayed together fearing they may have seen the last of each other. They had already gone through enough but what else would they have to bare or what they would have to leave behind. They were all lead to small rooms to be fit with specialized jumpsuits, given an unknown injection and special instructions and a quick summary of what they should come to expect. Then gathering their personal items, they were lead to down the halls to join groups waiting to board the ships. Rumors and fear began to fill the many awaiting people, still nervous and anxious about the uncertainty ahead of them.

The citizens gathered in smaller groups of four stepping into small pods fit for passengers facing ninety degrees on each side. Security personnel placed each person inside and secured them with straps to keep them in place. This would be the last thing these poor people would ever see or remember of their home world. They would be laid upright into the pods, falling asleep within minutes in artificial hibernation. Security forces would quickly set up the next pods creating an efficient loading system of evacuees, placing the people and setting up the pods all while moving on filling out the next set. Ships were loaded with more than just evacuees. Important individuals, long lasting supplies and other precious cargo were also loaded in precession. They were all loaded into the ships to the furthest extents they could, maximizing its carrying capabilities and stretching the limits as far as they could. Once the ships were filled with everything they could take, crews of each would begin the launching sequence. The area above the bunkers rang with alarms as railings and barriers burst from the ground and a large launching rail rose from the ground high into the sky. The evacuation ships were then raised out of the bunkers and connected to the supporting tower set up like a massive sling shot. Their engines began to ignite and smoke filled the area around it. As the sky became darker and the moon closing in faster, time had come for those lucky enough to leave could to seek salvation in the stars far away and above.

Twelve of these massive ships ferrying ten thousand people and resources to begin a new launched within hours of each other. Smaller Alliance ships would blast clear any threatening debris from the surface and orbit. Thanks to the cover provided, each evacuation ship made it through the upper atmospheres with little to no damage. Crews directed their course towards a larger ship holding its place in a far orbit. It was long cylindrical-like ship with pointed ends. It had massive arrays of symmetrical engines bulging out near its rear and a set of bridges and command stations to the front. The Arc's engines were a new prototype technology, capable of exponential acceleration. Allowing for deep space travel the ship would need to achieve. It was streamlined, simplistic but highly advanced even for what the Protorians were capable of. It was named the Arc, and it held up to its name. The majority of its structural space had enormous bay doors opened up for the large ships with evacuees to attach and dock encased safe inside. Alliance fighter craft maintained a perimeter protecting from the ring and possible attacks from the Ascended. Crews aboard the massive behemoth began their checks securing the evacuation ships to the Arc allowing the Arc to supply the evacuation ships with life support and power. Smaller ships launched from the surface with the majority of Alliance high elite and would then dock with the Arc as well. The on board systems were double checked, its supplies and resources it carried confirmed, and as it awaited the remaining ships from orbital stations and few stragglers from the surface it stretched its legs for the first time. Its engines roared, and Arc slowly moved out of its orbit ever so gently avoiding the impending doom of Protoria. Its destination was an unknown habitable planet in the far reaches in space that was discovered years before.

Nyrox still had much to do before his final departure, many brave souls volunteered to remain on the planet and accepted the doom they knew was coming for them. From his headquarters he organized the launching of every ship that would meet the Arc and coordinate each evacuation with the local security forces at each site. He kept a book and notes as each ship launched, he crossed it off his list. With the constant threat of electrical failures and loss of Alliance systems, he kept his plans and thoughts in a small journal he had kept sense his departure from The Ascended. He kept it safe with him the entire time, leather bound and slightly worn, and an old photo of Queen Selustra and himself was embedded on the cover trimmed in silver. While it was far from his goal of winning the war and bringing peace back to Protoria, he could take some solace that he had some kind of answer of the nearing apocalypse. Even so he continued to find advantages and craft ways to send more people and resources to the Arc. In preceding days they found abandoned rockets, old and inferior left to rot but still good enough condition to send anything up for the last time. They stripped them of essential systems they would have needed to survive space and reentry. But with no turning back those systems weren't needed and they were cut away to put more resources on them. Nyrox sent everything and anyone he could, and oversaw every last ship launch with only one more remaining, his personal shuttle, last one to go.

From the bridge of the Arc Tren oversaw final preparations. His hand picked crew took their posts, and the bridge was a flurry of activity. “Do we have confirmation of Commander Atralta's Launch yet?' Tren frantically questioned a crew member. He looked towards the planet, focusing on where he would expect Nyrox to appear from. The planet was quickly dying, rocks from the ring were heartlessly pounding the surface harder and more frequently. Tren could see what was left of the moon hurdling towards the planet with his naked eyes. He gazed upon the horrific scene wide eyed and shaken to the core. “I need to know where he is now, get contact with him whatever the situation!” Tren snapped with his voice crackling and looking back out again. “His ship launched a minutes ago, I can confirm its en route but he hasn't made contact with the Arc from what I can tell, it may have been damaged on lift off.” A crew member answered. Tren then approached a console to reach out to Nyrox. “Arc hailing Commander Atralta, please respond.” Tren said as calmly as he could, then looking outside one more time. “This is Commander Atralta, is the Arc prepared to leave?” Nyrox responded quickly. Tren breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Yes Sir, all systems are running at peak efficiency. We're just waiting for your arrival and docking.” Tren said in solace. “Good then, very good.” Nyrox responded. “I was right to put my faith in you Tren, and now I can rest easy knowing our people can put their lives and futures in you as well.” Tren's face went pale and a bead of sweat crossed his brow. “Sir, we're ready for your docking sequence. Continue on your present course.” Tren said as to reassure himself. “Please, let that ship dock, however I won't be in it.” He chuckled. “No, you'll find a young woman in my stead, she reminds me a lot of you. I think its best if I remain here given the circumstances.” Tren took a quick pause nearly speechless. “No commander, there must be another ship you can..” Tren begged. “No, Commander Erras.” Nyrox interrupted in a calm voice. “I cannot escape what I'm responsible for, I couldn't stop whatever it was and I can't justify running away from it. I'm placing my faith and our destiny in you once more my old friend. The future of the Protorians is in your hands.” The ship's bridge was blinded with a massive flash. Screams of horror blasted from the communications back on the planet. “It's time Commander, there's no turning back.” Nyrox said anxiously being knocked around from the impact. “As my last order to you and the Alliance, withdraw from the planet immediately. Your destination lies in wait of you.” Nyrox spoke in a humbled and hollow hopeful tone, one he carried knowing his end was near but his hope in all he had accomplished would live on. “Good bye all, and honor the memory of all of us left behind.”

The communication cut out and nothing but static and silence remained. Tren looked out once again, one of the last of Protorians to see their planet. The moon had finally impacted Protoria. The enormous collision viciously shook the planet. Clouds of debris billowed upwards far into space and outwards across the planet. Everything was in slow motion. A wave of ash and smoke began to slither across the planet's atmosphere covering it as lightning sparked throughout. From where the moon hit, a wall of flame and magma tore out from the planet's core through the surface and above. The planet was then encased in a blood red aura, like a cocoon setting the stage for a drastic change. All aboard the bridge were stunned and quiet as they witnessed the unimaginable. With the impact of the moon, the planet's rotation and orbit around its sun was disturbed and shifted fiercely. They stayed as long as they could before any kind of chain reaction could catch up to them. Tren took one last heart broken deep breath, with the Arc taking in the last of the ships he ordered the final departure. The Arc's engines throttled up and it flew off into the deep unknown reaches of space.

Back on the dying and dark planet Nyrox knelt in defeat and tears, gazing at the horizon of ash clouds growing and encroaching on him. The planet continued to endlessly quake from the impact and the room began to crack and split from the unrelenting forces. He slowly raised himself up, his spirit broken, his soul in utter despair and with no answer to the situation for perhaps the first time in his life. He steadied his self throughout the room slowly breaking apart and equipment falling from the walls. He reached for his hat and brought it down to his chest, grabbing it with both hands and gripping it in pain and bowed his head. He continued crying, completely alone in silence. Two security officers then entered the room with the lights beginning to flash and fail. They looked at each other then one spoke to him. “Sir, is there anything we can do? There must be something we can do.” The one officer said searching for any kind of answer. Nyrox stood there in place, silent and still as a statue. He then opened his tired eyes, cleared his throat, and turned to look towards a city square. It was eerily peaceful and oddly beautiful, a lasting proxy of hope as the sky grew ever darker. The square was a flurry of people rushing and running around in fear. The square lead to all directions of the city, people crowding any kind of protection and security from falling debris. At the end of it, a small boy no more than 8 years old was taking shelter scared and alone. The poor boy was clearly hurt and in terrible shape, the start of the collapse of the planet had already taken its toll. He was huddled up in the fetal position crying with many others running round panicking and trying to find shelter for themselves. Cuddled with him was a small Rafix. A small long-eared, pointed-nose mammal adapted as pets by Protorians. No one seemed to take notice, they were a fleeting thought to everyone in a panic. They stayed together with the young boy crying and holding it close, waiting for the end together, knowing their time was coming soon.

Upon seeing them, something in Nyrox snapped him back to his old self. He was revitalized as the same leader he was before. The site of the helpless pair reminded him why was in this fight from the very beginning. He gave a huff and scowled and nodded to the two security officers. “Bring that young boy and everyone else you can find to the bunkers. We're going to try and survive this however we can.” Nyrox said with a glimmer of hope. The two then ran out to begin any kind of rescue they could and organize other security officers to do the same. He stepped to his communications panel to send a recording to every Alliance channel he could. “All Alliance forces hear me, this is former Commander Nyrox Atralta. Find anyone and everyone you can in your cities and bring them down to your respective bunkers. You have supplies and equipment to survive as long as you can.” He said calmly and sternly. He looked out the window to see the ash cloud slowly creeping up on him. “There is still a chance to survive, there will always be a chance. Secure yourselves and await my orders.” He finished.

With the sky becoming ever so darker, Nyrox sorted and fluffed his hat. Out side the security forces had passed the word and were organized enough to begin bringing people down to safety. They were doing more than anyone had every asked of them and more than he could have expected. It gave him hope in his fellow Protorians. He carefully brushed the metallic symbol of the Alliance embedded on the front of his hat, and placed it neatly and respectfully on the table. He admired it for a quick moment giving himself a sense of pride and purpose once again. “My fight is far from over.” He assured himself walking out of his office for perhaps the very last time.

In the deep uncharted sectors of space the Arc had reached its maximum velocity towards its targeted planet. A mysterious world discovered a few years before the Arc's departure, its size was similar to that of Protoria and expected to support life. It would take the Arc nearly forty years to cross more than twenty light years to its current destination. As the Arc neared the planet the active crew on rotation awoken all essential crew members and preparations were made for them to land on their new home and future capitol of the Sovereign Alliance. With the Arc entering a successful orbit, all twelve evacuation ships and ships that could land on their own began to separate and start their approach to the new planet. One by one they all made safe landings half way up from its equator, in a large plane area with a large ocean to the south of them and majestic mountain ranges to the north. It was a beautiful planet with a bounty of resources, and brand new opportunity they named it Atralta after their hero Nyrox who had saved them all. It bloomed and advanced like it's predecessor before. It prospered and developed with harmony, a beacon of peace in the new era of Protorians. Of the near fifty million population from Protoria, only one hundred forty four thousand in total were able to have been saved for evacuation.

As time went one they built up to the point they were before the war and far beyond. They discovered new resources, energy sources, new technological advances were made, and perhaps most importantly, lessons were learned from the war. They found a new identity on Atralta remaining as the Sovereign Alliance, and they set off to colonize other planets. Eventually one million two hundred thousand of various size and validity. Each one different and unique in its own right, and each one had representation in the Alliance's governmental Assembly. The stories of the crystal and Protoria would fade with time, but the story of Nyrox and those left behind would always remain.

With each century and millennia passing their expansions and knowledge swelled to new levels. Of the many planets, four of them were considered most important. Atralta kept its title as the human capitol with the highest population, largest cities and center of Sovereign culture. It continued to herald the Sovereign Alliance for many millennia. Ocsyea, a beautifully divine planet known most for its Utopian landscapes and oceans, important unmatched orbital industrial prowess. Vaelgard, a populous planet nestled in a perfect strategic location for trade and slip space routes. It was the center of commerce, information, and mix of human and Alien culture. Drackon, a wealthy planet where the rich and powerful call home. It was mostly known for technological discoveries and advancements as well as a travel and entertainment destinations.

The Sovereign Alliance encountered dozens of different species of highly advanced and sentient aliens. The four most prominent and helpful of aliens being Scyquatalyns; an aquatic species covered in decorative scales and were encased in a natural thick exoskeleton. They were diverse in colors from blue and purple to green and yellow. They would be adorned with stripes or spots creating wonderful patterns on their faces and bodies. Their mouths were slightly wider and thinner relative to their faces, they had no protruding nose, deep and sharp facial features as well as very defined muscle system. Most had fins resembling hair styles or on their bodies to aid them in swimming. The Alvean, a tall and elegant pale humanoid race. By far the most beautiful of the alien races with soft features, light complexion and darker eyes. They wore jewelry and silk like robes as an indicator where they stand in their hierarchy. They were respected for their wisdom, revered for their culture and honor. They lived on only ten planets, where they built large curved spires stretching into space and leaving the rest of the planet in its natural state in respect. The Zetarex were a complex but highly advanced race relying on advanced technology. They were smaller in stature, fairly fragile and susceptible to nearly any environment and climate. Nearly all of their planet was either fabricated or encased in synthetic environment. But the Zetarex would upload their consciousness to mechanical avatars at a certain age, leaving their previous many limitations behind them. Nearly all races of aliens respected the Zetarex for their technological advancements and many depended on what the Zetarex had to offer. Lastly the Belagent, a warring and powerfully physical race. They were tough in every aspect, and stood tall against any threat. They were master crafters, creating strong and wonderful civilizations, armor and weapons. Their skin looked rough and they had small bumps coming off of their orange and brown dusty physique. It seemed to many that they were made of rocks and stones like a natural armor. Even though they were natural fighters, they kept it between their clans and were mostly peaceful if not simply intimidating to all the others.

The Alliance began to learn from their newly found friends to create new scientific inventions such as slip space engines, cybernetics, holographic computers, and gravity defying technology. Biological advances such as gene splicing, extending youth and life spans, creating humans with a superior genetic make up nearly eliminating physical and physiological flaws. However, because of the expansion and peace that came with it, many planet nations had concluded that the Alliance they once held dear was no longer necessary and it had out lived its purpose. Those who wished to leave the Alliance were allowed to with no limitations and they then developed on their own. Some planets even joining together in smaller organizations or groups with similar values, and economics. The majority of planets remained in the Alliance, the splinters remained cordial for a long time not interfering in Alliance Expansions. Even while the relationships between the factions and alien kingdoms remained mostly peaceful, there were times of war between the most extremes.

Nearly fifty thousand years had passed and the Alliance had settled into its galactic role. Then, twenty eight years ago another race of aliens invaded from unknown and empty wild space. The Raithren were an aggressive, intelligent race and were spectacular to behold. They generally were dark red in tone, their eyes being the only real facial feature, glowing with white centers and outwardly colored. Their hair flowed like they were under water, and they would communicate telepathically. They were muscular and averaged slightly taller than 6 feet in height. Their fleets were massive, their armies powerful. The Alliance, the other human factions and Alien kingdoms came together to fight back and push the invaders out. Only when a maverick naval captain named Adayer Solari, leading a secretive order of powerful warriors, were the Raithren finally beaten at the deciding battle of Tarson. The Raithren had no answer for the new risen warriors. They begrudgingly withdraw and retreated to the unknown corners of the universe they came from. Adayer had become a hero over night, as were the warriors he lead. The humans and aliens had come together, building a stronger connection between each other. Peace was once again restored, and it seemed that a new era of hope was birthed on the horizon.