They had been marched out of Central Control at blaster point,and herded back to the battle field which by now was littered with the corpses and wreckage from both sides. The aftermath of this indoor skirmish wasn't pretty and only a few of the defenders remained. 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatwNyHRMxS
‘A spirited fight, surely the stuff of legend.’ He thought. The league was a formidable machine. To have lasted as long as they had until the Titans had arrived was a feat in itself. A few alive was better than none at all.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e9PBECAjV
Lothar was still trying to wrap his mind around the situation he was in. He didn't understand who the woman holding the plasma dagger to his neck was. At first he had taken her for an ally together with the man who now held the device. Then they had disarmed him and suddenly reality had taken a twist, once again.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeieQ79SPK
A huge hulk of an alien had his huge gun trained at him - or was it this woman using him as a shield? He couldn't quite decide. He hoped dearly it was her. Two more Aliens stood a little way off and they wielded curiously primitive looking weapons of steel and wood.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOWl3oVKeJ
The Ode City Guard - what remained of it- wasn't taking any chances though. They had their blasters trained on everyone, including him, he realised with a sinking feeling.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuMIp451MY
"Perhaps this is one big misunderstanding." he began. 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF8tE8tTG2
"Shut up!" She hissed and to emphasise her point, grazed him a little with the plasma dagger. He winced.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCOxiCNP7b
Her accomplice spoke then "How about you all lower your weapons and we disappear. That way no one gets hurt and we all go home relatively happy, huh?" The blast gate behind him had the tell tale sounds of pounding and heavy equipment  working at them from without. It might take them a while, fortune smiling, but that gate would be breached. Lothar hoped someone had a way out and away from this mountain that didn't involve going through that blast gate.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WP59LfBbP
"We'll make it easier on you as well and plead with them to take you alive. There's no need for things to get any messier"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uzFyJgXMD
Someone cocked their blaster to emphasise their opinion to that and pointedly trained the rifle at the agent's head. No-one here would even bother trusting a Federal Agent that by some miracle was still alive after all the close fighting.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiwGug71AB
"Now now, behave. If something happens to me, my friend here will end your friend here. I'm sure you wouldn't want that now would you?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV66J5fbVG
 A few turned to see two more Aliens being marched towards them.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdffDxTQrmv
These ones were different from the big guy and the two similar ones. One was small, not short or impaired in growth but simply small. He was a hands breadth shy of coming up to his belt and Lothar didn't consider himself much of a tall person. His skin was a light matte gray that lacked Lothar's own iridescence. He hide was completely void of hair. Not even eyebrows.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLIJHkN9D4
The comrade in arms was a lot different and that wasn't merely because she was visibly female. Or at least she looked female, Lothar thought. She had hair, a long silvery affair held in a bun. Her skin was amber leaning on brown. She was slender but walked with a gait that belied a strong muscular form. She was as tall as the two other similar aliens that stood to his right. Those two were alike but differed in skin color and perhaps age. Their crude weapons held poised to attack as they too considered the situation.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9P3p5dUzY
They were prodded on to stand next to Gorn who ignored the blaster rifles trained on them. The ones that had captured them had relieved them of their gear including their Alve tools. Only Gorn still had his but he had a heavy disruptor cannon trained at the trio. It wouldn't do, to let those Agents know they too possessed Alve tools397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2EJ6jbXpK
"Salahar, translate for Gorn. The rest of us will be using our Titanic will."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkUWyUVbob
She had briefly forgotten that their group was comprised of three mystical beings that wielded a force called the Essence. Due to the effects of this power, Titans were beings naturally gifted in tongues. Still, Salahar spoke loud for everyone to hear. 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG1nmXm75T
"We mean noone any harm. This is a rescue and retrieval mission. We're only here to get everyone we can off planet before the League wipes o..."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSaQRo5LfB
"Who are you and how do you fit in all this?" This from a guy in a huge battlesuit.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuGLRXx21i
"We built all this." Pai responded, gesturing around, " This was our home. Until the League came down on us. "397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9EL7pC7SB
"I ain’t buying it. Why turn up now? The League isn't fighting you. And what are you retrieving?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0T1UnbYwn
Pai pointed at the Alve tool "It belongs to our Queen"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS6DjZoBlv
"Damn it" the woman swore " Does the whole galaxy want this or what?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBKMZdjzgT
"Possibly, though we dont share the same motives as the League, nor you for that matter.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmMhesZcL4
"We seek its owner where as the League will destroy everything that has ever come in contact with us or our technology."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy41016bYb
"Well you're not getting it" the woman holding Lothar hissed. "Why not surrender now, whilst you can, and make it easier for yourselves. We might show mercy."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GuEvEci63
Pai sighed in exasperation. "I don't think you heard me correctly. When that gate is breached there will be no mercy. For everything!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgTwPnjoEO
 he paused to let that sink in, a minor tense  period  of silence and grave clarity. Everyone there processed any and every fact and rumor they ever knew regarding the League and it's forces.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErkqG0kr0k
"We just took out an Orion Class Frigate something they won't be too happy about. That tells you they came prepared. If they see that" he gestured at the device "then they have every reason to lay waste to these four planets. They still have enough manpower to get the job done and Not even your precious Nebulon Guard will stand a chance! Give it to me and we disappear, saving you from your own certain doom."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGECDVfGzr
The female spoke again, perhaps a little less confident but still defiant "We'll take our chances thanks"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp02L5S225
"I'd rather no..." Pai trailed of as the two mercenaries screamed all of a sudden and contorted backwards before falling in a heap, allowing Lothar to jump away from her grasp and out of the line of fire. In their place standing over them stood two new characters. Both had tasers that were still sparking and one had just taken possession of the Alve tool.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHNHA0qQWR
Pai thought it was a wonder they hadn't been shot  given the tension in the chamber. Given the identity of the person holding the Alve tool, he was eternally thankful for the miracle.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP1DwL4SJs
To everyone's surprise, the three Aliens knelt on both knees and bowed their obeisance. "Achyma!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR4mEVt1xF
The Phantom was the first to recover. 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnrTGqlnN6
"Now that's unexpected. Uuuuh Layla, what is going on?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSNVZlk7Um
"Beats me!" She shrugged off hand, "It's my first time, remember?397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZLeLDUMRh
"I thought you said this Pai guy was fearsome? I show my face just once and Everyone's bowing low."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBY5cNx33O
"Well, he certainly hasn't done that before! Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should let you tag along a lot more." He said. Though hidden behind his Visor, Layla knew he was smiling.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDydLc43Adc
"Perhaps you can order them about " continued the Phantom, "So that we can actually find out something." 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriIU3Ub1k1
Layala merely regarded the prostrate trio and with a twinge of sarcasm said "Are you going to get up and explain what is going on or do we have to do this the old fashioned way?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmOpjdmFNq
At that point they all got up but only Pai spoke. "Your Highness, most Empirical, We beg your pardon, but the Alve tool you have belongs to the Queen."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSMnSJ38y8
" Wait. Wait. WAIT!!" she stopped him as the thudding on the great blast gate rang much louder throughout the chamber. "I'll deal with the 'Highness' issue later. Why is this contraption so important?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoo4DsLULF
"That's what I'd like to know" one of the defenders  of Ode cut in.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5cNjEKEPk
"Empress Mother, It would take a considerable amount of time to..." 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVPP9eLQuj
"Then butcher the tale and give me something to work with here. I evidently dont have the time to get up to speed on whatever has been happening in my absence."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuVRTe7kWI
"Yes, your Highness. Most Empirical. The Queen, who assumes Regency in your steed in the Absence of you Achyma was lost when the League besieged us. 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrHkEugtij
"Since then, the Quora Crati has tasked the Inquisition to find and bring to safety those who were lost and displaced during the evacuation of our four home planets. The Queen, whose Alve tool you now possess, disappeared without a trace. I've been searching for her for centuries without the faintest hint. However, the tool can tell us where she decided to head via Cosmo Gate." He pointed at the Alve tool.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHbb1czug1
"You don't say!" The Phantom replied wryly. "So how does one work this thing anyhow?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WxZ6nvHD8
"That's the other matter we wish to find out." Pai answered turning to Lothar. " Alve tools are designed specifically according to their wielders' minds. No two minds are ever the same. You my friend shouldn't even be able to make a spark!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVOKtR5C3k
Lothar regarded the alien with the same mixture of vexation and shock on all the defenders  of Ode.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrm7pBozmu
The obsidian visor the Phantom wore showed none of his features as he furiously contemplated what the Inquisitor was saying. He had to determine how this affected his mission. The man who hired him was quite clear. Ensure the device and any knowledge of its construction and technology were destroyed or lost beyond reach. No one wanted this falling in the wrong hands.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaGDMsRH7w
He was so deep in thought and Layla in conversation, that he didn't notice the old man until he had grabbed hold of his arm. It took all his self control to keep from pulling out his blaster and firing a flurry of shots at the old man.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1blSMBl8a5
"It's you, isn't it?!" He declared shaking his sleeve. "I can feel the faintest of throbs in the Essence but its definitely there. I'd recognize that Will anywhere. It is you! We all thought you were dead!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81iI8OWtUV
Pai gave the old man a questioning look of which he returned him a case that seemed to share more than any number of words. The Alve's eyes widened as if in revelation but before he could say anymore two more of the locals barged into the scene. One was an old male who seemed to be dependent on the floating chair he moved around in. The other was much younger, and in the full blossom of her adult youth. She ran to Lothar and embraced him in a bear hug that spoke volumes of the emotional attachment they shared. Her hair changed from deep evergreen, to a fiery crimson in mere seconds as she let out a breath, "Thank goodness you're alright."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMusu64B407
"I'm fine but we can't stay here much longer."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM7iVrpJ8w
"Which is why we need to get everyone far away from here." The dark skinned human spoke, his statement directed at Pai.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkb1Oz02g0
The Inquisitor took a breath before speaking. "Your highness, may we continue our conversation later perhaps, possibly at a venue of your choosing?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxJBL55QTo
Layla nodded before Simeon could object and gave Pai a location.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wQ82xAtsS
"You're also getting us off planet to a place our ship can jump to."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaafpzk1En
"I wouldn't have it any other way your highness. Everyone!" he said turning to those surrounding them with weaponry. "I don't know who here, is in charge...lblP."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUNp2ktdwm
"I am." the man in the floating seat said.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ1I74W8j4
"Then if you value what lives still under your care, you had best take my offer to evacuate. When that Blast door comes down, which wouldn't be long you won't last half the time it takes to jump to Plychys."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCDc8LwuXS
"Where would we go. This has been our home for nearly 5 centuries"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2E0H9QKTF
Pai smiled what he hoped would be interpreted as benevolent and not too condescending."Then the time has come to make a new home for another five centuries. I'm pretty sure you won't have any regrets! This is the League after all." 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL1toQISKM
Ren gave the alien a hard look but gave the signal. The militia all lowered their weapons and went off to hasten their departure from Ode.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxSwdUOd0k
"I'm not leaving." Lothar stepped forward, "I'm a Prince of Scythe. I'm still duty bound."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g8ik802oE
"It's your funeral." Pai responded with ease, much to Salahar's shock. He went on before she could protest the matter. " And i do hope you understand i cant leave the Queen's Alve tool with you. Still, may I ask why you want to stay so much."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Mh6U2bDqf
"It doesn't matter. I only care for one weapon. It's called the scepter of the Iron Starlance.  It belonged to the first emperor of Nebulon and is said to have been stolen and lost in the four brethren soon after his death. Word has it it's hidden in a secure facility on one of the Four Brethren but its all I have to go by. "397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHu3Oj333j
"Why is it so important to you?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvPPMKPxxx
"It is what I need to end the tyranny that grips this system. I must free my planet from the vice of this federal perversion." The emotion was clearly strong.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KlMs8OaoY
The Inquisitor sighed. It was always the same. " I certainly can't give you either, but I do know someone who could help. You'll find him on Lychys, in stasis. I can't guarantee his cooperation." he paused then added "or your safety"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ1nVyWFhX
"Sir." Salahar interjected "You can't ..."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRRR8ugHsE
"Silence captain!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ63BMVSpv
"Lato? The planet with amber skies?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9hQ3h0Mph
"Yes. Is that what you call Lychys now?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNRKIdeEgF
"I suppose.” Lothar replied “How will I know him?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcC5VBOz1w
"I'll show you when I leave you there. For now I'd like to figure out how you could synchronize with the tool."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWbneD1Tqw
"Im coming with you." Mhyrsy said holding onto him tighter. One look at her and Lothar knew it wasn't up for discussion. The old Ren saw it all and the sorrow he felt was overwhelming. He finally realised he had lost what he had dared hope to still have, family. He couldn't turn back time and right the wrongs.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCJRnXeNI4
He turned towards the inner sanctum and hovered off. Maybe at least he could stop the wrongs of the future.