Far from Iron’s End, Galactix orbits a dead world as he rests his space frame, having just refueled from a nebula along the way to the system. To pass the time, he is reading through his historical records as his sensors scan long range. It is usually monotonous, but this day, something grabs his attention: an explosion, one so powerful it could be detected faintly even at his distance.
His curiosity piqued, he focuses his sensors on the area of the explosion, and detects signs of habitation. “An explosion that powerful could have left them in need of aid…” he says. On his bridge, there are dozens of Nall going about various duties, and he addresses the next inquiry to them. “I believe we should attempt to do so, and find out what could cause such an explosion. I have not detected something such as this since before the fall…”
One of the Nall, garbed in black robes lined with crimson sigils, studies the sensors to better comprehend what Galactix is discussing. His fangs clack together and his tail, festooned with religious jewelry honoring the goddess Nalia, lashes back and forth. “You would put our colony at risk for the sake of something bright and shiny that has caught your attention? Are you now Demarian?” The priest, Zem of Hatch Kevvis, seems perturbed.
Galactix chuckles. “Hardly. But this I believe is far from something ‘bright and shiny’. I have not detected the detonation of a polydenum warhead in over a century… who, or what, could have come into possession of one, and are there more? I would think that finding out about a potential threat to both your colony and to myself should others be arming for war would be of great interest to you.”
“Of interest, perhaps,” Zemkevvis agrees, “but is it prudent to reveal ourselves in the process? Would it not be wiser to send a scout in advance? If someone has detonated one warhead, it suggests the possibility of other warheads. I would not want you – or these Children of Nalia – to perish for this curiosity.”
“That may be prudent,” Galactix says in agreement. “But I should follow along behind at a reasonable distance, should they require assistance. This could be a harbinger of dangerous times ahead, and we need to know all that we are up against, and I would hate to lose one of us.”
“Stow prudence,” growls a one-eyed Nall clad in black metallic armor, stomping out of a crowd of like-minded and similarly dressed reptiloids. “It may just as easily have been a pre-Helix relic, detonated on accident. Galactix and the Clawed Fist Remnants have nothing to fear. Let us roar into the presence of these lesser creatures and let them bask in the glow of TRUE power.”
“Another valid point,” Galactix says. “Prudence, or fearlessness. It is true that there is little that can potentially threaten my defenses, but should there be more than one of these relics, even my defenses won’t be enough.” He pauses. “I propose both. We head to the location, and stop short, to gather information briefly before making our presence known. In this way, should we be facing forces even we can not surmount, we have a chance to disengage.”
“It could be a trap, Thruk of Hatch Vril,” the Nall priest counters. “Whether we go in with caution or with weapons blazing, we risk triggering our own demise.”
“I would not expect a male of the Mother’s Clergy to have the fangs for demonstrating our true might,” Thrukvril responds, her jaw lolling open in hissed amusement. “If it is a trap, let them spring it to their own detriment when they find what they dare to grasp.”
“I have decided,” Galactix states. “We will proceed to a system near to the detonation and perform a long-range scan. Based on its results, then we will take further action. As dangerous a substance polydenum is, it is also a substance that could provide significant power boosts to my defenses should we acquire it. That is something of my own interest to acquire.”
“We will, of course, do what we can do assist,” Zemkevvis responds.
Thrukvril, on the other hand, seems quite disappointed by the decision, arguing: “We stand to lose the element of surprise.” But she does not push the matter further, instead flashing her fangs and adding: “And let them tremble at the sight of us.”
On the viewscreen, space begins to twist like a whirlpool as the Spindrive activates, and Galactix gets underway. “We will still have that chance, once we arrive. If surprise is needed, we will still be far enough away we can make a full speed jump from our position before they can detect us,” he says. “I suspect our mere appearance will be enough to forestall hostilities, at least for a period of time.”
The warrior Nall huffs, but adjusts the sword slung at her left side and then stands straight, awaiting arrival at their destination.
Zemkevvis remains curious, however, and addresses Galactix: “You are particularly drawn to this incident because of its connection to the past, yes?”
“There is that particular aspect, yes,” Galactix says, as the viewscreen shows space swirling as they travel towards their destination. “Curiousity has always been one of my traits, but there is still the chance of danger should this prove to be something even greater than just a simple accident.” he says, pausing for a few moments. “I am hoping, very strongly, that is all it is. There is also the possibility we may learn more about the state of this galaxy, and what has risen from its ashes. Staying in the dark for too long is not a good idea if we are to survive.”
The priest tilts his snout, dark eyes glimmering in the artificial light within the bridge chamber. “Isolation allowed our species to survive. Remember that the Helix virus spread swiftly because of the intensity of connections between the worlds of the Orion Arm.”
“Indeed.” Galactix says. “A fortunate circumstance, and I am glad that I was able to come to the aid of your families. It has been mutually beneficial.” he says. “That was over a century ago, even so. Much has likely changed, new powers may have risen from the old, powers that may be for good or ill. Knowing which is which, may be knowledge that could be of use to us, and perhaps even vital. I do not intend to reveal ourselves unless necessary.”
Thrukvril finds reason to exult over this comment, resting a clawed hand on the hilt of her sword. “Knowing whose blood to shed is critical. New enemies await. Slaughtering our clergy brethren is dreadfully dull.”
Galactix nears the location of the detonation, and his long-range scanners begin to focus in on the area of detonation. On his command center screens, a tactical display of Iron’s End, the Rustborn ship, and the Dragon’s Flight appear. Their various statuses appear beside them, scrolling through various system diagnostics. “Hmm… it would appear the detonation was close to this station and this large vessel. Both have sustained damage, but the vessel appears to be regaining power….”