"The images depicted a race that Rin had never seen before. Curious. Could it be that this was a race that was exterminated by the Lazax?"

"With a sickening crunch of bone and metal, unit.desgn.FLAYESH extracted its stinger from the blood-drenched skull of the Jol-Nar councilor."

""We think that this initiative would spell disaster for the galaxy, not just the Creuss." Taivra said, quietly slipping Z'eu an envelope. "Don't you agree?""

"Elder Junn crossed his arms and steadied his breathing. The bombs could not reach them, not this far down. At least, that is what the soldiers had told him."

"Somehow, even after the Council had adjourned, none of them were any closer to understanding the strange and confusing events of the day."

"The vote was nearly unanimous. The council would provide funding for the restoration. Ciel was furious."

"Coughing up blood and covered in burns, Havvat collapsed against the rapidly overheating ship core. She smiled. She would be remembered."

"Titanic vines burst forth from the ground, wrapping themselves around the system's primary firing cylinder, breaking it free from its moorings, and bringing it crashing down upon the installation below."

"Ciel evaluated the other senators. Weak, all of them. This was his game to win."

"There it was! An opening! Neekuaq gestured wildly, a rare display for one normally quite reserved. "Fire the main battery!""

""Ssruu has met their systems and fixed them." Ssruu dropped a handful of ripped wires and broken circuitry on the pedestal before Q'uesh Sish. "He will await his next task aboard his ship.""

"Elder Junn was a wonder to behold. He knew the name of every senator, made small talk effortlessly, and commanded attention when he spoke. Magmus hated everything about him."

"Large sum of Hacan currency flowed freely into the project, and somehow, defying all logic, the returns were even greater."

""What do you mean 'It's fine!?'" Dahla said, nearly tripping over a damaged bulkhead as the ship rocked from the explosive barrage."

""Arm the relay!" Mendosa bared his fangs. "The Saar will not submit!""

"Suffi vaulted excitedly off the prototype's sleek, azure wing, landing effortlessly in its cockpit. "Let's see those damn snakes keep up with us now!""

"Grinning, Jael spun towards the familiar noise of heavy boots hitting the ground. Backup had arrived."

"Mendosa smirked. "Don't ye fret now, girl. It sounds like ye've got somewhere ta be in a hurry, and it just se happens that I ken get ye there right quick.""

"Stunned, Rin looked over the data, scarcely able to believe what he was seeing. It was nothing short of a major breakthrough. The Headmaster would be pleased."

"The soldiers poured fire on the writhing mass, but as each tendril vaporized, two more took its place. Panic wormed into the troopers' minds; was the creature growing?"

"Reports of Creuss vessels sighted in the area had surely been exaggerated. After all, the Creuss had no business this far from the Shaleri passage, and usually kept to themselves."

"In a sweeping victory that surprised absolutely no one, the Winnu representative singlehandedly elected himself to oversee the analysis of a recently uncovered Lazax data cache."

"The Barony ships seemed to defy reality, bending light around them at impossible angles - naught but inky-black contours could be seen."

"The Gashlai reactors proved to be extremely effective. With the conversion rate practically doubled, the factories' output was immense."

"The 1X had scarcely interfaced with the mainframe before it belonged to them completely."

"Kilik had never been particularly good at following orders. It only seemed natural to get paid for exercising that trait, as long as she didn't think to hard about where the money was coming from."

"The space before the fleeing ship shimmered and warped, revealing the bow of the Y'sia Yssrila bearing down on its position. There would be no escape today."

"Rev's impassioned speech stunned the other councilors. Perhaps there was more to these humans than they had initially thought."

"The ship's sensors showed that the ancient star-map had somehow led them beyond the Mahact plateau."

"The missile - an insignificant spark against the darkness - struck the hull of the dreadnought. Moments later, the starboard flank erupted in flames."

"Something was wrong. T'esla sensed a flicker of movement on the planet's surface, followed by a faint glint of light. Reflexively, she veered her fighter to the side - an action that saved her life."

"To support its voracious war machine, the N'orr empire cracked the planet's crust and began mining its very core."

"Harrugh stood before his warriors, searching for the words that would express the pride that swelled within him."

"The human admiral returned to his ship, struggling to remember precisely how his meeting with the Collective had gone."

"The letani dipped a mossy limb beneath the surface of the reservoir, feeling the flow of the particles within, shifting them, changing them into something different. Something dangerous."

"The Winnu councilor breathed a sigh of relief. This opportunity would not be wasted. The peace of the Lazax was within grasp."

"The Dirzuga had managed to negotiate themselves into a position of power amongst the other councilors, all of whom still looked terribly uncomfortable in their presence."

"In the months that followed the report, the Council was quick to censure the Jol-Nar for their unethical practices."

"Flames engulfed the shipyard, a vortex of fire and shrapnel that left nothing untouched."

"Gila oversaw the reconstruction of the Hacan outpost, but neglected to inform the N'orr representative that the damage was not nearly as severe as he was led to believe."

"Eventually, the N'orr diplomat came to an agreement with Hacan Garrus, and the embargo was repealed. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that Garrus had gotten the better end of the deal."

"Harrugh stood atop the dunes, looking down at the thousands of Hacan warriors mustered below. Gathering his strength, he let loose a mighty roar, the will of his people throughout the galaxy echoing forth from within."

"Q'uesh Sish tapped her claws impatiently. "You were sssaying?" But the confused Jol-Nar envoy stood silent. It was as if the words had escaped his thoughts entirely."

"When the Coalition raiders had finally returned to their ships, scarcely a bolt remained to salvage from the destroyed vessel."

"T'ro stared unflinching at the incoming barrage through the bridge's observation deck. The shield would hold."

"Meian was practically aglow, wisps of her ether crackling with delight. It was amazing what could be achieved with a well-timed electromagnetic discharge."

"In an instant, the Sol fleet vanished from the Barony's scanners."

""I'm no spy," Connor said, casually stuffing the data drives into his pack. "Now, how can I get out of here without being seen?""

"At the end of the twelfth day, Rev returned home from the summit in New Moscow feeling physically exhausted and mentally drained. But she was also satisfied. They had a plan - finally - and it was a good plan."

"A6's red eyes flickered with activity and a string of numbers flashed briefly across the screen before he spoke. "Bombardment complete. All enemy installations have been neutralized.""

"The Council granted the Yin funding to research an effective countermeasure to combat the virus. After all, keeping the Yin occupied with the virus meant killing two birds with one stone."

"The Letnev councilor begrudgingly accepted the N'orr's core mining contract, if only so that the "gracious" Hacan senator didn't secure yet another source of income for his clan."

"M'aban's voice was barely a whisper, cracking as hundreds of flashing lights appeared on her scanner. "We've been tricked.""

"Another quake shook the planet, and a wave of dirt and rock rose up to swallow the Tekklar legion."

""More guns?" Connor shook his head. "Not more guns. Let's try something bigger.""

"Harrugh leapt down from the ledge, gyro-spear blazing in the sunlight. In front, the L1Z1X began to take notice. Behind his warriors stood at the ready. Win or lose, this would be the end."

"Magmus batted the now charred corpse aside with the back of his golden gauntlet. "The Muuat reject your proposal.""

"The N'orr may not be the most proficient shipwrights, but the willingness of their citizens to do their part far exceeds that of the other great races."

"Elder Junn sighed. "Disarmament, it seems, has fallen out of fashion in these dark days.""

""T-these weren't meant to be used like this. T-this is a t-terrible idea." Tai mumbled, wringing his hands. "Well 'course it is," Dart grinned, slamming his fist down on the release lock. "But we've got about sixty kilotons of 'surprise' and nothing to lose!""

Replaced by Blitz Ω

""That's the thing about loyalty - " Viktor mused, turning one of the pieces backward, facing its own side. "It can be bought.""

Replaced by Counterstroke Ω

"T'esla grinned as her shimmering vessel lifted off the flight deck - at last, that damned Viscount would experience the superiority of Naalu dogfighting. "Get ready," she hissed into the comms."

Replaced by Fighter Conscription Ω

"All eyes turned toward the darkening skies as the only surviving supply truck rolled through the gates. "Get these checked in and send the last shipment to our allies!" Harrugh yelled over the din of the engines."

"The L1 advance team was expecting to find the outpost abandoned. What they found - unfortunately for them - was Connor."

Replaced by Ghost Squad Ω

"YOUR [NULL ID] STATELY GAME WILL BE FOR NAUGHT<< [VAR:42687] ORDER WILL ARISE FROM [VAR:89001] CHAOS<< IT IS OUR HAND THAT CONTROLS THE OUTCOME"

Replaced by Hack Election Ω

""Manipulating the cosmos was a power reserved for the gods." Rowl spat at the ground as his contraption whirred to life. "Not anymore.""

""Also," Connor continued, bemused. "Someone just handed me this as I was leaving. I think it was meant for our dear friend Sucaban. We should be able to put it to good use.""

"M'aban yawned. Another filibuster. Politics could be so flavorless at times. Besides, she already knew how this one was going to turn out. Not well. Not well at all..."

"Viktor laced his long fingers with a wicked smile. Unlenn would be proud. The tactician's reputation was well-earned; even pawns could unseat kings."

Replaced by Master Plan Ω

"The Yssaril spies handed over their prize to Connor, who in turn passed it to the Sol engineers with a grim smile. "Now then, boys," he said, one hand on his rifle, "about those loose ends...""

"The Federation advance would not be halted - not today. Claire set her broadcast to play on all open channels. She began, her voice fierce and unwavering "Friends! On this day, our names shall be inscribed in the pages of legend!""

"Prit scrambled up Hesh's shoulder, gleefully clapping as the entropic shielding tore the mercenary cruisers apart."

"Two can play at this game."

""I will not accept this from that worthless scum!" Feng growled as his enigmatic companion interfaced with the ship's nav suite. The Memoria's position flickered and shifted, and the blast flashed harmlessly by."

"Meian braced for combat as the fleet entered the Ordinian system, but there were no Valefar droneships waiting to meet them. The solar flare gambit had succeeded - they were completely undetected."

Replaced by Solar Flare Ω

""This would take weeks to replace if you had run it backwards," Varish called as she rotated the massive capacitor bank. "Okay, fire it up.""

Replaced by War Machine Ω

"Hiari pressed the activation glyphs, and the ancient door hissed open. As she stepped into the pitch-black interior of the Mahact tomb, she felt a shiver of anticipation. Perhaps, finally, she would find the Codex."

""Unfortunately," Cinnabian said in a level voice, "the Galactic Council requires the dispute be arbitrated by a truly neutral party. As the Titans were still slumbering when your war began, we will oversee your negotiations... instead of your friends on Jord.""

""I'm afraid the station's undergoing a change in management." Artuno shoved the slug pistol into Huro's face as armored mercenaries stormed into the office."

"The hooded envoy erupted into a nightmare of black metal, lunging at the shocked diplomats."

"Enemy fire lashed the abandoned positions on the ridgeline as Trilossa's flock slipped unseen around their flanks."

"The Arborec emissary leaned close, and Brother Milor flinched at the faint whiff of decay. "You do not understand," Dirzuga Ohao rasped. "You must support this measure.""

""I am sorry, Academician," Arbiter Berekon shrugged. "I am sure psychoarchaeology is an interesting subject, but the supreme leader feels your budget would be better spent on more militaristic research.""

"With a dull thud, the probe shot from the cruiser and accelerated into the writhing maelstrom of the gravity rift. Admiral DeLouis paced on the bridge. Hopefully, this time the probe would return."

""But my good fellow," the envoy sputtered. "Surely you can't expect me to agree to those prices!" Durruq leaned in close. "Check again. You may find your goods are trading for less than you think.""

""The field is too thick!" Sikosk gasped. Trrakan's plume flared. "Not for me, and not for Iruth." A flick of his talon, and the destroyer flipped and dove for the asteroid field."

"Sek'kus leapt from the trenches, the plasma projectors on her Valkyrie ekoskeleton howling as they scoured the field ahead of her."

"Varish and Cole completed the final linkages, activating the field harvester. The cruiser's beams roared with renewed power, cutting through the enemy ship."

"Xuange spread their hands over the captured harvester. Mirroring their careful gestures, dark energy fields unfolded and began delicately disassembling the device."

"Vuil'raith fleshships swarmed the weary defenders, sending unease and sweeping through the telepathic links. But Z'eu projected a powerful feeling of calm, and the Naalu fighters began to drive the Cabal back toward the rift."

"Rear Admiral Farran saluted as he watched the blasted starship being towed to the scrap yard. "You served me well," he whispered. "Now you can serve the Barony once more.""

"Armored dropships crashed into the main dock. Hatches blew open, and Captain Mentarion and her commando raider charged into the facility's heart."

"The destroyers sprayed fire with their secondary batteries as they advanced. The Mahact dreadnought began to list, fire and atmosphere gushing from a thousand tiny wounds."

"A chill went up Riod's spine as the Empyrean extended a clawed hand, a small black box floating in their palm, sucking up all the light and life in the room."

"Crocoan gently stroked the bloodied feathers of the screeching cir-le-sh. Such a beautiful song. At last, he'd cracked the code. Soon, Garanthis would be filled with a chorus of such soulful music."

"The Long Fall spiraled toward the surface of the rocky planet. Living up to its name, Connor thought dryly."

"4X41A "Apollo" shrieked in the skies of Ordinian. Blazing shards of metal and fire rained down upon the planet's surface - the remains of Nekro whose atoms were undergoing a rapid and violent disintegration."

"Madness. Magmus thought to himself. A city. Under water. Absurd."

"Kan Kip Rel tugged nervously at his collar, fingering the explosive device he knew was there."

"Suffi sauntered towards the huddle of paralyzed Hylar, whistling and twirling her pistols as she walked. "I'll be taking these," she said, flashing a grin, and snatched the humming data drives from each of them in turn."

""Just sign right here---yep, right below the smeared blood. You got it, champ, get at 'em.""

"Suffi accepted the contract, swearing her solemn vow that she would see the viceroy's daughter kidnapped and held for ransom by the day's end."

"Felix rubbed his temples as the pirates - well, the other pirates - blipped one by one on the ship's scanner. It was going to be a very long day."

"A red light flashed as the pile that was once thought to be destroyed remains of unit.dsgn.ASTAROTH came once more to life. "YOU THOUGHT. YOU BELIEVED YOUR VICTORY SECURE. BUT YOU WERE WRONG.""

""Hold on..." Tuck pleaded. "We are coming. Hold on, please...""

"Sweat dripped down Mathis' brow. To show weakness now would mean defeat. Death would be preferable to that. But then, as if the divine providence of the Lazax were within her, she saw something she had overlooked. An opening! Her hand darted forward as she made her play. She smirked."

"Treilla absentmindedly smiled at the audacity of the newly promoted commander. Making waves like this–he'd likely be dead or demoted within a day or two. Still, she found the posturing...amusing."

"Viktor laced his long fingers with a wicked smile. Unlenn would be proud. The tactician's reputation was well-earned; even pawns could unseat kings."

"T'esla grinned as her shimmering vessel lifted off the flight deck - at last, that damned Viscount would experience the superiority of Naalu dogfighting. "Get ready," she hissed into the comms."

""T-these weren't meant to be used like this. T-this is a t-terrible idea." Tai mumbled, wringing his hands. "Well 'course it is," Dart grinned, slamming his fist down on the release lock. "But we've got about sixty kilotons of 'surprise' and nothing to lose!""

"YOUR [NULL ID] STATELY GAME WILL BE FOR NAUGHT<< [VAR:42687] ORDER WILL ARISE FROM [VAR:89001] CHAOS<< IT IS OUR HAND THAT CONTROLS THE OUTCOME"

"Meian braced for combat as the fleet entered the Ordinian system, but there were no Valefar droneships waiting to meet them. The solar flare gambit had succeeded - they were completely undetected."

""That's the thing about loyalty - " Viktor mused, turning one of the pieces backward, facing its own side. "It can be bought.""

"The L1 advance team was expecting to find the outpost abandoned. What they found - unfortunately for them - was Connor."

""This would take weeks to replace if you had run it backwards," Varish called as she rotated the massive capacitor bank. "Okay, fire it up.""