Song of the Void

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Moonshadow slipped away, leaving behind another devastated Va’al patrol. This one had almost managed to catch her by surprise. Not by sneaking up on her and having more strength than she had expected. No, they had surprised her with their ruthlessness. She had forgotten one of the things that made the Va’al such fearsome warriors, which was their disdain for the lives of their own people. The patrol had been nothing but a bait. As soon as she had taken the bait, a lone soldier carrying a high-power railgun had fired his weapon into the combat, not caring at all about friendly fire. The bullets had been charged with enough psionic power to pierce through most personal shields and even hastily erected psionic barriers. It was a very good thing that Selendil had emphasized defense and had forced all of them to earn their halo with the defensive ability. Otherwise, Moonshadow would now be either dead or seriously injured.

That was just the beginning. She had noticed earlier that many of the Va’al patrols were standing suspiciously close to airlocks that could be opened quickly, and that the Va’al tactics were turning more and more ruthless. This was already the third day for her to spend running around the station, so she wasn’t all that surprised by the fact that the other side was getting desperate in their attempts to find her. The last ploy they had used was to bring in one of their so-called hostages and broadcast his screams of pain across the station as they tortured him. They also kept saying that Moonshadow could make it stop just by surrendering. They were trying to bait her in. Another bait she had almost fallen for. Luckily she had been able to sense the obvious trap waiting for her.

The whole situation had turned into something of a balancing act. At first, she had been more than happy to take out the Va’al patrols until she realized something. Even though they had trouble taking her on in the confines of the station, if the Va’al got desperate enough, they could use their ships to just open fire on the station. Even if she survived the bombardment, it would be much harder to survive the exposure to the vacuum of space. She might survive a short exposure thanks to her powers and the nanites in her body, but not for extended periods of time. She wasn’t an energy being like Selendil after all. So she had to make them think that their little petty tricks had a chance of working out.

That was also the reason she had not simply stolen a shuttle and flown it to the planet below. Even if the enemy hesitated to fire on the station, they’d have no issue in shooting down a suspicious shuttle that they had not checked and cleared for landing. That was still her only real path out of the station, so she needed a plan. And she had a plan. Of sorts. It just required for the enemy to cooperate with her just a bit. To facilitate the plan, she had taken out several patrols in a short time, which is partially why they had managed to catch her by surprise in the previous fight. She had not considered the lone non-psionic soldier a threat. A mistake that could’ve been costly.

“Finally.” She breathed out as she finally sensed the course of action she had been hoping for. She could sense that all of the Va’al on the station had suddenly started moving towards the shuttles and escape pods, as if they had been given a signal. Likely because they had actually been given a signal. She had stolen one of the communicators used by the Va’al soldiers, along with forcing out the sequence of channels they would shift to according to a pre-made schedule. Taking those mind-affecting lessons with Selendil had also turned useful. The Va’al were surprisingly susceptible to suggestions instead of straight out penetration.

Just because the Va’al were prepared to fire on the station to get rid of her, that didn’t mean they were quite willing to sacrifice all the personnel on the station. Some were of course expendable as shown by their ruthless tactics, but certain people were not. And it was those people that Moonshadow had paid attention to ever since the situation had turned sideways. She had waited for the moment those people were evacuated. And since they were doing a rapid evacuation in the hopes of catching her by surprise, they might as well try to get most of the personnel off the station. That was the aim of the signal. Even if she did manage to somehow sneak aboard one of the vessels, then she’d be isolated and more easily dealt with.

Moonshadow followed from a safe distance as the important personnel boarded a small corvette sized vessel in haste and under the watchful guard of the best soldiers the Va’al had on the station. They were prepared for the fact that she might try to sneak in during the evacuation. Even if they didn’t have the ability to kill her, at least they’d be able to spot her trying to board the ship and act accordingly. She didn’t actually try to board the ship though. Not in the way they thought at least.

Most Mrrroww diplomats had decided to wear vacuum-appropriate suits under their regular clothing after a certain unfortunate incident in their past. The only problem was that the suit was missing some parts, namely a helmet, and the parts that would keep her paws and tail secured. The head part was easy. Selendil had given them all devices that could project a field of energy around their heads that could survive the vacuum. For the other pieces, she’d had to cannibalize Va’al environmental suits. She felt ridiculous in her getup as the pieces she had cobbled together made it seem like she was a toddler using the boots of adults, but at least it worked. She also felt insulted that her tail was tucked into a shoe.

Instead of trying to board the corvette, she managed to sneak into place under the engine pod of the ship, which was incidentally the warmest spot on the outside of the ship anyway. She also used her powers to hide her presence. It wasn’t quite as effective as using a cloaking field, but it was the next best thing and much harder to counter. She could see from her perch as the station fell behind and dozens of shuttles and escape pods hurriedly darted away just before streams of plasma and rounds from mass drivers tore the entire station to pieces.

Of course, the Va’al considered the possibility that she had snuck on board of some of the other vessels, so they were being checked with meticulous care. Even the corvette she was hiding on was checked. The only difference was that it was checked quickly at first and then brought aboard a large carrier for a more detailed search, just in case. A good thing too, as her cobbled up suit didn’t have all that much stored oxygen inside as it wasn’t quite designed for this purpose. She had long disappeared inside the bowels of the carrier before they ran a check that could’ve actually successfully detected her.

She had changed the place where she was trapped, but at least this time they were not aware of her presence. She'd need to keep it that way. Hopefully, she'd be able to pilfer some supplies. If she was really lucky, she might be able to slip off the damn ship as soon as possible, but so far luck had been a bit too fickle to truly rely upon. Still, this didn’t exactly solve the problem. It only postponed things. Luckily she could finally sense Amaterasu trying to connect with the Universal Consciousness.

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“Guys! We have a problem!” Amaterasu announced loudly. They had returned to their home galaxy only a few hours before. They had decided to return here first because it wouldn’t have been a good look to return to Yrala’s galaxy with their ship damaged when they were trying to project strength. “It seems Moonshadow is in trouble!”

“I’m not exactly surprised. Her mission was quite dangerous. What’s wrong?” Xiaoli asked.

"We still have some trouble relaying exact details through the Universal Consciousness, but the gist of it is that her latest negotiation partner decided her presence was a problem. Apparently, they tried to first capture her and then kill her to please the race invading our galaxy. She's on the run still, but they're hunting her." Amaterasu explained what she had managed to pick up from their communication.

“Did she manage to explain which race is hunting her, and where she is?” Selendil asked.

“I’m not entirely sure. I got the sense that it was the Va’al, but that could be wrong. I have no idea where she is. I suppose we could try to find her similar to how I searched for Mina.” Amaterasu suggested.

“Va’al?” Yrala asked. She had learned about the races of this galaxy but the Va’al had not come up.

“They’re a rather militant mercenary race that lives on the borders of our quadrant. Nasty sort, but useful in a battle.” Lilly summarized. “Selendil, I can try to contact the High Command and request her itinerary. That should show us who she was visiting the last time she sent a report. That might take a bit of time though, as they’ll want to confirm things before telling me anything.”

“You do that. In the meantime, I’ll try another approach. I think it’s about time these new intruders found out whose station they’re trying to mess with.” Selendil declared and vanished.

"I hate it when she does that," Amaterasu grumbled. "Though in this case, I approve of the intent behind her departure."

“Well, then you’ll be happy to find out that I’ve made some improvements since the last time this happened.” Nox’s biological body responded with a grin and also vanished.

The others on the bridge stared for a moment at the spot where Nox disappeared from. There was a difference between the two methods of travel. Selendil had clearly teleported like before, but Nox had warped. That meant she had finally managed to warp someone out from the bridge without Selendil’s assistance. “Wait! That’s doesn’t bloody help if you just leave us behind!” Xiaoli complained in sudden realization.

“My apologies. I got it working for myself, but it’s going to take some effort to transport others safely and freely.” Nox’s normal omnipresent voice replied. “However, there is a small pad just outside the bridge you can use that can achieve the same thing.”

“Watching Selendil face these new invaders? Oh hells yes!” Xiaoli dashed out from the bridge, followed by most of the people present. As soon as they hit the pad, they found themselves on the station, near the very heart of the central section. Three of the four dark spider-like creatures had been lifted up against the walls, clawing at their short necks as if they were being choked.

"Now then," Selendil stated in a pleasant voice. “Seeing as we got that unpleasantness out of the way, maybe you can explain what it is that you think you’re doing on my station.”

The fourth shadowy being, the leader of the group, looked at Selendil and spared a small glance at those that had appeared behind her, looking especially at Nox. “And who are you supposed to be? We were under the impression that the Mrrroww were the custodians of this place.”

“They are allowed to think that because I can’t be bothered to deal with the day-to-day management. You did not answer my question, and I don’t appreciate that.” Selendil stated, her voice getting decidedly less pleasant.

“And you didn’t answer mine. Who are you to ask questions from us?” The being shot back.

They could all sense the air changing as Selendil was starting to lose her patience. The only reason she hadn't acted more decisively yet was because she had just promised that she'd search other alternatives to an outright massacre. “She is one of those that uplifted your race. A Keeper of the Dhar.” Haven interjected in an attempt to defuse the situation. His words would be the most reliable of the bunch after all.

“You claim to be one of the Creators?” They could hear the anger in the being’s voice despite the high-pitched tone that already sounded grating to the ears when it spoke normally.

“I am what I am. What you decide to call me is irrelevant. The testimony of the station’s AI should be enough proof as is, but I’m not interested in what you do or don’t believe. Now, I asked a question, and I expect answers, or you will start losing your helpers. They’re already struggling a lot less than they were before.” Selendil pointed out.

The being glanced at its companions that were already losing strength. “We worried that the station’s AI had gone rogue, so we were trying to deal with it. We already have experience with one of its kind and that cost us dearly. We won’t allow that to happen again.”

"Progress," Selendil stated and allowed the three guards to land on the ground long enough to draw breath before she lifted them again. Less violently this time. “The AI is not rogue, though having just returned from another galaxy where I had to deal with another rogue AI and a failed race that wanted to resurrect the Eternal Empire under their own leadership; I can see the reason for your worry. Now, what do you think you're trying to accomplish in this galaxy?"

“We are thriving and bringing order to the chaotic universe. Such is our charge and our test as those elevated by the Creators.” The being said proudly and seemed to consider for a moment. “It is hard to take your claim of being one of the Creators seriously, especially with two failed imitations behind you. However, on the off-chance that you are what you claim to be, let me ask a question that has burned our kind since time immemorial. Why did your kind leave?”

Selendil realized that the being was referring to Yrala and Nox as failed imitations. Nox did look a lot like an Eriad after all. She also had to consider how to answer. “We made a deal with the universe. It was time for us to hold our end of the bargain.” She finally said. She wasn’t willing to accept that explanation personally, but it was the truth. In a way.

The being seemed to seriously consider the answer. It had been ready to dismiss Selendil if her answer had been one they had already managed to dismiss over time. That included most of the obvious ones like external threats and civil war. This was not an answer it had expected though. “Can you put my guards down?” It requested.

Selendil decided to oblige and unceremoniously dropped them on the floor where they lay down trying to recover. "Well, you certainly have enough power to make your claim somewhat credible." The being stated in a more thoughtful manner. “May I ask, what was this deal you mentioned?”

Selendil’s tails made a gesture of annoyance which was actually recognized by surprisingly many people at this point. She’d made the gesture often enough. “Long before the Eternal Empire, our kind was faced with extinction that we could not avert alone. Do not ask for the details, for even I do not know. But the end result was that we made a deal and survived. As for what it cost us…that’s for me to know. You can see the aftermath though.”

“The Creators are not returning, are they?” The being asked almost gingerly after a moment of silence.

“Aside from me? No. At least not for the time being. Now I’m stuck dealing with all the messes you’ve created during the time we were gone.” She decided it was perhaps more prudent to not straight out admit that all the other Dhar were dead. That might have some unforeseen consequences.

“I will need to report this. I will relay your words. However, I’m not the one that makes the decisions.” The being warned.

“I’m sure you wouldn’t be here if you were. However, take another message with you. Just because I’m the only one back, that doesn’t mean I can’t destroy all of you. Like I said earlier, I just returned from dealing with another race that used to serve us and decided that they might as well try and replace us. That did not go well for them. Tell the others of your kind that the Cortoids lived to regret their choices. Others might as well.” Selendil spoke as if laying down a decree.

“I will relay your message.” The being promised and left towards their ship, psionically dragging the still disabled guards with it.

“Well, that was more diplomatic than last time.” Xiaoli joked as the beings disappeared.

“Not a large improvement, but an improvement nonetheless.” Lilly nodded.

“Is she always so diplomatic?” Yrala asked sarcastically.

“Oh no, she can be much less diplomatic when she wants to be. Which is most of the time.” Xiaoli continued joking, although her words were partially true.

“Perhaps I should feel fortunate that you ran into me when you came into my galaxy," Yrala muttered.

"I think we should all feel fortunate about that," Lilly added with a small shudder.

"Ignoring all that nonsense for a moment, I think I just got an idea," Xiaoli stated with a sudden smile. "Lilly, wasn't the local admiral of the station interested in Moonshadow? What are the odds that he'd be stalker-ish enough to be aware of where she was when she was attacked?”

“Huh. Now that you mention it, the odds are pretty good. Haven, can you connect me with the Admiral?” Lilly requested.

"Will do," Haven promised and a moment later a floating window appeared in the middle of all of them. It seemed that Haven might have forgotten to inform the Admiral of the connection though.

“Admiral! Are you looking at porn in the middle of the shift again?!” Lilly asked with a shocked but not very surprised voice.

The Admiral physically jumped in the air as he whipped around. “Lilly! What, w-who else, why?” He stammered.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry. You were seen only by some of the most important people in the galaxy. However, I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we'll gladly forget what we saw if you can answer a question." Lilly went into negotiation mode.

“W-which question?” The Admiral stammered, still feeling a little violated.

“To your best knowledge, where is Moonshadow now? And where was she supposed to be a few days ago?” Lilly questioned.

“Why would you ask me that?” The Admiral’s eyes narrowed a bit.

“Because I’m pretty sure you have connections in the High Command and you’re stalker-ish enough to use those connections to find her whereabouts. Remember, I used to clean up your messes only a few months ago. She might be in trouble and the sooner we can help the better. I might even tell her you helped if you can provide us with the information.” Lilly wheedled.

“I resent that characterization…buuut I might be able to help. She should be on her way to the Haven as we speak. In fact, she should arrive tomorrow, assuming what you said is not correct. Her last visit was to the Va’al trading station on Nagri VIII. She was there to negotiate the Va’al entry into the upcoming war.” The Admiral rattled off straight from the top of his head. Either he had a good memory or this was something he had paid special attention to.

"Thanks, boss!" Lilly replied and the window closed. "I think we have a destination now."