Part 1.2 - Prelude
There have been just two consistencies in the galaxy throughout its known history: war and an ancient source of power known as the DIM. Before its initial discover, eons ago, the galaxy was an isolated and lonely place. Entire races of people came and went without ever truly knowing what and who dwelled just around the galactic corner of their solar systems. There were different varying degrees of technological advancements but few ever left their own home stars to interact with other worlds. The times were as dark and remote as the space between them. That all changed with the discovery of the DIM.
No one is quite sure just how or when it was discovered, but it surely changed the course of the future generations for hundreds of thousands of years and beyond. In its dormant state, as it would become known as, the DIM was capable of powering entire planets with no ill side effects. Large primitive harvesters of varying design were developed and utilized by the major planetary systems. This led to a boon of technological advancements for the first few species clever enough to harness its potential. Medicine, Weaponry, Food Production, and eventually space exploration flourished thus ending most domestic problems outright. This left many searching for ways to travel beyond just their own planets. While many civilizations had managed to produce spacefaring vessels, none had solved the problem of traversing such distances as one star to the next. However, as knowledge of the DIM spread, more and more advancements were made until ultimately it could be used to close those gaps.
It soon became a race between the most powerful cultures to gain ultimate control of the DIM and galactic xenophobia plagued them all; those ahead in technology and willing to fight for the rule of the energy ferociously destroyed entire groups of lesser or peaceful peoples. Large scale system to system conflicts consisting of elder-tech and dangerous new DIM-based weaponry wreaked havoc on what should have been a time of renaissance and exploration.
To make matters far worse, individuals were discovered to possess the ability to tap into the dormant DIM energy and wield and bend a new awakened form of it to their will. Once exposed to the mysterious power, they’d be overcome by the enchantment that possessing such unbelievable strength brought them. This manifested physically in harsh looking blackened burns on their bodies and unstable minds. Entire planets were consumed into themselves in a flash of ultimate, uncontrollable blasts of DIM energy at the hands of a lone individual. Unchecked use of the DIM in that form corrupted even the kindest of hearts and caused them to become annihilators of their own people.
The hostilities and unbridled abuse of the DIM raged on for thousands of years; the galaxy was plunged further and further into the darkness. But somewhere along the boundless tumble, a group of likeminded DIM sensitives found each other. They had witnessed firsthand just how destructive unchecked use of their power could be and would no longer sit idly by why fellow DIM users caused so much pain and suffering. The small group set forth to create guidelines, practices, and strict uses for the DIM in its raw form. A culture of learning, respect, and attentiveness was formed around them and as time went on those guidelines became tradition. Their primary goal was to not only stop the abusers from destroying worlds, but to also save those abusers from themselves by offering them salvation. They had successfully harnessed the ability to use the DIM energy in moderation and brought a kind of order to the galaxy once more. Nothing could be done stop all such incidents and many still fell to the seduction of power, but there was now a balance previously unheard of.
And with that balance, came the creation of what would be known as the Order of Ascendancy. The segmented groups banded together and become one under the guidance of their eldest members. There wasn’t a conflict or dispute that occurred without the OoA being involved in their struggle to protect innocents and the sacredness of the DIM itself. Their allegiance was to each other, the DIM, and the galaxy. The inner-core systems had gained much from the endless warring and had taken the mantle of overseers of the now traversable star systems. The different species that made up the coalition of those core systems would become known as The Assemblage.
Nearly two decades into an unprecedented period of galactic peace, thanks largely in part to the more proactive approach the OoA took in a long fought war, a new threat made its presence known. Appearing at the acknowledged edges of the galaxy, these invaders brought with them an overwhelming force fueled by what can only be described as a new form of DIM energy. The Sunder, as they are called, has not yet made their reasons for the excursion known, but they have made it clear that peace is not an option. While all indication is of a full scale intergalactic invasion, they have only just recently begun raiding and attacking the few inhabited systems and ports on the outskirts of that region.
The Prime Committee, ruling body of the Assemblage and lawmakers for all known sentient systems, cannot even come to an agreement among each other about the correct course of action to take. Few want to disrupt the benefits that peace as brought by launching a full-fledged military operation against them and others have called for preemptive use of DIM super-weapons. At this time, the only authorized interaction with the Sunder is that of Order of Ascendancy Strike Teams making reconnaissance and sabotage runs to that part of space. A few were met with surprising resistance and suffered severe casualties.
It was because of those failed missions that Commandant Melora Rowe felt the need to personally lead her own team on the disruption run of a production facility on an obscure jungle planet by the name of Kerworn XI. She was the overall commander of every OoA Controller at an age in which most DIM sensitives are only just learning how to control it enough to advance beyond their required training. Her ability to call on and utilize the DIM with little signs of corruption was unparalleled and was matched only in her sheer abilities to accomplish her tasks as a leader. Her no-nonsense approach to her leadership gave her the respect of her subordinates and earned her a reputation among the rest of the galaxy as being strong enough to deserve her position at such a young age. She was admired and feared for her talents more than perhaps any other Order Controller, outside of her father, which only helped inspire the other members of her team.
And it was in this moment that her team needed that guidance more than ever. None of them had yet had any encounters with the Sunder and had very little intelligence to go off of in regards to just how powerful their alternative form of DIM was. All they knew was that the few Controller teams to make contact so far were never heard from again outside of the final transmission of their data through the comm-grid. The only information they had on operations in the Kerworn system was via spy satellite imagery, which wasn’t much to go off of, considering it was from beyond the heliosphere. They were quite literally going in dark.
Triumphing in the face of the unknown was something Melora was best known for, yet she still felt as though something wasn’t right about the mission. The Kerworn system was a great distance from the main body fleet of hostile invaders, yet they conduct regular supply lines going to and from this otherwise banal planet. Jules Vanvorn, Senior Controller and resident historian had noted to the others that Kerworn XI had been void of intelligent life for thousands of years. There were many more planets between them that would have just as many, and often times more, natural resources; which made that an illogical explanation for the outpost being located there.
What is it about this sapless planet that has you things coming out here so often?
She was lost in her thoughts with arms crossed and eyes focused out the main viewpoint towards Kerworn’s star when that inner monologue was interrupted by the sound of her brother’s voice.
“We’ve run the info dozens of times, calculated trajectories, ran deep scans of both Kerworn XI, and have still not settled on one single reason as to why it’s worth the risk for us to continue with this attack.”
His voice was calm, but wavered just a bit. It was something that anyone else would have not noticed, but Melora knew her brother too well; he was worried. As he had every reason to be, but now was not the time to simply allow worry to cloud judgment.
Or is it something else? I never can tell anymore.
“You know just as well as I do that something suspicious is going on there; something that could lead us to a better understanding of just what these things want.” she said without breaking off the gaze she held in place. Her reply was more formal than caring.
“And besides, we owe it to Janswey and Turl’s teams to get a little payback. They think they can just show up and do as they please because they’ve got some fancy looking starships and impostor DIM? I don’t think so.”
This came not from her brother, but instead from the newest member of her personal Strike Team, a Standard by the name of Kelvin Androxa. He was young and boisterous, as most Controllers were, but his specialty was a keen knowledge of mechanics and combustibles.
“Sorry Tae, but I think I agree with him on this one. Even if all we managed to do is take out a few of them or disrupt some mining operations, it’ll be a good show of force.” said Aida Warda, the youngest member of the team by age and typically the biggest supporter Tae had.
“Show of force? That’s assuming they’re even going to care. We don’t know how they think or what they’d consider intimating. We don’t know anything about them and I just think it would be smart to not rush into a conflict.” he said with a slight look of betrayal in his eyes as he glanced towards the back of Aida’s chair.
“Your sister is right about this, Tae. It makes more sense for us to make contact with them on our own terms and away from their major source of reinforcements. We get in, see what we can find, blow up whatever looks important, and get out.” said Jules, in his most diplomatic of tone.
“Listen, you’re not going to convince me that this is the right thing to do, but I get it. We’re the Order, this is what we do. But I’m just asking that you all take a moment to stop and consider just how much the potential risk is for what could very well be minimal reward. I’ve got to have someone on my side, right?” Tae asked, as he glanced around the quarterdeck of the ship. “What about you, Yigit? You’ve got far more to lose than any of us if things go bad down there.”
“Meh.”
Yigit, a member of the short-lived reptilian-like species who all share the name Yigit, seemed as indifferent as he customarily did before missions. He was a year into his two year lifespan and yet was very unlike the rest of his ilk in regards to how he presented himself to others. Most Yigits chose to spend their little time alive creating incredible artwork, having offspring, seeing the galaxy, and over analyzing every aspect of their life to ensure that none of it was wasted. But Yigit seemed to be devoid of worry and that was never truer than before the Strike Team launched an operation.
“See, even the lizard isn’t worried about it. You should trust your sister.” said Kelvin, in a patronizing way.
“That lizard could tear you in half without even needing to use his Resonator, kid. You better watch yourself.” Jules said, while noticing the slight twitch of annoyance in Yigit’s rigid ears.
“I didn’t volunteer my services to the Commandant's team to get lectured by some over-the-hill Librarian.” Kelvin was clearly not backing down or taking the subtle hint.
“Librarian? I was helping to win the last war while you were learning how to read! And besides, I’m not ashamed of my knowledge; you wouldn’t be either if you had any.”
“Enough!” Melora had broken away from her gaze to silence the bickering. “We’re going through with the mission whether we all agree on it or not. And that mission is what you should all be focused on right now, not your egos. Only one of us is allowed to have one of those and that’s me.”
She made it very clear who was in charge, as if the others needed a reminder, and was not going to allow them to make a misstep while that feeling of doubt still lingered in her mind. They had to be functioning at maximum potential in light of the unknown dangers they were destined to face once the ship landed. She activated her comm-device and hailed the flight-cabin.
“Alere, set course for Kerworn XI and be sure to make one final check of Aida’s scans before adjusting your entry vector. We want to be invisible for as long as possible.”
“Will do, boss lady.” the sultry voice heard over the comms belonged to the Avorundian pilot Alere. Melora could never tell whether or not Alere was flirting or just couldn’t resist the banter.
“Good. Now if there are no final concerns or objections,” she said while making an effort not to look her brother’s direction “we need to be ready to dismount and hit their facility the moment the ship touches down. Those of you who are accompanying me on the surface can head down to the staging area and wait for me.”
She could sense the DIM fluttering around her brother’s presence, a clear indication that he was frustrated; or perhaps afraid. It wasn’t that long ago that she would have known the answer to that question definitively, but the two of them haven’t exactly been close since she took over as Commandant. She let out a sigh, undetectable to the others. This was not the right time to be pondering such things; there was a task that needed to be done. It was a task that could very well change the course of history, once again. The Order had always been involved in such matters and the conflict with these beings was going to be no different.
If that's true, why do I feel so unsure of myself?
The ship bucked slightly under her feet as Alere engaged the DIM drives on course for their target. In just a matter of a few moments they would be launching a hit and run attack on what she hoped was something of value to the Sunder. She activated her resonator harness and allowed the energy to course through her body in preparation for what might be waiting for them planet side. It was the familiar calming feeling that she needed most right now. She stood there alone for just a few extra seconds while commanding the DIM to flow around and through her very essence. Nothing was going to stop them from completing the mission. She knew that now. With a turn of the heel, she was off to the staging area to meet up with the rest of the team.
I dare them to stop us.
No one is quite sure just how or when it was discovered, but it surely changed the course of the future generations for hundreds of thousands of years and beyond. In its dormant state, as it would become known as, the DIM was capable of powering entire planets with no ill side effects. Large primitive harvesters of varying design were developed and utilized by the major planetary systems. This led to a boon of technological advancements for the first few species clever enough to harness its potential. Medicine, Weaponry, Food Production, and eventually space exploration flourished thus ending most domestic problems outright. This left many searching for ways to travel beyond just their own planets. While many civilizations had managed to produce spacefaring vessels, none had solved the problem of traversing such distances as one star to the next. However, as knowledge of the DIM spread, more and more advancements were made until ultimately it could be used to close those gaps.
It soon became a race between the most powerful cultures to gain ultimate control of the DIM and galactic xenophobia plagued them all; those ahead in technology and willing to fight for the rule of the energy ferociously destroyed entire groups of lesser or peaceful peoples. Large scale system to system conflicts consisting of elder-tech and dangerous new DIM-based weaponry wreaked havoc on what should have been a time of renaissance and exploration.
To make matters far worse, individuals were discovered to possess the ability to tap into the dormant DIM energy and wield and bend a new awakened form of it to their will. Once exposed to the mysterious power, they’d be overcome by the enchantment that possessing such unbelievable strength brought them. This manifested physically in harsh looking blackened burns on their bodies and unstable minds. Entire planets were consumed into themselves in a flash of ultimate, uncontrollable blasts of DIM energy at the hands of a lone individual. Unchecked use of the DIM in that form corrupted even the kindest of hearts and caused them to become annihilators of their own people.
The hostilities and unbridled abuse of the DIM raged on for thousands of years; the galaxy was plunged further and further into the darkness. But somewhere along the boundless tumble, a group of likeminded DIM sensitives found each other. They had witnessed firsthand just how destructive unchecked use of their power could be and would no longer sit idly by why fellow DIM users caused so much pain and suffering. The small group set forth to create guidelines, practices, and strict uses for the DIM in its raw form. A culture of learning, respect, and attentiveness was formed around them and as time went on those guidelines became tradition. Their primary goal was to not only stop the abusers from destroying worlds, but to also save those abusers from themselves by offering them salvation. They had successfully harnessed the ability to use the DIM energy in moderation and brought a kind of order to the galaxy once more. Nothing could be done stop all such incidents and many still fell to the seduction of power, but there was now a balance previously unheard of.
And with that balance, came the creation of what would be known as the Order of Ascendancy. The segmented groups banded together and become one under the guidance of their eldest members. There wasn’t a conflict or dispute that occurred without the OoA being involved in their struggle to protect innocents and the sacredness of the DIM itself. Their allegiance was to each other, the DIM, and the galaxy. The inner-core systems had gained much from the endless warring and had taken the mantle of overseers of the now traversable star systems. The different species that made up the coalition of those core systems would become known as The Assemblage.
Nearly two decades into an unprecedented period of galactic peace, thanks largely in part to the more proactive approach the OoA took in a long fought war, a new threat made its presence known. Appearing at the acknowledged edges of the galaxy, these invaders brought with them an overwhelming force fueled by what can only be described as a new form of DIM energy. The Sunder, as they are called, has not yet made their reasons for the excursion known, but they have made it clear that peace is not an option. While all indication is of a full scale intergalactic invasion, they have only just recently begun raiding and attacking the few inhabited systems and ports on the outskirts of that region.
The Prime Committee, ruling body of the Assemblage and lawmakers for all known sentient systems, cannot even come to an agreement among each other about the correct course of action to take. Few want to disrupt the benefits that peace as brought by launching a full-fledged military operation against them and others have called for preemptive use of DIM super-weapons. At this time, the only authorized interaction with the Sunder is that of Order of Ascendancy Strike Teams making reconnaissance and sabotage runs to that part of space. A few were met with surprising resistance and suffered severe casualties.
It was because of those failed missions that Commandant Melora Rowe felt the need to personally lead her own team on the disruption run of a production facility on an obscure jungle planet by the name of Kerworn XI. She was the overall commander of every OoA Controller at an age in which most DIM sensitives are only just learning how to control it enough to advance beyond their required training. Her ability to call on and utilize the DIM with little signs of corruption was unparalleled and was matched only in her sheer abilities to accomplish her tasks as a leader. Her no-nonsense approach to her leadership gave her the respect of her subordinates and earned her a reputation among the rest of the galaxy as being strong enough to deserve her position at such a young age. She was admired and feared for her talents more than perhaps any other Order Controller, outside of her father, which only helped inspire the other members of her team.
And it was in this moment that her team needed that guidance more than ever. None of them had yet had any encounters with the Sunder and had very little intelligence to go off of in regards to just how powerful their alternative form of DIM was. All they knew was that the few Controller teams to make contact so far were never heard from again outside of the final transmission of their data through the comm-grid. The only information they had on operations in the Kerworn system was via spy satellite imagery, which wasn’t much to go off of, considering it was from beyond the heliosphere. They were quite literally going in dark.
Triumphing in the face of the unknown was something Melora was best known for, yet she still felt as though something wasn’t right about the mission. The Kerworn system was a great distance from the main body fleet of hostile invaders, yet they conduct regular supply lines going to and from this otherwise banal planet. Jules Vanvorn, Senior Controller and resident historian had noted to the others that Kerworn XI had been void of intelligent life for thousands of years. There were many more planets between them that would have just as many, and often times more, natural resources; which made that an illogical explanation for the outpost being located there.
What is it about this sapless planet that has you things coming out here so often?
She was lost in her thoughts with arms crossed and eyes focused out the main viewpoint towards Kerworn’s star when that inner monologue was interrupted by the sound of her brother’s voice.
“We’ve run the info dozens of times, calculated trajectories, ran deep scans of both Kerworn XI, and have still not settled on one single reason as to why it’s worth the risk for us to continue with this attack.”
His voice was calm, but wavered just a bit. It was something that anyone else would have not noticed, but Melora knew her brother too well; he was worried. As he had every reason to be, but now was not the time to simply allow worry to cloud judgment.
Or is it something else? I never can tell anymore.
“You know just as well as I do that something suspicious is going on there; something that could lead us to a better understanding of just what these things want.” she said without breaking off the gaze she held in place. Her reply was more formal than caring.
“And besides, we owe it to Janswey and Turl’s teams to get a little payback. They think they can just show up and do as they please because they’ve got some fancy looking starships and impostor DIM? I don’t think so.”
This came not from her brother, but instead from the newest member of her personal Strike Team, a Standard by the name of Kelvin Androxa. He was young and boisterous, as most Controllers were, but his specialty was a keen knowledge of mechanics and combustibles.
“Sorry Tae, but I think I agree with him on this one. Even if all we managed to do is take out a few of them or disrupt some mining operations, it’ll be a good show of force.” said Aida Warda, the youngest member of the team by age and typically the biggest supporter Tae had.
“Show of force? That’s assuming they’re even going to care. We don’t know how they think or what they’d consider intimating. We don’t know anything about them and I just think it would be smart to not rush into a conflict.” he said with a slight look of betrayal in his eyes as he glanced towards the back of Aida’s chair.
“Your sister is right about this, Tae. It makes more sense for us to make contact with them on our own terms and away from their major source of reinforcements. We get in, see what we can find, blow up whatever looks important, and get out.” said Jules, in his most diplomatic of tone.
“Listen, you’re not going to convince me that this is the right thing to do, but I get it. We’re the Order, this is what we do. But I’m just asking that you all take a moment to stop and consider just how much the potential risk is for what could very well be minimal reward. I’ve got to have someone on my side, right?” Tae asked, as he glanced around the quarterdeck of the ship. “What about you, Yigit? You’ve got far more to lose than any of us if things go bad down there.”
“Meh.”
Yigit, a member of the short-lived reptilian-like species who all share the name Yigit, seemed as indifferent as he customarily did before missions. He was a year into his two year lifespan and yet was very unlike the rest of his ilk in regards to how he presented himself to others. Most Yigits chose to spend their little time alive creating incredible artwork, having offspring, seeing the galaxy, and over analyzing every aspect of their life to ensure that none of it was wasted. But Yigit seemed to be devoid of worry and that was never truer than before the Strike Team launched an operation.
“See, even the lizard isn’t worried about it. You should trust your sister.” said Kelvin, in a patronizing way.
“That lizard could tear you in half without even needing to use his Resonator, kid. You better watch yourself.” Jules said, while noticing the slight twitch of annoyance in Yigit’s rigid ears.
“I didn’t volunteer my services to the Commandant's team to get lectured by some over-the-hill Librarian.” Kelvin was clearly not backing down or taking the subtle hint.
“Librarian? I was helping to win the last war while you were learning how to read! And besides, I’m not ashamed of my knowledge; you wouldn’t be either if you had any.”
“Enough!” Melora had broken away from her gaze to silence the bickering. “We’re going through with the mission whether we all agree on it or not. And that mission is what you should all be focused on right now, not your egos. Only one of us is allowed to have one of those and that’s me.”
She made it very clear who was in charge, as if the others needed a reminder, and was not going to allow them to make a misstep while that feeling of doubt still lingered in her mind. They had to be functioning at maximum potential in light of the unknown dangers they were destined to face once the ship landed. She activated her comm-device and hailed the flight-cabin.
“Alere, set course for Kerworn XI and be sure to make one final check of Aida’s scans before adjusting your entry vector. We want to be invisible for as long as possible.”
“Will do, boss lady.” the sultry voice heard over the comms belonged to the Avorundian pilot Alere. Melora could never tell whether or not Alere was flirting or just couldn’t resist the banter.
“Good. Now if there are no final concerns or objections,” she said while making an effort not to look her brother’s direction “we need to be ready to dismount and hit their facility the moment the ship touches down. Those of you who are accompanying me on the surface can head down to the staging area and wait for me.”
She could sense the DIM fluttering around her brother’s presence, a clear indication that he was frustrated; or perhaps afraid. It wasn’t that long ago that she would have known the answer to that question definitively, but the two of them haven’t exactly been close since she took over as Commandant. She let out a sigh, undetectable to the others. This was not the right time to be pondering such things; there was a task that needed to be done. It was a task that could very well change the course of history, once again. The Order had always been involved in such matters and the conflict with these beings was going to be no different.
If that's true, why do I feel so unsure of myself?
The ship bucked slightly under her feet as Alere engaged the DIM drives on course for their target. In just a matter of a few moments they would be launching a hit and run attack on what she hoped was something of value to the Sunder. She activated her resonator harness and allowed the energy to course through her body in preparation for what might be waiting for them planet side. It was the familiar calming feeling that she needed most right now. She stood there alone for just a few extra seconds while commanding the DIM to flow around and through her very essence. Nothing was going to stop them from completing the mission. She knew that now. With a turn of the heel, she was off to the staging area to meet up with the rest of the team.
I dare them to stop us.