Messages

[Humans]

Races of the Milky Way

Humans

The main inhabitants of Earth. Form of government: democratic federal republic.
Species: primates, mammals.

Since the 21st century, humans have strived for unification. The United Nations was considered one of the first organizations to lay claim to pan-Earth unity. In the 22nd century, the Earth Alliance emerged, a unified state comprising all the states and peoples of Earth. Since the 23rd century, the Alliance has been a full-fledged part of the Galactic Coalition. Despite the discontent of certain races, humans have proven their right to be part of the new union. In the 26th century, the Earth state includes at least a hundred colonies in various regions of the Milky Way. The capital is planet Earth, and the key city, where the government is located, is Neo-Paris.
The head of state is the President, elected by direct vote.
The government is headed by the Prime Minister and the Great Parliament of the Earth Peoples.

Elf`Urr (Sidhe, Sinhalis)

An elven-like humanoid race from the planet Menehfer. Government: absolute monarchy.
Species: mammalian, sinhala-like.

One of the oldest civilizations in the Milky Way. An ancient and mysterious race of tall, beautiful creatures, resembling humans but distinguished by pointed ears, innate psionic abilities, stronger skeletal systems, speed, and reflexes.
Lifespan: 200-500 years.
They are also among the oldest inhabitants of the galaxy. According to legend, their ancestors coexisted with the extinct civilization of Sovi'Lar and divided their territories into several clusters.
In the Coalition, Sidhe often held senior leadership positions. Many admirals and military leaders of the coalition are of this race. The Elf'Urr call their Empire the Never-Ending Empire and control at least three million star systems, and that's only according to official data. Their technology is tens of thousands of years superior to human technology.
The head of state is the King of Kings (Neb'taui). Power is hereditary.
The auxiliary ruling body is the Council of Khripp'rs (Regents) and the Lodge of Star Seers (priests).

Spoiler

Elf`Urr has two interesting types of their race:

Dro`En (psionic potential - highest level)

Nephrusabek (dark-coloured elf`urr)

-----

Arthandirans

Species: Primate, mammalian.
Primary inhabitants of the planet Artandir Prime and the Aurvandil star sector.

Artandirians are the indigenous people of Artandir Prime. They descend from human ancestors who colonized the planet many millennia before the Common Era. Their primary language, Artandir, is very close to Earth Latin.
In ancient times, Artandir was the Galactic Empire, but around 1920 Earth reckoning, the Smaragd monarchy fell, giving way to the Republican Party. Artandirians were one of the races that favorably embraced the Earth Alliance and actively promoted it within the Coalition. Marriage between this race and humans is quite possible. Their technology is superior to that of Earth, thanks to their long-standing collaboration with the Elf-Urr Empire. Since the formation of the Coalition, Artandir has had its own government, but it reports directly to the Galactic Coalition Council.
The head of state is the President, elected by direct vote.
The government is also headed by the Artandir Prime Congress, headed by the Speaker.

If you want me to show you the english translation of my book, i can send it right now.
Just write please in this topic. I`m visiting it every day. Thanks to You all, Exilian!

[I decided to close and withdraw all my old works and create my world from scratch again.]

Hello everyone. I've decided to create a thread about a universe I've been working with for a long time.
I decided to close and withdraw all my old works and create my world from scratch again.
So all other works (which i posted long time ago) are unsupported now.

Many know me as a modder for TW games and mapper for Generals (and some as a fan of "reminiscing about the past"), but my main work is literature. I've done many things in my life, but I've essentially never strayed from the literary path.
I created my first world while still a student at Moscow School 407. Back then, it was completely undeveloped, largely illogical, and consisted of just one planet. But I never gave up and continued working on it with all my might.
Now the setting has expanded to a serious level and represents, no more and no less, an entire galaxy with numerous races, civilizations, cultures, and, of course, threats to all life.

I can't call my universe entirely science fiction, although I often label it "sci-fi" on foreign platforms. It's more of a techno-fantasy, as high technology, robots, and aliens coexist quite comfortably with magic, known as Psi-art or Psionics. Among representatives of different races, there may be beings with or without psi-abilities. Moreover, psi-abilities can arise spontaneously, which is why many civilizations call them a Gift of the Gods.

---

So, it's the very end of the 26th century. But let's delve into the past a bit.
Humanity had long since united and reached the stars. After three World Wars and a severe nuclear conflict in the 21st century, the UN government adopted a resolution calling for Universal Unity "to prevent extinction." The organization gradually transformed into a unified state called the Earth Alliance. Humanity's rapid journey into space began. First, the Solar System was explored, and then, closer to the 21st century, the famous First Contact occurred.
Soon, the people of the Earth Alliance integrated into the Galactic Community, and by the 23rd century, the Coalition of Galactic States was founded, including Earth. People began to interact on equal terms with representatives of hundreds of races inhabiting the Milky Way.

However, the presence of a new "primate" race in the Coalition was not welcomed by everyone. Several civilizations were not thrilled with this development. An even more interesting discovery was that Earth's colonization was not the first in the galaxy by the Human race. For unknown reasons, certain races of the Milky Way were genetically very close to Humans. This indicated that Earthlings were not the original inhabitants of their planet. Some of these human races in the Galaxy recognized Earthlings as kin, but others considered the Solar System's inhabitants "degenerates" and "products of mutations." This played a cruel joke on the Earth Alliance in the future, nearly leading to conflict with several interstellar empires.

However, as part of the Coalition, the Earth Alliance enjoyed a certain protection from encroachment by other alien races. The Coalition was formed precisely to act together. On Earth, it is often called the Intergalactic UN, after an old organization that existed back in the Information Age.

In the 26th century, the Galactic Coalition faced a series of unprecedented threats.

One of the Coalition's races, the Nicomedians (or Nikha-Medi in their native language), is known to have a difficult history. In ancient times, their representatives nearly conquered the Milky Way, and many races were forced to unite to crush this threat. The Nicomedians became peaceful, much like the Japanese on Earth after 1945. However, terrorist groups persisted among the Nicomedians (Nikhi), calling for a return to imperial times. In the 26th century, extremist activity increased significantly. The Coalition and Nicomedia itself recognized the need for a fierce struggle against the "legacy of the Terrible Age."

The Elf'urr, also known as the Sidhe, one of the oldest races in the Galaxy, led the Coalition for a long time, but over time, began to give human-born individuals the opportunity to succeed as General Secretaries. This provoked opposition from various civilizations, for whom humans were considered "untrustworthy." However, many civilizations also have concerns about the Elf'urr themselves. For example, the Elf'urr call their state the "Empire That Has No End or Bound." They quietly colonize various star systems without notifying the Coalition, and later completely banned colonization by other peoples in the Andromeda Galaxy. These developments began to alienate many races not only from the Elf'urr but also from the Coalition itself.

The threat from the Gambrians, a race genetically related to humans but with genes from the extinct Bhor civilization, destroyed millennia before the Common Era, has grown. For many years, the Gambrans lived in various parts of the galaxy, including on the planet Nargon, where they had a large diaspora since ancient times. But by the end of the 26th century, activity arose among Gambran fanatics eager to restore their former glory. These extremists even managed to unite with their "colleagues" from Nicomedia in the face of a common threat—the Coalition. "Atur ash-Gambra" is the main slogan of these fanatics, meaning "The Fire of Gambra will consume all."
The difficulty lies in the fact that many Gambrans are prominent businessmen within the Coalition itself. They have long been integrated into the galactic community, and it can be very difficult to determine who is a fanatic and who is law-abiding. Terrorist attacks by Gambrans are virtually constant.

But that's not all.
One of the greatest threats to all life, not only in the Milky Way but throughout the universe, is the so-called Void Conclave. A mysterious race of unknown beings possessing incredible technology, known as the Void (or Madilim). According to legend, they invaded the galaxy around 15,000 BCE but suffered a crushing defeat. Intelligence reports indicate that by the late 26th century, their reconnaissance probes were able to penetrate many regions of the Milky Way.

Insectoid races, which hate the "soft-bodied, bipedal nothings" of the rest of the galaxy, actively collaborate with the Void Conclave. An insectoid race known as the Ara'Nii is known to somehow collaborate with the Void Conclave. Before the arrival of the Conclave's reconnaissance probes, massive attacks by Ara'Niya on several Coalition star systems occurred.
The Void are also apparently aided by an arthropod race known as the Ollussi. There is evidence that the Ollussi's ancestors once ruled part of the Milky Way until the Elf'urr drove them beyond the galaxy. Now, they are once again assembling fleets to reclaim their "ancestral domain."

Another terrifying threat is the inhabitants of the Black Hole Sector, known as the Barandokht. Their nature raises questions even among seasoned scientists. They are an inorganic race mentioned in hundreds of myths and legends. In mythology, they are known as "spirits," "djinn," or "demons."
The Barandokht feed on thermal and organic energy, which undoubtedly serves as their sustenance. The Coalition knows almost nothing about their organization, except that they live in black holes (in the event horizon regions) and attack random ships. However, as the 26th century progressed, reports of their organized attacks on Coalition ships and even individual colonies became increasingly common.

And yet, despite the threats, the Colonization of the Universe is proceeding at full speed. Thousands upon thousands of studies are being conducted. Extinct cultures are being actively studied.
Given the emerging threat of the Void and their potential allies, the Coalition has begun studying ancient sources of knowledge and technology. After all, extinct races, especially those destroyed in ancient wars, can offer many clues about how to combat new threats.
For example, the extinct Sovi'lar civilization, whose temples are scattered across the galaxy, mentioned the Void threat in their lore.

Thanks:
- Jubal_Barca (Exilian)
- Imperial Community (Haktar, Ship, Prefects)
- My friend Sergey (he asked not to use his nickname)
- My friend Nikolay (he also asked not to use his nickname)
- Ezarik
- Eyaura
- Bozidar Drašković
- Scott Reismanis (Moddb)
- Masterpiece Art (for the art)
And many other guys who have supported my setting in one way or another over the years

[My new book "Genesis Lacrima" is ready.]

My new book "Genesis Lacrima" is ready.

Hello friends. Need to say, that i have done new full book about my universe.
Soon i`ll describe more info about it. All will be in this topic.

Thank you!

[Hi all. I have fully reworked my universe. Soon will create new topics. Thank you!]

Hi all. I have fully reworked my universe. Soon will create new topics. Thank you!

[World of Infinitas events 2600-2800]

World of Infinitas events 2600-2800

Not far time ago i have developed full chronology of my setting events till the 2800 AD.

Events Line

A brief chronicle of the events of the universe from 2600 to 2800 CE.

Preface:
By the end of the 26th century, the Milky Way Galaxy has experienced a serious crisis associated with the Acheron War with the neo-fascist regime of the League, with the uprisings of Gambrian fanatics in the Nargon Republic, rampant piracy and, ultimately, an attempt by the ancient race of Void to conquer the Coalition. By 2600, all threats have been eliminated. The Acheron neo-fascist League is recognized as completely destroyed, all its fragments are subordinated to the Coalition Council. The pirate rampage comes to naught, due to a series of punitive operations against cartels and criminal clans. Gambrian terrorist organizations are eliminated by the special forces of the Coalition. The Void's attempt to spread the Rovoam Leprosy and kill several trillion living beings fails due to the skillful actions of the Coalition's psionic troops. Ultimately, in 2600, the rebellion of the AI ��"Solangarth" is prevented. The robot, which has gone out of control of "Hasan Industries", is annihilated by special forces and Dr. Hassan, the first person of the corporation. By 2601, peace reigns in the Milky Way Galaxy. The Coalition is moving towards unity among all intelligent races. Human states come to the conclusion that it is time for them to unite and eliminate all obstacles.

Chronology of events in the Milky Way until 2800.

2601-2650 - Peaceful time in the Galaxy. No major military conflicts. Serious economic development of Artandir and the Earth Alliance. The Vintil Federation and the Meinguard Union join the Artandir Republic. The Earth Alliance signs the Pact of Rapprochement with Artandir President Viktor Frederikson Kartavin. The Prime Fleet "Firelord" is created as the main military force of the Coalition. The Elfurr Empire continues to expand into the distant parts of the Milky Way and surrounding galaxies. This period is increasingly referred to as the Age of Prosperity.

2650-2653 - Invasion of several Ara'Nii hive fleets into different areas of the Milky Way. The combined forces of the Coalition successfully repel the attacks. Grand Admiral Ishken Derkh inflicts five defeats on the insectoids. Fighting continues in the border systems of Artandir and the Earth Alliance for three years. The invasion ends with the complete defeat of the Ara'Nia forces in the Zinaida system. Fleet Commander Derkh has been awarded the title of First Defender of the Coalition.

2653-2700 - A new stage of peaceful years in the Galaxy. Elfurr technologies are being introduced deeper into human worlds. By 2700, almost every citizen has a portable teleporter. Portal stations are no longer needed. The Movement Control system is created. Space exploration continues. More and more colonies of the united forces of the Coalition appear. By 2698, the Coalition Research Company is formed, in which representatives of almost all intelligent races of the Milky Way serve.

2700-2720 - A new invasion of the Ara'Nii hive fleets. The Coalition decides to create a united government. Dolagmir Kartavin, the great-grandson of Victor Kartavin, becomes president. The Defense Flotillas suffer a defeat in the Rummaldin Empire sector. The Ara'Nii completely capture the Rummaldin domains, devastating world after world. The Empire ceases to exist as a state. President Kartavin declares mobilization across all territories of the human states of the Coalition. Other races in the alliance support his initiative. Over the course of 20 years, hive fleets are destroyed in different areas of the Galaxy. By 2719, a counteroffensive is organized on Rummaldeen. The once prosperous worlds of the empire are freed from Ara'Nia, but at the same time, they are unsuitable for life due to their terraforming. The President asks for help from Elfurr in restoring the infected planets. By 2720, the forces of Ara'Nia are completely driven out of the Milky Way.

2720-2790 - Another stage of peaceful years. Local conflicts are quickly resolved with the help of Coalition peacekeepers. Expansion of the Coalition's possessions in the Milky Way and in neighboring galaxies. Prosperous colonies appear in the galaxies of Taote-1, Magellanic Cloud and M33 (Andromeda is under the control of Elfurr). Expeditions are sent to the galaxy of Beasts. By 2750, the colony of Goronza is founded in the Far Worlds of the Milky Way. It is inhabited by people from the Nargon Republic. Considering the potential threats from Ara'Nia and the stellar vortices, Coalition President Aldrich decides to create a strong colonial corps in Goronza. Robotics and Elfurr technology products are also used. The economic development of human states continues to advance.

2790-2800 - The Goronza Colony's Corporate Council, composed primarily of Nargons (namely, members of the Gambra clans, who profess the ancient faith of the Primordial Dark), announces its withdrawal from the Coalition. President Ser'Flamini blocks the companies' decision and orders the arrest of Goronza's leaders. The corporations return fire. The Coalition's expeditionary force, intended to bring the colonial leadership to order, is routed. Then the combined fleet with name -Totkhemris User-Kaf-, along with Elfurr auxiliary vessels, enters the battle. The war drags on for years, given the serious resistance of Goronza. By 2798, the final period of the war begins. The colony is besieged by superior Coalition forces. The Corporate Council eventually surrenders. Many of the leaders are arrested for mutiny. By 2800, a new government has been established in Goronze, completely under the control of the Coalition. The remaining separatists capitulate.

Since 2800, a new stage of peaceful coexistence of all races of the Galaxy begins. There are no more wars.....

Stage 9.

Ishken had already left Shatsk Prime. He had entered orbit and was heading towards Chernevis, the third planet in the system, to then jump to Amphora and hand everything over to Owen.

The ship was refueled and cleaned, so there was no need to bother with it. Just in case, Ishken asked to check the plasma "incinerators", which was arranged. He explained this as a precautionary measure in case his ship suddenly encountered pirates. But given the safe zones around Shatsk, this was not necessary. Ishken did this not because of the pirates. After talking with Nyura, he clearly understood that in the current reality you need to be prepared for literally anything, including meeting the Void.

While Derkh was flying to Chernevis, he decided to turn on the galactic news and listen to what they were saying in Artandir. The question of Rovoam was of greatest concern to him. How's the leprosy going, what about the sick? He picked up the Artandir channel too quickly, as if the space heard his thoughts.

The holo-screen showed the red-haired presenter Sam Valarti, broadcasting from Artandir Prime. She looked very depressed. There were small dents on her work suit.

Sam (with concern in his voice):
- So far, the situation on Rovoam remains the same. Over the past 24 hours, an increase of 30,000 cases has been recorded. The Minister of Health claims that the disease is curable, and that work is underway. At the moment, President Cedric is deciding on the supply of vaccines from the Elfurr Empire. It is obvious that the vaccine will soon arrive on Rovoam. The system governor maintains quarantine zones. The curfew on the planet has been extended for another two months.

A huge metropolis appears on the screen, literally filled with skyscrapers and towers. Ishken immediately recognizes the footage from Rovoam City, the planetary capital. There are many helicopters and medical shuttles flying in the sky. The commandants' menacing voices are heard from the loudspeakers. It is already clear from this picture that there will be no improvements in sight.

Sam (continuing to broadcast):
- The governor promises to send up to 20,000 medics to the quarantine zone. The Nicomedia Commonwealth has agreed to help Rovoam. Ten medical teams will be sent there soon. Containment of the infection is in full swing. There is nothing to worry about. According to the governor, there will be no trace of the disease left in a month. The Minister of Health calls for optimism. The disease is curable.

Ishken (confused):
- There is nothing to worry about... Except the coming alien invasion and the planetary epidemic. I bet this leprosy is somehow connected to the Void.

Sam (from the holo-screen):
- Meanwhile, the social networks are already starting to discuss the situation on Rovoam. The authorities are asking commentators to stop whipping up panic. Let's not forget that Leprosy is curable. And despite the emergence of such an aggressive form of the disease, it can be stopped. Our doctors are doing everything to prevent its spread beyond Rovoam.

Ishken:
- And not a word about 10,000 dead. Okay... As they say, our job is to save the galaxy. That's what we'll do. We've been in worse troubles.

Derkh's shuttle flies to the required flight point, after which it quickly disappears in a blinding flash. In just a few hours, Ishken will find himself on Amphora, where he will have a very serious conversation with the captain.

-----

The end

Stage 8.

The time allotted for visiting Nyura has passed. Ishken must return to the ship, to the Amphora system.
And it is quite far. But he has learned everything he needed. Owen will not like this information, but there are no other options. He will have to tell him everything in detail.

Ishken says goodbye to Nyura Kolobchikhen. He is standing on the porch. The old woman is on the threshold of the house. She looks worried. She had no idea that the legends from the old book would ever become reality. But it happened. And there is no escape from this.

Nyura blesses Ishken on the road. They hug tightly.

Nyura (to Ishken):
- May the Light-faced One protect you. He is always with you.

Ishken:
- Thank you. And you too. Don't get sick here... And if I find time, I will stop by again.

Nyura (nods):
- Yeah... But first, business. Tell Owen everything. Tell him everything you saw and heard. It's serious.

Ishken understands that the captain must know everything. However, he decides to ask one more question. It was about a certain Terrible Horde. The book told how a once cruel race of aliens invaded the galaxy and crushed entire kingdoms. Only a few managed to survive and defeat the threat. The Shatsk Empire, together with its allies, stopped the evil.

But Ishken never found a real name anywhere in the book. Moreover, everywhere and always the chroniclers mentioned only the Horde and the "aliens". The drawings depicted them as terrible multi-eyed creatures armed with unknown weapons. But what... if they have another name. What if Nyura knows much more about them.

Ishken (towards Nyura):
- One more question remains.

Nyura (with interest):
- Why Nargon tea? You wanted to ask that, right? Well, I'll answer that right away.... Because there was no other in the store. And this one is the best....

Ishken (shakes his head):
- No, not about the tea.

For a moment, Nyura's eyes lit up with a bright glow. This meant that she had read Derkh's thoughts. During her service in the psionic troops, she knew the orders of the command even before they were officially announced.

But with age, using psi energy became increasingly difficult. And Nyura almost never resorted to it.

Ishken:
- What were their names? In reality?

Nyura's face became as gloomy as the night itself. But she understood that she could trust her old friend. And that perhaps this word would be useful for Owen and his team, even if it was forbidden.

Nyura (almost in a whisper):
- Voids..... That's what my father called them. A terrifying Horde, burning everything in its path.

Ishken (nods):
- Thank you.... Whoever they are, we'll tear them to pieces.

Nyura (with a slight smile):
- Grandfather would be proud of you.

Stage 7.

Nyura opens the book in front of Ishken. The psionicist clearly sees ancient paintings.

In those days, Shatsk artists preferred to apply images by hand. The fight between armored warriors and terrible six-eyed monsters catches the eye. Moreover, the eyes of some monsters had double pupils.
All weapons are firearms, but not like what is used now. Shatsk warriors have long shooting rods, probably plasma guns of a bygone era. The monsters have strange dark-colored devices, more like severed limbs of arthropods, but with energy flashes.

Ishken continues to examine the paintings. He turns over several pages and finds the same ships.

The psionicist shudders and turns pale. He had recently seen the same ships on the monitors. It was not for nothing that Owen raised the alarm, and Fernand along with him. There was something mysterious and very evil coming from these ships. Just their image made me shudder.

Ishken (without taking his eyes off the pages):
- The terrifying Horde..... But who are they....

Nyura (with anxiety in her voice):
- Their names were forbidden to be spoken back in the time of the Caesars. In many countries, all this is fairy tales. And in vain... There is a grain of truth in every fairy tale. The same is true here. You are looking at the Book of Legends of the Shatsk Empire. And you see the truth....

Ishken:
- Have they already invaded the galaxy? It's just that when you showed me this... I thought I was reading a fairy tale.

Nyura:
- Their invasion was stopped. But at what cost... They destroyed dozens of star kingdoms, Ishken. The Shatsk Empire survived only thanks to its alien friends... Elfurr helped. Nicomedes, Draconians. But will they help this time?!

Ishken:
- Invasion is inevitable?

Nyura (bitterly):
- It looks like that. The same ships from the book. And these are scouts. First came the scouts, then the horde. It didn't happen all at once. In Shatsk they thought it was a new contact. Another race wanted to negotiate. They thought these beasts just wanted to chat. But it wasn't that way.

Ishken (towards Nyura):
- Intelligence teams. Scanning our defenses. Now everything fell into place.

Nyura (nods):
- The Horde invaded suddenly. But some knew it was inevitable. Sedition, illness... Before the invasion, Shatsk fought with three kingdoms. With Amphora. With the ancestors of the Artandirs. With the Nicomedians. Before invading, our enemies sow discord and illness. But then all the kingdoms of people united when the Horde began to capture system after system... When their ships landed millions of fighters. When their gunshots pierced the surfaces of worlds to the lava... It was a war that is not spoken of. There is no such event in history... It was erased. So that everyone living in the galaxy would forget about the Ancient Nightmare, destroying stars and burning hundreds of planets.

Ishken:
- But you won then.....

Nyura:
- We won. But the price was high. My father told me about it, and his father told him, and he told him.... And so from generation to generation, the House of Kolobchikhen kept this book. Lide-Vasilna offered to give it to the museum, saying that "the old woman was stubborn". But I will never give it... To anyone. This book belongs to my House. And it will belong.

Ishken:
- So, the invasion was stopped. Otherwise, none of us would be here anymore.

Nyura (thoughtfully):
- Only this time... Will it be possible to do it? Our galaxy is fragmented. Recently, a war thundered. And now the disease is spreading to Rovoam. So my question is very timely...

Stage 6.

Nyura and Ishken find themselves in a spacious living room. It was also full of all sorts of furniture and exotic dishes. There were cabinets, sideboards and a large round table. Nearby was an armchair on which the old woman liked to relax. Bright daylight penetrated the room through the square windows, so there was no need to turn on the lamps.

On the table, Derkh noticed, in addition to blood pressure medication, a book in a black cover. On its cover was clearly engraved the symbol of the Shatsk Empire. Ishken knew that in ancient times, Shatsk made itself known to all the nearby powers. No one dared to encroach on the power of the monarchs. But there was something else.

At one time, the empire faced an unimaginable threat. And therefore, not far from the Yards, in the old era, the "Yandovy" system was created. Yandova is not only a district on Shatsk Prime, where there are only meadows, hills and plantings. These are also the most powerful battle stations left over from those times. One of them was ordered to be activated after the war with the League began by Nogdis, the planet's administrator.

Nyura (towards the book):
- That's why you asked about it. You already knew that we would be talking about an ancient threat.

Ishken (nods):
- Exactly. You told me about the creation of "Yandova".

Nyura:
- Oh yes... "Yandova" was invented back in the time of the Caesars. Then the sovereign of sovereigns ordered the chief Architect of Ships to create the most powerful structures for the war with......

Nyura does not dare to pronounce this word. She remains standing in place. It is clear from her face that the old woman is thinking about whether to continue further or to stop in time.

Ishken:
- With the Horrific Horde. That was the name of this threat. I remember....

Nyura (looking at the book again):
- Tear. I saw the symbol in the book. You too. Father Gordy from our temple also knows the legend. He even told us about it after the service. But he mistakenly believes that everything is gone. And that they will not return. And when it started with the League... I already knew that this was preparation.

Ishken (alarmed):
- Preparations?.... For what?

Nyura:
- Then, thousands of years ago, everything also began with a war between kingdoms. But then they showed up.... It is always more effective to seize what is fragmented... Broken.... Destroyed.... What is engulfed in sedition.

Ishken (with the same emotion):
- Do you think this is connected? This is what Owen wanted to know?

Nyura (shaking her head):
- These ships did not just appear out of nowhere. Why did the war start first, then they captured Cadmus, the whole galaxy was reduced to dust... And now they... These strange ships. Don't you think? There is a connection, Ishken. There is a connection....

Ishken:
- We also forgot about leprosy.

Nyura:
- All this is one crazy plan. The plan of our ancient enemy.

Stage 5.

Ishken pulls a portable data device from his bosom. It was made in Artandir for Owen's squad.

It stored all sorts of records and materials from past operations. The device looked like a small transmitter. But the amount of information it held was too large. It could hold the entire database of Shatsk's defensive stations.

Owen entrusted Ishken with the "keeper", knowing that he was going to meet with Nyura. Perhaps she would be able to give the necessary answers. If, of course, luck is on Ishken's side.

Nyura (looking at the "keeper"):
- They used these at Fernand's headquarters about 20 years ago. Now you have them too?

Ishken (nods):
- I'll show you something.... Owen thinks that you can give an answer.

Nyura (in a more serious voice):
- Why did you ask about the book? Could this be related?

Ishken:
- And if it can? We are talking about reconnaissance ships.... obviously not from our galaxy.

Ishken performs several manipulations with the device and shows everything to Nyura Kolobchikhen.

He turns on the holo-projector and puts the "keeper" on the table. Several holographic projections of ships appear in the air. Only 3 pieces.

In appearance, they are similar to the bio-constructs of Ara-Nia, but these are clearly not those ill-fated insectoids.
The ships are made of strange minerals, probably mined outside the Milky Way. Ishken increases the clarity and shows details. One of them is a mysterious symbol. A crying face. Creepy, ugly.

Ishken (without taking his eyes off the images):
- What you once showed me in a book.... The symbolism is similar.

Nyura turns pale. She looks at the ships in detail, and her heart fills with horror. For a second, her mouth falls open.
It is clear that this was a surprise for Nyura, and not the most pleasant one.

Nyura (with the same emotion):
- Holy cow...

Ishken:
- They were discovered in the Briony system, then disappeared. And then in several worlds at once. 7 probes within the Rovoam system, where leprosy is rampant. And the symbolism is the same again.

Nyura:
- Rovoam.... There seems to be a plague there. Fernand scared us all.

Ishken (correcting her):
- Leprosy. And they say there are no cures. For now, anyway. The governor hopes that the Elfurran healers will cope with everything.

Nyura (towards Ishken):
- And the number of sick? How many already?

Ishken (anxiously):
- Yesterday there were 50,000 in the central region. The governor closed this part. But these are the official figures.

Nyura:
- And the unofficial ones.... There are even more of them. Everything is clear....

Ishken:
- And these ships. Three more probes were spotted within Nargon.

Nura (irritated):
- Damn these Nargonians..... I'm worried about Rovoam. There's a population of 10 billion there.

Ishken (in an excited voice):
- Leprosy..... Unknown ships..... I think there's a connection.

Nura (nodding):
- Yes..... Have you finished your drink?

Ishken looks at the cup. There's no tea left. He didn't even notice how he drank it all.

Nura:
- Let's go. I'll show you.... You were looking for this, right?

Stage 4.

Nyura has already poured tea into cups and sat down. Her cane is standing by a small cupboard.
Ishken is sitting at the table, tea and candy nearby. He looks at the kitchen of the house with interest and understands that he would have stayed here for a long time if not for the task.

The kitchen looks more like a living room than a place for a meal. There are cupboards, pictures with photographs of Kolobchikhen's departed relatives on the walls, a lot of different dishes, there are even exotic souvenirs.

Ishken pays attention to a small wardrobe standing almost by the window.

Nyura, meanwhile, sat down at the table and checked the tea for warmth. Ishken followed her example. To his surprise, he discovered that her tea was Nargonian, although Nargonians are not digested in these parts.

Nyura (towards the cupboard by the window):
- Everyone thinks, an old granny.... Good for nothing... But I was not always like this. Want me to show you?

Ishken (with interest):
- Oh, come on... No one thinks so. What you should show?

Not even a second has passed before Nyura has a strange device in her hands, similar to a remote control for a TV screen. Without thinking twice, she presses a button, and the doors of the cabinet standing by the window swing open wide.
Ishken shudders. In front of him, he sees a ceremonial weapon made of a foreign material, carefully nailed to the inside of the cabinet. He notes with surprise that this is an Elfurran plasma "Jet". A weapon given to Nyura by someone from the top management, maybe even from Fernand herself.

Nyura (towards Ishken):
- A gift from Fernand, by the way. I, too, like you... From the psi-squad. When I was 20, I dreamed of getting something like this. It would have been useful in battles with the Nargonians when they decided to encroach on us...

Ishken:
- This is the "Jet". Amazing firepower! Light, simple, convenient and deadly strong.

Nyura (smiles):
- Of course..... It took out the queen cockroach Ara-Ni in a matter of moments.... A precise shot to the head. Bedbugs, cockroaches... It kills everyone. When these beasts attacked our ship, and we were protecting the colonists then..... Wow... There was so much fire... It used up almost the entire supply. We sweated a lot then, but we drove the beasts away. Three years have passed, and I'm already retired. But everything remains in my memory.....

Ishken (remembers that he came on business):
- Are you ready to use it again?

Nyura (laughs):
- If necessary......

Ishken:
- Considering what we saw..... I don't know anymore. Anything is possible.

Ishken himself did not notice how his voice became serious. After all, he did not come to chat about the "good old days". Nyura, realizing this, poked the button on the remote control, and the cabinet doors quickly slammed shut, leaving the relic safe and sound as a keepsake for posterity.

Stage 3.

Ishken on the porch. While Sasha went to pick mushrooms, hoping to return with a "rich catch".
Derkh wasn't interested in mushrooms. He had to check on Nyura. And what would she say after seeing what Ishken would show her.

The Kolobchikhens had long been cooperating with the Coalition, namely with the Artandir Security Council. Sasha was a retired liaison. He received some information, but did not have "red access", which cannot be said about Anna Romashken, Nyura Kolobchikhen or Serge Nogdis.

After the appearance of mysterious reconnaissance drones in the Rovoam system and several strange and even frightening events, Captain Owen sent Ishken to Shatsk Prime to negotiate with Nyura. Especially since Derkh was known there and had not been seen for a long time. Nyura had information that was of great interest to both Owen and the Artandir Security Council. Perhaps she could give at least part of the answer to the riddle. And that was worth a lot.

Ishken stood there for half a minute, and then decided to call. Nyura was definitely inside the building. Being a psionic, he clearly felt it.

Ishken (loudly):
- Bab`Nyur! It's me!

Kolobchikhen was already well over 80. They said that her hearing was sometimes poor. But her "brain" worked at full capacity.

Not even a moment had passed before Nyura opened the door. She was dressed in her usual village clothes, and her head was wrapped in a white kerchief. Her age was already making itself felt, and she could not walk calmly without the help of a cane.

Ishken (loudly):
- Bab`Nur.....

Nyura (joyfully):
- Aaaaaah! Who came to visit us! I was peeling potatoes today.... And suddenly I heard a voice.... It seemed familiar.... I was wondering who it was, but it was he who......

Ishken (with the same joy):
- I really won't be long.....

Nyura:
- I just happen to have morning tea..... Come in.

Ishken:
- I have..... "red". I decided to say it right away so there wouldn't be any questions.

Nyura (shudders for a second, then smiles again):
- So, something serious.... Otherwise, you would have come to rest. And you, I see, are on assignment.

Ishken (nods):
- Yes..... On assignment. And I'm afraid it's very serious. Do you have the book?

Nyura:
- Come in, come in..... Where would it go.......

The old woman goes through the corridor into the depths of the house, to the kitchen. Her voice gradually fades away.

Nyura (from the kitchen):
- That I would miss the book... No way. Let Ara-ni, or the Khazar khans... Or the Nargon alamgirs come here. I will cherish it until my very death. Like the apple of my eye.

Stage 2.

The Averich spaceport is already behind us. The ship is under reliable protection. It will be refueled, cleaned and prepared for departure.
But this will not happen right away.

Ishken Derkh continues his journey on foot. He is on the territory of the settlement. He would like to stay here for a month, but now it is impossible. Only five hours, and not a minute more.

Many of the villagers are still asleep. Mostly, of course, these are visitors or those who were drunk in the evening and in the morning are still in the world of Dreams.

Only a few people are awake: those who can safely be called "locals". Someone needs to go to the garden, someone to the temple, someone went to pick mushrooms in the Grove, and someone to go fishing.

Older people usually always get up early: to find out the morning news, check the chicken coops and all sorts of livestock. And where would they be without morning prayer. Without it, you can't take a step here.

Along the way, Ishken managed to greet several villagers. But his main goal was the House of Nyura Kolobchikhen.
That's where he was heading.

Ishken (towards the visible red house):
- Pyatkin house.....

He looks towards the house, the walls of which are painted red. He remembers that it belongs to the famous Pyatka Family.

It is worth giving credit to Ivon Pyatka, who half a century before all these events fought on the side of Kraskovo against the Nargon Republic. At one time, Nargon threatened not only Kraskovo, but also Shatsk. However, in Shatsk they immediately said that "if the Nargon army appears, it will get the full treatment." And Ivon Pyatka himself became famous for the phrase - Whoever comes to us with a spear will fall from it.
Unfortunately, Ivon has long since died. But the memory of him remained among the villagers, as well as of the noblewoman from the House of Lida-Vasilna, who loved to gather on holidays and tell interesting stories. And her life was no worse than Pyatka's.

Passing by a small temple with blue paint, Ishken approached the cherished goal.
The house of Nyura Kolobchikhen towered before him. But the porch was empty. So, Nyura was somewhere in the garden or inside the house.
The Kolobchikhens usually did not stand out among the villagers. And this was their main feature. They lived quietly in the central part of the settlement, did not bother anyone and were friends with everyone. But their family was much more ancient than that of all who lived on Shatsk.
And Nyura herself in the past was an extremely interesting person with a very long life story.

Ishken (towards the house of Kolobchikhen):
- Why without security.... Times are hard.

A voice from somewhere on the left:
- I told her too, don't refuse.

Ishken turns around. He didn't even notice how Sasha was next to him. An elderly man in a simple white shirt and with a small basket.
Derkh also knew him well, as well as Nyura. He lived on the outskirts of the village, a little further from the Vyselik district.

Sasha (smiling):
- Nogdis offered a robot for every house. But Nyura, as always...

Ishken (joyfully):
- Glad to see you!

Sasha (nods):
- And I see you too! I remember you when you were so little, when you came with your grandfather. Ah... those were the days.

Ishken and Sasha hug and pat each other on the shoulders. Derkh hasn't seen the village and its inhabitants for too long. But it's good that none of them have forgotten him.

Sasha:
- I went to Yandova. They say there are so many mushrooms there now that you can take them out in trucks.

Ishken notices that Sasha's basket is empty. Someone would now say that it's a bad sign. But considering all the years that have passed, Derkh understood perfectly well that such superstitions are nothing more than fairy tales.

Ishken:
- I would go too. But there's no time. I need to go see someone here.

Sasha (nodding towards Kolobchikhen's house):
- Of course... I already understood everything right away.

Ishken:
- Is Bab'Nyura at least home now? Have you heard anything?

Sasha:
- Home... Who will evict her from here. She's always home.

Ishken (with some regret):
- I would like to talk some more. But I need to go to her already.

Sasha (with understanding):
- Look, be careful. She's become too strange lately... Although... Maybe it's all of us who have become strange. Especially after what we heard from Fernand.

[All ways turn to Shatsk-Prime]

All ways turn to Shatsk-Prime

(small scenario, after "Sol Invictus" story)

Stage 1.

Coalition holdings.
Shatsk star system.

A small dark blue starship is rapidly approaching a green agricultural planet. As it approaches the Nogdis Force security station, it slows down. It cannot fly any further without scanning.

Several inspection drones quickly fly out of the station, surround the starship, piercing it with scanning beams, and then return to the base at the same speed.

The shuttle pilot's name is Ishken Derkh. He is dressed in a uniform of the same color as his ship. The stripes and symbols of the Galactic Coalition are clearly visible. His gaze is calm, despite everything.

Ishken (towards the console):
- Ishken Derkh. Captain Owen's team. The Coalition psionic fleet.

The operator's voice from the console:
- Landing is authorized. Proceed to the Averich terminal. Escort recalled.

Ishken:
- Accepted.

For a moment he considers visiting Nogdis. But given the busy schedule of the Shatsk-Prime administrator, this is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Ishken's starship picks up speed again. The drones have left. His ship has been scanned. There is no threat. So, we can land. The main thing is to reach the terminal safe and sound.