A low chorus of humming and what could be mistaken for chanting resounded throughout the vast hall, darkly lit and grey. Several Ethereals, both Sisters and Matrons, were kneeling before a disk in a circle, which levitated a good two meters above them. it was unnaturally black, and seemed to be more of a void than an actual physical object, dark energy swirling disturbingly amongst its texture. The humming grew louder, as many thick appendages of darkness shaped like claws extended from it's center, and slowly reached for one of the Sisters. It did not resist as it was grabbed, and lifted towards the disk. It was pulled inside, and let out a short screech, which ended as abruptly as it had started. While horrifyingly painful, this was one of the few ways an Ethereal could truly die, and be Released, but only when She demanded it. The humming ceased, and all stood up, to be addressed by the Goddess.

The Disk spoke in their consciousness, and whispered in many voices, Her voice taking a tight grip on their minds, forcing them to listen:

[i]"Your sacrifice has pleased me greatly, and I offer you the knowledge you seek...
This world holds the first piece of My Being, and must be retrieved. Failure will anger Me greatly...
Smite the Humans found here in My name, and show them that I am to be feared and worshiped...
Their pathetic existence, like all these wretched species, offends Me, and all will be forced to kneel at My feet, and despair...
Now go forth, and spread the Gospel of Govra, Queen and Maker of the End..."[/i]

----

Two Ethereal Ships, shaped similarly to headless humanoid torsos and with many floating and orbiting panels, warped on the very edge of the mysterious planet's sphere of influence, and kept their energy signatures low, to lessen the chances of detection. It was believed Humans could be found here, as well as the Heart, and it was important to not alert them to their presence. If these creatures did indeed possess this Piece of Being, they may attempt to take it off world, and that would be unacceptable. So a small strike team was chosen, and three Matrons. each carrying six Sisters, left the ship, and began to descend towards the planet, attempting to mask their signatures. These scouts would retrieve the Piece, and when they returned, their mission would be complete.