[center][h3][b][color=gray]The Isari Combine[/color][/b][/h3]
Stardate: 2900[/center]
[hr][hr]
[center][img]http://s01.riotpixels.net/data/fd/cc/fdcc8474-8423-485e-b530-aa8a9e3b6759.jpg.480p.jpg/artwork.endless-space.933x480.2012-11-02.53.jpg[/img][/center]

[b]Andoni
Valravn System[/b]

[color=lightgray]"May our ascendance into the stars be most bountiful, may it enlighten us to that which hides amongst the dark."[/color] The Isari, donned in full ceremonial robes intoned as his outstretched hands clutched a red candle over the lip of the platform upon which he stood. Below this thin platform spanned the capital city of Korthal, the jewel of Andoni with it's splendid and ornate spires and constructs of golds, greys and reds, some even matching or stretching further into the sky than the High Palace. The center of Isari governance from where the Hierarch now stood.   

The flame held between his claws flickered in the high winds several thousand feet above the ground but would never extinguish. 
[color=lightgray]"To find prosperity, to kindle a flame of civilization amidst the darkness which shall stand the test of time. Do we so offer ourselves to the expanse of space."[/color] The Isari continued as he placed the eternal candle upon the plinth of the altar before him. A red-stone block inset with a bright candle sat upon a plinth of grey stone adorned in streams of red parchment which fluttered in the wayward winds. Each parchment detailed a deed of the Isari people, ranging from the tribal wars which raked the planet centuries prior to the forming of the combine. An entire nation's history adorned the floating altar as it lay suspended by three small propulsion thrusters which hummed tirelessly as they spat out their yellow flame to keep afloat. 

The sounds of armoured feet against metal told the Hierarch whom kept his gaze to the altar, that a messenger had arrived bearing news he already knew. The Isari turned his gaze instead to the skies where a long and slender ship awaited, it's slender and eloquent hull made the ship a spectacle to behold. The great golden face of a Rishok, a large predatory bird native to Andoni adorned the vessel's fore with a large protruding beak. 

"Hierarch Taldaris. The Pilgrim is ready, all is working optimally and the crews and surveyors remain optimistic." A voice warbled through the respirator helm of an Isari in full battle-dress.  

[color=lightgray]"Then let us ascend to the realm above."[/color] The clear voice of the Hierarch returned. 

There would be no grand announcement, no large telescreen from which to view the spectacle or grand speech. Though all on the planet knew of the importance of this day, they instead looked to the heavens where hundreds of floating lanterns lit the sunset sky. Far above, the [i]The Pilgrim[/i] left a streak of fire across the skies as it blinked from orbit. 

The Isari Combine had begun their climb to the stars.