[center][h2][color=yellow]The Dominion Of Man[/color][/h2][/center] [img]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/T1jR4E0Fm9M/maxresdefault.jpg[/img] Earth, Aboard the Maledict. Faust sat comfortably in the bowels of his command ship. Around him was a small army of guards, officers and crewmen. It was a place where he was seemingly untouchable. Below his very feet was a war for the future of mankind. A war that he had long waited for. Now that he was there, it almost unreal. He was finally there but he felt empty, like it was too easy. It was true that the campaign for earth was coming to a close. Over half of this world belonged to the dominion at this point. "Admiral, I am taking a walk." Faust said. "Is your seat uncomfortable?" The admiral replied. "No, I just need a walk. It's been a long day." Faust proclaimed as he rose from the seat. He was quick to exit the room and proceeded to do a few light stretches before strolling from the bridge. Faust would stop from room to room, examining all of the operations centers, weapon controls, and even the various backup consoles for the other various systems. It was a complex machine built solely for war. Something he was very proud and fond of. But he still felt uneasy, something just felt off. "Faust." A shadowy voice said. He placed his hand on a small pistol's grip and spun around but nothing was there. "The hell?" he said to himself. As he turned forward, a figure had appeared and with a motion, Faust's pistol disintegrated. "You." Faust said with a scowl. "Faust, I have come to inform you of an event occurring in the Imperium, seemingly coinciding with the failure in Musashi." the shadowy figure announced. "Yes, I've heard of the 'great' betrayal. And the situation unfolding on the surface with the rightful empress of Musashi." Faust replied. The figure sharpened his gaze upon Faust, "You must not allow her safety among your people. She must be kept away and sent back to Musashi." "And why do you care?" he said quickly. "There are things in motion that cannot be stopped." the figure replied. A devilish grin drew across the figures lips, "The events to unfold soon requires skill and haste, something of which you are quite capable. You must invade the Imperium before it grows stronger. I have already spoken to Bragga and he has agreed to strike as well." "You consort with the horde? what happens when we achieve victory? they then turn on me and slaughter trillions?" The Figure tossed a small holographic emitter to Faust. With little examining he activated it, showing a sphere with two long spindles at each end. "What is this?" "An insurance policy. This weapon can distort reality at any location you provide. Creating a singularity at any victim of your choosing." the figure said, still grinning. "This..." Faust replied as he deactivated the emitter and placed it in a pocket. "What exactly do you gain from this?" "Do not concern yourself with my affairs, Faust. You merely need to accept the tools I have given you. Have the items provided in the past not helped you achieve your goals?" The figure said. Faust gave a slight nod, "You are right." "Indeed I am. Have faith in what I do for you, Faust." The figure turned and slowly moved through the hallway, and from beyond Faust's ears, "Some are so easy to control." he whispered before vanishing in a black cloud. Faust pulled the emitter from his pocket and activated it once more. As Faust stared at the image, he activated the comms to the bridge, "Admiral, I want the Princess secured and James Conrad recalled immediately. Also, Send word to Morinth. Operation Trinity begins." [center][h2][color=lightgreen]Unbound by Man[/color][/h2][/center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/NnV0BJC.png[/img] On a strange uncharted world untainted by the monster that is industry, played host to a small flickering fire. Surrounded by six creatures that were silent. This silence was broken as a large Sankar strode from a nearby wooden hut. Its heavy scales were ornate with tattoos. Its heavy steps placed large prints in the grass and mud before sitting gracefully among the six. "Welcome to you, Bragga." A tisk tisky said. "I dreamt of the shadowed man." Bragga said grimly. "He say the words once more?" The Tisk said. "Yes. He says the humans will make war upon us once more." "Then we fight and kill them first." was the words of an Archan. Bragga shifted in place before leaning towards the fire. "They will all die." The group nodded in agreement as Bragga spoke once more. "There is no honor in what they do. making their will ours." He said, grasping a long metal spear. It's ornate handle was capped with a long golden blade. "I will cut their hearts out. Make them see it beat before they die." As they sat around the fire, the nights sky was not lit by stars, but by the lights of a thousand ships. - Far from the peaceful worlds in the core of horde space, the border facilities of the Imperium sat vigilant. Their guns forever trained on the void that housed a trillion warriors, drooling and hissing for their next meal, the realm of mankind. It was true that the horde had been actively engaging the Imperials for centuries now, raiding border worlds before either fleeing or being destroyed from the mighty remnant fleets. The centuries of raids had given the horde a reputation for being a force unable to stand up to humanity, or any nation for that matter. A sort of militia against the standing armies. How untrue this was, ships bigger than the biggest dreadnoughts drifted quietly, housing legions of bloodthirsty troops. Other ships, built solely for the destruction of fleets escorted them. Contrary to popular belief, the horde did possess advanced technologies stolen from other races in the past. And with these technologies did they stay relevant and feared. This powerful force would be put to the test in the coming storm.. one that a shadowed figure lorded over with devious intent. - On the borders of the other nations, Horde ships could be seen quickly running scans of border patrols before fading back into the clouds of dust and sheer darkness of what is known as barbarian space. Nothing of this magnitude has been seen, where a military power that dwarfed all others combined through sheer numbers was prepared to unleash a flood of death and destruction on the free peoples of the galaxy. [center][h2][color=skyblue]The Core Imperium[/color][/h2][/center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Df5MSIn.jpg?1[/img] It was absolute chaos, many were reporting on the situation that would forever shape the future, "It has been confirmed, the event will be taking place tomorrow at Hanhe' palace." "No one can give specifics as authorities are refusing to comment." "How has it come to this?" "Many suspicions have been placed among different groups, including nations." "The riots in the streets are growing, as is active supporters." "Military blockades have been placed among the Musashi border, finally halting the refugee routes." A woman in heels, carrying an umbrella in one hand and a mic in the other slowly spoke in a sad tone. "It is confirmed, we must reluctantly report.. Generalissimo and Regent, Lawrence Tos Aktsar-Remavir, has passed away early this morning." - Uther's eyes were wide with anticipation, his long time friend Lawrence was dead and he stood before an amassing crowd. Most were cheering for him but towards the back, the protesters of this revelation were tearing at the gates, only paused by obvious gunpoint of Imperial soldiers. He had looked over the pact that he was forced to see through, that should either party pass, by any means.. The other shall assume control of both nations, until a proper heir was announced. The two men had long believed that it would take the death of one to unite the once glorious nation. It was close to that by now anyway with various corporations and even shared military assets. At the Second Imperium's Capitol, A podium was the only thing between him and the crowd, a massive gathering in the face of their government building's courtyard. Only by rolling an ancient copper coin on his knuckles, did calm his nerves. With a deep breath he lowered his head and gently motioned for people to sit. As the crowed obeyed, even including the protesters, he cleared his throat and took one last sip from a small water cup. "I am here to publicly announce that my close friend, Lawrence Tos Aktsar-Remavir, is in fact not among us any more. His memory is that of adversity and triumph. Many had thought him a conqueror which his military distinction proves, however his biggest act of war was the conquering of fear itself. Before he was appointed by popular vote, the second Imperium was in shambles. Fear ran amok in the shadow of the Horde and the other powers that gazed hungrily upon them. People ran in fear at the very mention of barbarian movement. Then Lawrence had arrived to quell those fears and with a swift and decisive hand, gathered the meager forces he had and crushed the hordes that were pillaging the lands. After doing so, he did his best to sway other nations, including my own into his growing web of alliances. I long admired him for his ability to bring resolve to any situation presented. His faith in the cause of a new, tolerant Imperium should be evident has he himself was not of man kind. Did it matter though? No, It did not. There was never a moment in my mind that he was not fit for that position and it is with great respect for your people that you agreed. But these trying times forced us all into pacts and parlays. And I reluctantly must announce the pact that he and I made long ago. One that is designed solely to protect the people of this new dawn. I am to assume the control of both nations until a new heir is appointed." [i]A massive gasp roared across the crowd, with some shouting words of heresy and lies. He motioned for them to silence once more.[/i] "I know it is a lot to take in and this physical document will be made public, for all to see. But to the matter at hand. We must remain strong and not let this seemingly outlandish announcement shatter our resolve. Will you be seen as cowards and deserters of your nations true identity? But what is your identity? Lawrence believed in a unified Imperium, one he had spoke of many times publicly." [i]At this point, crowds were starting to become swayed by Uther's words, remembering the many times he had spoke of joining with the Core Imperium for all reasons, but mainly survival.[/i] "To continue our independence in these trying times... We are faced with threats from all sides, be it horde invaders and extremists who would do everything in their power to see us destroyed, or the powers that attempt to shift their culture and beliefs onto our people, subverting their freedom to a sick and twisted religion. These times call for friendship and mutual respect, these times call for a unity not seen since the Imperium centuries ago but unlike them we will not build our empire on fear but with boundless devotion to our common cause." [i]A deep breath and resolve threw Uther into a thunderous tone and it flowed from him, captivating the masses before him. Many had stood up and were now letting our cheers at the ideals Uther had spoke of.[/i] "This bright new future is only attained by the efforts of each individual. Only by submitting to the belief of a solidified and powerful force that can defend the rights of every man woman and child, can we thrive in safety and security." So I say this, Let no man conspire against another, let no man fail to protect his neighbor, have faith in the forces that we have entrusted our lives with. Believe in yourself, Believe in us." "For we shall prevail."