[b]New Condia[/b]

It couldn't be possible. Out of nowhere, an entire fleet of the wretched creatures ships were encountered, firing an impressively large salvo at the Black Fleet. The forward ships were battered and smashed to pieces, as many units in the fleet jettisoned thousands of specialized Star Fighter Matrons to combat the stealth bombers, easy targets unable to out maneuver and take on the nimble assailants. Meanwhile, EM Cannons and hundreds of Void Warheads were fired in return, dissipating over the shield wall and weakening it over time, while the Cathedrals got into position. 

They linked together, and began to charge some unknown weapon, as the frigate-like ships began to disperse and move towards the planet and several cruisers converted to Conduits, buffering weapon and defense systems alike. This entire battle was unplanned, for the Scouts had been sure this world was in fact their home world. It was imperative that they gathered what they could here, while the fleet bought precious time. They were determined to retrieve the newly found Shard Guide, and continue their search. If only they had managed to procure the Heart, this fleet could be destroyed effortlessly...

----

[b]Uncharted world, Unknown Space[/b]

The surface was cracked and dry, lifeless for the most part, as the horizon flashed and a figure fell to the ground. She exhaled loudly, confused and winded, as she scanned the dead landscape and got to her feet, brushing herself off. The countryside was a sickly green, though the air was still breathable if horrendously stench filled, and there was absolutely nothing to suggest there was ever life here to begin with. 

"Sage, I though you said this place was inhabited. There's nothing here."

The orb floated up, and observed it's surroundings, thoroughly surprised and anxious. "Well, it appears that information was a little... Outdated. My apologies, Madam Tiy."

"Well, at least it looks clear, and the air is not toxic. As far as I know, anyway." She took a step forward, and lifted her foot, noticing a fair amount of resistance. She looked down, and noticed a thick scum of putrid green coated everything, the muck stuck to her boot and stretched from the ground, membranous and nauseating. "Ugh, what the hell is this stuff? Guess we have algae to keep us company, at least."