[h1][center]Orbiting Kasius[/center][/h1]
To say that the Musashi were on the brink of invasion and annihilation was to be the understatement of the century. The Honored Resurgance Forces were duty bound to smite all those who would oppose their doctrine of a galaxy free of oppression. But for those who would lie to their faces? There would be no mercy. In fact, the Hexanagallions would bleed them slow. Warmaster Daixanos however, would see to it that there was no misconception or mistake if he was to report to his Warlord that the Musashi Empire had indeed allied with the hated Dominion. It mattered little that they were fighting against the 2nd Imperium. That nation was going to fall before the Honored might of the Hexanagallion's eventually in any case. 

Behind Dax, the holoscreen was airing the feed of the Musashi Princess giving her speech on the war that is now commencing in the center of Human space. "What do human's know of honor?" General Frothmaw asked. The Hexanagallion was noted among his peers as being even more muscled and hulking than the rest of his large, saurian race. 
"She speaks some truth." one General, the one named Kralskarn, dared say. "About honor. It wasn't our warrior nature, but the Imperium's dishonor that brought about our wrath upon the Galaxy." 

"If they had Honor, they would not be allied with Slavers." Frothmaw said. Kralskarn let out a low growl. "That is not what I said." 
The tension broke as the elevator to the meeting room opened up, revealing Battle Commander Krux. It was not only his armor that was crimson colored now. He stomped into the room, still freshly covered in the gore of the previous battle, looking none the worse for wear and even more fiercesome than usual. 

"Still alive, I see." Daixanos said, the tall Silver Clad Warmaster regarding his chief commander of combat. "Not for the Collective's lack of trying, I assure you." Krux replied. "We have spoken with the rebels. They have agreed to help us in our fight against the machines." Dax said. "Here I had thought we were helping them." Krux growled. Daixanos nodded the point. "The situation has gotten more complicated." the Warmaster said, drawing the gaze of his old friend. 

"The Musashi that I had...negotiated with, seemed to have thrown their lot in with the Dominion. Our laws would demand an immediate crusade, if this were to reach Warlord Jex. And it shall, in time. Not only that, but our scouts report the Agonis Collective is being decimated on two fronts. Not only by us, but by a Totalitatian human nation. It seems we will meet in the middle." Krux merely snorted. "How is this more complicated, Warmaster?" he asked. "We finish the Collective presence off here and hit this...Totalist nation while they are pre-occupied. Then we will attack Musashi from the flank and carve our way to our distant Homeworld. The Human nations are picking each other apart-"  

"Yes..." Daixanos said. "They do seem to be doing our work for us." 

"And we have yet to show our full strength." Krux continued. Dax let out a deep, rumbling chuckle. "Ever the fighter, and while the situation might be more complicated, I do not necessarily think that might be something detrimental to us. Only time and well planned maneuvers will tell. Remember, Battle Commander. I do not question our strength against any foe, nor any two foes. But if we are to take this galaxy, even at our full strength, strategy will win us the day. Not brute force." 

"Merely aim me, and I will rend and tear...I will blast and punch through." The Crimson Hexanagallion stated loyally. 

"As will we all." Daixanos stated, then turned around and spoke loudly. "Patch me through to the Musashi nation. Let them know I wish to speak with Shoichi. Tell them it is a matter of urgency. Delay if they dare."
[hr] 
[h1][center]Xeno-Barbarian Space[/center][/h1] 

"Perhaps they push further into the center of human space to escape from our wrath?" Battle Commander Rakt said with a throaty, growling laugh. The aggressive Warmaster Gatar was a tad crestfallen, if he was to be honest. He would have liked to have faced this Barbarian leader in single combat. He had hoped to decimate them with a tactical maneuver that would have given his blood father something to be proud of. But, when the Divine gives you an opportunity, you take it. The two Hexanagallions stood within the newly furnished headquarters of the 3rd planet in the system. The hottest one, and the most habitable for the HRF forces to be stationed upon.

"It matters little." Gatar said, and his generals halted in their multiplies growls and discussions, standing tall to hear what their leader would say. Warmaster Gatar was not one to give lengthy tirades on what he would or would not do. He simply preferred to attack and kill. To perform what it was he intended to do. And he would. 

"Brethren! It does not matter why the Barbarians have pushed away from us. Soon they will come to realize that turning their back on the Honored Resurgance Forces will be the most terrible, and last mistake they ever make in this galaxy. Mobilize the fleet. In 3 days time, we launch a full scale assault on all Xeno-Barbarian systems in our way." 

The announcement brought howls of excitement by the generals, who had just been waiting to hear such a proclamation. A small amount of the fleet would stay behind to ensure their flank and newly acquired systems were secured. With their new ARK guns and lesser cannons in place, there was little need for a massive presence within these systems. There would be no dawn for the Barbarians.