[center]Undetermined location[/center] [hr] The air was heavy, the history of the place forever affecting the environment in many ways overt and subtle. Despite no light illuminating the path, the lone Serekin crept along as if he walked the path many times before. But he couldn’t have, he has no memory of this place, it’s decrepit passages has long since been without care. Still, an unseen force guides him safely through the many twists and turns. Finally, the long silence is broken by the gentle hum of electricity. The light ahead blinding the Serekin as his eyes adjusted to the room and its contents. Slowly, the blinding white was replaced by intricate patterns along the walls surrounding the occasional inscription. Aside from the walls, the only other notable feature was a dark obelisk. The air around it was distorted as if it was trying to devour the light. The Serekin was pleased, his journey was over. Reaching into a pouch slung around his tail, he pulled a small vial filled with a red powder. Dumping the contents onto his hand, he blew the powder onto the obelisk and let it settle a moment. Shortly after the hum of the electricity faded as the lights dimmed to black, and was replaced by the vibrations of the obelisk now activated… [hr] [center]Karbana Kinnis | House of Deliberation [/center] “We have it’s next location, and Hathax has already sent a taskforce.” The Serekin announced, his robes featuring an intricate design and along with the markings on his body labeled him as the head priest of N’Yagoth. “With the Sere’Nae activated, thanks to Trel’Niss, the Forsaken will be pacified long enough for another exploratory expedition. Hopefully, and if N’Yagoth wills it, we might even reclaim some of our past. The mission should be a quick and easy one so I assigned a rookie crew, they should get some valuable experience out of it and we will know in about a week or so.” The second Serekin spoke, his scales as black as night. Though he was void of as fancy garb as Trel’Niss, the markings on his body denoted him as Hathax. “Secondly, we have also intercepted another transmission from those xenos. ‘Humans’ I think they call themselves. I have not quite deciphered their language but I do know that it is seems to be a speech about their government, though the speaker’s diction seemed to muddle at the end. In addition, Human fleets were detected mobilizing in a different section of the galaxy. It is unclear as to the nature of this and the Vera’Shan will continue to learn as much as we can without betraying our secrecy, but we may be nearing a time when we might need to be more active.” “If anything is to happen, I’d prefer to hit first. Bite someone hard enough and they’ll wince the next time you bare your fangs.” Spoke another Serekin, who’s size can only be claimed by Tyoss. “Slow down there Tyoss, and let my wisdom make up for that which you lack. We do not have any indication we should be threatened by those creatures. It is much better to wait and see than to create a problem where one did not exist.” Tyoss hissed her displeasure, though she was displeased so often the room was unfazed. “And what if they do threaten us? Will you shed your blood for our species or cower in the caves? I doubt your glands even remember how to produce venom.” “You question what I would sacrifice? You don’t EVEN KNOW WHAT…” “QUIT YOUR BICKERING“hissed a fourth Serekin. “You both are acting like hatchlings. Maybe we should be concerned, maybe we should not. We DEFINITELY SHOULD NOT be dividing ourselves.” The other Serekin quieted down, out of respect for this speaker. “I am with Trel’Niss and Hathax, we should let caution shield us. Though I feel we should let preparation be our spear.” Slithering from the darkness came a mechanical serpent, with markings ascribing it to the secretive Sithax who must be interacting through one of his avatars as he often does. “I propose we expand our observation to their culture, their way of life. Considering how much of the galaxy they occupy, I feel there will be distinct differences from one place to another and I very much doubt that they are cohesive. I reckon that they are about to start a war among themselves. I also propose we abduct some humans, I’d very much like to see how their biology reacts to my toxins, maybe develop some new ones custom tailored to them. The Yuklas could sneakily procure me some experiments, the Vara’Shen can supervise and make sure they do not get into the trouble they tend to get in, and I’m sure Trel’Niss would appreciate the Yuklas and Vara’Shen engaging in as important tradition as a Tharanak” The room briefly plunged into silence, the others considering the proposal. It was Hathax who spoke first. “It may indeed be time to prepare. I can step up our surveillance efforts without any issue, though I am not so keen on taking more direct action. I will need to discuss the feasibility of it with my clan. It is imperative that secrecy remains our shield, any attention drawn to us will make our interstellar operations more difficult, we stand no chance against the xenos fleets head to head.” “The time for action may come soon, but that time is not now. I will seek wisdom from N’Yagoth, I am sure we have his favor for the trials to come. Hathax, I agree we should increase our observations of the xenos. Tyoss, awaken a few infiltrators, we may need the service of the Hera’Yiss once again. If the xenos war with each other, this may prove an excellent opportunity for us. With that, I believe we are done here.” The four serekin departed the room, each returning to their respective quarters. Tyoss was disappointed at the continued inaction. When one was raised for war since hatching, it is uncomfortable to be at peace. Still, she knows foolhardiness is a terrible trait, acting alone is a terrible idea. Hathax is anxious. Though surveillance should not cause trouble, he worries that he might find the opportunity for more direct action. Doing something so bold as abducting some humans would be risking discovery, and likely hostility. Something he does not want to deal with. Trel’Niss is unsure of what should be done. In his dreams however, he hopes N’Yagoth will bless him with a vision to guide the S’Hraa Ciss. Sithax, probably the most sly of the four, is making gains. He implanted the idea, now he just needs to reinforce it. Tyoss is antsy for action, she will be no problem to turn. Trel’Niss will need some tie to N’Yagoth to convince. Perhaps he can suggest that a more…exotic sacrifice might please N’Yagoth, it has been some time since they did that after all. Hithax will be the hardest to convince, but the respect he has earned will make it easier. With this meeting, he is closer to completing his life’s work, his magnum opus.