Filthy Xenos Adventures in Space

Aten stands shocked, terrified by the monstrous memories he has unlocked. With a momentous burst of will he controls his terrors.

"Greetings. Due to the Lord Phaeron's absence, we request a meeting with Overlord Vitola. We have traveled long to meet with her." Aten keeps his voice steady, speaking in the most refined Necron. He hides behind his formality, but those close to him would recognize a tremor in his voice, belied by the perfect stillness of his necrodermis body.

"The Overlord is very busy with other matters. I'm afraid that it will be quite some time until you are able to gain an audience. You will be alerted when Overlord Vitola has the time and feels considerate enough to give you presence.' Zandrik responds

"Very well. I hope our message is relayed to her promptly. I would hate to think that you would delay in delivering our message due to our past differences."

"Lets hope so Lord Aten-nefru" he replies before the vid screen goes black

"'Aten? Aten! Can you breath? I'm trained in many forms of respiratory re-invigoration. Uhh, what's wrong with you, aren't you happy to be coming home?'"

"I am unable to breath. I do not require breath. Do not worry about me, Captain. I was simply walking through my memories. It takes quite awhile to look through 65 million years of history."

"'I'd imagine so! If you need to take a rest, do as you please. However, if you know anything about Overloard Vitola, it would be good to hear before I talk further with Zandrik.'"

"Overlord Vitola was the leader of the Nefru dynasty in the early stages of the War in Heaven. Her actions were often premature, and we lost many good Necrontyr in her offensives. It seemed she has now risen to prominence under the Lord Phaeron Trazyn. Now, if you will excuse, I have some personal matters to attend to."

Aten rushes off, hurrying to write down the retrieved memories while they are still fresh. Although he is unable to cry, one could almost swear a drop of oil leaked out his eye as he wrote of the murder of his family at Vitola's hands. Once he has recorded the ancient tragedy, he sends messages to his old compatriots:

"Greetings! It has been too long since we last spoke. I am glad to announce that we have returned, but saddened to learn that the Lord Phaeron Trazyn was not available for a meeting. I spoke with Overlord Zandric (the one who lost his arm, leaving him one-armed) but he brushed me off with only a thin veneer of politeness. I hope one of you might be able to ensure that Overlord Vitola is made cognizant of our prescence, and of our desire for a meeting. If I have any free time once we land on Solemnance, I would meet with you all and discuss my journey. I have embarked upon a grand endeavour; I seek to record the entirety of the War in Heaven in one tome. When we speak I shall show you the first volume [Aten means the book he wrote for Borges] but that is only a taste of what is yet to come. I would speak with you all, to see what you recall of those dark times, so that my book might be more complete."

As you are in your quarters writing up your memories and sending your message you hear a knock at your door Aten. When you answer you are extremely surprised to see Cryptek Dringiil standing in front of you leaning on his staff. Before you can get over your surprise the Cryptek says "Greetings Aten, I see you made it exactly when i predicted."

"Cryptek Dringiil! I was just about to send you a message informing you of my arrival. How foolish of me. It has been too long since we last spoke. Tell me, how are things proceeding in the awakening of the Necron Empire. Two years is a short time for us, but these organic races seem to move so quickly; who knows what mischief they have carried out in this time."

"Things are exceptional Aten. Rambunctious races ever are insofar ungrateful. Someday they'll truly understand the ramifications of every little action they chose to do. However, what expanses of resplendent nature you have seen I'm sure." The aged Cryptek says in a strange fashion. Perhaps the dividers strange arts are finally driving him mad.

Tristan looks confused. "Wait, how did a Cryptek get on the ship? Is Firsa still hailing Zandrik?"

"Unfortunately we were forced to travel in the foul and corrupting Warp, extending our travel immeasurably. I cannot express how glad I am to finally be back among the only real civilized race."  

Aten begins to speak, then halts.  "Of course, I am sure you already know of why we have returned.  I wonder if I might have your support in seeking more crew.  It would surely aid in our Lord Trazyn's desire, and increase the power of our Nefru dynasty.  It is unbecoming for one of our lords to have so few under his command.  But enough of business!  Let us find somewhere more comfortable, that I might pick your brain for your memories of the War in Heaven.  I have started quite a book you know..."  

Aten leads Dringiil to his cold room, chattering on about his last remaining love the whole way.  If Cryptek Dringiil tries to speak however, Aten simply continues talking, making clear with body language that he is trying to keep their conversation light until they reach the safety of his cold room.

As you move through the halls and continue your chatter Firsa picks up on the chatter in a nearby hallway and hears Aten reference someone named Cryptek Dringiil. He appears to be going on and on about the adventures on the station and other "fun" times. The strangest thing is that it sounds like he's talking to someone about it.

"Can Firsa see anyone who Aten might be talking to?"

You peak around the corner to where you hear Aten. You see a stooped over figure clutching onto a brilliant looking staff with both hands and a blue cloak that shimmers unnaturally about him. He's obviously a Necron

"Ah, Captain Firsa! Let me introduce Cryptek Dringiil. I have known him for many thousands of years. Let us all go into my private quarters to continue this conversation in private."

"Firsa eyes dart around in confusion, as if looking for an open hatch this Cryptek could have snuck in through. After a moment, she remembers her manners and addresses Dingiil.

'I am Firsa Illunivar, Captain of Tanurom, the star-lit spirit dragon, and daughter of Maelan Illunivar, whose father is Athanwe Illunivar, Scourger of Serator Prime and Bane of Rogue Traders. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.'"

The Cryptek waves his hand dismissingly and says "I know everything about you already Captain. You have a curious future ahead of you but I'm afraid I have buisiness with Aten-Nefru here. You'll have to excuse us."

"Firsa copies the dismissive hand gesture as best she can. 'Then you should know I've lived with an Eldar seer for over half a century so I'm quite aware my future is rather less than boring. I do believe Aten invited both of us to his quarters. If you don't mind, I'd like to accept that invitation. I'd also like to know how a Cryptek is on board my vessel which has just come out of the warp.'"

Aten is shocked by Firsa's rudeness. "Firsa, this is Cryptek Dringiil, one of the most ancient Crypteks of my dynasty. If he says he had private business with me, then we will not be bothered by one of the young races. I'm sure we can all meet together once the Cryptek and I have finished our discussions."

"'And this is Tanurom, a ship so ancient its once full and nigh immortal crew has been whittled down to little more than a collection of non-living souls. Perhaps it's different in Necron culture, but the Eldar don't take kindly to trespassing. Now, I'm happy to make you feel at home Cryptek Dringiil, but I would ask that this is the last time your or any of your subjects venture aboard my ship unannounced and without my permission.'"

The Cryptek removes one of his hands from his staff and scratches his chin "I can see the Eldar haven't changed since I last saw them. Of course my opinions may be biased as most that I have had dealing with were on one of my examination tables. Hmmm." He think to himself for a couple of awkward moments before speaking again.

"Anyway. I'm afraid that my business doesn't pertain to you Captain. A social call to a fellow Necron is hardly the place for an Eldar to be. I'd hate for Solemnances "guests" to be offended by our conversation and your inability to understand our language."

Embarrassed by the confrontation, Aten hurries his friend towards the cold room, hoping to continue their conversation, and burning with curiosity over why Dringiil is being so circumspect.

"'Hmph!' Firsa turns around and flips her hair back towards Dringiil. She struts angrily towards the bridge. Seeing it empty as usual in her massive shell of a ship, she takes a slow calming breath.

Suddenly, she draws her sword and points it at one of the displays. 'Avast Captain Yardelgoggle! You think you have bested me and my crew?! You will rue the day you underestimated Captain Firsa of the Tanurom!'

'Gunner Sipplediddle, has the nova cannon finished charging?'

'Ready to fire on your order madame capitan.'

While Firsa does crazy things on the bridge Aten hurridly takes the Cryptek too his cold room. Upon seeing your... um... samples the Cryptek looks over to you and says "If I didn't know any better I'd say you were infected with the flayer virus. Luckily for you I know fully well you're not."

"As you can see I have not begun stitching this organic matter onto my necrodermis form. These humans and Eldar are so feeble. I have been studying these bodies to practice their repair. It would not do for the Captain of this vessel to cease function before we have carried out the Lord Phaeron's wishes."

Aten then becomes more serious. "Now, Dringiil, why is it you have come? What threat do we face? This room should be a safe place to speak."

The Crypteks tone becomes extremely solemn as he speaks "I'm afraid that there is a matter most dire I must warn you of. In the years you were gone I have been divining the future from the stars and have uncovered a very real threat. Treachery will soon strike Lord Trazyn's houses and t could very well split his reign asunder if not his life"

He walks over to one of the bodies and begins examining the wounds "I am telling you this, Aten, because I know you are not loyal to the dynasty. You may put on the airs as well as any other but I know your loyalty to Overlord Vitolla and subsequently Phaeorn Trazyn are nonexistent. It is because of this that I felt it best to tell you of the future I have seen. There are many diverging paths and I'm afraid I haven't pieced the whole picture together yet, but, if you are willing to take this burden up I will tell you. If you refuse, i will wipe your memory clean of our meeting here and you will be free of its burden." He stares at you awaiting an answer, hands clutching his staff.

"I am loyal to the Nefru Dynasty, Dringiil," Aten spits out, angered that the Cryptek would suggest such a thing. "I do not swear allegiance to the monsters who have userped it. Vitolla murdered my family, mocking me as they were slaughtered and I was forced into the bio-furnaces. My soul was torn from my body to her harsh words. The other lords stood with her, cowards that they are, knowing that to take one step out of line was to risk the same fate as me. If we had only stood up then, together, we could have removed Vitolla the Black Hearted from power. Millions of years have not quelled my wrath.

"And as for Lord Trazyn, how could anyone support such scum of a Necrontyr? How can you see him and not burn in rage when you remember how he blackmailed our Tomb, holding his resurrection protocols for himself and leaving us to suffer until he had stolen our greatest treasure?

"In my recent travels I have learned quite a bit about these new humans. They have a saying, 'Revenge is a dish best served cold.' Well, my friend Dringiil," Aten says as ice crystals form on his body. "It looks like it's time to turn down the heat."

Lae'orenar is overacting this speech as if it is her last chance. She loves the drama.

"Loyalty to a dead dynasty is a fools errand Aten. Trazyn took his toll as is laid out in the most ancient of our laws and as such is his right. To hate him for it is treason, and treason is met with the harshest of punishments. If you seek revenge against Vitolla then you will only become once more engrossed in dynasty politics and you will lose all the freedom you have now earned."

"And what do you propose instead, Dringiil? I am not about to send myself onto a suicide mission against Trazyn or Vitolla. But I will always remember what they did to reduce the Nefru to our current powerlessness. If the Necrons refrained from fighting amongst each other and joined ranks, we could restore our galactic empire within centuries."

"Such a thing would require the Silent King himself to return to his throne. Alas no Necron has heard from him since the beginning of the Great Sleep. All I ask is that you choose whether you listen to the details of the future I have found or whether you would prefer to live in ignorance. You must choose quickly for I am running out of time here."

Aten stands stock still for over a minute, his cogitators clicking and whirring. Finally he sighs (as much as it is possible for a Necron to sigh) and says, "Tell me of this future, Dringiil. Ignorance may be bliss, but I lost my happiness long ago."

"Then hold still while I show you." the Cryptek walks over to you and places his fingers in specific locations on your necrodermis skull. Sparks of electricity begin arching from his staff into the tips of his fingers and suddenly your vision goes completely white. Eventually an image comes into focus and you find yourself standing on nothing, but floating above a burning world. About this planet fly dozens of vessels: Necron, Eldar, Ork, Human, and a couple other types you're not familiar with. A battle of colossal and epic proportions wages above the skies of this world, on the ground below, and all the while stray shots from the vessels blast the planet apart causing massive fluxes in the tectonic forces. You do not recognize this planet and you fear that even if you were to find it you wouldn't be able to recognize it; such is the devastation and carnage being waged.

Again your vision turns white and you soon find yourself standing in front of an collosal chamber. The entirety of the chamber is pitch black but somehow you are able to make out details. At the end of this chamber stands an ornate door that stands full seventy meters tall covered in arcane scientific runes. Suddenly the door swings open and from the shadows beyond begin to flow forward shadowy tendrils. Suddenly and enormous clawed foot strikes against the ground but makes no sound. A figure emerges from the door but the proportions are difficult for you to make out and your vision is overwhelmed by six separate pairs of glowing red eyes that stare right through you. A terrifying voice speaks that even you are fearful of "I am Domination, I am Desecration, I... am... Deliphias..."

Suddenly your visions change and you find yourself standing upon a violently churning world. The solid ground moves as though it were liquid and you can see off in the distance the shadowy figure and again it's six red eyes dominate your vision. You can just make out striding in front of it towards what you think is an army of some variable composition rank and files of Necron warriors and striding on a catacomb command barge you can see a figure decorated in black crystals. In the figures hand is raised an object you remember seeing only once before, the Nefru dynasties staff currently in possession of Trazyn but this figure is obviously not him.

Suddenly and violently you awaken to find yourself collapsed onto the floor of the cold room. You take a moment to regain your footing and find the Cryptek is once again gripping his staff with both hands and is simply looking at you as if awaiting a response.

Aten is in awe of Dringiil, and the visions he has provided. "Is that how you see the world, Dringiil? How can you stand to see such devastation. After the War in Heaven, I hoped to never see such scenes again. This is the future that shall come to Trazyn and the Necrons? What do you know of this Deliphias? We should keep this information secret; the Lord Phaeron will suspect we are using it as a pretext to foment rebellion."

"Perhaps someday you'll understand the nature of my divination but for now that is a secret I will keep. I know nothing of this Deliphias but I am endeavoring to find out. This information is only known by a few and you have taken up a cause of the most important nature just by knowing what you know."

The Cryptek begins walking to the door of the col room "I'm afraid I must take my leave. I have been gone for too long and must return lest suspicions mount too early. Watch your back, Aten, for no one else will watch it for you." With that he steps through the door. When you attempt to follow behind him and ask more questions you find he has left without a trace.

Aten stands still and collects his thoughts. He is frustrated that Dringiil completely ignored all of his questions and requests for help in meeting Vitolla, but he understands this danger may take precedence. He goes to find the Captain and tries to repair the damage wrought by Dringiil's pride, and Firsa's insolence.

"'Systems at 20% Madame-Capitan! There's no way we're coming out of this one in one piece!'

'Then it's time to pull out our ace in the hole. Initiate operation--Aten!?' Firsa, having been poised with unwavering focus atop one of the many consoles in the bridge startles several feet into the air like a surprised kitten as Aten barges in.

'By the grace of a thousand stars, how many times do I have to tell you people to give me five damn minutes of damn notice? Damn!'"

"My apologies, Captain. I wished to inform you of Cryptek Dringiil's departure. I am saddened you two found each other unpleasant. He is one of my oldest friends, and I hope he has not offended you unnecessarily."

"Firsa exhales in frustration, blowing a few loose strands of hair away from her eyes. 'Ah, yes, Dringiil was it? I'm sure if he hadn't been trespassing on practically sacred ground, I would have been more partial to him. He's probably a fine fellow if he's a good friend of yours. Believe it or not, I've been known to give people second chances. Anyways, was there anything from that conversation you can tell your fair captain? If not, let us be on our way to Solemnance.'"

"It was simply a pleasure call. We may proceed to Solemnance, although I am uncertain as to whether One-Armed Zandric passed along our request for an audience to Overlord Vitola."

And off you go, down to the planet of Solemnance and you soon find yourselves walking the halls of the tomb. Every Necron lord who you see stares at Firsa and her honor guard but many others give a greetings and welcome back to Aten and his warriors. After a little while of wandering you receive a message delivered by wraith that reads the following:

"Overlord Vitolla is unable to accept your request for a meeting at this time. You have been put on a list of prioritization and we apologize for an inconvenience to you Lord Aten. An estimated meeting time of ten years has been calculated for the reason of your meeting." and with the message delivered the wraith hovers off and phases through a wall.

"Firsa raises an eyebrow. 'Aten? I haven't been having a very good day, will you take care of this?'"

"Perhaps we should speak to some of the other Lords on Solemnance.  I wouldn't want you organics to become senile while we wait for Vitolla. Let us go meet with some of my closer friends. We shall solve this soon I hope."

Aten then decides to head off and meet his knowledgeable female friend. Perhaps she knows something about this Deliphias.

[Is Aten leaving Firsa to wander about a Necron tomb world without supervision where there is a good chance of murder of her and the rest of the Eldar?]

Lae'orenar laughs. "As much as Aten would love to leave Firsa to die after how rudely she treated Dringiil, he does need to keep her alive. She should come with him to stay safe."

And off you go to the enormous data banks that Lord Milxent oversees. Upon your arrival you look up toward the ceiling and find that the room stands fully one hundred meters high and the entirety of the space is host to large glowing data banks that house information. Others of these large towers host books and tomes while others still house artifacts and writings of the most evil kind. After about two hours of searching through this labyrinth you find Lord Milxent standing upon a hover-pad handling data files next to one of the large glowing pillars. She doesn't appear to have noticed you and she currently is fifty meters up

"Lord Milxent!!!" Aten calls out in Necron. "It is I, Lord Aten! We have not spoken for some time now! Are you free to meet?"

Not looking down you hear her call out as she places data files in the glowing tower "I never have time Aten-Nefru, but you always come to me anyway. What is it that brings you back to Solemnance? Last I'd heard you'd left for a life of freedom. Tire of a life without responsibility so soon?"

"Ah, you may wish to add some new information to this grand library of yours! I am still on a mission for the Lord Trazyn. We have run into a few minor snags, and I returned to seek aid from my trusted friends and allies! I believe we have much to discuss."