Before Rift Apart (Complete)

Galactic Tragedy

Nefarious had seen the destruction. He figured his warbots would be enough to keep the moronic Squishies at bay while he dealt with the Alliance of Sectors. They needed to be crushed! But angering them would just strengthen their resolve. No, they needed to be broken. Take out the flame in a way that would shock the galaxy. His brilliant and evil mind had hatched a plan right away. A rebellion without a leader, and something catastrophic would strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. Nefarious rubbed his hands together and began to laugh maniaclly. This would mark the beginning, of the end.

Despite Nefarious propaganda machine, news of the convoy and supply bombings reached many worlds, including the engineering species known as the Kerchu, from planet Jasindu. The Kerchu so far have been responsible for keeping their space secure. Without their help last time against Nefarious, the Alliance of Sectors may very well have lost, and a dark age of oppression would have begun. The Kerchu in this dimension of Rivet's were alot more compassionate and understanding than those in their counterpart's universe. Though, just like their counterparts, everyone is deathly allergic to the Kerchu. So for that reason, tresspassers are not welcome on Jasindu as they'd prefer to not be responsible for the reason someone developes a rash that can kill them in a day...

That aside, hearing the Liberation Front's success against Nefarious meant that the Kerchu were willing to send aid to Corson V. A few armored Kerchu were setting up a meeting to see the man who designed these attacks: none other than Layden. It was not often Kerchu spoke to anyone outside their own species, so as one can expect, Layden was quite honored and decided to meet with them as soon as he could near the Verdagris Black Hole. Before he left, Layden figured he'd get on comms and speak to his sister, who was getting impatient with cargo runs. "Just awhile longer, ok Rivet?" He heard an all too familiar groan. "Come on! I'm not a kid anymore! Let me kick some robo-butt!" I said, trying to appeal to my brother. Layden sighed and then smiled. "Tell you what Rivy, after this mission of mine.. Me and you will plan one out together. You'll even get to go with me."  I had never been more excited in my life. My brother actually wanted me to tag along?! "Really?!" I asked. Layden nodded. "Of course. Have I ever lied to you?" I tried to think about it. Then I shook my head. "I guess not." He smiled and waved, cutting the comms.

I sat back in my seat and spun in my chair excited. "Yes! Finally they can have someone else doing these stupid cargo runs!" Rivet was excited at the prospect of being re-united with her brother after over a year of being apart. Rivet, in an uncharacteristaclly good mood put her engines to max, laughing in a very happy mood as she went the best possible speed she could go with her little cargo ship.

Verdagris Black Hole: Praxis Sector

Layden was waiting in his scout ship, one of the best, courtesy of his skilled hacker friend: Skidd. The Kerchu had taken some time to get there, but Layden had books to read so he didn't mind at all. Eventually his scanners picked up a ship heading towards him. "Finally" he said. It was a Kerchu transport ship, and they transported Layden aboard as soon as they were within range. They greeted eachother, and Layden confirmed his identity, proving he was the one who designed the attacks against Nefarious. During their exchange, the Kerchu mentioned thanking Layden for the invitation. "What? But you were the ones who invited- I think we've both just been tricked!" The Kerchu ran towards the windows, their seats and their weapons systems. But nothing came. A ship wasn't waiting to wipe them out or anything of the sort. This left both parties confused, and for good reason.

It didn't take long for them to figure out they had been tricked, but for a different reason entirely. Suddenly the Praxis Sector was filled with distress signals, the most powerful, coming from Jasindu; the Kerchu homeworld. Nefarious was attacking it directly. Layden had volunteered his ship's services to the Kerchu, they accepted his help happily. The battle for Jasindu had started, and the Kerchu were preparing for worst-case scenario by having transports of civillians flee Kerchu space while the military fought long and hard against Nefarious' massive army. Layden had helped in combat, escorting civillians to his ship, which would fit at least several families. As he guided them inside, he was ready to close the hatch, he took a look at what used to be the capital. Kerchu City, was in flames. Many of the buildings were ruins, and Nefarious' armies were relentless in their assault.

With that last heart breaking sight, Layden closed the hatch, quickly starting up his ship and taking off. He hoped his shields were good enough because he decided to take the shortcut, the Verdagris Black Hole. Anything was better than being mercilessly killed by war machines. The Kerchu onboard seemed to concur when they saw where the ship was going, and had no objections. The ship would enter the black hole, Layden could be heard cursing as his ship was barely holding together. Just before he got to the other side, he engaged auto-pilot just before a relay blew in his console, which sent him flying back at a very high speed. The impact, had critically injured him. Two Kerchu would take initiative, and repair the relay while another flew the ship. A third was doing their best to help Layden, but only time will tell if he would make it through.

Corson V: Nefarious City Outskirts:
7 hours later

The ship had landed, Rivet knew her brother's ship when she seen it. She was so excited to plan their first mission together. The hatch opened, and several now displaced Kerchu walked out. Rivet felt bad for them. The news wasn't good either. Nefarious obliterated Jasindu, but many Kerchu survived. And these ones in particular thanks to Layden. Rivet couldn't wait to call her brother a hero. Her smile slowly faded when a Kerchu had come out of the ship, carrying Layden. The rest of the Liberation Front leaders looked on. The Kerchu holding Layden would lay him on the ground gently, and make what was obviously a sad noise. Rivet walked over to her brother, who lived just long enough to hold her hand, and barely smile or speak as he said he loved her.

Phantom, MoyDoy, Quantum and Clatchky all watched Rivet, not knowing what to say, or how to comfort her. They could only watch, as she didn't cry. She simply died inside a little. Rivet gently unwrapped her brother's orange scarf, and held it in her hands as she laid beside him. Rivet, was broken. Quantum had decided the Liberation Front wasn't for him, Clatchky and MoyDoy tried helping Phantom keep the Corson V Liberation Front from becoming a dream. They failed. The Front was no more, Layden was dead, Jasindu was destroyed and the Kerchu wiped out. The galaxy was paralyzed in total fear. The Alliance of Sectors crumbled. Nefarious, was now... Emperor.