The Arbiters Of The Galaxy

Planet Calmani, Temple of Aeons

Arch-Cleric Salmana was fuming and her flush cheeks expressed her frustration and rage that was still going strong. "I can't believe we are folding to his whims! The military has no right to come and make demands as they will! That general Grant is way to pompous! He should know his place!"

Arch-Cleric Domigo was having a headache listening to his colleague. She had been going on none stop for an hour with the Magister about how he should make a direct complaint to the senate. After 'diligently' listening to her, he simply said he would follow up directly with the general Grant and simply made her responsible to gather the two overmentioned individuals with Arch-Cleric Domigo. Basically, she was dumbed on his l.a.p and he had to endure more tortuous complaining for more than a half hour.

He could sympathize with her since he too understood the importance of the Temple. He was part of an association that held the individuals that had the potential of being biomentalist. They would teach and instruct people on how to gain control over their "powers". Many have become valued resources for the war effort and the inner workings of society since they had such a wide array of compatible talents to aide their fellow citizen.

Yes, aide. A biomentalist of the Temple would be task to help free of charge society. Of course, being of the Temple of Aeons, everything was paid for by the Temple. The government would simply pay the Temple to educate the people with potential and supply the Temple with whatever it needs. Of course, this was done at a very young age which help students grow their power faster in a secure environment. However, anyone can go to the Temple and learn if they have the aptitude for being a biomentalist.

However, older people would undergo psychological evaluation to avoid the Temple arming a violent individual with superpowers. That screening is because after any amount of training, the individual in question can leave the Temple, no questioned asked. Being a biomentalist is very lucrative and they still act as good contributor to society.

Surprisingly, many stayed with the Temples for numerous reasons: It was where their friends and family were, some thought it was a more comfortable life to stay or what not. Also, many go on to help the Democratic Republic Alliance by joining the war as the Temple representatives and because of their high level of combat capabilities, they usually get officer positions.

Which this in itself can be problematic sometimes. Some students would join in the war to become overzealous heroes… Which ended badly. So, a strict education system for pre-war action was put in place, but that didn't always help restrain some for being daredevils with death wishes. Thus, a certain strain had built up between the army and the Temple.

The teaching of Aeons was one that promoted discipline, selflessness and generosity. They believed that Aeons was a force with its own will that controlled reincarnation and help people along a predestined path. Many debates existed on the matter of this religion, but the Temple of Aeons was never overbearing and instilled good morals, which was why it was very well tolerated and followed religion. However, zealots and extremist exist everywhere and Arch-Cleric Salmana is one very devote believer.

"I think this will be resolve correctly sister Salmana. Now we should prepare our self to welcome these sisters. I want to make them understand the situation we are in to them clearly without… confusing them with other matters."

"Your right, so silly of me to diminish myself to the level of that ingrate! Doesn't he know the contribution the church has done for the galaxy! Such an- "

"Sister Salmana, you are wondering again."

"Oh! Sorry brother, I'll restrain myself a bit more."

A sigh of relief could be heard in Domigo's head and in a couple of moments after that, knocking was heard on the door. Salmana bid them to enter and two individuals appeared.

One was a Mulukay, a green skinned beauty with bright blue eyes. She seemed delicate and proper adoring an elegant robe for high priestesses and had markings related to her race on her face that did not affect her beauty. Some would say it would even heighten her beauty with a touch of exoticness that it gave. The white dress had green patterns adorning it, emphasizing her holiness and status. Nicely tide black hair in a bundle with an exotic ornament letting only two curled strands of hair in the front showed her upright, but elegant nature. Her name was Thalyana and she had the remarkable title of the 'Spirit of Aeons'.

Do not interpret this as being a normal title: she was a powerful individual in charge of protecting the innerworkings of the Temples institution. In the past, she had discovered a dastardly plot which had multiple high-ranking officials in the Temple and the senate that tried to destroy the Alliance from within she and a few others she lead brought this to light. She even stopped and defeated single-handedly the mastermind who was a master biomentalist of the Empire.

With this, she became a master herself and has gain a place on the inner council of elders at a very young age. She has full rein on investigation carried out on behalf of the Temple. In cruder terms, she is an internal affaires officer with the task of guarding the guardians. This title was bestowed only to the most trusted and loyal person to oversee the Temple inner personnel.

The Second was a Twalu with dark blue skin and with mildly dark purple eye. A wilder and more aggressive look seem to emanate from her which the curved horns protruding from her temples towards the front of her forehead seem to amplify the visual. She had short black hair, a white tang-top with an open black long-sleeved leather jacket which was cut short, showing off her abdominal and lower back muscles, and with black leather pants. She was also wearing military grade combat boots with what seemed to be a holstered kinesis knife strap to her left foot, two holstered laser pistols hidden inside her leather jacket and a military grade armband which seemed to house and shoot all kinds of ammunition. She was also visibly holstering on her waist two deactivated light-sword hilts on that seemed to act as a warning.

This aggressively seductive looking bounty hunter was the greatly feared and renowned 'Sentinel of Aeons', Javera. Sentinels were biomentalist of the Temple of Aeons that undertook the most hellish training to become battle ready undercover operatives. Be it the battlefield or the bar of some outer colony in deep space, or even the Avalon Empires territory. They would be sent to gather intelligence or investigate matters that no ordinary means could be employed. They mostly operated alone or very small groups and undertake missions that most would consider impossible.

The reason why Javera gained the unofficial title was because she was once sent to infiltrate the capital world of the empire, Korbanis, and collect information on a possible large-scale attack on the Alliance.

Well, she did not only found evidence, but she even foiled their plans. In the midst of it all, she even exchanged blows with the emperor himself. She herself doesn't even know how she got out of there alive, but she has the scares to prove it. One large scar can be found on her back which came from the emperor himself slashing her with his kinesis sword.

With this exploit she became a master, her too, at a very young age and has an honorary position on the council of elders. Even if she isn't officially part of it, she is regularly asked her opinion on many matters concerning the Temple and military matters of the Alliance. Which suits her fine since she isn't one for formal meetings and prefers being in the action then behind a desk.

"I bid you both welcome dear sisters." Started Domigo.

"You both have grown so much since your arrival twelve years ago my children… But you should at least dress more decently Javera! This is the Temple! Not some lower sector nightclub!" scolded Salmana "You should take example from your younger sister!"

"Sorry, but I just came back from a mission and directly came her because of your rushed summon." Retorqued Javera. "The nature of my work is to pass incognito and Temple robes isn't too inconspicuous… Not mentioning how c.u.mbersome it is to fight in them."

"If passing unseen was your objective, I think you should probably use less revealing clothes sister." Remarqued Thalyana with a beaming smile while giggling.

"Come on sis, help me out here!"

"*Kof* Well then ladies, let's not stray too far. The point for us calling you both here is because you will be assigned to a new mission and will be working together." Announced Domigo. He became more serious and went directly to the point. "You will be joining a special team that will be composing of both members of the Democratic Republic Alliance and the Avalon Empire."

Both women become surprised and silent. Confusion arise in their eyes with questions popping in their heads. Both weren't thrill about this.

"I do not see why such a thing is necessary Arch-Cleric Domigo. May I know why such an outrageous plan came about?" Thalyana was keeping a cool-head but seemed shaken.

"Are you guys f.u.c.k.i.n.g bunkers? Which retarded person even suggested that? You are basically asking a thaligmie and a casbror to basically f.u.c.k one another and make up." These two aforementioned names were two extremely ferrous beast that were natural enemies that fought over territory in high density jungle worlds. They were often captured and used in illegal underworld gambling pits. As crude her word were, the analogy was quite fitting.

"Please restrained your language and imagination Sentinel Javera!" Scold Salmana. "I too am of the same opinion as you, but such disgusting language should stay out of this temple."

"Sorry! Sorry! I was just caught by surprise, that's all… Anyways, what's the mission details?" Javera continued like nothing happen at all, dismissing Arch-Cleric Salmana's sermon.

"It will be an eight-man group, four of which will be of the empire's faction. To answer your previous question sister Thalyana, this has been done in response to an attack from an unknown force which has attack both faction and doesn't seem to want to ally with either side. More details will be announced at your meeting where both factions will be present." Answered Domigo. "And to answer your crude question sister Javera, this 'retard' is actually general of the Alliances army, Jeffrey Grant."

Both sister Thalyana and Javera went silent hearing this name. That was the name of a legendary hero of the Alliance who commended respect and awe just by saying his name.

"I do not know much more then this, but this was approved by the galactic senate and accepted by the Magister. According to both party's agreement, the one leading this team will be a member of the Democratic Republic Alliance." Continued Domigo.

"Well at least we have that going for us. I'm surprised the empire accepted one of ours leading the joint team." Said Javera.

"It is said that the empire is the one who suggested it." Declared Salmana, half in disbelief.

"That is quite incredible in itself." Said Thalyana. "I would have thought the Empire to be more prideful and not let this chance past them."

"That is why us elders suggest that you thread carefully. This smells of betrayal and conspiracy!" Arch-Cleric Salmana almost seemed unhinged for a second after saying that.

The meeting went on for another twenty minutes half of which was Arch-Cleric Salmana raving about the dangers of the Empire. After the meeting, Thalyana and Javera walked out together and exited the Temple.

"This will be quite the adventure." Declared Thalyana. "However, I must say I am really happy to be going on this mission with you, I missed you a lot sister." She looked at Javera with an innocent smile which seemed to have a sleight hint of loneliness in it.

"Me too sis. Come here! I'm going to hug you like never before! Got to compensate for these few months, right?!"

With a warm smile Javera grabbed her sister and hugged her plenty to the extant of even lifting her up a bit.

"Guegh! You are crushing me Javera!"

Yes, sisters. The Temple would see its members calling themselves brother and sister to similarly ranked members. However, these two considered themselves real sisters. That was because when they were little, both were orphans of war and survived a war-stricken world together. A Twalu and a Mulukay, like most species, weren't capable of interspecies procreation. However, they were childhood friends and survived hell together. Their bond was unshakable. They also had an objective that they have been working on since a longtime ago.

"By the way, have you found anything in your travels?" Asked Thalyana.

"Not much. I met some veteran soldiers and checked the army death certificate archives and I didn't find anything." Sighed Javera. "And you?"

"Same. I tried contacting Balkarian diplomates and tried to gain access to files of the event, but some information is classified. I am limited because of my duties and the Temple archives only says that we were dropped by a soldier… He seems to have no mention of him."

"Yeah well at least I know he isn't dead. I check the whole list of soldiers and I can confirmed that in the two million three hundred and fifty thousand five hundred and eighty-six soldier named John, none were him." Javera seemed exhausted just remembering the few days she stayed hold up in the archives looking.

"You didn't have to go that far… Well at least we know he is still alive…" sighed Thalyana.

"I just wanted to make sure." Said Javera, visibly embarrassed.

Even though Javera was two years older than her, Thalyana seemed to play the role of the calm sister between the two. Javera would always deny it and she would also act as the big protective sister beat the cr#p out of whoever tried to be mean to her.

"However, I did discover something." Announced Thalyana. "I noticed that the dates of our arrival to the orphanage had discrepancies with the end battle for Balkarian. We arrived one full month after the battle was over."

Realization dawned on Javera, but then she became confused. "But if that's the case, wouldn't that mean we were on an empire-controlled world for a month? My memory is fuzzy of the time we spend together with him, but it mustn't have been that long… right?"

"I had the same feeling, but these are the facts. I can't imagine how he manage to keep us safe for that long. I was just six years old at the time, so my memories are even less reliable."

Both continued to ponder and the talk about it for a while, then changed subject to their personal lives to try and catch up on the lost time that they were apart from each other.

15 years ago, Planet Balkarian, Meerak capital city.

"I'm tired Javy!" cried a young girl

"We can't stop Thaly! The bad people are behind us!"

The two young girls were running non-stop for the past two hours.

"My legs hurt! Want to see mommy and daddy!" tears were falling down her cheeks while hiccupping a bit.

"They said they would catch up to us, so keep running!" She tried to console her, but she seemed to not believe her own words. Like if both her parents and Thalyana's parents lied to her. She still tried to keep her hopes up regardless, however.

They ran and ran, shots were heard in the distance, the smell of death was everywhere. The heat of fire and smoke permeated the air. When they reached the outskirts Javera lead her friend to the woods to try and hide.

She found a little cave hidden on a hillside and stopped there. Both girls were trying to catch their breath and both girl's legs just gave out. But moment later voices could be heard.

"I saw them running in this direction" said an imperial soldier. "They can't be far off."

Both girls held their breath.

"Filthy rats and their kind should die without a struggle." Said another.

"Hmm, well I would like to keep at least one alive. Their age is perfect for long lasting slaves. May I?" said a third

The girls were terrified and tried to stay as quiet as possible, hugging each other closely.

"AH! Found them!" the soldier approached the girls and grabbed them forcefully.

"HYAAAAAAA!!"

Both screamed and tried to wrestle free, but it was in vain.

It was at that moment that some sort of groaning could be heard from the cave. The soldier became stiff and they all pointed their laser rifles toward the cave. Steps could be heard approaching the entrance and then a man appeared.

He seemed groggy and disheveled. Dirt was smeared on the right side of his face where he was obliviously sleeping on. Mixed in was dried up blood which was located here and there on his body, but strangely no visual injury was seen on him. He was wearing a battered-up armor suit which was mostly broken and reveal his c.h.e.s.t.

But even in his sorry state, the soldiers were hesitating. The man was a mountain of muscles and looked imposing. He looked human even though he seemed whiter and bigger than most, but his red eyes mystified the soldiers.

Then one of them noticed that his beat-up armor was one which the Democratic Republic Alliance outfitted their soldiers with.

"He is an enemy soldier! Don't move sc.u.m!" said the leader

The man was whispering something incomprehensible:" … lea… alon…"

"Come on LT, let's just waste the man."

"What is he saying…?"

"LEAVE MY DAUGHTERS ALONE!!!" shouted the man.

He then jumped the soldier holding the two girls, ripping his head off like it was nothing. It happened so fast that the rest were shocked stiff for a moment. Blood was flying everywhere and when the body dropped, it was like a signaled that woke up the rest.

"Holy sh*t!!!" panickily screamed a soldier

"Fire, keep firing!" the lieutenant was trying to keep order in the ranks, but he was shaking uncontrollably.

The shots where landing but he brushed them off like it was nothing. Something wasn't right, but the next moment the monster of a man appeared in front of him.

'Too fast!' he thought. 'Wait, This is…'

The man grabbed his leg and ripped it then started to beat him to death with it before he could finish his thought. Blood was everywhere and seeing this, the last two soldiers turned tail and ran… But both got caught and had their heads smashed together into mush.

The girls were terrified in place. The man turned to face them and walked slowly until he arrived in front of them. He approached both his hands on each of their heads and slowly crouched down.

"Everything is alright… Daddy is here… Everything is alright…" The man seemed dead tired, half sleeping, but showed a heart-warming smile while c.a.r.e.s.sing their heads gently.

Both girls were shocked but seemed to feel at peace for that moment. Then the man collapsed on the floor.

Shocked the girls looked around in a daze. After seeing the horrid bodies, Javera vomited, but she then went for the man and started shaking him: "Wake up mister! Wake up! We need to leave!"

She was desperate and seeing what this man did for them, she clung to him as her last hope. Thalyana was silent, unmoving. She was in total shock.

But luckily, the man woke up, still dazed. He then lifted Thalyana in one arm and held Javera's hand in the other and like that they all walked away from the scene.