FrozenPhoenix

The Endless Game

After their shake the Master of Eyes withdrew his hand and paced towards the door, "As the Master of War, he has access to our armed forced, but I am not without options. Just trust that I have our best interests at the forefront of my mind, no matter what I say at tomorrow's meeting." With that he moved to push the door's open button, but just before his finger found it's mark, his bother began to dissipate into a smoke and as he was vanishing into thin air, he made one final remark, "And don't' forget, I was never here." Litharian Galactic Date 5372-221, Planet Havatk, Chamber of the Masters. The continuation of yesterday's meeting begins. The Masters are already sitting at their respective seats and are awaiting Emissary Rennac Shadowclaw of Clan Shadowclaw.

The Endless Game

The Master of Eyes nodded his head as Rennac talked. "You are partially right. We only need a majority vote to have anything pass, so we don't need him to vote with us. After all he will most likely still hate you when this is over, nothing we can do about that. Jutaric, Hitharis, and Nithurk all want to catch this bastard so we don't have a threat this big looming over us. But I see a potential here. Which is why I hope you can forgive my attempts to support Karasis. If I didn't they would have beaten us in a majority and we'd be all happy and dandy with Wolken looking for the traitor. But now if I can turn this into a joint mission we could use it as an excuse for further development using this as a political stunt. I can see the headlines already, 'Wolken and Litharian team up to take down traitorous master.' Builds a sort of, 'this can only only be a good thing' mentality. It's kind of funny how words can sway so many minds. Ah, but such is the way of the unseen hands. The little things that make all the difference." Xilanthis stood up and made his way to Rennac extending his hand to shake, "I know it seems strange, but sometimes its the people who are the real target and it's up to us to make the most of a sour situation. I'll make sure you get a good candidate to join you. Oh and before I forget, you were never under arrest, I just had to make sure we had a talk before you left the planet with a demonized impression of us."

The Endless Game

Xilanthis took the paper and began to look it over, "Impressive, very orderly. But completely useless" He said tossing it to the floor. "You see Karasis is the only master with issues with you. The rest of use actually want to have diplomatic ties strengthened and forged. Unfortunately Karasis will not be swayed with from his old ways." He began to move towards the bed, laying down with his hands behind his head. "Litharian politics are a funny thing, and apparently very different from the Wolken sort. This 'job' as you see it is a diplomatic mission. Unfortunately karasis sees it only as a job to pay a worthless piece of trash from a worthless planet." He let out a sigh, thinking about all the heedless times Karasis has almost lead them to war over his ideals, if he wasn't a tactical genius he may have been sent into early retirement. "That is why when we reconvene I'll suggest that the Wolken are not to be trusted and to supplement the hunting party with one of ours. This chance of a dual-species operation will allow our ties to be forged in the ways of old, the ways of Karasis. Meanwhile I can focus on 'convincing' the masters to change the the deal. Of course it won't be hard, like I said the other masters already want it. I was thinking of establishing a trade connection between some of our fringe worlds. It would be safe, convenient, and beneficial to us both. What do you think?"

The Endless Game

Once Rennac was back in his room it wasn't long until a soft knock rapped on it, and before a responsive could come the door opened. In stepped the Master of Eyes all dressed up in his immaculately smooth white suit and some sort of fruit in his hand. "I do hope you are decent." he said with a light chuckle and a hand extended offering the fruit.

The Endless Game

The Master of War was absolutely livid. A creature as low as this thinking he had domain and power among the Litharians was an insult and one he would not stand for. He slammed his fist onto the table and the large doors opened allowing a pair of heavily armored and armed Karadon, clearly modified to be lethal monsters of death. The 16 foot high pair marched towards Rennac standing at attention at either side of him ready for their orders. "You have no domain or reason to mock us! You have no power and should be honored that we have even offered to pay you!" The Master of War shouted in response. Around him the Masters of Structure, Advancement, and most of all Others seemed absolutely livid about to depose the Master of War for his actions, but to teh side the Master of Eyes continued to pacify the others a grin on his face growing as the Master of War continued his rant. "I think this meeting has come to a conclusion, we shall adjourn and return to deliberations after our guest has had some time to think on our offer." The Master of Eyes said calmly, gesturing the guard to escort Rennac from the room.

The Endless Game

The Master of Others being the master of diplomacy and trade with other races chimed in a tad surprised, "Of course we would be willing to make talks-" The Master of War was next interrupt, "Your sayings and words still ring hollow. You have no honor to give merit to humility." The Master of Others was about to speak up in protest again, but The Master of Eyes motioned to silence him. Continuing the Master of War spoke angrily, "We won't seek an alliance with honorless wretches. Twenty million Phire will be your payment and we won't see your hide again." The Master of Structure looked astonished at the mention of twenty million her head turning to the War of War with wide eyes opening her mouth to protest, but was again silenced by a gesture from the Master of Eyes.

The Endless Game

Master of Others Hitharis gave a shallow bow to return the respect given to him. Around Rennac the other Masters in turn gave their greetings. The Master of War came last, "Save your empty words Wolkar, your words lack the honor they intend. You are here against our race's better judgement." The Master of Others, Master of Structure, and Master of Advancement all turned to Karasis at the same time. But it was the Master of Structure Jutaric that spoke up first, "Enough Karasis, this man came to us of his own free will and means to do right by us. Hold your tongue if you seek only enemies." The Master of Others spoke up next, "Rennac Shadowclaw of Clan Shadowclaw, thank you for coming to us on such short notice. You are correct in this matter, we need an expedited solution to a problem that if you can accomplish it will strengthen our ties." The Master of Eyes Xilanthis pressed a few buttons on his section of table causing a holographic representation of Klith to form in the center of the room for all to see. "This is the former Master of Eyes Klith. Indicted for treason and sentenced to death. He recently escaped and fled off-world. As the Master of Eyes he has proven elusive and difficult to capture. He knows too much of Litharain protocol and tactics to viably be taken by a Hunter Team. That is where you come in." The Master of War chimed in again, "This does not make you valueable, only different. You are nothing to the-" The Master of Advancement was the next to silence him, "Karasis, enough! We are to be allies not enemies, so save the banter for another battlefield." The Master of Eyes returned to his speech, "You will be compensated for his return, your price is what we are here to negotiate."

The Endless Game

Litharian Galactic Date 5372-218, Planet Havatk, Palace of the Masters. Emissary Alpha Rennac Shadowclaw of Clan Shadowclaw is received at the Arkthurias Memorial Space Port and quatered in the Palace of the Masters while preparationf for the meeting are made. Litharian Galactic Date 5372-220, Planet Havatk, Palace of the Masters. Meeting preparations finish and Emissary Rennac Shadowclaw of Clan Shadowclaw is summoned to the Chamber of the Masters to begin their deliberations. The Masters were already present sitting at their curved semi-circle table waiting in silence for the Emissary to arrive through the large double doors at the other end of the room. A small table had been set up in the middle of the semi-circle so each Master would be an equal distance from where he would sit. Behind each Master was a grand tabard each one showing their specific symbol of office. From left to right, Master of Advancement Nithurk, Master of Others Hitharis, Master of War Karasis, Master of Structure Jutaric, and finally Master of Eyes Xilanthis. The room being an ornate over arching cathedral-like design with new aged pillars lining the walls. Above their heads was a domed roof that extended up high above. Everything around seemed to be either an expensive polished wood or an immaculately carved ornate marble or granite.

The Endless Game

Just to explain Litharain time the date 5732-189 means it's year 5732 day 189. One year in Litharain is 350 days (Just to make things easy). This doesn't mean I making all time like this, but that Litharains use this method to keep track of time.

The Endless Game

Litharian Galactic Date 5372-157, Planet Havatk, Thristrum Maximun Security Prison. Former Master of Eyes Klith imprisoned for treason against the Litharian people and Council of Masters. Sentence is Death to be carried out in two months time. His transfer was successful, no troubles on the way to the planet, then facility, then finally his cell. He has displayed no intent of escaping and seems to have come to grips with his fate. "He's only got another two weeks before his execution. You would think he'd be a little more regretful." Said a Litharain man, staring at a security console and more specifically the monitor looking into Klith's cell. "Well what do you expect, he sold Litharian secrets. That's not a man, not anymore." Another Litharain sitting in the security room as well. On the monitor Klith sat at the edge of his bed, hands folded, chin resting on them. His blank stare empty looking at the far wall. 'It won't be much longer' he thought to himself. And as if on his thought an explosion rocked the facility, the wall he was staring as shattered into dust and rubble and on instinct he ran forward, leaping through the cloud of dust. "What! All units converge on Klith's cell, get us reinforcements to Thristrum Station, he can't escape." A guard captain yelled as chaos erupted all around. Litharain Galactic Date 5372-204, Planet Havatk, Council Chamber of the Masters. Declaration is made that the convicted traitor and criminal Klith has escaped from Thristrum Maximun Security Prison with the assistance of an unknown party. The Litharian Collective turns to assistance in hunting down this dangerous man. "...This is hardly the ideal situation, but out options are limited. Whoever assisted him in escape knew Thristrum's layout and had the resources to bypass it's defenses." Master of Structure Jutaric declared before the other Masters. "But to give the knowledge of his escape to other races will only further compromise ours!" Master of War Karasis shouted back. "If he truly did escape with the help of others it wouldn't matter anyway. He is most likely already hiding with other races in exchange for he knows. Involving others could only serve to assist our efforts of finding him." The new Master of Eyes Xilanthis calmly stated. "I refuse to debate this matter further. Time is of the esseance and we must act, I urge forward the vote." He finished raising his right hand to signal his vote of yes. All around him, Master of Structure raised her right. Master of War raised his left saying no. Master of Advancement advocated to raise her right. Finally Master of Others hesitant at first raised his right. "The vote passes, but this must still be handled delicately, the Wolkar are known hunters and only need a price." Master of Others Hitharis spoke up swiftly. "I shall invite an emissary to the Chambers so we can discuss matters further." The other Masters nodded in unison, adjuring the meeting. Each one heading off in their own directions, but the Master of Others went to his office and to work sending a message to the Alphas. "On behave of the Council of Masters, I humbly invite the Alpha Council to Havatk to discuss a possible diplomatic endevour that has come to our attention due to recent events. Your expedited arrival would be most appreciated. Travel costs and appropriate housing will be covered at Litharain expense. - Master of Others Hitharis"