Camelot Star Tower base
Avalon Star system
Divine Federation
Krios 7th Y-1909 C.E
The Zodiak broadcasted the Senate meeting across the Star Tower, repeating the same tireless meetings between Senators from different planets within the Federation as they argued back and forth over the same arguments they had been having for the past five days. This was their fifth meeting, and they were still on the subject of what to do about Lamentias, one of the hundreds of planets within the colony region of the Federations within the Neutral Free Zone. Lamentias was a mining planet that was valuable to the Federation due to the supply of both adamant and seriphium ore within the planet. But over the years, the natives of the planet had begun to protest over how the Federation treated them. The local Inhabitants, the Lamenian humans who bore no Pleiadian blood, were treated harshly, jobs that should be for them were given to the privileged, and food and resources that should have been for the people were allocated mostly to those higher up in the caste system. Things had even become worse after the Uprising, after Starlight lost most of its power, unable to keep the peace in the outer reach or even beyond that. Rex was aware of the protest that had begun on the other colony planets, Lamentias wasn't the only one. But it was the loudest one. The tension between those of lower status and the elite was becoming worse. After the uprising, conflict had broken out in the Outer regions, conflicts that Starlight had spent most of their power putting out while dealing with the Abomination threat at the same time. Things had smoothed out, and now they were beginning again. The Fallen Stars had done a number on the Federation and Starlight. Rex shook his head, trying not to think of the terrorist organization..or the part that his family had to do with it. He had just recently returned from the Infernal incident on Avalor colony, which was close to the Main planet in this Star system, Albion. After he had slayed the Upper devil, he had returned to the colony and other members of the Party, only to find that Zelock hadn't made it. He hadn't been surprised to learn of his death. That was the nature of their job. Now Rex was back in his quarters, taking a shower to deal with the guilt that was plaguing him. After he showered and dressed in a red shirt and black pants, Rex went to the patio of the room that had been given to him. The patio had a window that showed the confines of outer space, the view held his breath just as it always did when he looked upon it. A nebula of different colors scattered across the endless space. To think that there was such beauty in the universe, and yet the cries of conflicts could be faintly felt across it.
"Ziron cut the broadcast," Rex said. The monitor turned off, and the image of the senate meeting was gone. He was tired of listening to it. Rex wanted to do something about it. Something about the chaos in the outer region. Or even the colony planets. He wished he could help those people who were suffering. But Rex knew that wasn't his job. His true purpose was more complicated than just him going from one region to another as a Star Knight. Though the Stellar Council had appointed him the position, it hadn't been given to him happily. There were people within the Stellar Council who didn't trust him. Rex's ties and association with the Fallen stars, due to his Father, made life within the Federation hard. Whenever one learned he was the son of the former leader of the Fallen Star, the poisonous glares he would get were like tiny blades stabbing him from behind. His school years had given him the strength to get over it, especially with the help of his friends. The ache within his heart at the thought of his family made him take a breath. He bought out his zodiak and looked at the image that it was set to. They were just kids when this image had been captured. Back in the Ascendant Academy days, when things had been simple. Emily was in the middle, her arms around him and Leon. They were laughing, dressed in the black uniform of the Academy. Rex left the patio and went to the office within the room, where his report for the incident was waiting for him. As a Star Knight, his responsibility as a Paladin had increased, meaning that the ones he answered to within Starlight were the Council members only. But reporting about an anomaly within the Beta Sector wasn't something he was sure the council would take seriously. Not when there was… He sat down on the desk as he began to finish his reports. He had just finished signing his name on it when a fly appeared out of a mini-hole. A Firefly. He raised his arm towards it, and the fly flew on top of one of his fingers. He felt the message enter his brain. A message that he had been waiting on. And after the fly was gone, Rex took out an extra zodiak from his Dimensional storage band. He made sure the line was secure before he sent the call. When the call was answered, a hologram projected out of Rex's zodiak. It was an image of a figure in a dark golden cassock robe with a white veil that covered the face.
"Looks like your seclusion paid off," the sweet angelic female voice said. Rex couldn't help but smile as he left his chair to get closer to her. Even with the veil covering her face, Rex was still excited to see her. 'How does it feel being a Sage Realm,"
"It's different from the realms in the Awakening stage," Rex said. "You have to reach it to understand. Your intel was spot on. Balial showed up. He tried to enter our plane, but I was able to stop him."
"Does getting a little bit of vengeance make you feel better," The cloaked figure asked.
"A little bit," Rex said. "But that's not what I want."
"I know." She said.
"So what's going on," Rex said.
"Fallen Star has made their move," She replied. "Terra is about to enter the Ascended Realms,"
"Hmm. Mallus won't like it." Rex said.
"That's why it's time to let go of them,"
"Is the Admiral aware of it," Rex said. Now that he was out of seclusion, he had to go back to his job as a Hunting dog of the Yeager Corp of Starlight. It was a nasty mission that Rex had been on for a long time.
"He is. Mallus should be reaching out very soon. I'll see you in Terra."
"See you. And be safe there," Rex said. Now that Terra was about to join the Ascended Realm, things on that planet were about to get a lot more complicated. She nodded and then the hologram was gone. As soon as the hologram disappeared, a shadow appeared. And then the darkness warped away to reveal a woman of the same age as him. She had black hair with black lips, and her pale skin was covered under a black robe that glistened with silver star patterns.
"Krios," Hekate spoke his secret name. Rex straightened his posture and gave a nod to her. He had suppressed his cultivation back to his former level, not wanting anyone yet to know he had Ascended. He was shocked to see Hekate, his expectations had been of the Masked man whose identity was the most secretive thing in the universe...
"Hekate," Rex said. "I was expecting Master Mallus-"
"Master Mallus has requested your presence within the Citadel," Hekate said.
"The Citadel," Rex said. This was troubling. That was his exact thought of this situation right now. It was rare for Hekate to step out of the Citadel without the permission of Master Mallus, not to mention to summon an Agent. Why didn't they just send a message through the secret network if Master Mallus couldn't request for him?
"Is there a problem," Rex asked.
"You do not ask questions, you do only what is requested of you," Hekate said as she took some steps backward. The shadows that she had appeared from spiraled into a gateway, the only way to get to the Citadel opening up before him. Rex sighed. He had planned to rest a little before taking his leave to the Neutral zone, but it seemed things were moving too fast.. He prepared himself by donning his ram mask before he entered the portal without questions, Hekate following behind him. Rex felt the world twist underneath his feet, turning upside down, and then it was like it twisted again, and his bearings returned. He was no longer within the Beta Sector of the universe but was now standing in front of a large and tall building that pierced the green sky filled with darkish green clouds. The planet where the Citadel was located was far from the Federation's territory, further even within the Neutral Free Zone, an unknown place that was hard to track down. Rex remembered his first day here, bought directly by Master Mallus, who had recruited him after his Academy days. Hekate walked past him, entering the large door that had been opened. Rex hastily followed her in, walking through the large and wide halls that were filled with utter silence. He wasn't fooled by the emptiness, knowing full well that this hall was equipped with Mana cannon that could rip through the best barrier spells and that there were isolated areas occupied by Controllers whose job was to observe and report whatever information they could gather. They got on top of the circular platform in the middle of the hall, which then released a white light that beamed them up to the higher floors. Rex opened his eyes to see the residents of the Citadel, dressed in black suits with the symbol of a tiara decorated with two pairs of bull horns. Carved along the walls of the room was the Great Bull, which they followed to a pair of large doors that also had the image of an armored being sculpted on it. Hekate put her palm on the door, and it opened before her. She stepped aside, making him be the one to step through first. The door closed behind Rex without Hekate entering. In the rooms were the other five agents of Sector Zero, the clandestine organization charged with the welfare of the Divine Federation. In the middle of the room, in front of a large screen filled with images of activities across the known universe, was one man. He was seated on a large marble throne, two sets of engraved bull faces serving as the handle of the seat. He wore a black tunic suit with a bull's horn mask covering his face. Rex couldn't sense his Mana, but there was an oozing feeling of a sense of order coming from him. He was aware of the stares of the other Agents who stood before him. They all wore masks that concealed their identity, though it didn't matter to Rex since he knew each of their identity beneath the mask…except for the silver-haired female standing right next to Mallus.
"Greetings, Krios," Master Mallus said. His voice had no emotions behind it, no sweetness or bitterness to tell what he was thinking underneath that Mask. It was very hard to read or predict the Leader of Sector Zero's action, his mask covering every aspect of not only his identity but his personality as well.
"Greetings, Master Mallus," Rex said. He took a bow before him, feeling the gaze of his fellow Agents. "Might I ask why I was brought here, My Lord? I know that you're quite aware that I was in the middle of-"
"Insolence," hissed the purple-masked Agent. Unlike Master Mallus, who was dressed in black, the other Agents were dressed in different colors, colors that corresponded to what House they belonged to. The one who hissed at him was from the House of Capricorn, thanks to the garnet color that he had on.
"It's okay, Nabu," Master Mallus said. Rex would love to imagine that he had smiled, but it was kind of hard to imagine a man like him smiling. "I'm quite aware of your situation. It seems your Ascension into the higher realms didn't go so well." Of course, he knew why Rex had been in the Beta Sector.
"It was taking longer than I planned," Rex lied.
"Hmm. Not everyone steps out of the Awakening stage. Even those with talent as wonderful as you. But it matters not. There's been a situation within sector 29996," Master Mallus said.
"Situation," He said.
"As you're quite aware, years ago, we began project Starseed thanks to Orion's effort," Master Mallus said. Rex took a look at the silver-haired masked female that stood next to Mallus. Orion was one of the best agents of Sector Zero, the best that Mallus had recruited. Few could beat her, and her skills were exceptional. Rex believed after Mallus, she was the most dangerous within Sector Zero. He knew that because he had worked with her in prior missions. The Mask she wore gave no clue as to what House she belonged to, and for some reason, he had never seen her use any special skills that belonged to a House. Rex knew everything there was to know about members of sector Zero, at least those that he had come across. There was no telling how many members there were because everything about this organization was based on secrets. The opposite of Starlight.
"But there's been an unusual development within the sector where the Project was being conducted," Master Mallus said.
"What kind of development, Lord Mallus," Nabu asked.
"The kind that sets us back for many years." Master Mallus said. "Project Starseed was reaching its final phase, and now we've lost contact with the facility. It doesn't smell right to me. Which is why I'll be sending those here in this room to deal with whatever is standing within our way in that sector."
"It shall be done, Lord Mallus," Nabu said.
"Make sure that nothing gets in the way. This is more of a priority," Master Mallus said. "I would go there myself, but I have to deal with the situation in Lamentias and Litvain. You are all dismissed."
They all gave him a bow and then walked out of the room.
****
Bel-Yor City, Exterior Ward
Spring court
Hidden World, Terra,
Gaea Solar system
Milky Way galaxy, Charlie Sector
Neutral Free Zone
January 14th 2019
Rex watched as the research base was burnt into nothing through the Zodiak that broadcasted it. As the flames burnt brighter, the light expanded, and then everything was sucked into a tiny hole that had broken through the space. Rex's heart had been beating fast when Leon Haravok had gone inside the building. He had not expected Emily to be there also. It had been a while since he had arrived on Terra with his fellow Agents, and Rex had managed to ditch them and ended up where he was currently. He watched as a burst of light flew out of the explosion that consumed the entire building, devouring every last speck of wood. His surprise at seeing two of his childhood friends wore off, and he could guess as to why they were here on this planet. They were banished from the Federation and exiled to the Neutral Free Zone. Which meant that Leon was still free to search for the Fallen stars. That idiot was still caught up in his desire for revenge. Rex felt the presence beside him, and he turned away from the video of his childhood friends to the white hood figure sitting across from him. They were in a pub in one of the Hidden Cities of Terra, a place that had been chosen for this meeting Rex was having.
"So Sector Zero believes that it was just an isolated incident," the figure asked. Rex nodded. Rex and the other Agents had already investigated the facility after the incident had happened, and from the investigation they did, it seemed the accident had happened from within. At least, that was how it was supposed to look. Titus, the Warbringer, removed his hood from his face, revealing a scarred face and a bald head with light brown skin.
"Are you sure of it," Titus, a high ranking member of Fallen Stars asked. "They're not aware that it was us that sabotaged them," Rex nodded. Make sure that nothing gets in the way of this. Mallus' words came back in his head. He wanted to curse him. The man in front of him complicated everything. Rex still couldn't believe that he was in this situation. Three years since he approached the Fallen Stars as a hunting dog. To gain their trust and work side along with them to hinder Sector Zero. Growing up in the Academy, Rex never thought he would be in this kind of position. His expectations, dreams, and ideals of what his purpose would be had changed as soon as he had gotten out of school. Now his realized purpose required him to walk a tightrope within three organizational forces. Rex's mind went to Leon and Emily. None of them knew the truth about him, just like how everyone else in the Federation didn't know the truth about his Father. Arexander I Pendragon. The thought of his father had always given him the strength to push through the mud in life, and right now, he needed as much of it as possible.
"Hmm, the information that you passed along to us has been useful," Titus said, clapping his hands on the table. "They were nearly close to the same level of success as we, Octagram, have reached."
"And now they're forced to begin from scratch," Rex said. "So is that enough to grant me a meeting with the Herald."
"Not yet. Things are about to change significantly now," Titus said. "We've reached a new phase, and the Herald is occupied with more important business." The Herald. The supposed leader of the organization that was behind the Fallen Stars. The organization responsible for influencing the planets within the colony to rebel. Rex still hadn't met whoever it was that led this organization of Mana wielders in Terra. Instead, he had been dealing with this hulk of a man. A man that didn't Rex all that much.
"I see. And what about Project Starseed," Rex asked. Titus squinted his eyes at Rex before his frown washed off.
"The Herald has decided that you've earned the right to know more about the project.," Titus said with a frown. "Follow me." After they paid for the drinks that they didn't drink, Rex followed Titus to one of the hidden bases of the Fallen stars that were embedded there. Titus led him through white corridors, past guards stationed outside doors. They had been walking through so many corridors that Rex began to wonder where Titus was taking him.
"Do you think this situation of Terra will be different from Lamentias?" Rex asked.
"You don't have faith. I suppose a dog like you can't see the big picture," Titus said. He turned to Rex, a growl coming off his hooded face. "The Lady may trust you because of your blood, but I do not trust you one bit, Pendragon,"
"I can tell," Rex said. "I might not have the same faith as you, but I've done my part. It's only fair that you do yours." Titus stopped beside a door guarded by two guards in white armor suits. They saluted Titus while they kept their attention to Rex, a stranger who they hadn't seen before. Titus pressed his palms to the widescreen by the door. It slid open, and Rex followed the big guy inside the room. It was eerily cold, red light filled the entire room that appeared to be a lab. In the middle of the labs were ten large pods, and watching over them were people in white coats. The lab reminded him of the one back in Sector Zero's base in Chicago. The one Titus had destroyed.
"What's this," Rex said.
"Welcome to Project Starseed," Titus said as the scientists turned to them. Project Starseed. That was the same name as the secret project Sector Zero had been performing. One of the scientists walked over to them. He was short and average-looking, his head was semi-bald with little white hair there and here. There was an air of scholarly vibes around him. He reminded Rex of his professors back in his academy days.
"Master Titus, what brings you here," The old man said.
"Dr. Ahmad," Titus said. "This is Arexander II Pendragon. One of our faithful. Pendragon, this is Dr.Ahmad, the lead researcher and alchemist in charge of project Starseed."
"Pendragons. Any relation to the Arthurian legend of the British Isles," Dr.Ahmad said. Rex carefully observed this human, this warlock that was dealing with magical forces that went beyond mortal understanding.
"Yes, My family name has inspired a lot of myths across the galaxy," Rex said. So have other various Named Families in the galaxy. Their heroic deeds and adventures across the cosmos eventually became legendary, which is why their names were known.
"Here is every information there is to know about Project Starseed," Titus handed a Zodiak tab to Rex. He took it and read the reports, shock, and hesitation stirring within him. He managed not to let Titus see the emotions on his face, doing a good job of keeping his expression hidden.
"And this is all in preparation for the Ascension," Rex said after he finished reading the report.
"That's right," Titus said.
"We still haven't fully cracked the code to the perfect serum," Dr.Ahmad said. "What we have is as close to perfect as we can get. Our level of technology is not yet there to create the perfect concoction."
"Which has forced us to go to the extreme," Titus said.
"Like what," Rex said.
"We need to conduct more experiments," Dr. Ahmad said. "In an environment in which we can't control the process like we're doing here. That way, we can see how environmental factors play a role in genetic mutation "
"You want to release the serum on the humans of this planet," Rex said.
"Sacrifices are required to uphold our great cause," Titus said. " As the Ascension begins, we must strengthen our base and prepare for any unexpected interference. I hope we can count on you and the Admiral for when the time comes,"
"You can," Rex said. "So which side of the planet is going to be the guinea pig,"
"We have chosen New York City as one of the sites for the test to be conducted," Titus said. "The land there has a vergence within the Odyllic, so it should make it compatible to get great results."