Part I: The Gathering Storm
Chapter 1: The Veil Between Civilizations
In the interstellar council chamber aboard the Torvax Federation flagship Nebulix, Admiral Kortix hovered in the middle of the room, his tentacles subtly vibrating as he examined the star map projected in the air before him. The stars and nebulae were represented by various shades of luminescent hues, but what concerned him were the red markers denoting the Ylphari Dominion's fleet. They had encroached upon the Altraxa Cluster, a sector abundant with Glorium Wells—the quasi-mystical energy sources that powered Torvax society.
"Admiral, incoming message from the Council of Thirteen," announced Ensign Yvell, his scales shifting color to a respectful silver.
"Patch it through," replied Admiral Kortix. His two primary eyes stayed focused on the star map while his smaller eyes adjusted to view the incoming holographic transmission.
The grand visage of Councilor Virex appeared, her form surrounded by the twelve other members of the ruling body of the Torvax Federation. "Admiral, we have scrutinized the recent intelligence reports. The Ylphari advance into the Altraxa Cluster is not just territorial. Our scholars believe it may have spiritual motivations, which you and I both know only further excites the markets, especially the insurance and banking cartels, which are financing this entire military operation cloaked as a research and science mission as part of our longstanding psychological warfare against our enemies."
Admiral Kortix's tentacles stiffened, each tip glowing a wary blue. "Spiritual, Councilor? We're talking about an empire that has consistently shown a desire for territorial and resource-based conquest."
Virex's face conveyed what could only be described as cosmic gravity. "Our understanding of the Ylphari's Omniscient Veil has grown. We believe they're using it to look into future probabilities, and something about the Altraxa Cluster must be significant."
(To Be Continued)
Copyright ©️ 2023 Sir Roy G. Biv
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