Eight

Camelot Star Tower base

Avalon Star system

Divine Federation

Ianuarius 7th Y-909 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 that 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 they were treated by the Federation. 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 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 Starlight 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 Quadrant 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, a shadow appeared. Luckily whoever was within the shadow didn't notice the fly. 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. He stood up from his seat and gave a nod to her. He was shocked to see her, his expectations had been of the Masked man whose identity was the most secretive thing in the universe...

"Hekate," He 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 something urgent had come up. 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 Quadrant of the Alba Galaxy 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 Od cannon blasters 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 Odic force within the Odyllic, 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. Which is why I needed to talk to you before you returned to your duty." Of course, he knew why Rex had been in the Beta Quadrant. His extended family ruled one of the lesser planets within the Federations in the outer regions, as such, they had some pull within the Congress. His duty-as Master Mallus puts it- had forced him to head to Albion. He had wondered if any of his actions went against Master Mallus' wishes. He never spoke his mind nor gave a reason why he wanted something done or not done, but there was an expectation to do things as one had been ordered to. Rex's presence in the Alba system went against it.

"There's been a situation within sector 29996," Master Mallus said. Rex paused, surprised to hear that word come from him.

"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," Rex said. He didn't like where this was going. He was aware of what sector he was talking about. Sector 29996 happened to be the same location where Rex had been heading next. Things were not looking good right now for him.

"We don't know. But we would like you to find out why." Master Mallus said. "Project Starseed was reaching its final phase, and now we've lost contact with the facility. Doesn't smell right. I need you and Orion to deal with whatever is standing within our way in that sector."

"It shall be done," Rex said. Orion moved away from the throne, passed him, and was heading out. Rex supposed that meant he should follow her. Before he turned, Master Mallus spoke up again.

"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," Rex gave him a bow and then walked out of the room.

 ****

Downtown, Chicago

Terra, Earth's Solar system

Milky Way galaxy, Charlie Quadrant

Neutral Free Zone

Ianuarius 14th Y-909 C.E

Rex watched as the research base was burnt into nothing due to the spell that Orion had left behind to get rid of the evidence. 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. His instinct had been to help her, but Orion had gone ahead to deal with her, and he couldn't afford to do anything that went against the plan. So Rex had left the building before Emily could sense his presence. After a while, Orion returned, and he could sense the damage on her. According to her, she had dealt with Emily, but Rex could faintly sense Emily was still in the building. Orion went ahead to report back to the Mallus while he stayed behind to watch as the Building would be demolished. Finally, Rex was just about to go in, unable to stand back when Leon arrived. Relief washed through him as he entered the building. If anyone could save Emily, it would be Leon. And sure enough, minutes later, 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 take a 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 appear behind him, and he turned away from his childhood friends just as the white hood figure appeared out of the gateway. Rex was standing in the sky above them, and the figure calmly walked through the air towards him. He was clad in a white robe, his face covered by a hood. 

"Arexander Pendragon," The Clad warrior said. "How is the mission coming along,"

"Sector Zero believes that it was just an isolated incident," Rex said. Orion and he had reached 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. And that was exactly what he had said to Orion, and she had easily come to the same conclusion. Maybe too easily. 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, the Clad warrior asked. "They're not aware that it was us that released the abominations upon 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 joined the Fallen Stars. Three years just to gain their trust. Sector Zero wanted him to be their spy within the Fallen Stars, and the Fallen Stars believed him to be their spy within 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 be a double agent within both organizations. 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. "They were nearly close to the same level of success as we, Octagram, had reached."

"And now they're forced to begin from scratch," Rex said. "What brings you here to me, Titus,"

"The Herald requires your presence in New York," Titus said. "We've reached a new phase, and your assistance is required." The Herald. The supposed leader of the organization that was behind the Fallen Stars. The ones responsible for influencing the planets within the colony to rebel. Rex still hadn't met whoever it was that led this organization of Od-wielders in Terra. Instead, he had been dealing with this hulk of a man. Rex followed Titus to New York, to the hidden base of the Fallen stars that was embedded there. Titus led him through the white corridor, past guards stationed outside doors. Rex wondered where he was taking him to.

"Are we going to see the Herald?" Rex asked.

"Not yet," Titus said. He turned to him, 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've proven myself, over and over. Proven myself to be the son of the Fallen,"

"Yes, and that is why the Lady believes you have the right to know about this," Titus stopped beside a door guarded by two guards in white armor suits. They saluted us, and 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 with Abominations.

"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 us. He was short and average looking, his head was semi bald with little white hair there and here. He was brown skin, probably Middle Easterner by the looks of him.

"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 isle," 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 revulsion stirring within him. Everything here went against Rex's morals. He managed not to let Titus see the revulsion on his face, doing a good job of keeping his expression hidden. 

"What do you require of me," Rex said.

"Right now, the rate of success is fifty-fifty," 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 " It finally clicked on what they were asking of him.

"You want me to release a plague on the humans of this planet," Rex said.

"Sacrifices are required to uphold our great cause," Titus said. "Can you sacrifice your morals, your honor, for the greater good, Pendragon," Rex sighed, turning the tab off. This was exactly the question that Titus had asked of Rex eight years ago. He gave him the same answer that he had given him then.

"I can," Rex said. And also for my own purpose. 

"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. You will be in charge of the team operating the test. Do not fail us, Pendragon. Do this, and the Herald will grant you that which you desire."