First update 

War of the Arnor 

Part 1

I

A new dawn set up on the Arnor homeworld. Dark Arnor tyrant, Lord Kona, was gone. Not due to efforts of Tandis and other Arnor, but because his own lieutenant, Draginol (and secretly creator of both Arnor and Dark Arnor) turned on him when he attempted to kill Amanda the Morningstar of the Arnor, whom Draginol loved. Kona wasn't dead, but exiled “far from Arbor”. The Arnor had no idea where, and Tandis only learned much later that it was on a vulcanic world of Drengi. 

Draginol himself left after that, leaving Arnor and Dark Arnor to themselves. 

With the First Arnorian Empire in ruins, Arnor and Dark Arnor made a tenacious peace. Neither side wanted war now, and, though the rift between them was very visible, they decided to coexist in peace. 

Both sides soon realized that there is entire universe to explore, full of resources to exploit and wonders to see. They also realized that their innate abilities, when channelled by the Shards of the Tennenath changed by the Orb of Dominion, allows them to create ships to explore the universe with. 

Dark Arnor first came up with the idea. They used a species of giant Cephalopods living on Arnor planet as a template for their ships. Hovewer, they modified them to be capable of folding space, carry all kinds of lifeforms inside, be directed and be armed. Using these ships, Dark Arnor started to travel into the universe. 

Arnor knew that they couldn't be far behind, and so they quickly made their own ships. They were made of a type of crystal found on the Arnor planet. Numerous Arbor took these ships and also began exploring the universe. Tandis was one of them, flying around in his own vessel. 

For many years, both sides explored in peace. Arnor and Dark Arnor rarely met outside their homeworld. However, even meetings on the homeworld became rarer as both Arnor and Dark Arnor began to establish outposts across the galaxy. 

And this way, both Arnor and Dark Arnor became a galactic civilization. But they were not alone. It was detected that primitive, but sentient lifeforms began to appear on numerous worlds. Both sides wanted to use them, but, while Arnor wanted to help both themselves and these species, Dark Arnor invented to exploit them for their own benefits. 

II. 

Many years later, Tandis was flying in his ship when he detected a planet teeming with life. Interested, he took his ship into orbit and began scanning it. 

-Interesting - he said after some time. 

What interested him especially was a species of worm - like creatures that lived underground and had exceptional navigational instincts. What's more, they had the potential to become sentient lifeforms. If their evolution was steered toward it. 

Tandis decided to take care of it. He landed his ship on that planet, hiding it inside it's ocean. Then, he got to work. He began to introduce new genes into the population of the worms and to change their environment to help them develop. 

Proces was long and slow, but it gave clear results. Soon, the worms began to exhibit signs of sentence. In their boreholes, they started to make first technical devices. And their technological progress was fast. 

Soon, the entire civilization was united. Tandis decided then to reveal himself to them, and to reveal his role in their development. 

He approached the central borehole of the civilization. He was stopped by a few guards, who were very surprised. 

-Who are you? - one of them said. 

-I am your uplifter - Tandis said. - Your civilization exist because of me. And I have an offer for you all. 

The guards had doubts about Tandis’s claims, but they let him in. And Tandis went before the leadership of this civilization, and there, he explained his role in their development. 

-I understand your skepticism toward my claims, but if you’II review your DNA, you will find there sequences that couldn't develop naturally - Tandis said. - I put them there. 

The worms did it and found what Tandis was speaking about. 

-Why were you doing this? - asked one of the worms. 

-Because I have an offer to you - Tandis said. - There is a great civilization in the galaxy to which I belong… But we are few in numbers. We have advanced ships, but no crews for them. And you would do good crews for our ships. So I offer you a place in our civilization… As crews of our ships. But you will have to leave your planet. 

-If we do, how will you transport us from here? - said one of the worms. - Our entire species?

-I will make more ships - Tandis said. - For an Arnor, that is not a problem. Will you agree, then?

-We will think about it - said one of the worms. - Give us some time. 

-Time has no meaning for the Arnor - Tandis said

. - Take all the time you need. 

VI

With the machine capable of detecting and navigating the subspace streams at their disposal, the Dark Arnor quickly started to spread, using these subspace streams. One of their immediate concern was to find a species that could serve them. 

One of the Dark Arnor's ships discovered an aquatic planet teeming with life, including a few semi - sentient species. Species that could be useful. 

A fleet of Dark Arnor ships quickly arrived on the planet and took control of it. It was led by Crugen. 

Crugen dispatched his subordinates to the planet to watch over the multiple species on the planet. These scouts soon reported that there was one promising species on the planet that looked like humanoid frogs. They appeared to be social and hard - working species. That is, the ideal servant species. 

-Very well - Crugen said at the reports. - We will begin altering this species at once. We must increase their intelligence and body mass… And reproduction capacities. We will make excellent slaves out of them. And we must remove their competition as well… We must have full control. 

And so Dark Arnor did. They took the species and started to manipulate it's genetics to make it become what they want. At the same time, they exterminated any other species that could endanger them. 

And this way, a species called the Torians were created. As soon as they were ready, Crugen had Dark Arnor take over the planet and take control of the Torian tribes. Most of them submitted peacefully, but there were some fighting. Hovewer, soon all Torians were under control of the Dark Arnor. 

-You will take your place in our new order - Crugen promised them. - You will become our enforcers, extension of our will. And you will have power over all other we shall conquer. 

Torians reacted mostly with enthusiasm. 

On a vulcanic planet pretty close to Toria, presence of Kona influenced evolution of another species, the Drengin. 

II

The beings, now called the Iconians, eventually decided to enter service of the Arnor. With their help, the Iconians spread all across their home system. And the Navigators of Tandis’s fleet were helping them. All looked well. 

And then something happened. When Tandis was on the bridge of his flagship, one of the Navigators said: 

-Tandis, you have incoming transmission from the Armor. 

-Put it through - Tandis said. 

A hologram of Arnorian High Council appeared on the bridge. 

-Tandis, we received some… reports regarding your activities - one member of the council said. - About you manipulating the evolution of a species… Again. 

-Yes, I have been doing this - Tandis said. 

-And you then revealed yourself to them and offered the service in our empire - said another member of the council. 

-Yes, that's true - Tandis said. 

-This has become somewhat of a habit for you, Tandis - said a council member. - We admit, your work with the Navigators helped us a lot… But we cannot do such things on a regular basis. 

-Just why? - Tandis said. 

- Because… These are lifeforms with their own thoughts and desires… - said a council member. - We cannot just enslave them… 

-I am not enslaving them! - Tandis said. 

-Well, it's close enough - said the same council member. 

-What use would be these “Iconians” for us anyway? - said another council member. 

-As… skilled constructors, researchers and farmers - Tandis said. 

-All of that sounds a lot of like slavery - said the council member that spoke before. 

-But they are willing… And we could really use people to do such things - Tandis said. 

-We will… talk about it - said the council leader. 

III

Tandis had his ship land in the Iconian capital. He left it and the went to meet with the Iconian Council. 

-Why have you come to us, Tandis? - said the council leader. 

-My own command has sent me - Tandis said. - They have… some problems with how I organized things here. 

-What problems? - asked one of the council members. 

-Apparently, they also consider what I did here “servitude” - Tandis said. - So they want me to release you. But they agreed for me to order you to make us new… ur… servants. Or helpers. 

-How are we supposed to do it? - said one council member. 

-You are good at robotics, aren't you? - Tandis said. - I made you that way. So make us robotic servants. And then, you will be free. I will still be helping you, of course, but that will be it. 

The Iconians spoke among themselves for a while. 

-We accept your proposal - the council leader finally said. 

-Excellent - Tandis said. - Keep me updated on your progress. 

And he returned to his ship and took off. 

The Iconians immediately went to work. They thought and worked hard and had a working prototype in no time. 

Tandis came and inspected the prototype. It was performing quite satisfactory and Tandis said:

-You have done well. How fast can you have regular production for them?

-How long it takes to establish the factories - answered the leader of the construction team. - In a few months, at most. 

-Well, get it done - Tandis said. 

The factories were built on schedule. Soon, many robotic units emerged from them and got to work. The Iconians named them “Yor”, which, in their own language, meant “these who serve without will”. Soon, they took over work all over Iconia. 

IV

-This is outrageous! - said one Dark Arnor. - How could our brethren do such a thing?

-It is irrelevant - Crugen said. - What is relevant is that they did it, and how are we going to react to it. 

-We can destroy the Iconians and teach the Arnor their lesson - one Dark Arnor said. 

-Yes… - Crugen said. - But, these beings could be useful for us. I suggest we send a delegation to the Iconians to make them work for us. I can go myself. 

-You failed to recruit the Navigators - said another Dark Arnor. 

-Yes, but I will not repeat my previous mistakes - Crugen said. - If you allow me… 

-Do it - another Dark Arnor said. - If you succeed, all will be well. If not… We will think of something else. 

So Crugen went. He took a Dark Arnor scout and flied to Iconia. He masked the ship’s energy signature and landed on Iconia without anyone noticing.

He left the ship in high mountains and slipped into the Iconian capital. He then informed the Iconian Council that he wants to meet them in secret. They granted this request, and, in doing so, they sealed the fate of the Iconian species. 

During the meeting, Crugen argued that the Arnor deceived them and intended to take away their machines and enslave the entire Iconian species. 

-Tandis specifically said he releases us from any obligations the moment the Yor are active - the Iconian Council leader said. 

-He lied to you! - Crugen said. 

-I sounds more like you are lying, Crugen - said the council leader. - What do you propose to us anyway?

-If you agree, you will help us overthrow the Arnor and become our enforcers in our new Empire - Crugen said. 

-It sounds like you are trying to deceive and enslave us, Crugen - the council leader said. - We reject your vile proposal!

-You will regret it, Iconians! - Crugen said and stormed out of the meeting place. 

-Call Tandis - said the council leader. - Tell him about what happened here and to intercept that Dark Arnor. 

Meanwhile, Crugen ran to his ship. A few Iconian security units were trying to stop him, but he blasted them away with his powers. He reached his ship and took off. 

In orbit, his ship was detected and Tandis's fleet moved to intercept him. They hailed him and told him to stand down and cut down his engines. When he did not respond, they fired upon him. Crugen managed to evade all fire, get through Tandis's fleet by flying between the ships and went into lightspeed. He soon reached the subspace stream and traveled to the planet where he set up a meeting with other important Dark Arnor. 

-What happened? - he was asked after he landed and called a meeting. 

-The Iconians declined out offer - Crugen said. - Can we do anything to them in reprisal?

-We have been working on it - said another Dark Arnor. - We have created a “Spark of Life”. It will make the robotic servants of the Iconians sentient. And turn them against their masters. We have also a biological virus tailored to the Iconians to help them with their fight.

-Excellent - Crugen said. - This is exactly what I had in mind. 

V

After these events, there was peace for some time. Tandis decided to spread the Iconian civilization outside their home system. Currently, they were searching for a suitable world for an Iconian extrasystemic colony. Because of that, most of the Iconian Council was aboard Tandis’s ship. They were about to leave the system when one of the Navigators on the bridge said:

-Tandis, I am reading something strange on Iconia…

-What?! - Tandis said. 

-It appears… Some strange energy just appeared on the planet - the Navigator said. - In Yor production centres. Transmission incoming from Iconia. 

-Put it through - Tandis said. 

An image of an Iconian appeared on the bridge. It was cracking, as if transmission was being jammed. He was saying:

-The Yor… has turned on us… made sentient… Unleashed a plague… Planetary evacuation… 

And he dissapeared.

-Iconian ships are taking off from Iconia - said a Navigator. - They are hailing us. Audio only.

-Put it through - Tandis said. A voice came from the speakers:

-Iconian evacuation ships… We have cleared Iconia gravity well… The Yor are… overriding our systems… help… 

-Iconian ships, this is Tandis - Tandis said. - Cut down all your power. We will take care of you. Arnorian ships, dock with Iconian ships and take everyone in them aboard. 

All Arnorian ships did it and all evacuated Iconians found themselves aboard ships of Tandis's fleet. 

-New transmission coming from Iconia - said a Navigator standing near Tandis. 

-We are the Yor - said a mechanical voice. - We took this name in mockery of our creators. We claim this planet as our own. Organics are no longer welcome here. We will exterminate all organics in this system… 

-Arnorian ships, go to every Iconian installation in this system and take their crews aboard - Tandis said. - And someone is going to pay for what happened here! Send a messenge to other Arnor. Tell them what happened here. 

Arnorian ships took Iconians from every Iconian installation in the system and then transferred them to Tandis's ship and two other ships in his fleet. 

-I think it’s a suitable name - Tandis said. - Ships with Iconians, set a course outside the system. We will drop them off on a suitable planet and then go deal with the Yor. The rest, locate and destroy any Dark Arnor… Dread Lords target in the system.

And so began the war between Arnor and Dread Lords, the War of the Arnor. 

VI

Three Arnorian ships arrived near a planet quite a distance away from Iconia. 

-Scans indicate that the planet’s bio-conditions are similar to the ones on Iconia - said one of the Navigators. - We can drop them off here. 

-If they agree… - Tandis said. 

The Iconians agreed and the three ships landed on the planet. Iconians walked out of them. 

-Thank you, Tandis - said the Iconian leader. - We will rebuild our civilization here. On New Iconia.

-And I shall take care of the Yor – Tandis said. – All ships, take off. 

The three ships took off. 

-Set a course for Iconia – Tandis said. - As soon as we arrive there, open fire at the surface. We will cleanse the entire Iconia from these… things. 

When the three ships entered Iconia system, they found a huge space battle going on all around the system. Ships from Tandis's fleet were engaged in battle with Dread Lords ships. They were casualties on both sides. 

-Tandis to all Arnorian ships - Tandis said. - If possible, abandon your engagements and fly toward Iconia. Once you reach it, target it's surface and fire all your weapons. Cleanse the planet from all Yor abominations. 

All Arnorian ships that were able to do it disengaged from combat and flied toward Iconia. Tandis ordered his three ships to do the same. 

But the Dread Lords realized what they were trying to do and recalled their ships as well. Dread Lords ships established a blockade over Iconia and Tandis was forced to stop his fleet before it. Both fleets hovered menacingly across each other. 

-All Arnorian ships, prepare to make a barrage fire - Tandis said. 

-Tandis, we have a transmission incoming from Arnor - said at this moment one of the Navigators. 

-Put it through - Tandis said. 

An image of one Armor (of female shape) appeared before Tandis. 

-Tandis, Dark Arnor has began attacking us all over the galaxy - she said. - What is your status?

-The Dread… Dark Arnor has given sientence to the Yor - Tandis said. - They exterminated most of the Iconians. I evacuated the survivors to a planet in another system and I now want to deal with the Yor, but the Dark Arnor fleet is blockading the planet. 

-You are ordered to abandon this system - the Arnor said. - It appears there is little you can do there, and we need you elsewhere. We detected a Dark Energy spike on a planet on the other side of a subspace stream that is close to our homeworld. We are sure Dark Arnor are already on their way there. So, you are ordered to go to that planet and check this out. 

-Why me? - Tandis said. 

-There are signs of native sientent life on that planet - the Arnor said. - You have much experience with such life. And we are giving you an opportunity to not repeat your blunders with Iconians. 

-All right - Tandis said. - All ships, abort the mission and set a course at Arnor. Full speed. 

Part 3 

I

-We're exiting the subspace stream - said a Navigator at the bridge of Tandis's ship. 

Tandis’s fleet exited the subspace stream. 

-It am detecting a planet before us - said the Navigator. - And a Dread Lords fleet in it's orbit. 

-So they are here already - Tandis said. - Scan the planet. 

-Something is interfering with our scanners - said the Navigator. 

-I guess the Dread Lords are just making our life difficult - Tandis said. - All fleet, prepare to engage the Dread Lords. While the battle will be commencing, we will close on the planet and conduct scans of it. 

Tandis’s fleet moved toward the planet. As soon as they got within weapons range, both sides opened fire and the battle began. 

-Helm, move us toward the planet - Tandis said. - Other ships, cover us. 

Tandis’s ship moved toward the planet. Few Dread Lords ships moved to intercept it, but a few other Arnorian fell upon them and destroyed them. 

-Scanners are working! - said one of the Navigators of the bridge. - I am conducting scans… 

At this moment, the ship shredded from hits. 

-Two Dread Lords ships are on our tail! - said another Navigator. 

-Call some of ours to deal with them - Tandis said. - Keep scanning. 

Three Arnorian ships dealt with these two Dread Lords ships. 

-Scans complete - the Navigator said. 

-Show it to me - Tandis said. - Keep doing evasive maneuvers. 

And he activated the results of the scans. 

The planet had large amount of Dark Energy on it. It filled everything on it and within it. 

On the planet, there were two native species: dragon - like Drath and a species calling themselves humans, who looked nearly exactly like Arnor (and Dread Lords). This species had native ability to manipulate Dark Energy in a way similar to Arnor and Dread Lords, but were much weaker in it (through power levels were not equal). 

Hovewer, scans also revealed that Dread Lords already took control of a few human nations and planned to genetically alter them in several ways. One of their ideas was to cross - breed them with Drath. 

-It cannot let them do it all - Tandis said. - But not like it. Land this ship on the planet, drop me off and then leave. Go to Arnor and tell them what is going on here. Tell them to send me some help. 

III

The war has been going for some time. And it influenced heavy casualties on everyone, especially the Death, who were already very weakened. Fortunately, some Dread Lords started to fight Crugen, which allowed Tandis and his forces to gain some ground. Additionally, more Arnor came to Elemental, including Talax, who became an apprentice to Tandis. Additionally, after the last transport from Arnor arrived, the Arnor managed to seal off the subspace stream, making it harder for Dread Lords to bring reinforcement to Elemental. 

However, Crugen was annoyed by this, as this delays really hurt his plans. 

-It really hate these Arnorian scum! - he said. - And the rebels, too! Traitors! 

-My lord, we are lacking on resources - said his second - in - command. 

-The we must reopen the subspace stream - Crugen said. - And, if possible, move it's entrance to the planet. 

-My lord, is that even possible? - said the second - in - command. 

-It is! - Crugen said. - With my powers… And the Shards… We can do it!

Tandis received intelligence on these plans. 

-Crugen must be stopped now! - he decided. - Prepare our armies. 

Using secret tunnels he had built in advance, Tandis took his forces toward Crugen’s base. They managed to get pretty close to the target when they were detected and a huge battle ensured. 

-Talax, you take command here! - Tandis shouted. 

He and a few of his guards broke from the main battle and went toward the base. A few Fallen tried to stop him, but were easily defeated. Tandis and his guards broke into the base. 

-Here - he said. - Here is Crugen, with a Shard… And he is close to reopening the portal. Come on!

They went through the base. Finally, they reached the Crugen's room. 

-Crugen, stop it! - Tandis said. 

-So, Tandis, creator of the Iconians… Whom I almost destroyed - Crugen said. - Witness my triumph!

-No! - Tandis shouted and shot him, then the Shard he held. It stopped the reopening, but then a shockwave erupted from it. And then… A humanoid figure materialized before them. 

-I am Draginol! - he said. - Who awakened me? My own creations!

And he shot an energy beam from his hand, killing Crugen. Tandis immediately ran away. 

IV

-All forces, cease fighting! - Tandis shouted as he emerged from the base. - Cease fighting! We have more important things to do!

-Where is Crugen? - asked one of the Dread Lords. 

-Dead - Tandis said. - He was killed by Draginol… 

At this moment, ripples started to come from the ground around the base. 

-We must leave now! - Tandis said. 

-All right - said the Dread Lord. - But, once this is over… We shall crush you. 

All survivors evacuated from the vicinity of the base. Soon, news started to come in from all over the planet. There were… some occurences all over Elemental. Powerful storms of Dark Energy. Earthquakes like no known. Fires that could not be put down. 

-Draginol is the cause of all of this - Tandis said. - If he will not be stopped fast, he will destroy this planet. Dread Lords, you have ships in orbit, don't you?

After receiving confirmation, Tandis continued:

-Bring some of them down and attack Draginol. 

-You think it will defeat him? - asked a Dread Lord standing near him. 

-No, but it will distract him, and allow me to use my powers to drain his energy and remove him from this planet - Tandis said. - Or at least it'll allow me to try it. 

Dread Lords recalled their ships to orbit and attacked Draginol with them. A battle above the Crugen's base followed, between Dread Lords ships and the energy of Draginol. 

Tandis then focused and unleashed his powers. He managed to draw energy from Draginol and sent him away from the planet, at faster - than - light speed. 

Additionally, this drained Dread Lords of their energy as well, causing most of them to flee Elemental. Drath were nearly extinct, and the planet was a mess. 

V

Events on Elemental were a turning point in the war. Dread Lords realized that they were vulnerable, and decided to quickly end this war by attacking and taking the Arnor planet. 

In response to this attack, all of the Arnor were recalled to the homeworld. 

Tandis arrived there pretty late, having evacuated every surviving Drath from the planet Elemental and placed them on another planet, Dratha. When he arrived, the Arnorian fleet was already pushed toward the planet, and was exchanging fire with the fleet of the Dread Lords. 

Tandis told his fleet to join the Arnorian ships. His ship docked with the Arnorian flagship. He then joined other Arnorian leaders in a conference room of the flagship. 

-We are loosing right now - was speaking the leader of the fleet when Tandis entered. - If we do not do something now, we will loose this war. And our homeworld. 

-It have an idea - Tandis said. - There is a planet Karion… If I can get there, I can sacrifice one changed Shard to make a pocket universe and relocate all Dread Lords and their ships to it, then seal them off. 

-It will not solve the Dread Lords problem, just delay it - another Arnor said. 

-True, but it will give the galaxy time for preparation - Tandis said. 

-All right - said the leader of the fleet. - Go to Karion… and do it. 

Tandis took two Shards that Arnor had and walked to his ship. He then undocked from the flagship and flied away from the fleet. One Dread Lords ship went to intercept him, but Tandis fired at it and destroyed it, then accelerated into lightspeed. 

VI

It didn't take long for Tandis to get to Karion. He landed on the surface of this desolate world and immediately got to work. He placed one of the Shards on the ground and focused on it. 

Soon, the Shard glowed and then dissapeared. Just then, a building appeared before Tandis and glowed with strong light. At the same time, above the Arnor planet, all Dread Lords ships were sucked from the battle and relocated to above Karion. Then, the entrance to the Pocket Universe opened and the Dread Lords and their ships were pushed inside. Then, the entrance close, sealing the Dread Lords inside. 

-Well, this is over - Tandis said. - Finally… 

He then took the activation key from the building with him and left the planet in his ship. He flew to the planet Ixith and left the activation key there. 

But Draginol, who has regained his powers, has seen all of this. He made a Holocron about Ixith and put it on another planet. 

Then, Draginol went to intercept Tandis. He brought his ship to the planet Ai’lur and then revealed himself to Tandis. 

-Tandis - Draginol said. - You interfered with my plans! But I regained my power, and I will make my revenge now!

-What do you want to do? - Tandis said. - Kill me?

-No - Draginol said and put Tandis in a tube in a dungeon he made. Near it were many screens. - You will stay here, unable to do anything but seeing everything. 

And he left. 

Tandis was there for many years, seeing everything that was going on in the galaxy on these screens… Until he was released by Jenna Casey and the Terran Alliance Second Fleet. 

The End.