Interstellar Age

While the greeting of these foreign diplomats wasn't extravagant, Erich made sure they had everything they needed to be comfortable during their stay in his territory. Such was simple common courtesy, and Erich was not the barbarian much of the galaxy believed him and his people to be.

The first day hat Kali and Anubis spent in the borders of the Empire was given freely to them, allowing the two "gods" of two very different regions to rest well before discussing a matter of supreme importance.

The following day, however, was purely business. Erich invited the various galactic leaders, including his two newest wives, into his personal office. It was, of course, not a meeting that was supposed to be revealed to the public.

Once inside, Erich made sure his guests were comfortably seated before revealing to them that which he had known for many years.

"I wanted to thank you all for coming here on such short notice. It was not my understanding that this meeting would be held here on Germania, and so soon no less. But it is a meeting I wanted to have nontheless, so it is good that we are getting this out of the way early.

So... Lunaria and Daelia already know what it is that I'm about to say, but I want the two of you to keep this a secret from the public. After all, if this information were to get out to the average civilian, it would cause widespread panic.

By now, I understand that the two of you have some idea about the reasons why the Alfheim Dominion and their long-

term rival in the Svartalfheim Federation have decided to so suddenly end their hostilities and join together for the first time since the collapse of the Elven Empire during the Primeval Era.

So, at the very least, this information may not be as shocking to you both as it would have been without these assumptions..."

After saying this, Erich silently communicated with his NeuroLink to Tia, who began displaying the videos taken by the deep space probes sent to the Andromeda Galaxy. The videos were, of course, shocking. Including everything from images taken on the worlds infested by the Naraku, as well as the space which their migratory fleets still inhabited.

Kali and Anubis both simotaneously rose from their seats in shock at what they were seeing. Images and videos displayed themselves, and by the looks of it they just kept coming, showing more horific scenes of what the Andromeda galaxy had been transformed into over what one could only assume was millions of years of conquest and terraformation.

It also spat in the face of what little knowledge was known about the Naraku within the Milky Way Galaxy, cuasing Kali to shout, demanding an explanation for what she was seeing.

"This... This isn't the Milky Way, is it? What exactly am I looking at right now..."

Alex had a grave expression on his face as he explained exactly what everyone was staring at.

"Since coming into power, I have made great efforts to pierce the veil between our galaxy and the one nearest to us. I'm speaking, of course, about Andromeda. At first, my probes were failing to report back, which upon sending many more, I discovered the cause of.

The Naraku are not originally from the Milky Way, and if these images are to be believed, they are also not native to Andromeda.To put it simply; we do not know the exact origins of the Naraku, or how ancient their race really is. What we do know is that they have already invaded and conquered Andromeda.

Exterminating all biological life within its borders and terraforming the worlds within to host their endless procreation. To put it simply, the Naraku who infiltrated our galaxy during the turmoil of the Primeval Era did so as an advanced scouting force. They have been reporting everything that has happened since the days of the Elven Empire to their empress.

And, if my suspicions are correct, they may have even had a hand in the Great Schism which caused the collapse of the Elven Empire, a political entity whose military was the Milky Way's best chance of defending it from a future Naraku Invasion.

I have confirmed this with Lunaria and Daelia, but the idea of preventing an arms race from breaking out between their two societies by agreeing to stifle the development of military technology was proposed by two different vassals.

Vassals who just so happen to be insectoids... While these races are not Naraku, it is my belief that they, and potentially other insectoid species who have until now shown no sign of hostility towards other biological life, are perhaps truly loyal to the Naraku, and have been working against us all for the last few million years or so.

If this theory is true, then the Naraku have secretly been manipulating the galaxy so that the Milky Way will be an easy conquest when they finally decide to invade. Which, by our current estimated, will be another seventy years at the latest.

Although, by Lunaria and Daelia announcing an end to hostilities between them, this may have changed the timetables of the Naraku. It is impossible to know. Preventing this from becoming reality is the exact reason that Daelian, Lunaria, and I have agreed not to publically announce the union of our three respective domains into a single political entity.

As of right now, the Germanic Star-Empire, the Svartalfheim Federation, and Alfheim Dominion are secretly working behind the scenes to share the development of technology, and are working to integrate out militaries into one cohesive unit. Our economies have naturally become intertwined as a result, even if we appear to be separate states who have only reduced hostilities on the surface.

I would like to formally extend an invitation to this galactic union to both the Ennead Theocracy and the Asuran Cabal, or at the very least open up a potential military and economic alliance that shall last until the Naraku Threat to the galaxy has been dealt with.

This is, of course optional, you have every right to refuse us. But just know that Lunaria, Daelia, and I will proceed with our efforts to solidify our people into a united front against the Naraku, and any perceived attempt to sabotage this union will be dealt with via military force."

Kali and Anubis had very grave expressions on their faces. They realized just what kind of threat the Naraku posed if they had an entire galaxy worth of manpower and resources to throw at the fractured Milky Way.

Of course, Anubis realized something that Erich had hinted at, and was quick to ask for clarification on it, albeit with a horrified tone in his voice, as if the prospect was simply too terrifying to speak about.

"Wait, you said that you suspect that the Naraku are a species that is neither native to Andromeda nor the Milky Way. Is that correct? Then would I be correct to assume that it is entirely likely that they have conquered several galaxies already, in addition to Andromeda?"

Erich nodded his head with a severe expression, as he stated that this was an entirely likely possibility.

"It is not only possible, it is most probable. In fact, I would argue that based upon the evidence we have collected via our deep space probes in Andromeda. It is entirely plausible that the majority of the galaxies in the universe have either been conquered by the Naraku already, or are currently infested to varying degrees. We simply do not have the technology, nor the time to confirm whether this fear is real, though..."

When Kali heard this, she sunk back into her seat with a completely defeated expression on her face. If this was true, how would it be remotely possible to defeat such a vast and overwhelming threat? Their Galaxy was like a single fish in the ocean that was the universe.

Even if ten percent of the universe was plagued with the Naraku, then the amount of power they would possess would be unstoppable for any single galaxy to fight against. At the very least, any galaxy that was fractured politically like the Milky Way was doomed to defeat.

But Erich did not let this helplessness overwhelm Kali. Instead, he spoke blatantly about what needed to be done.

"I'm not going to promise you victory. It is entirely likely that all living beings in this galaxy only have a few decades left before we are all devoured by the Swarm which is heading our way. But giving up and letting our entire civilizations be wiped from the face of the universe without a fight is not an option either.

My people will fight until the last man, woman, and child, if need be. And I expect the same resolve from every one of you. For without such a mentality, then there is no point in even continuing on with our lives. If you can not find the will to fight against a universe full of enemies, then you are no use to us. And should just collectively commit suicide instead.

I will leave you both to your own thoughts, as I am sure after hearing all of this, you will need some time to contact your people and speak about what you will do now that you know what we are all facing. I look forward to hearing your answers soon..."

With this said, Erich left the room, and was followed shortly thereafter by Lunaria and Daelia. Leaving Kali and Anubis alone with their grim thoughts about the future.