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Can you blame them? Women from all over the universe flock to join them. From my balcony, I can look down at the estates below and see tiny little dots lazing by the pools and walking around the malls. Each one of them is a human female – living here in an Aurelian harem; content to serve a triad, or even a single Aurelian.

The streets below teem with them – each estate like a little ant hive.

But even down below, a third of those estates are now silent and empty.

A third of the population of Colossus left – Orb-Shifting out, despite the danger.

And I’d seen it myself, when that warship had been split in half. Many more vessels would have been lost in the void. It seems like the Orbs have turned against us.

Still – the majority would have still come out the other side – to wherever they plan to plot their rebellion next.

It’s difficult to fathom so many Aurelians believing secretly in the old ways. So many who’d want to rule the universe with an iron-fist – owning human women like property, and conquering planets to restore the old glory of the Aurelian Empire.

If we hadn’t brought the Toad mothership into Colossus and catalyzed their exodus, how long would the old ways have had to grow roots on Colossus – festering like a cancer?

How long until they gained enough strength for a coup?

I’ve unwittingly swayed the course of the entire universe. Me – Jamie – the frightened girl who’d been broken by her best friend’s death.

Now, my small story has diverted the stream of history.

But all I want is to be with my triad, far away from the chaos and brutality of war. All I want is to do is be with my triad again.

I’m with their seed. The future is inside of me – and Imustprotect it.

I will not let anything happen to you.

Marcel had sensed my worry. Even from far away, his voice soothes my anxiety. I’ve witnessed him cut his way through a Toad mothership to save my life, and he’d do the same for me on Colossus.

Below me, the tiny forms of Aurelians scurry like insects. They leave their estates and walk towards a massive building that dominates the skyline.

The Arena of the Gods.

The huge coliseum looms above the city, and I’m not mistaken – there’s a migration towards it. Down below, more and more people move towards that towering landmark.

On the horizon, I spot a squad of five Reavers – all escorting a sleek, white transport ship that beelines towards me.

They’re coming for me.

There’s a disturbance in the auras of my triad. They were calm before battle. Now, the waiting is over.

Quint messages me:

Be calm. Be patient.

I sense him being taken somewhere. My triad is being moved.

I look to the Reavers that hover above. Their Orb-Beams scan the city as the transport ship touches down on the landing pad attached to my luxurious penthouse.

I arrange my long, flowing white dress and return to the suite.

Three hulking aliens stand there, waiting for me. Their huge bodies are protected by the Orb-Armor of Elites. My eyes are hypnotically drawn into the endless, black-blue material that covers them.

I shiver as I imagine how devastating these three would be in battle.

But these are not young Aurelians, fresh out of their hundred years of service. Their cold, grey eyes are lined with tiny wrinkles. The leader has a thick, white mustache.

Queen Jasmine sent a man who has been loyal for centuries. Though nearly a third of Aurelians fled Colossus, the Priesthood and the separatists may have stationed double agents behind. Jasmine chose someone close to her to protect me – somebody she could trust to deliver me to my fate.