III: A New Galactic Order: The Rise of the Empyreal Communion
The tides of war ebb once again. With a majority of Kenjodan, Penthulan an Huvidu-Zaan systems occupied the prospect of peace looms just around the corner. It is 230 in Stellar Time. Previously, in 2303, the Dar-Hesh Confederacy is overrun by the Oolog Ordained Order. The Dar-Hesh people face a grim fate as their conquerors demand they be neutered, threatening further punishment for disobedience. The Dar-Hesh who are able escape the Oolog Ordained Order as best as they can, as their former capital descends into anarchy in the aftermath of the war. The galaxy watches as the Dar-Hesh struggle to survive under their oppressors' cruel mandates. The Foundation of Sahtoria, emboldened by their growing power, declares war on the Penthulan Order in 2307, seeking to subjugate their rivals.
By 2315, mob rule grips Geríe, the former capital of the Dar-Hesh Confederacy. The Oolog struggle to keep the peace and begin harder crackdowns. The following year, the Kelbran Core seizes the opportunity to declare independence from the United Kelsiotan Republic, further fracturing the galactic order. A Machine Empire is born.
In 2316, the War of Beliefs finally comes to an end with the founding of the Concordat of Wandering Nest. The Ubaric Regime seizes vast territories from the Penthulan Order, reshaping the balance of power. But peace is fleeting as the War of Obedience erupts in 2319, pitting the Federation Independent Systems against the Penthulan Order, Kenjodan Imperium, and Huvidu-Zaan Autocracy yet again.
By 2322, peace is restored between Sahtoria and Penthulan. The Foundation of Sathoria and the Oolog Ordained Order form the federation known as the Empyreal Communion in 2323, uniting their forces under a single banner. The new federation quickly admits vassals, consolidating its power.
The galaxy witnesses the rise of a new federation: the Empyreal Communion is formed, the same year as the Regime of Zuhn falls to the Djunn Confederacy in 2328. In 2330, the Empyreal Communion unifies its dogma at an internal conference, solidifying the bonds between its members. A new galactic order begins to falls in place as two large factions emerge. The Federated Independent Systems and the Empyreal Communion have divided up the galaxy. It is in in the system of Sath, on the planet of Sathoria, home to the Sathori, where the priests, bishops, nuns and monks of the various orders and denominations of the Oolog and Sathori meet to come closer and solidify the strength of the holy covenant.
The various temples of the Sathori are strewn across the capital city of Sathoria. "Look at them, they're so straight." One of the monks noted as he pointed down to the city. Theirs was one of many transporters bringing delegates to Sathoria for the month-long convention. "Please sit down, we are about to begin the descent to the surface of Sathoria." The intercom voice chimed in both Oolog and Sathori. The various Oolog fastened their harnesses as the transporter began to prepare for landing. Rumour had it that the heir to Pope White Wing II was on board of one of the transporters to help smooth things along. Others dismissed the claims, as it would be too risky. Though the various transporters were separated by species and there were only two that were carrying Oolog, Super-Oolog or Duper-Oolog within them, the various safety instructions were in Sathori as well as in the Oolog tongue. The other eight transporters carried various servants and helpers who would help in the organization of the convention and had arrived a few days prior.
What was true however was that Patriarch Xirax himself would make an appearance at the convention, the leader of the elusive theocracy. Formed only seven years prior in 232 ST the Empyreal Communion was founded by Sathoria and Oolog to ensure a counterbalance to the Federated Independent Systems in space. The two spiritualist empires had to protect themselves against the less spiritually inclined empires in the galaxy and ensure mutual survival. It began with the war on the Necroid empires of the Azanti and Dar-Hesh. Since that war - and some might argue genocide - decades prior, things had become warmer between the two. This convention was a big step to ensure further unity.
The convention center was within the area that was normally strictly sealed off for outsiders. It was the centre of the Foundation of Sathoria where only the brightest, strongest and of course most pious of the Empire could convene. It was the inner circle of Patriarch Xirax, the now 96 year old ruler, and influenced large aspects of the theocratic dictatorship. In order to keep prying eyes out, it was here in the highly guarded areal that the convention would take place. Each visitor was carefully vetted. Every aspect of the meetings was carefully planned.
Introductory meetings planned with joint prayer sessions, as well as separate prayer sessions with instructional tutorials and observation sessions so that they could look at their allies would pray. Was it pious enough? Did it honour the gods correctly? What could be improved? The differences, the similarities and everything in between would be dissected to the most minute of details possible. The plans were intricate and detailed, leaving almost no wiggle room. The Sathori would allow some small changes here and there, but for the most part everything was set in stone much like some of their ancient relics that were prized possessions and heavily guarded.
"Welcome, friends, brothers and sisters! Disciples of the Church of the Everloving, the Templars of Steel, and any and all in between!" A friendly Sathori guide who introduced herself as 'Midloxec' greeted the Oolog delegates as they were ushered to the metal detecting areas and scanners. Though most of their belonging had been brought before, safety was paramount. Sathori priests checked their bags and scanned the visitors as armed guards watched warily from the side. They were forbidden to touch the belongings but their dark and large eyes made sure nothing went unnoticed. The Oolog were patient as they were screened. The opulent entrance to the capital was large and the walls were towering. The Oolog stretched themselves as they bent backwards to admire it's entirety and gave hoots of acknowledgement.
The main entrance to the compound was basked in an orange hue as the towering walls lumbered over them with various windows showing Sathori floating along from point to point. Some looked through the windows and waved, some Oolog waved back. The spirits were high for the convention. A group of young disciples passed by giddily as they stared at the Oolog in awe, their towering bodies with the cybernetic implants were a marvel to them. It was not long before some of the Oolog noticed the specifics of Sathori architecture they had read so much about. As they walked towards the central complex - within the walls all transport that was not on your own legs was heretical - they noticed the walls seemed vivid and colourful, much like Sathori skin itself.
One of the Oolog monks noticed this and took up the courage to ask the guide that would bring them to the next checkpoint before they would enter the convention area "My brother, do tell..." the Oolog monk dressed in long burgundy robes approached Midloxec who wore a richly adorned robe herself with green stones set in it and golden lining. "These walls, they are as we have read, made of the same material that you are made of, is this true?" The guide continued on her way leading the delegation, flanked by Sathori Holy Guards, caught in their perpetual smile and their large black-blueish eyes, and answered:
"Oh yes, most of our buildings, especially the best and noblest of them all, are built of organic material! Our catalytic technicians work day and night to find ways to help make our buildings, and spaceships, sturdier and stronger. Day by day! Through the guidance of Patriarch Xirax and the Hexarchy, as well as the Bishops, Arch-Bishops and..." The guide looked to the inquisitive monk "so on..." Giving a nod, the monk nodded and Midloxec faced forward yet again "...we have been perfecting what once was understood to be perfect. Now, we are not afraid to admit that things can always be better and through introspective study, and prayer, we have found that things can always be improved. Much like you Oolog, who have sought to find improvement and betterment in technology that enhances your senses and minds, we too seek it. Here on the right you will see a fresco of the past Patriarchs. This will continue for the next four thousand meters."
"Four thousand?" An Oolog nun chimed in, incredulous and visibly tired. "Indeed," the guide answered "originally the path had been six thousand steps so as to fit better within the church's ideals but the walls of the inner four sanctums were recently modified for more space and made thinner. You see, long ago we had internal strife similar to many other empires. Those who did not believe in the sixfold path. Those who questioned the wisdom of the Patriarch, and all the good that we sought out to do. Naturally, over time and with some... convincing... The other Sathori on Sathoria recognized the truth." As she continued leading the delegation, she elaborated upon what they saw before them.
"THe floor upon which we walk is cleaned every day after evening prayers. Rest assured, only Sathori are allowed to clean it and the cleaning ritual is a form of prayer in itself. You may have heard of an influx of Sakyt refugees as of late and though they are allowed to stay on Sathoria, only the most devout are given the privilege of serving us and our gods. To your left you can see a tablet with the 20 rites of enlightenment that were proposed by the Arch-Prophet Foroxo the second. This caused quite a stir in the 14th century and led to various pogroms." There were 'oohs' and nodding as they continued down the righteous path.
Another monk asked as he admired the fresco of Patriarch Zetioz, who had been one of the first great Sathori conquerors and was the founder of one of the districts that many millenia ago had simply been a town "Do you employ any xenos within these inner areas of the capital? It would be our preference to only engage in Sathori while we are here..."
The guide nodded solemnly as she continued to glide towards the inner areas where the convention was being held. "Of course not my brother, within the areas of importance only Sathori are allowed. We do have some Kaarelian, Kithri and Alari on the planet but they are artisans, technicians and farmers. You need not worry. The Sakyt refugees are under quarantine. You won'T even see them. Patriarch Xirax made it clear to all Necroids in the Foundation that they were not to enter Sathoria for the duration of the convention."
The monks, nuns and priests of the Oolog delegation chittered with glee at the prospect that they would not have to look upon any Dar-Hesh or Azanti whilst they were here. The forceful neutering of Dar-Hesh on Geríe had caused a bit of a stir in other empires - including riots on Geríe - but the Sathori did not care for the fate of the Dar-Hesh either. If you were to ask one in a closed setting they would say they applauded the Oolog approach. In more diplomatic circles of course there was no condoning what was being done. Though the two empires of Oolog and Sathori had formed a pact together and worked together closely on the galactic stage, there were no recorded Sathori in the Oolog Ordained Order, nor any Oolog living in the Foundation of Sathori. At least officially. Naturally, there were heretics or wild oats that would try to go out and forsake their futures by leaving their great empires, but they were rare and far between. This would no doubt change soon.
As they approached, after a lengthy time walking, the checkpoint to the convention area they encountered many more Oolog and Sathori, walking with one another in groups, or talking to one another fervently. There was loud chirping, and gawking, as many members of the convention walked in all direction. The very wide path they had been walking that had been adorned with frescos and paintings of previous Patriarchs, Bishops and the like, had come to an end only to branch into a fork.
To their left another wide path continued that was flanked by various doors and entrances, and similarly on the right were more doors and meeting rooms as well as booths for food, drink and local specialties. The walls and floors were spotless and equally breathtaking as the path before them. The main entrance to the convention area had a steady flow of visitors coming in and out, as this time guards also checked on the content of their bags, clothing and often hats as well. There were no complaints as most of the visitors were in good nature and optimistic. It seemed that the convention would be fruitful and truly strengthen the bond between the two empires.
"This is the end for me!" Midloxec turned to the delegates and raised her arms "May the guiding light of the sixfold bless you on this journey of self-discovery, and discovery of Sathoria as well. You may call upon me whenever you wish, I am Midloxec and you can reach out to me via your servants who are on call all day, every day, whenever you need. Enjoy your stay." He bowed and the delegates bowed as well.
The view of the Capital complex on Sathoria. Various church complexes dotted on the landscape ahead with the central area reserved for the ruling elite. Created with bing AI for illustration purposes.
