Interlude

And so I gazed upon this gateway and wonder to myself; what drove this civilization to such heights; what drove this civilization to such oblivion?

Although our great journey was to begin, these thoughts filled my mind with uneasiness. As advanced as they were, what had caused them to disappear? What looming presence had driven them out? For indeed, such a civilization possessing such technology – not even the great destroyers would have been able to stop them. From what I had seen, the installation was abandoned to it's lonely fate in this insignificant corner of the universe. There was no great battle, no great conquest that killed its inhabitants. One day they were here...and the next day, they were gone. And I wondered then, as I do now, why did they go? Did they, too, embark upon a journey similar to ours? Driven by an undeniable urge to survive...or by something greater?

Such questions...to date, I have yet to find the answers...perhaps if I had only looked harder in the installation, I may have found it then, for many a secret still lie hidden within it's cavernous interior. There are some that exist in my realm alone, and are only mine to bear witness, while others can only be seen by those made of flesh and blood, and yet others I suspect, are meant only for the Great Destroyers, or other beings like them. Perhaps...perhaps it is one of these secrets that hold the key...holds the answer...but not it is too late to do little but to fret over false decisions; to regret untaken paths.

All the heroes are gone; into the heart of the subspace corridor lying between us and the Great Destroyers. We would never see them again, for their fate was sealed; to forever play the role as matyrs in the great game of destiny. They would try their best to ensure we had the time to allow our plan to fruition, and for us to make our escape.

As I recorded this, I was involved in the evacuation procedures itself, and was to command the mightiest ship left in our fleet. How such an honor could have been given to me...to this day, I do not comprehend the reason why I was chosen...why they trusted me so. Did I appear as something holy to them? It would have been partially true, at least, since I did arise in a time of great adversity, great strife, and I did offer them what they all desired so desperately: salvation.

But then, isn't this something we all seek? In end, isn't it that what we all wish for? Salvation isn't just about entering heaven and living there; it is about putting one's woes to rest; the time that comes after the end of all wars when one recuperates and enjoys what one has fought so hard for; about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and to end the suffering that has plagued us through the life we have chosen to lead? Or is it something else entirely? Either way, I do not know, for such a fate seems to beyond my grasp, beyond my reach both now and then.

Although I did not know why, nor did I desire the command, there was little time to debate the issue. Although the heroes would have given us the time required to accomplish the plan, it was not a confirmed guarantee.

Our plan was to be simple, but shockingly ironic. In a twist of fate, we had to commit an act upon ourselves something which we had inflicted to hundreds of other races before. Although we had seen it done before, and had been it's initiator, to actually do it ourselves...it was frightening, to say the least. If one good thing ever came out from such a tragedy; it was knowledge...knowledge of the suffering we had inflicted upon others, knowledge of what our sins had brought about, and knowledge of what must never be done again.

This was not our last stand, it never would be. This act, and the horrors, fears and troubles it implies, can be summoned up in a simple word. A not-so innocent word by itself, its effect became worse in a situation like ours, for it had just merely started, and we would never see it's end ever again.

Quite simply...our Exodus had begun...and as I would soon find out...it would never end...

And so as we prepare to begin our great journey, I must leave this installation, to forever hang lonely amongst the stars. Perhaps, some day, another being will come upon it. Perhaps, this being would find out its innermost secrets, it's purpose of existence. Perhaps...this being would follow in our footsteps; forever repeating our own eternal exodus, our own eternal suffering...

Whoever that being may be, I can only wish it good luck.