Rory watched as his father began preparing the Extinction for the coming fight. Already, defenses were being rearranged, and the traps were being set. It would only be a matter of time before the stage was set for the final battle.

Seeing his dad so happy again was the best thing he could have asked for on New Year's Day. It was something that money and power couldn't but, which was why it was so valuable.

Still smiling, Rory turned his attention to Tylos, who was standing next to him, as was Cassidy and another creature called Vesiculara - apparently Tylos counterpart in Lady Melissa's forces. The four shared a look, then opened up a pair of portals - one to the Commander's Hubworld, one to Melissa's.

They're parents had asked them not to get involved in the coming battle.

The two children had reluctantly acquiesced to their elders' desire.

Naturally, they had been lying.

XXXXX

"So," questioned the Council gathered at the Tower, "what news from our lord?"

"He has regained his will to fight and is readying to do battle with the monstrous Hunhow, with new allies at his side."

"Excellent. Has he made request of us?" inquired a Dracken.

"No. He has neither demanded nor forbid our involvement in this coming fight. That being said, I believe he would not want us to risk our lives in the coming conflict."

"Seriously?!" intoned a more childish being exclaimed, indignation at his lord's refusal to let him fight.

Tylos, however, maintained a neutral expression. "That being said, I am organizing a force to assist him anyway. All who wish to assist, send me your names. If you do not wish to join in, then you will not be shamed for it - this is only for those who volunteer. Know this though - if our lord fails...if he dies...is the battle is lost...billions will die. Some of these may have, in another time, been a part of our community. If you are willing to leave them alone, to face oblivion in fear, then you may do so unopposed."

As Tylos finished his small speech, he turned his attention to a nearby computer terminal. It was the one he had to receive the identities of those who wished to fight in the upcoming conflict.

Already, the number was in the billions.

Tylos let out a small smile. Their lord would thank them for their actions in the coming days. He knew he would.

Rory shared in his companion's joy, before activating a portal of his own. There was one last thing that needed to be done.

XXXXXX

As Rory and Cassidy steeped out of the portal, they found their forces already beginning to muster.

What forces that had been left behind in the Spore, Darkspore, Civ:BE and GalCiv universes had been recalled en masse - they were already being replaced, so their absence would not be felt...at least, not severely.

Commander Tech and Coelohim, strong in equal measures and different ways, were being pulled back from their conquests to assist in this final battle. IF they lost, well, these forces would be useless then, what with their creators and rulers gone. Now was the time to go all in.

Of course, even this plan wasn't full proof - and a spanner was already making itself known.

"Attentin," spoke a familiar voice, "This is Asaru. You mind telling me why your forces suddenly started leaving our universe, commander?"

Rory and Melissa glanced at each other, before deciding on their response. "My dad isn't here right now, he's busy."

"With what?"

"...Um, he's planning for a big battle coming up."

"Define big."

"It will probably decide the fate of the next universe."

"I see," spoke the Ethereal, tone unreadable. "I presume he's at a disadvantage here?"

"Yes, which is why I'm pulling our forces out to help him...why are you even asking me this?"

"..Okay, maybe I am stalling here. Just answer me one question: Does he need our help?"

"W-what?! Why would we ask you for help? If we're up against something that can challenge us, you probably wouldn't do much to help."

"I am aware of that, but still, your father helped us save Earth. We want to pay him back."

"...Well, you can help if you want. Just beware of taking lots of casualties."

"I am well aware...and I am not doing this alone."

"What do you mean?"

Suddenly, dozens of more communications were opened up - all members of the Coalition from GalCiv, the various factions on both Chirons, all the races they'd met in darkspore, well, everyone actually.

For a moment, Rory and Cassidy just stared on in silence. Then the shock dissipated.

"Why are you all here?"

"Why else?" intoned an insectoid being from the Nocturni Legion. "We're helping!"

"But why? You don't owe us anything!"

"Your father helped all of us just because he could! Is it impossible for us to do the same in regards to you?"

"Fair enough," replied Rory, though he did have two representatives he really needed to ascertain the motives of.

The first was the one for, ironically enough the Dread Lords. "Why are you helping us, though? We beat you into the dust!"

"And yet you chose to spare us and be reasonable. That deserves some respect, however begrudging. And, really, we cannot stand being in your debt."

"You're not, but okay."

Then Rory turned his attention to the Nocturni Legion's representative again. "And why are you-"

"Same reason as everyone else...plus more personal ones..."

"Dad, you're embarrassing me," intoned a female voice - one that belonged to the Nocturni known as Phatom, to be precise.

"Young lady, you are the one embarrassing yourself right now."

"...True."

Rory may have chuckled lightly at that. Everyone else might have joined in.

Smiling, and feeling better than he had before, Rory decided to ready his ace, which Cassidy had assisted him in preparing. Better to debug now than face problems in the future.

XXXXXX

COL_89RTVA5_ONLINE

SEARCHING FOR AI

...AI FOUND

UPLOADING_SUB_CMDR_ROURKE

UPLOAD_COMPLETE

XXXXXX

Now nothing except Hunhow could stop their plan!

Suddenly, a pair of void rifts appeared just beside where the ships from the other universes were massing up from. They only lasted for a few moments, but each managed to disgorge a starship.

One was a Corpus Obelisk, whilst the other...

Rory went rigid.

The other 'ship' was the Kuva Fortress.

XXXXXX

AN: Sorry about the cliffhanger...okay, not sorry. Enjoy!

Read and Review! This Flameal15k, signing off!