Endgame

Chapter OneOn the farthest edges of the Milky Way, a blue-green planet hung in space. For countless millennia, Banikar had kept this world's existence a secret. It resembled Earth in many ways, but the differences between the whirling spheres of rock made this world, Elystra, special. He'd watched with sorrowful eyes as Earth, and the human race, fell to the Jegg. Half of humanity, and most of the Terran Confederation, wiped out within months. How his rival had gloated, thinking the game was over, that Banikar's key pieces were destroyed. He'd demanded Banikar concede defeat. Banikar refused. Banikar's opponent in this game, a being as old as time itself, thought he could win this game by overwhelming numbers. The Dark Player, as one of Banikar's key pieces called his foe, closed his unseen fists around Earth, squeezing it. But just as Banikar hoped, two of the most important pieces in the game slipped through his fingers, making their way to Elystra, where a victor would finally be decided. Banikar's focus fractured as he sensed his opponent's thoughts. You have played a good game. But victory will soon be mine. Yes, Banikar agreed, it will soon be over. And when it is, you will depart this region of space forevermore. Banikar felt a flash of anger pass through his foe. You created a star, comprised of a material inimical to Jegg technology. I did not think you had such guile in you, Banikar. Or shall I call you “Arantha”? Banikar allowed his pride to show through. We have played many games, you and I, and despite my numerous victories, your strategy remains unchanged. You are predictable, still clinging to the belief that brute force is all you require. I have proved you wrong countless times, and I will do so again. I destroyed your star. As I knew you would. Just as I knew you would give it no further attention after its destruction. The remnants of my star found their way into the hands of my champions … guided by me, of course. Not all of them, The Dark Player replied. Banikar did not respond. The Dark Player continued. The world you have tried so hard to keep secret, the one place in the galaxy where the Jegg cannot go. As I said, I did not think you had such guile in you. But you have miscalculated. Elystra may be immune to Jegg interference, but not from mine. I have broken through your sphere of obfuscation, and the pawns you thought would bring you victory are now playing for me. I am aware of what you have done, Banikar retorted. But the endgame approaches. Either my players will achieve victory, or yours will. Watch, then, The Dark Player said. Watch as your minions fall. Watch as I claim what is mine. Watch as I plunge this galaxy into eternal chaos. And with that, The Dark Player's presence faded, dwindling away until it vanished completely.