The red dwarf's light glimmers on the sea below, the calm waves slowly disrupting it, reforming it, and compounding it. Water covers the entire planet, with the exception of three large continents. The southernmost continent has a very, very large mountain in the center of it, extending to the very edge of the breathable atmosphere. This mountain is devoid of vegetation, but the land at its base is teeming with life and civilization, with a jungle to the north, a desert island to the east, and pine forest along its foothills to the south. Cutting through this forest is a large and ancient wall, composed of an indestructible and irremovable alloy. South of this wall is a peninsula, and on this peninsula is the largest city on the planet, a city both tall and expansive, with metal skyscrapers extending into the clouds, and older stone buildings underfoot. In the center of the city is a relatively large open area, a circle, marked by three ornate structures; The Grand Shremple, the Court of Marsaeries, and the Citadel of the Path.
Within the Citadel, a man sits upon a throne, made from metal in the shape of a cross, with a large gem of differing types adorning each edge. He rises from the seat, seemingly unencumbered by the suit of silver armor he bears, and points toward a man in a white, grey, and silver robe. "Dotorum!" His voice resonates throughout the hall, where few people look on. "The time will come soon, with the rising of It's eye across the horizon. The time will come soon for this to end. Bring it forth, Dotorum, and begin the preparations!"
The man known as the Dotorum of Janeway nods, and motions for his scholars to get that which the Guardian asked for. They depart, and after fifteen minutes time passes, they return, bringing with them a large device. Stopping in the center of the courtroom, they set it down, and begin to hook up the wires required to run it. The device is a large, opaque, cylindrical chamber. It is hardly ornate, or sleek; It's wires are messy, like the hair of a man who had just risen from bed, and the top of it looks like it's own miniature city with how many antennae and transceivers must be on it. It may not be very pretty now..., the Guardian thought, But it will get done what needs be done. Appearance can be worried about later. He observes for another few minutes, and nods. "Excellent! I plan to communicate within the fourth hour. Come, Vindicator." He motions toward a man in black armor, streaked with glowing red wires. "We must discuss possible scenarios, strategies for our inevitable conquest of that which lies beyond our territories. What would you suggest we do if we find intelligent life through this project?" They depart the room, and their voices grow ever dimmer, and the scholars work late into the day.
Upon the setting of the sun, a great many people are assembled in the hall. The device stands proudly in the center, the mess of wires now producing a violet luminescence, and a light emanating from the interior of the chamber. The Guardian walks up to the chamber, and takes a deep breath. "The time has come." He pushes a button on his armor, and the power-lines that run through it activate, glowing blue. He places a golden crown atop his head, and steps into the chamber. The door closes, and the device within begins to spin and glow, scanning every molecule in his body. After a few minutes has passed, he speaks. As he speaks, the device transmits a holographic throughout the near eighth of the galaxy, to any devices that may receive it.
"Hail to you, possible denizens of that which lies beyond. I am He who Guards the Path, Aldar XVI Lucien, and I deliver you a message, from the people of Old Farhalon, the World of Autindaun, and the Shremplar Order itself. For one-hundred and fifty years our world has been united under the Path, and for one-hundred years we have been exploring that which lies beyond. We have been exploring new systems and worlds, gathering resources and knowledge, and expanding the territory of our people. And now, with the death of Guardian Vizad Ijhek, may Salvation come with ease, a new era shall begin. We shall no longer be in the dark, for the time has come for us to gather the most important knowledge of that which lies beyond. If you are out there, we request that you show yourselves to us, be it by transmission, or by coming us on your own, so that we may bring about the new era together. I thank you now for your time. May the Triad watch over you, and may your Paths be cleared." The Guardian reaches forward, and presses a button. The device slows, and he exits the chamber. He nods over to the Dotorum, and speaks.
"Make the preparations. If there is any other life, and they come to our world, direct them to the staging point on the moon Tunos. We don't want any aliens coming to Autindaun and spreading their false ways among the people."
Tunos
The Dotorum looks over the battered surface of the moon from the shuttle as it flies to the city where the aliens are to be recieved. He turns away from the window, and looks at the nervous ambassadors. He nods toward them. "Worry not, my friends. It is unlikely that any aliens nearby are even intelligent enough to reach the level we have, let alone be able to hear our communications. This may as well be a vacation." He turns back toward the window. "And if the new Guardian's hopes do have merit, then, well..." He smirks. "Remember your training, and hope they aren't violent."
