This is about how Azmuth got the entire alien DNA stored in the Omnitrix, and it begins long before Ben found the watch and became a hero. Azmuth and Myaxx just built the lab on Xenon. Azmuth was working on the energy source for the Omnitrix, while Myaxx just came into the lab, obviously exhausted.

Myaxx: Hey Boss, you really got to get me paid. I almost became Florauna lunch, while I was installing your new...

Azmuth: Aww shut up, and stop complaining. You’re giving me a headache.

He jumped off the table, and went to a small door, that only he could fit through.

Azmuth: Check the energy source, and do the calculations again just to be sure. In the meantime... I’m taking a nap.

But instead of taking a nap, he used a tooth that was attached to his staff to open a locked freezing machine. It was filled with dozens of small ampoules. Back on Galvan prime, he had access to the biggest DNA lab in that part of the galaxy. But most of his fellow scientists considered him a madman, because he never wanted any company, and the only person who knew about his experiments was that Chimera Sui Generis he called Myaxx. And before Azmuth went to Xenon to have some privacy, he secretly "borrowed" some of the DNA stored there. He even got some of the rarest species. He took one ampoule and put it in a strange looking machine.

Azmuth: It will take months till I get this one done *sigh* Well, you can’t expect fusing bacteria DNA and these delicate nanobot circuits to be easy.

But suddenly dust fell down from the ceiling as if something exploded somewhere far above him.

Azmuth: Finally. Was time he showed up.

A few minutes later, the heavy door of his lab opened and a person in a black cape came rushing in.

Myaxx: You can slow down now, Gargoyle-boy. We’re the ones hiring you, remember?

Stranger: What did you just call me?

The stranger pulled out a blaster gun from behind his cape.

Azmuth: OK.. First: Myaxx, shut up! Second: Save your ammo Gargos, You’ll need it.

The stranger, called Gargos put his blaster back and pulled down the cape from his head. His skin was black, he was bald and had pointy ears. His eyes were glowing in a strange white glow.

Gargos: All right, let’s talk about business.

Gargos: Hmm, I understand. But you know I don’t do such jobs. But since You’ve helped me get out of.... trouble...I’ll help you. Just this once. But it will cost you more than the normal price.

Azmuth: Well it’s a hard bargain, but all right. You’ll get the double.

Gargos then pulled his cape back on, and rushed away as quick as he came.

Myaxx: I didn’t know you’re rich...

Azmuth: Who said I was paying him with money ?... Gargos is from a rare and almost extinct species, and he needs a special chemical to keep him alive...and I have plenty of that.

Back in space Gargos, in his small personal spaceship, looked at the list Azmuth gave him.

Gargos: Hmm...So Azmuth wants the DNA of 7 species...

He checked his current position, and compared it with the home planets of the aliens.

Gargos: Looks like the Vulpimancers are closest. Time to visit Vulpin...again.

Gargos already was on Vulpin a few times. And he could describe it with two words: dark and cold.

It was hard to find the right spot for landing on Vulpin. There were mountains, even whole continents, made entirely from garbage. Almost all of the rivers and seas have been poisoned by the toxic waste. There were no intelligent life forms on Vulpin, and who knew what treasures where hidden among the garbage. Gargos decided it would be best, to view the place from the sky, so he grabbed his jetpack and took off. He saw two Vulpimancers below him. But when Gargos once accepted a job, he did it properly. So he wanted a fine specimen. Just when he was thinking that, another Vulpimancer jumped from a junk-hill above Gargos and grabbed him in midair. Gargos fell and his jetpack was smashed. The Vulpimancer was on him, and he only had his right arm free, with which he held back the Vulpmancers mouth from his face. He managed to notice two things: The Vulpimancers he saw earlier where approaching, and that this one was the perfect specimen. It somehow reminded him of the noble beasts, his people used to ride on during wars. He managed to pull out one of his blasters and shoot it in the stomach. The Vulpimancer jumped off of him, and he fired a few times in the direction of the other two. Gargos jumped to his feet and pulled out a sonic-grenade. He threw it and the Vulpimancers where stunned. He ran back to his ship, just in time before they could grab him, and started the engines. When he was safe, he took one of the ampoules Azmuth gave him. He was covered in slobber from that Vulpimancer, so he had lots of Vulpimancer DNA. He took Azmuths list.

Gargos: I really need to wash myself.

Then he looked at the list.

Gargos: And looks like Piscciss is just the place to do that.

While on Vulpin it was difficult to land, on Piscciss it was nearly impossible. After hours of searching, Gargos finally found a small island, where he could land. Nobody would probably expect intelligent species to live on Piscciss, but in fact, there were many underwater civilizations. Gargos needed to find some Volanns, some of the fiercest species on Piscciss. He prepared an oxygen tank and a mask. But just, when he was about to enter the water, a few Volanns jumped out of it.

Volann1: You see? I told you there’d be something big out here.

Volann2: Yeah stupid, but it’s just a spaceship. And a....something…. that came in it.

Volann3: A really ugly looking something.

The Volanns started to laugh.

Gargos: Just what is so funny, fish breath?

The laughter stopped immediately.

Volann2: Now look what we have here. A tough guy. We’ll see how tough you are, when you’re in our world.

The Volanns attacked, but Gargos pulled out his blasters. He dodged their attacks and shot them, only to make them angrier. They only fought for a few minutes, and the Volanns already started to dry out.

Volann3: Can’t...breathe....

Volann1: Let’s get outta here...

Now the Volanns were running back to the water. Gargos waited until only the last one remained and shot him in the leg just before he reached the water.

Gargos: Look’s like this...ugly something...was just too much for you.

Volann: Please...need...water...

Gargos: Gimme one good reason...

The Volann looked weak and harmless. Gargos took a sample of his blood.

Gargos: You know...I once met a Volann who was quite a good challenge. A real warrior. We took down lots of scum together. So just for his memory.

And he spilled some water on the Volanns gills. The Volann immediately jumped back into the water. Suddenly the island began to shake. Gargos ran back to the ship, and flew off just in time. The whole island was devoured by a giant whale-like beast.

Gargos: I hate this job. What’s next?... Great. Pyros.

Gargos had no idea how he would land on Pyros. It was the most unique star in the universe. The only one with intelligent life on it. And only the Pyronites could survive on Pyros. But as Gargos was closer, the heat was just too much. He decided to land on a small planet near Pyros, until he figured a way he could land on it. As he watched the flames, it reminded him of his people, and the old times. Once they were the rulers of the biggest empire in the galaxy. They conquered every planet in their way and soon were the most feared race in the universe. They even killed their own people, when they didn’t agree with the philosophy of the rulers. Gargos now understood that the evil ways of his ancestors was the reason they fell. They soon entered war with another race. The Chimera Sui Generis. They lost their giant empire, and both of the races were almost destroyed. His thoughts were interrupted by a noise. As if something was chewing on his ship. He jumped out and his ship was surrounded by some strange dog-like fire creatures. Gargos pulled out his blasters. But there were just too many of them, and the heat that came from their bodies was too much even for Gargos. He started to loose his consciousness just when a giant fire-ball came in and swept away a few dozens of the dogs. And then something began sucking out the heat from their bodies and most of the dogs simply vanished. The rest ran away. The last thing Gargos heard before shutting his eyes was a voice

Voice: Yo, dude ! You okay ?

When he came to himself, a big fiery arm was on his shoulder. He jumped to his feet and pulled a blaster out. A Pyronite was in front of him.

Pyronite: Yo, man. Chill out ! I’m not gonna burn you, or something.

Gargos lowered his blaster. He hated to admit he needed help. A Pyronite could know a way to get to Pyros without getting burned.

Pyronite: You looked like you could need some help, man. I mean, those dog things are quite dangerous if you can’t control heat.

Suddenly Gargos raised his blaster again and shot somewhere above the Pyronites head. There was a big crash as a fighting robot fell down to the ground.

Pyronite: Well...guess we’re even.

Gargos: But it seems like you’re people are in great danger. I know that kind of robot. It can mean only one thing....

Pyronite: And that is?

Gargos: Vilgax.

Pyronite: Wow, You mean the intergalactic warlord and self obsessed bad dude, Vilgax ?

Gargos: Yeah, he probably wants something from the Pyronites

Pyronite: What could he want from us? I mean, we’re not too into this whole "world-domination" thing

Gargos: Vilgax is not a person who takes no as an answer.

Pyronite: Well maybe he’ll take this as an answer.

And the Pyronite created a large flame on his hand and threw it into some nearby rocks. Gargos suddenly grabbed his hand to stop him from continuing, and pointed somewhere in the opposite direction. It looked like a small army of robots were gathering around some strange device. And a tall and dangerously looking person was commanding them.

Vilgax: Hurry up, you fools! I want this machine ready, so my plan can proceed! The Pyronites WILL BOW BEFORE ME!

Then another Pyronite showed up beside Vilgax. *NOTE: So now, the pyronite that’s with Gargos will be G.Pyronite, and the other will be V.Pyronite*

V.Pyronite: Just don’t forget, who made this dream machine for you. When YOU take over the universe, I want part of it.

Vilgax: You will get your reward in time. But NEVER speak to me, as if we were even. You can consider yourself lucky, that I won’t destroy you, like the rest of Pyros, with your own machine. The Pyronite next to Gargos looked angry.

G.Pyronite: That little... He betrayed us. Time to burn things up a little.

Gargos: For once... I agree with you.

Gargos and the Pyronite then attacked the robots. Vilgax and the other Pyronite turned to the attackers.

Vilgax: What? A Craneterian? here?... but that doesn’t matter after all. You’ll be soon joining the rest of your kind.

Dozens of robots were destroyed even before Vilgax and V.Pyronite got to them. Then it all became a battle between the two Pyronites and Gargos with Vilgax. A lot of robots were destroyed by Vilgax and V.Pyronite as unsuccessful efforts to hit Gargos and G.Pyronite. The fight lasted for a long time, and Gargos had to admit, that Vilgax really is an even foe. But it seemed that Vilgax feared his plan would crash. He hit Gargos hard, and ran back to his ship.

Vilgax: Initiate the machine. That’s an order.

V.Pyronite: Wait! What about me?

Vilgax: All of my servants get their reward. If they live to claim it. And you haven’t.

And Vilgax took of, while the rest of the robots activated the strange machine.

G.Pyronite: Hold this one down for a sec. I got an idea.

Gargos now aimed his attention to V.Pyronite. But it still was difficult to dodge the flames. V.Pyronite was already next to him, so he punched him in the shoulder, cracking his rock like body and shot him in the forehead to gain some distance. G.Pyronite jumped to the device and put his hands on it. The robots jumped on him, but he continued frying the machine.

V.Pyronite: NOOO!!!....

And he jumped towards the device, but it exploded just before he reached it. The explosion tossed Gargos to the ground. When he stood up, the only thing he could see was lots of scrap metal and two pyronite bodies. He came to the one, in which he recognized his savior.

Gargos: You were a brave warrior. And this will not be your end.

And he took a sample of his DNA.

Gargos: Azmuth will have the DNA of a real hero.

While traveling to his next destination, Gargos was worried. He knew Vilgax, and was sure there was more to this then just to conquer Pyros. Vilgax was planning something. Something bad. Gargos wasn’t interested in the fate of the universe too much, but he knew that if Vilgax would become ruler, it would be the end of freedom everywhere. His thoughts were interrupted when he came near Kinet, home of the Kinecelerans. Gargos looked for a gasp in the electric storm between him and Kinet, and found it. A few minutes later, he landed safely on the planet.

Gargos: Hmm...Strange.

He could see the grass grow with bare eye. The water in a nearby river was flowing incredibly fast. And even a few Kinecelerans have probably past him by, but too quickly for him to notice. It seemed like the storm above Kinet was moving quickly from one place to another and suddenly sunshine blinded Gargos. He felt slow and vulnerable on Kinet, and didn’t like it. Then something caught his eye. Something a Kineceleran must have dropped. It seemed like a piece of newspaper. It said that a new mining company opened on a nearby planet. This was his chance. He started the engines and since the storm has gone to another place, he leaved Kinet without complications. He found the planet, and landed. But there was no mine anywhere. But he found a strange facility instead. And many satellites. It seemed there was movement, very quick movement between the facility and the satellites. He came one step closer, and suddenly he was surrounded. Kinecelerans wearing masks and pointing weapons straight at him.

Kineceleran1: Who are you, and what do you want?

Gargos: Nice "mining company" you got there...

Kineceleran2: What? A Craneterian ?... I only ssaw one of you in my whole...wait a ssecond...I know that voice...Gargoss ?

Gargos: I really didn’t expect to find you here, Triox. So what is this mining company of yours?

Triox: Well mosst of uss Kineceleranss sstay on Kinet, and only a few of uss travel the galaxy. You know that, I am one of them. But I’m getting old for thiss. Sso I built this facility, sso me and other adventurouss kineceleranss, can monitor the galaxy and ssend help if required.

Gargos: You’re starting to sound like the Galactic enforcers, or what do they call themselves.

Triox just laughed. As they entered the facility he and his companions put down their masks. They all had blue, lizard like bodies with wheals instead of feet.

Gargos: Well was there any interesting movement in the galaxy, lately?

Triox: Well yes.. we had movement from two placess quite often in the lasst weekss. One of them, is ssomething quite dissturbing.

Gargos: Vigax.

Triox: I ssee you already know. But the other one is quite unnussual...it`ss from Earth.

Triox: It`ss incredible, how thesse humanss proceed... It sseemess, there`ss more to them, than we ever thought.

Gargos: If there’s something I’ve learned in all those years, it’s never to underestimate the weakly seeming species

Then the two of them went to a nearby machine a Triox disappeared and was back in a moment with a cup of some steaming drink.

Triox: Sso tell me... why have you come to Kinet ?

Gargos: It’s business. I work for...a special someone... and collecting DNA from certain species.

Triox: DNA?...hmm ineteressting...And I have feeling you need kineceleran DNA too.. but you know it’ss almosst impossible to get it jusst sso...unlesss

Gargos smiled lightly, which was something very rare. He knew the point of his old friend.

Gargos: All right Triox. You can come with me, if you give a piece of your DNA.

Triox, chuckled softly.

Triox: I accept your offer... Sso where do we go now?

Gargos looked at the list.

Gargos: Lepidopterra.

Lepidopterra was a giant jungle planet, with lots of life forms. Many spaceships were lost when flying near Lepidopterra. Gargos was interested in the most common species: the Lepidopterrans. The whole planet was named by them, because it was one of the few races that traveled space. And often ended in jail. Gargos had time to rest, since Triox was now with him. Triox was never tired. The two friends were quite different. While Gargos was the skeptic, un-emotional one, Triox always had something to say. No one else could talk so much to Gargos, without him placing a blaster to their head.

Triox: Sso... a Lepidopterran sshouldn`t be sso hard. I’ll catch one, in lesss than a nanossecond.

Gargos: I have a bad feeling about this.

Gargos decided to land on a giant tree. Right below them, was a wreck of a small spaceship.

Triox: Lookss like were not the only oness, interessted in Lepidopterra.

As soon as they jumped down, they were surrounded by strange small creatures with masks. They were armed with simple weapons. Triox laughed and vanished in a blur. In a few seconds, he took down six of the creatures. Gargos also pulled out his blasters, took one small breath and started shooting. But then, the creatures had an unpleasant surprise for Triox. They threw a rope, with two iron balls on each end at him and it tied his feet. Triox fell, and a stone knocked him out cold. But Gargos finished off the rest. Just when he was finished, he heard a familiar sound, but before he could turn, he was covered in a sticky green...something. A second later, he and Triox were surrounded by Lepidopterran warriors. They didn’t say a word, just pulled out something and Gargos suddenly lost his consciousness.

He woke up to the sound of a lock. He was inside a strange cage. A short examination was enough to know, that he couldn’t get out easily. Triox just woke up too. But they weren’t alone in the cage. A man was sitting in the corner.

Triox: What??..A human?...You’re a bit far from home aren’t you ?

Human: Well, we were exploring something on a mission, when suddenly...bang. I think I’m the only one that survived.

He had brown hair, dark eyes and a strange suit. Gargos wasn’t interested in humans but this one caught his attention.

Gargos: My name is Gargos, I’m an Craneterian.. But I doubt you’ve heard about my race. And this is Triox, a Kineceleran. And what is your name, human?

Human: Max Tennyson.

Triox: Sso, you humanss finally figured out, that you’re not the only oness in the universse ?

Max: Well, just a few of us. We humans probably aren’t ready for the big universe yet.

He seemed a bit ashamed for this. Gargos was still inspecting the bars, to find a weak spot. His blasters were placed on a table nearby, but he couldn’t reach them. He just growled. Right then, Triox scratched his back, with his tail. That gave Gargos an idea.

Gargos: Triox, could you use your tail to reach my blasters?..it seems, the Lepidopterran guards, aren’t too careful.

Suddenly a voice came from nearby, and they suddenly realized that someone was in the neighbor cell. It was a lepidopterran prisoner.

Lepidopterran: Aaaw they’re just obeying a wish of the queen..

Triox: And jusst, who are you? And what queen?

Gargos: It doesn’t matter. We have other work now.

Triox, tried to reach the blasters, with his tail. And after a few attempts, he succeeded. Gargos grabbed his blasters, and shoot at the bars. But the blasts, just mirrored back right at them. It almost caught Max’s face. Gargos growled. Max turned to the lepidopterran.

Max: So, what are you here for?

Lepidopterran: Aaaaw, just not obeying a direct order from the queen... Ooooh what’s this on my face?

Max leaned forward to see better, and suddenly he got a face full of goo. The Lepidopterran fell down from laughter.

Max: That wasn’t too funny

Triox: Well...actually.. it wass...

Lepidopterran: Sorry...I just couldn’t help it... This is one more reason, why I’m here.

And Max started to laugh too. While they were laughing, Gargos examined the goo.

Gargos: Hmm...Interesting. You think you could spray some of that stuff on the bars?

Lepidopterran: Sure.

Lepidopterran goo flied across the cell and hit the bars. Along with Gargos. He looked at his blaster, but then just growled a third time.

Gargos: Stand back.

He shot at the bars again, but this time, the goo exploded, and the bars vanished.

Lepidopterran: Wow!!...That was great!!...c’mon!!! help me get outta here !!! pleeeeeeease.

Triox: You know, you could get a ssample of hiss DNA for it. It would easse our ssituation, and we could finally get away from thiss planet.

Gargos: I know, I’m gonna regret this.

Two Lepidopterran guards fell as Gargos hit them, with his blasters. He checked quickly, if the road is clear, and ran through the hallway, followed by the human, named Max Tennyson, and the Lepidopterran prisoner flew above them.

Gargos: Can’t you stop flying and run a bit ?... You’re too noisy.

Lepidopterran: Well if you wanna get catched again, then sure I can... I was built for flying, not walking...among other things.

and he spat a bit goo on a nearby decoration.

Max: Stop goofing around. This is serious.

Lepidopterran: Aaaaw...you guys are no fun.

Then suddenly there was a blue flash, and Triox was next to them.

Triox: There`ss an exit if we go by sstraight in thiss hallway.

Lepidopeterran: Oooh, but that’s a trap.

Max: How can you know that ?

Lepidopterran: I just got an order from the queen to set a trap at the east gate and capture you.

Gargos pointed his blasters at him.

Gargos: What are you not telling us ?

Lepidopterran: All lepidopterrans hear orders from their queen.. It’s a hive mind. But that doesn’t mean we have to obey them.

Gargos: One dirty trick, and you’re toast.

The Lepidopterran then led them into another hallway. In the meantime Gargos removed some of his goo, and put it one of the ampoules Azmuth gave him. They encountered some other guards, but they were no match for them. Gargos was surprised how good the human was fighting. He didn’t expect them to be that good. After a while they saw the end of the hallway and came out in the surface. But they didn’t notice many eyes that were watching them...

Gargos and his companions were approaching the spaceship, when suddenly roots blocked their way. Gargos pulled out his blasters and growled

Gargos: Floraunas...

Triox: Finally ssome fun

He pulled two knives from behind his belt and vanished in an eye-blick. Florauna roots fell to the ground as he cut threw them. Gargos switched his blasters to "burn-mode" and every Florauna he hit, was suddenly in flames. He turned to Max who stopped shooting.

Gargos: What happened?

Max: I’m out of ammo

Gargos: You have any other weapons ?

Max: No, everything was destroyed.

Gargos: Take this.

He pulled a small blaster out his boot and threw it to Max. The Lepidopterran was fighting quite well. His sharp tail was very effective against the Florauna. A Florauna arm suddenly came out of the ground right behind Gargos and grabbed his leg. It then tied it’s roots around his arms, so he couldn’t move. It wanted to pull Gargos under ground, but he was lucky, Max noticed it all. He shot some blasts at the Florauna and managed to his it in the eye. The Florauna let go of Gargos who immediately fried it. Then, when the Floraunas had fled, they came to the spaceship.

Lepidopterran: Soooo good luck, and thanks for the help. It’s time to play some pranks on the royal guard.. hehe...

They took off, and Gargos took a bit of Florauna roots from his clothes

Gargos: Just in case, that stupid assistant was too coward to get it on Xenon.

They flew awhile and no one said a word. Later Triox, who was sitting with Max on the backside coughed slightly. Gargos understood and growled. It seemed he was hesitating.

Gargos: Thank you, Max Tennyson....

Max: You `re welcome...listen the other plumbers could use my help. I was on the way to aid them, when we crashed.

Triox: I guess you wanted to aid your kind in the war against the Sludges, right ? You did a good job, when you stopped their invasion.

Max: Yes, we managed to fight them off, without anybody on Earth even knowing there’s an invasion. But how did you know?

Triox: We monitor the galaxy. We were considering aiding you, but you fought well without us.

Gargos: I can drop you on the planet you need but first I have to make a stop on Khoros.

Max just woke up. He couldn’t sleep. He found Gargos.

Max: You’ve been piloting the ship for hours. Aren’t you tired ?

Gargos: I don’t sleep, I don’t eat and I don’t need oxygen.

Max: Hmm.. and is there something you DO need ?

Gargos: Of course...otherwise my race wouldn’t be almost extinct. We need a special chemical to survive...and a little rest every once and a while...

Max: So that’s why you’re doing this ?... To get that chemical ?

Gargos: Yes.

Max: But why would someone want all this alien DNA ?

Gargos: That’s none of my business. I just do my job.

Max: Well, you know with th...

His words were interrupted by a red light that started glowing.

Max: What’s going on ?

Gargos: We got company. Go and wake Triox.

Soon they felt a small shake as someone attacked the shields. Something big was above them.

Triox: You thinking, what I’m thinking ?

Gargos: Vilgax.

Max: Who’s Vilgax ?

Triox: believe me... You don’t wanna know.

They felt a big crash.

Gargos: They’ve connected to our ship. I’ll take care of this.

And he ran away somewhere in the spaceship. Then another light glowed.

Triox: Ssecurity breach. I’ll check it out. If there`ss trouble...desstroy it.

And he vanished. Gargos was now outside in space. He managed to destroy those giant things that were holding the ship. But then something jumped down straight at him.

Gargos: So we meet again Vilgax.

Vilgax: This time you won’t be so lucky craneterian.. You will join the rest of your race soon.

Max saw all this from the window. He decided to help Gargos. His suit had an installed space-survival system, which he activated.

Gargos and Vilgax fought, but then three robots from Vilgax`s ship jumped down straight at him. They grabbed him and held him tight. Vilgax pointed his blaster to his head.

Vilgax: You have bothered me for the last time.

But then another blast hit Vilgax on the back. He turned slowly. Max had a large weapon in his hands.

Vilgax: But first I will take care of this insect.

He attacked Max, but he dodged, and blasted him again. They were fighting for awhile, and Vilgax didn’t notice, that Gargos freed one of his hands. Vilgax finally disarmed Max, and pushed him to the side of the ship.

Vilgax: How dare you touch me ? Do you know who I am ?

Max: I have a good tip. By the way...name’s Tennyson.

Right then Gargos shot Vilgax in his legs, and he let go of Max. Max put his jetpack down, activated it, and pushed it into the hands of Vilgax. Before he could do anything, the jetpack took him away from the ship. Right then, the connection between the ships broke and they were free. They heard Vilgax shout:

Vilgax: You will pay for this, TENNYSON!!!!!

After they escaped Vilgax, they approached Khoros quickly. The landing was maybe the easiest yet, since there was no water in miles. Triox vanished.

Max: This place reminds me of our deserts.

Triox was back in a flash, and had a bottle filled with water.

Triox: The clossesst water ssource iss quite far away. But It`ss no problem for me, sso drink ass much ass you want.

Gargos: Let’s go find us a Tetramand.

They went for hours, until they finally saw something in front of them.

Gargos: Get ready.

Max: For what ?

Suddenly four Tetramands rose right in front of them, from the sand. One of them grabbed Max with his upper arms, und disarmed him with his lower arms. The other three grabbed Gargos, and held him, so he could barely breathe. But then Gargos did something what Max couldn’t see and suddenly the Tetramands let him go, and fell to the ground. But Max wasn’t worried about them. Gargos`s face was so vicious!..But only for a second, and then turned back to normal. He pulled out his blasters and shot the Tetramand who was holding Max. Then suddenly without a warning, the ground began to shake. Hundreds of Tetramands appeared and started fighting among each other. It seemed that Gargos and Max will die, but then Triox appeared out of nowhere, with another Tetramand.

Triox :He will get you to ssafety.. trusst me.

Before they could have complained, the Tetramand grabbed them and jumped away. Triox also vanished. When they were safe, Gargos turned to the Tetramand

Gargos: What is going on here ?

Tetramand: What does it look like ? we’re having a war...

Gargos: So, WHY are you having a war ?

Tetraman: It’s because of Merosan, the leader of one the tetramand clans. We had a good relationship with him and it seemed he was always willing to share territory with us.

Triox: SSo, why sstart a war with him ?

Tetramand: Because he changed. Suddenly one day, his army came and wanted to destroy us. As if he’d gone mad, or something.

Max: a power-crazy mad leader ? I guess you aliens aren’t so different from us humans after all...

Gargos: Hmm another tetramand war?...no offense, but you’re having wars a bit too often, don’t you think ?

Tetramand: Hey, you got any better solution?

Max: Sooo what do we do now ?

Tetramand: This war has to end. That’s clear.

Gargos sighed.

Gargos: I guess you want us to help.. all right, but I’ll need something from you in change. Hold still for a second.

He took a sample of the tetramands DNA. The Tetramand looked quite surprised, although he didn’t feel a thing.

Triox: Sso, how do we do thiss ?...guessss you have a plan Gargoss...

Gargos: I could try some tricks. You think you could beat him ?

He asked the Tetramand. He looked at him surprised.

Gargos: So, could you ?

Tetramand: Yes, I guess.

Gargos: All right, so we’ll end this war the tetramand way. With a fight between you two. We’ll be there to make sure, he doesn’t cheat.

The preparations took a few days, and Max was becoming nervous, that he couldn’t help his fellow plumbers against the sludgepupies. Finally, the day of the match had come. The tetramand, they’ve befriended stood in the arena and waited for his opponent. Gargos gave him a few final tips. But then Merosan arrived. Tetramands everywhere started to shout and scream. Merosan really was a giant even for the tetramands. But Max wasn’t surprised by Merosan, but from the look on Gargoses face. It seemed Gargos himself was surprised by something. He pulled out his blasters

Triox: What are you doing, you can’t interfere with the match!!!

Gargos: NO!!! HE STANDS NO CHANCE AGAINST HIM!!!

Triox: Hey, don’t underesstimate the guy. he`ss got ssome sskilss.

Gargos: NOT THAT!! That Merosan guy is possessed by a Ectonurite !!!

Triox: AN ECTONURITE!!! HERE...

Max: I don’t know what you’re talking about, but it sure freaks me out.

Gargos used a small switch on his blasters.

Gargos: This should give you a lesson...

He jumped into the arena and pointed his blasters at Merosan

Merosan: This is against the rules....

He looked at the other tetramand

Merosan: You’re a coward, if you need help from these weaklings. Do you have the courage to fight me without them ?

Gargos: Oh, but do YOU have the courage to fight me, without that host body, ectonurite ?

Everyone looked at Merosan.

Merosan: You are a fool!!..no one could posses Merosan !!!

Gargos: Oh yeah ? hey You !

he shouted at the tetramand.

Gargos: You have to grab him and hold him tight for awhile.

Tetramand: OK...

And he jumped at Merosan. They fought for quite awhile, but finally Merosan ended with his arms behind his back. The tetramand was holding him tight.

Tetramand: Hurry up, would`ya ?

Gargos: Here’s something you’re not gonna like.

And he fired a few blasts in Merosans armpits. Merosan immediately fell down unconscious.

Gargos smiled wickedly.

Gargos: The only weak point of a tetramand is his armpit

Then a silhouette rose from Merosans body. A silhouette that became an ectonurite.

Ectonurite: You FOOL!!! You have ruined my plan!! Now I shall take over your body instead.

Gargos: I don’t think so.

He used his blasters again, but this time a long bright ray came out. A part of the ectonurites body fell of, and before it vanished, Gargos collected it’s essence into an ampoule.

Max: I have to get one of those.

Gargos: Triox, now !

Triox vanished and sudden flash appeared at the curtains that were hiding the giant window of the arena. Sunlight, from the eight suns of Khoros burned the ectonurite to ashes. His scream "nooo" vanished into a squeak.

After that the tetramand they befriended became the new leader of both clans. He wanted them to stay for a celebration, but they were in a hurry.

Back on the ship, Gargos carefully put away the two new pieces of DNA.

Gargos: He only wanted 7 pieces.. I guess he’ll have to double the reward, when I bring some more.

He then went back to his companions. Max looked worried.

Triox: Don’t worry. According to our tracking, your people are the planet Cartoss, where they wage war with the ssludgess.

Gargos: OK, time to drop you out by your friends.

They finally approached the planet Cartos, when suddenly a red light started glowing.

Max: What’s that ?

Gargos: Something’s pulling us away. As if some giant force field was knocking us away.

Triox: I’ve never sseen anything like thiss before.

Gargos: Hold on. This is gonna get bumpy.

There was a giant flash, and they got blinded. When they finally saw again, they were definitely not on Cartos. It seemed as if they were in another part of the galaxy.

Gargos: Hmmm.. It seems like that force field, somehow teleported us here.

Triox: Do you recognize thiss part of the galaxy ?

Gargos: No... I think we should go see that planet over there, and maybe we’ll find out.

Max: Another delay... I sure hope, the others are fine.

The planet they landed on was warm, and it reminded Max of summer. It seemed peaceful, and was nothing like Khoros. Triox took a deep breath

Triox: I love thiss freassh air.

They suddenly heard a rolling sound, and the sound of something approaching.

Gargos: I think I know where we are... Arburia.

The trio was soon surrounded by ball-like creatures that turned out to be fat armadillo like aliens. Max looked concerned.

Max: What are these?

Gargos: Pelarotas, also known as Tortugans.

Max was surprised that Gargos and Triox were both calm, and Gargos hadn’t even touched his blasters yet. They were dozens of the creatures. Some of them came really close and grabbed Gargos and Triox, then turned into balls, and rolled away. Max didn’t understand what was going on. One of the creatures grabbed him, and before he could do anything, he was rolling around. When it finally stopped, Max saw Triox and Gargos sitting beneath a giant table with lots of simple, but tasty looking food.

Max: Ok... now I’m confused.

Triox: The Pelarotass are peaceful and friendly. They don’t know the meaning of the word evil.

Max: Oh, well this looks like a nice place for a holiday then. Probably the only world like this in the universe.

Gargos: One of the few. They were more in the past, but they were destroyed. Nothing that’s innocent survives for long.

Max: Wow, now that was depressing.

Suddenly Triox seemed serious as well.

Triox: Thingss aren’t alwayss that ssimple, Max Tennysson.

Gargos talked to one of the Pelarotas in a strange language. Max and Triox were enjoying a tasty meal in the meantime. Then Gargos returned.

Triox: Sso, what`ss going on ?

Gargos: Corrodium. In that mountain up there. They think it’s punishment from their mountain god.

And he pointed to a mountain in the distance.

Max: Corrodium ? Wait, I know what that is. We have some untested suits, that can resist it’s radiation.

Gargos: Hmm... Maybe we could use that...

Triox: You ready ?

Max: Well not really.

Gargos: Drop him off in a safe distance from the corrodium, Triox. If you feel a strange, painful feeling, run back to Triox as quick as you can.

Max sighed.

Max: Ok, let’s get it over with...

The Pelarotas brought them to a mountain. They seemed to have respect of the mountain. One of them spoke a strange language.

Gargos: He said, that this mountain is the god of this planet, and that they have angered him. They think that’s how the corrodium got here.

Max: Sure glad, we’re not the most primitive in the entire universe.

Max put on his untested suit. Triox grabbed him and vanished in a flash. He stopped and put Max down in a safe distance. Max slowly walked towards the corrodium. The shiny purple rocks looked harmless, but Max knew what would happen if he would be exposed to the radiation. And he certainly didn’t wanna become a monster in his twenty-five years.

Max: And to think I could’ve just had a peaceful walk on the moon...

When he came near the rocks, he covered his face. But he felt nothing, so he put down his arms in relief.

He took the rocks, and put them into a special containment unit Gargos gave him. He came back to Triox, and they were back by Gargos in a few milliseconds.

Gargos: So, let me take care of those.

And no one ever found out what happened to the corrodium.

The next day, they were back in space and Gargos carefully put the ampoule with a Tortugans DNA into a small vault with the others.

Gargos: Hopefully, Azmuth will appreciate that I’m bringing him much more DNA, than he told me to.

He then accompanied the others.

Triox: Hope you’re not too dissssapointed that you can’t reach your friendss yet.

Max: Ah well. Guess they’re holding on without me.

Triox: Be right back.

And Triox vanished. Gargos was looking out of the window. Max came to him.

Max: So what was that, you didn’t wanna talk about before ?

Gargos: That’s none of your business.

Max: c’mon... you’ll feel better.

Gargos: I hardly doubt it.

Max: You know... back on Earth, when I was a teenager I once saw a big bully picking on a younger kid. So I took the bully aside and talked to him.

Gargos: I would have killed him for harming the weak.

Max: Yeah, but it turned out, he was just being lonely. No one ever paid attention to him. So he bullied kids so everyone would have respect before him. From that day on, after he admitted it, he never harmed another child.

Gargos: Interesting beings, you humans.

Max: So, will you tell ?

Gargos was quiet for quite a while, but then another red light glowed.

Max: What’s going on ?

Gargos: It seems like we’re being pulled by another planet.

He checked some signs that popped up. Then suddenly his face turned into a masquerade full of disgust

Gargos: Oh no... not that planet.

Max: What ?

Gargos: Of all the planets in the universe.

Max: So what planet is it ?

Gargos: Ratio Duplio...

Triox reappeared.

Triox: What`ss going on ? I can’t even..... Oh no, Gargoss, thiss iss trouble.

Gargos: I can’t reverse it, the planet is pulling us. As if some giant magnet was pulling us straight towards it.

Triox: SSo we’ll land, desstroy that magnet, and get out of there as ssoon as possible.

Max looked at the planet they were talking about. It looked kind of funny to him. And when he took a better look, the planet was vibrating. As if it was moving. What bloodthirsty creatures could live on such a funny planet ?

Max: So, I guess this is gonna be real dangerous.

He watched Gargos and Triox as they were desperatly trying to get the ship under control. And they usually never backed of from any battle.

Gargos: Dangerous ? Who said anything about danger ?

Max: So what`s the big deal ?

Gargos: Ratio Duplio is the home of the Duplions... those creatures enjoy playing jokes on others.

Max: Oh, now that sounds like a nice change.

Triox: You`ll be dissssapointed.

As they were closer to the planet, it seemed like everything was alive down there. They landed quite soft. Max jumped out of the ship, and suddenly a vine grabbed his foot and made him fall.

Triox: Ssee what I mean. But they won’t get me.

Triox vanished and hid in a tree.

Triox: ha, won’t get me here.

Then the tree grabbed him and smashed one of its own fruits on his head. Triox was covered in some juice.

Triox: Oh great.

Gargos slowly came out with his blasters in hands. After a few steps, he turned quickly and pointed on of his blasters at a small alien with green eyes. The Duplion smiled and waved his hand friendly. Gargos looked at him suspiciously. Then two other Duplions grabbed his arms from behind and raised his hands. Gargos tried to shake them off, but the first Duplion, made him trip and fall on his face. The three Duplions fell to the ground laughing and merged into one.

Max: Now that’s something you don’t see every day.

More of the Duplions appeared. Max was still lying on the ground.

Max: So, if they can duplicate themselves, how many originals exist ?

One of the Dupions came to him from the right.

Duplion: Maybe one.

He made a clone of himself.

Duplion: Maybe a hundred.

The new one, made a third Duplion, which stood right in front of Max, and leaned down to him.

Duplion: Maybe fruit.

Max: Fruit ?

Duplion: Yeah, have some.

And he squished a fruit on Max`s head.

Triox wanted to get back to the ship, but the tree lifted a root and he tripped.

Triox: Ok, you’re even more annoying than Vilgax.

Max finally got up and went to a nearby river to wash his face. But as he leaned over the water, it suddenly came alive and pulled him in. Max came out all wet.

Max: This is got to be some kind of joke.

Gargos: This whole planet’s a joke.

He grabbed his blasters and shot a few blasts on a nearby bush that was approaching him. Then a mountain in the distance did something strange. As if it spit. And a big snowball hit Gargos, right in the face. He growled.

Gargos: I hate this planet.

Suddenly it seamed like the ground was shaking, as hundreds of Duplions appeared everywhere.

Triox: Now, that`ss bad.

Max: What now ?

Gargos: We settle this... my way.

He shot a blast at a Duplion and several others started jumping around in pain.

Gragos: Now run, and shoot.

They ran back towards the ship and shot everywhere. A few Duplions tripped them, but they kept going. Max and Triox jumped back into the ship. Gargos noticed something on the ground. A strange, giant creature was under their ship, as if sucking on it.

Gargos: So, you pulled us here.

He took his last sonic-grenade and threw it. He jumped into the ship and closed the door. The grenade detonated and the creature let them go. They took of, and Gargos set to full speed until they were far enough, for the creature to reach them. Max noticed something.

Max: As I was running, one of those.. Duplions, spat on me.

Gargos: Good, at least we haven’t left with empty hands.

He took a ampoule and carefully placed the saliva from Max`s face in it.

Two days later, Max woke up from a nightmare. It was filled with mud-aliens and he had no choice but to run, because his weapons were missing. He joined Gargos and Triox, who were talking about their course.

Triox: Do you think, it`ss ssafe to go trough ssector 3.5 ?

Gargos: It’s never safe. But it’s the fastest and safest way, right now. I don’t know what that energy shield was, but it transported us to the other end of the galaxy.

Max: So, but how do you know it won’t do it again ?

Gargos: I have a few tricks of my own.

Triox: In a few days, we should be able to reach your friends.

The next day, Max came over to Triox, who was repairing a damaged escape pod.

Max: So what is it, Gargos doesn’t want to talk about ?

Triox was quiet for awhile. Then he sighed.

Triox: You humanss don`t give up that eassily, do you ? Why doess it bother you sso much ?

Max: I don’t know, I just like to help people. He seems so lonely.... and I know how that feels.

Triox looked at him.

Triox: Believe me, no one knowss how Gargoss feelss. Even I don`t know everything. Craneterianss were alwayss lone wolfss.

Max: It can`t be that bad.

Triox: It`ss even worse... let`ss ssay Gargoss wassn`t alwayss a good guy. Even now he only workss for a reward. I think no one in the universse hass sseen sso much evil as Gargoss.

Max wanted to reply, but Gargos appeared.

Gargos: the radar has picked up something.

Triox: What ? There are no planets in ssector 3.5

Gargos: Actually, there is one. But I didn’t know it was in our way. The radars indicate, that we can find Zebbulium on the planet.

Max looked at him with an unspoken question.

Gargos: It’s the fuel for my ship. I think we should go and see if we can find some.

Triox: Ok, I’ll jusst finissh thiss, and I’ll be right with you.

Triox was in the control room, even before Gargos and Max.

Triox: Do you have any info on the planet ?

Gargos: Not much is known about it. But it’s called Scomon, and it should be inhabited with a race called Vultus Brachyoutus.

The planet Scomon was rocky and dark. Max couldn’t see a thing, but it seemed Gargos had no problem with navigating in the dark. They flew around the planet for a long while, with no place to land. Finally Gargos lowered the ship, and landed on a small rocky cliff.

Gargos: We’re lucky. This whole cliff is made of Zebbulium. I’ll initiate the Zebbulium processing machine. In the meantime we should explore this planet.

Triox: I think I sshould sstay behind, and guard the sship. There`ss no telling what`ss on thiss planet.

Gargos: Good.

Gargos and Max went slowly down the cliff and found an entrance to a cave. Gargos gave Max something that reminded him of a flashlight.

Gargos: Use it, to gain light.

Max: What about you ?

Gargos: I don’t need light.

As soon as they entered the cave, total darkness covered them. Even with the light, Max could barely see a thing. He pointed it at the ceiling, and a giant creature jumped at him. Max couldn’t recognize it’s shape. He heard the familiar sound of Gargos`s blaster and the creature fell to the ground in front of him.

Max: Thanks.

They went on for a awhile and suddenly Gargos grabbed Max`s shoulder. Max turned only to see Gargos with his blasters in hands, slowly aiming in all directions.

Gargos: We’re surrounded.

Max: By what ?

As he turned again to find out, he saw many eyes. The eyes were everywhere. Three of them merged and shot a blast at him, which freezed his light. Max was now in complete darkness, and the only thing he heard was the sound of many feet running and Gargos`s blasters. Then something hit him in the head, and he fell unconscious.

When Max came back to his senses he was hanging by his feet. Gargos was hanging next to him. There was something that seemed like a pit below them. They were only small torch lights, but it was enough to see. The beings that captured them, were half bat half reptiles. Some of them even had wings, similar to those of bats. They had eyes all over their bodies.

Max: What.. ?

Gargos: Silence.

But it was too late. As soon as the Vultus Brachyoutus heard Max`s voice, they began humming. It almost looked like some primitive ritual. They cleared a pathway and a single Vultus Brachyoutus came slowly forward. It was an unwinged one, but taller than the rest. He pointed his hand at them and said something that they didn’t understand.

Max: So, what are they going to do with us ?

Gargos: It seems like they’re going to sacrifice us... to some ancient god of light.

Max looked down at the pit. It wasn’t deep. Actually the fall would hurt, but it wouldn’t cause any injuries. Max smiled.

Max: At least something’s going our way.

The leader Brachyoutus raised his hand and everyone calmed down.

Gargos: I wouldn’t be so sure about that.

The Brachyotus turned to them. Suddenly all of his eyes merged together and he shot s giant blast at the pit below them. A giant fire rose from the pit, and flames almost reached Max and Gargos.

Max: Me and my big mouth.

Gargos was calm, and didn’t seem worried about their situation.

Max: Why do I have the feeling, you’re not taking this as seriously as me ?

Gargos: I activated a homing device, before the Brachyoutus captured us.

Max didn’t recall Gargos doing anything like that. But he didn’t have time to think about it, because of the flames that almost caught his head. Then he heard a familiar sound. In a flash something cut the rope on which Gargos was hanging and Gargos fell right into the flames. Max was in shock, but something grabbed hold of him. He heard a familiar hissing voice.

Triox: Don’t worry, it`ss me.

He pushed Max and cut the rope, when they were far enough from the flames. They landed near a small hallway, above the Brachyoutus.

Max: Gargos... he fell in the flam...

Max couldn’t complete his sentence, because a shadow rose from the flames. Gargos came out of the fire, unharmed, as if he never fell in there.

Max: Man, that guy is full of surprises.

Gargos held his blasters in his hands. He stood there for a few seconds, his glowy eyes didn’t show any emotion. Then a small, grim smile appeared on his face, and he attacked the Brachyoutus.

Triox: Time to go.

He grabbed Max and vanished in a flash. He had a small flashlight on his shoulder, but he was moving so fast, Max couldn’t recognize a thing. Blurry, rocky hallways were the only thing, Max could see. They were back at the spaceship soon.

Max: What now ?

Triox: He’ll be here in a minute.

They waited. And meanwhile, Triox prepared the ship for take off. Gargos appeared soon, small grey smoke was coming from his blasters.

Triox: Did you have your fun ?

Gargos didn’t answer. He entered the ship. They took off, and set the course, to exit sector 3.5. Max suddenly realized something.

Max: Your eyes can see in the dark. You activated the homing device long before they captured us. You were watching them.

Gargos: Yes, that’s true.

Max: You took out a whole tribe of those guys. There is no way, they could have captured you. You let them capture you on purpose. Why ?

Gargos: To get this.

He pulled out a small ampoule with Vultus Brachyoutus DNA.

Max woke up. Yesterday, they finally leaved sector 3.5. He found Gargos and Triox once again arguing about their course. This time over something else.

Triox:A Gourmand`ss DNA issn`t ssomething to underesstimate, Gargoss. Whoever you’re working for, will ssurely appreciate it.

Gargos: I know....

He sighed.

Triox: You know you have nothing to do with the ssituation on Peptos XI.

Gargos: I know, it just reminds me...

Max coughed. They turned to him.

Max: So, does this...Peptos XI, have anything to do with all those things you don’t wanna talk about ?

Triox: Max, I don’t think thiss iss a good time to..

Gargos: That’s all right, Triox.

He sighed again.

Gargos: You’re quite persistent for a human, Max Tennyson.

Max didn’t say a word, not knowing whether it was good or bad, that he’s so persistent. Then he decided.

Max: So, try and talk about it. It will make you feel better.

Gargos was quiet for a long while and he stared out into the depths of outer space. After awhile, he closed his eyes, to gather memories.

Gargos: A very long time ago, when your Solar system was only dust, the Craneterians ruled the biggest empire, the universe has ever seen. But it wasn’t always so. First we lived on a single planet called Cranetopia. The whole planet was made of a crystal named Barelian. It was the raw form of the chemical we needed to stay alive. In it’s raw form, it gave us incredible strength, and made us almost unstoppable. But for the long-living Craneterians one planet was too small. We soon started to inhabit nearby planets, some of which were inhabited by other races. They were peaceful beings, and accepted us among them. We lived in peace for a long time. But then, as more and more Craneterians appeared, suspicion started to grow between the Craneterians and the other races. The suspicions soon grew into hatred, and we started a war. We won, and claimed all of the planets as our own. We felt suddenly a giant lust for power. We decided to create the largest empire ever. We thought we were the only race that deserves to rule. We started wars all over the galaxy, and took down every enemy. But the more far away, we were from Cranetopia, the weaker we became. We weren’t the indestructible gods, we were on our own planet. That was, until I came up, with a new technology.

Max: Hey, wait a second. So you’re a scientist ?

Gargos: Yes, yes I am. The technology I created mutated the core of a planet and recreated the minerals and soil, and turned them into Barelian. Our power was back. But the native races, died because of the Barelian minerals. The ones that didn’t die, we used as slaves. Until they slowly and painfully mutated into mindless beasts, that we used in war.

Max stood there in shock. Triox lowered his sight.

Gargos: A whole galaxy was at our mercy. And the rest of the universe feared us. But then a new race came. A race that was immune to Barelian. They started a war against us, and this war consumed both our empires. The galaxy we conquered, together with Cranetopia.... were destroyed, and nothing remained from them. Only a few Craneterians survived, and most of them died, because of the lack of Barelian. On me, it had a different effect. My mind cleared of all the power hunger and I clearly saw everything I caused. I’m still surviving thanks to the chemical that was in the Barelian crystals, and that still can be found in the universe. But there’s only a little left, and once it’s gone...

Max and Triox were standing, incapable of words. The pain in all those memories caught Max in surprise. Gargos stared upon the many stars he could see through the window.

Gargos: I am Gargos. A mercenary. The last of the Craneterians.

A few hours after Gargoses confession, they entered the atmosphere of the planet Peptos XI. A whole fleet of other ships was just leaving.

Max: Who are those guys ?

Gargos: Who knows ? They may be from any nearby planet. Peptos XI was once a paradise planet with plenty of resources. But now, it’s slowly dying.

Max: Man, what kind of race would destroy their own planet ?

But then he suddenly felt ashamed, because humans were exactly doing that. Destroying everything on their Earth. He looked at the slowly dying planet. Will Earth once look like this?

Triox: It`ss not their fault. The other racess took everything. But they aren’t coming sso frequently ssince the Gourmandss sstarted to defend themsselfess.

Max: Gourmands ?

Gargos: A very special race. You’ll see for yourself.

They landed on a dark place. As soon as Max turned he saw that they were already surrounded by a few small green creatures. One of them suddenly opened it’s mouth and grabbed Maxs weapon with it’s tongues and eaten it.

Triox: SSlow down there. We’re not here to fight.

Gourmand: Yeah right, everyone says that. Let’s eat them.

Gargos: So, you want a fight ?

He pulled out his blasters and shot the Gourmands in their tongues before they could eat his blasters. Max stood in amazement. He never saw anyone shot so fast. His blasters were just too quick for the Gourmands. Some of them tried to attack Triox, but he just smiled, and let the tongues wrap around his wrist. He than started to run around in circles, and tied up the Gourmands in their own weapon. After a few minutes, only one Gourmand remained standing.

Gourmand: I will not let you destroy our planet any more !

Gargos: We don’t want to.

He lowered his blasters for a second.

Gargos: I have some spare parts in my ship. I’ll trade them for a piece of your DNA.

The Gourmands looked at him in surprise.

Gourmand: You sure, you’re not going to trick us ?

Gargos: You can trust me.

They soon traded the parts for a piece of DNA, and were back on their way.

Max: Well that was a short one.

Gargos put the ampoule to the rest.

Max: You know, I still don’t get one thing. It was clear you’d win. And still you rather sacrificed some spare parts, which could save your life in an emergency.

Gargos: They were merely defending their planet. They attacked us, because everyone else has attacked them first.

Max: Strange, you don’t look like a sensitive guy.*NOTE: Max is still young here, and isn’t as wise as we know him, yet.*

Gargos looked at him.

Gargos: I have killed enough innocent beings in my long life.

Max looked at the ground.

Max: Well I feel like killing some mud-aliens right now. Even though, who knows when will that be.

Triox: Oh, didn’t we mention ? The whole reasson we went through ssector 3.5 wass to take a sshortcut. We sshould reach your friendss in two dayss.

Max was looking forward to joining his friends and helping them, but he was also a bit sad. He had to admit, the adventures he had with Gargos and Triox were worth a small delay.

Triox: Sso, today you sshould ssee your friendss again.

Max: But what if that force field or what it was, will just transport us back to the other end of the galaxy ?

Triox: I’ve already figured that out. Jusst leave it to me.

Max turned to Gargos.

Max: So maybe you could tell us, why are you collecting DNA all over the universe ?

Gargos: There are things I won’t talk about. My employer doesn’t want to be known, and I will respect that.

They were silent for the rest of the flight. As soon as they were near the planet, Triox rushed from end of the ship to another and was setting something. As they were on the same level, as when the field transported them, Max closed his eyes. He felt some strange bumping. So I guess we’re back where we started from, thought Max. But when he opened his eyes, he saw that they were in the atmosphere of the planet and he recognized a plumber spaceship rush by. Suddenly his communicator came back online.

Max: This is Max Tennyson. Can anyone hear me ?

A voice came from the communicator.

Voice: Max ? Where the heck, where you ? we thought you were dead ! What happened to Johnson ?

Max: dead. I’m the only survivor.

Voice: Oh... that’s bad news. Come back to base, we’ll need your help.

They found a safe place to land near the base. But not too near. Gargos wasn’t too excited about meeting other humans than Max.

Max: Well, I’m really glad I’ve met you.

Triox saluted him in a kineceleran way.

Triox: It wass an honor sserving with you.

Gargos nodded his head.

Gargos: You fought well... for a human.

Max slowly turned to walk away, when Gargos called him back.

Gargos: I think you should have this.

He took a spare blaster and gave it to him.

Gargos: Take this. You’ll need it.

From that single weapon, many of the plumbers weapons were designed. And then, Gargos shook his hand. Max felt a small sting, but he thought that was just because it was hard to say goodbye to new friends.

Max: Goodbye.

He walked away slowly as Gargos and Triox took off.

Triox: I didn’t know you have a ssenssitive sside either. I never ssaw you sshake handss with anyone.

Gargos: Maybe.

Triox didn`t see, how Gargos put away an ampoule with the DNA of Max Tennyson, he received when they were shaking hands.

Max Tennyson slowly walked back to the plumbers base, to aid them in the war against the mud aliens. He never knew, that he helped create the most powerful device in the universe, that would one day turn his own grandson into a hero.

A few days later, Gargos and Triox approached Petropia. The last missing planet on the list. As they entered the atmosphere of the crystalline planet, they were suddenly surrounded by two crystal-like ships, which guided them into a cave that led to the underground kingdom of Petropia. The kingdom was beautiful.

Triox: Aaah civilization...

They landed and slowly came out of the ship. Petrosapiens were walking all over the place, obviously not too interested in their arrival. But then a small breeze came and Gargos`s cape fell, revealing his black skin. Suddenly dozens of weapons were pointing at them, and sharp Petrosapien shards were ready to fire, some of them almost scratching Gargos`s face. A Petrosapien that seemed like some sort of leader spoke to them.

Petrosapien: What is this ? First Vilgax tries to conquer us, and now the Craneterians are rebuilding their empire ?

Gargos: I’m not rebuilding anything. The war between our races is long gone.

Petrosapien: Tell that to those, whose friends and families you’ve killed, beast. We may not live as long as you, but we don’t forget.

Triox: We jusst want ssome DNA, and we’ll be on our way...

The Petrosapien looked angry.

Petrosapien: What for ?

Gargos: We work for someone who doesn’t want to be revealed.

Petrosapien: Mercenaries ? Even worse. We have enough trouble with those.

Gargos then noticed a small notice screen glowing. It was a police warning of a wanted person. It was a Petrosapien with green eyes. Under the picture was the name of the wanted person: TETRAX.

A female Petrosapien turned to the Petrosapien leader.

F-Petrosapien: What if these mercenaries work for Vilgax ?

The Petrosapien leader shook his head.

Petrosapien: No, not even a Craneterian would sink so low.

He said the word Craneterian with disgust. Another Petrosapien lowered his head.

Petrosapien2: And yet, one of us did.

Petrosapien: Enough! Tetrax doesn’t belong to us anymore. He’s a traitor.

Gargos: So if you could just give us the DNA, we’ll be leaving you to your traitors...

Petrosapien: Be quiet! And leave. NOW!

Gargos looked grimly and growled.

Gargos: sorry. Didn’t came here, to go away with empty hands.

While they were arguing, he took out a sonic grenade and hid it behind his back. He dropped it now. The sonic explosion shattered the crystalline bodies of the Petrosapiens. They were falling to their knees. A small battle began between Gargos, Triox and some of the Petrosapiens. The Petrosapien leader hit Gargos in his shoulder with a shard. Even though it hurt, Gargos smiled grimly. His plan was working perfectly. But then something unexpected happened. A hologram of Vilgax appeared right in front of them. The fight stopped.

Vilgax: Surrender now, Petrosapiens, and you may become my servants !

Petrosapien: We’ve said it before Vilgax. We’ll never serve you ! We’d rather die !

Vilgax: Than your wish shall be granted.

The hologram disappeared. Then a Petrosapien pilot came rushing in.

Pilot: We have a problem, sir. Vilgax`s ship is near Petropia, and he has some new weapon. A sonic beam, with the power level of 5000.

Petrosapien: WHAT ? That will tear apart our planet! Vilgax can’t do that.

Pilot: He’s already doing it, sir. There’s no way to stop him.

Many of the Petrosapiens started to run in panic. Gargos remained calm.

Gargos: Isn’t there a way to save some of the people ?

Petrosapien: Well we do have these untested rescue pods...they could save some of our people...

He forgot about his anger for awhile.

Petrosapien: But there is a problem. The only place we can activate them, is in the main lab, which is closed for repairs. No one’s there, and no one could get there in time.

Triox: Maybe I could...

The Petrosapien looked at him. At first it seemed he’d turn down the offer, but then he saluted.

Petrosapien: Thank you. I’ll rally as much women and children as I can. My life will end shortly, but maybe I was wrong about you.

And he went off. Gargos turned to Triox.

Gargos: Should I wait for you here ?

Triox: No. Get out of here, jusst in casse. I`ll take that Petrossapien sspacecraft over there.

Then Triox vanished in a flash. Gargos took off. When he was in space, he pulled the shard out his shoulder, carefully cleaned it of blood and placed it in an ampoule. He checked if there wasn’t any remaining blood. Whatever Azmuth was planning with the DNA, he didn’t want Craneterian DNA to be involved.

Back on Petropia, Triox activated the rescue pods and some Petrosapien families managed to escape. Children and mothers watched as their husbands and fathers prepared for the certain death. They all came out and looked to the sky, as if awaiting death. Many of the children would swear vengeance against Vilgax once they grow up. Triox rushed back to the ships. But he was just too old, right before he could reach them the sonic ray hit the planet and Petropia was shattered into millions of bits.

Gargos stood by the window and he knew that his friend died. But still he couldn’t move. He saw death many times before but this time it was different. He just stood there a long time after the last pieces of the once beautiful Petropia were spread into the universe. At the same time, the Petrosapien Tetrax screamed, when he realized what he just did. It was his fault, Petropia was destroyed. That day changed his way of life. Never again would Tetrax work for money. He swore that he would protect the universe from Vilgax and his kind. Many would look up to the once traitor Tetrax Shard.

Gargos still couldn’t move, and memories came to his mind. The memories he shared with Triox. One of the few beings he could call a friend. And he knew, he would never see him again. He felt pain, and guilt. He realized, he caused these same feelings to thousands of other creatures.

Gargos: Goodbye old friend...

And then he felt something strange. A bitter feeling that filled the deepest part him, that humans would call a soul. Something wet was rolling down his face. One, single tear. The only Craneterian tear in the history of the universe.

It’s been two weeks since the death of Triox. Gargos was sitting in his ship and thinking. The list was now complete. He could claim his reward, but he was far away from Xenon. Even at max speed it will take him days till he reaches Azmuth. Even worse was the fact that he had to fly through this area. It was near the place, where once a galaxy was. His galaxy. The empire of the Craneterians. He just passed an asteroid field. It once was a planet with many species. Species that no one will ever know, and which never got the chance to evolve into a civilization. Something caught his eye. A ray of light from the distance. He thought this place was a wasteland, so he decided to investigate. When he got close enough, he realized what it was, and for a moment couldn’t believe his eyes. A solar system was borning. The young sun already had a few planets circling around it. He decided to land on an enormous planet. As he entered the atmosphere, he was astonished to see rivers and forests. And he saw creatures. Enormous creatures with white and red bodies and four yellow eyes.

Gargos landed and left his ship. The temperature was very high and everything on the planet was giant sized. It all looked... familiar, but he couldn’t remember from where. One of the beings was approaching, and almost stepped on Gargos, not watching where it was going. Gargos used his blaster to remind the creature to look under his feet.

creature: Ouch ! What was that ?

Gargos: You better watch where you’re going. You never know, you may step in something... deadly.

The creature looked down and seemed surprised. Then he leaned down to take a better look as if he couldn’t believe his eyes.

Creature: No. This can’t be.

He reached his hand towards Gargos, but he aimed his blasters.

Gargos: Think again.

The creature suddenly bowed before him.

Creature: Forgive me, great one. But we never thought we’d see one of your kind.

Gargos: What are you talking about ?

Creature: Please, let me take you to our village. You will understand.

Gargos wasn’t thrilled about getting involved with these beings, but he decided to go. Under one condition.

Gargos: NO carrying. I’ll follow you in my ship.

He thought that if he could stay close enough to his ship, than he may escape if needed. The creature was making giant steps, while Gargos followed in his ship, suspiciously looking around. When they arrived at the village, Gargos was surprised by it’s size. And as they entered the village center, he was shocked and had to land quickly, so he could take a better look. In the middle of the village was a giant statue. A statue of a Craneterian. Other beings came our of their houses and all were shocked at the sight of Gargos and bowed down before him, whispering among each other.

Gargos: What.. what is this place ?

On of the creatures stood up.

Creature: This is our home. Vagjorash. I am Vanitos and these are my people. We hope, our monument will please you. We never thought a godly herald may come one day.

Gargos: Godly ? Herald ?

Vanitos: You surely brought a message to your servants, haven’t you ? A message from our gods.

Gargos: Gods ? The Craneterians weren’t gods. We were tyrants and killers.

Vanitos: The legends of our ancestors say otherwise. They claim that your race freed them and brought them glory. But one day you all vanished. But they have worshiped you ever since. And we continue in their legacy.

Gargos now knew why the planet was familiar to him. The Craneterians once took over a planet that was just like this one. Until they corrupted it. He remembered that they experimented on the species of the planet, making them giant war beasts. Maybe the experiments didn’t leave the beings as mindless as they thought. Maybe they developed some animal instinct. That would explain their complete loyalty. They thought of the Craneterians as their masters. And when their empire fell, these beasts could have survived, and slowly developed over the millennia intelligence. And the memory of their masters was transformed into a belief. And they inhabited this young planet, which was like suited for them and where they developed further. Until they became a new, intelligent race. As a scientist, he knew it was impossible, but he couldn’t help a thought. Maybe the galaxy they destroyed was slowly heeling itself. A planet just like the one they destroyed and a new race that emerged from what they plagued. He suddenly saw Triox`s face in front of him and he knew what would his old friend want from him to do.

Gargos: Yes. I have come with a message. A message you have to pass on further to your offspring. Never wage war against the weaker and fight only when you must defend yourselves. That is... our will.

Vanitos: We shall do as our gods command, we swear.

Gargos: Good.

Gargos was soon leaving the planet and he also took a sample of DNA from these strange creatures. After all, he still was a mercenary and he takes his job seriously.

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