Death of a civilization

In a universe where war is essentially a fact of life, how can one notice a single war? The Undead Wars aren’t quite like the majority of the wars spanning the universe. For a start, the history of war between the two species, the Kryllonians and Ith’al, was fraught with hundreds of CY of war without any immortal intervention. Having two very intelligent and technologically advanced species being continually at war without outside prodding is not usual. This attests to the animosity between the Kryllonians and Ith’al.

The history of the perpetual war ended with a treaty once it became clear that neither species had the resources to sustain the current path. The reaction to the treaty was different for each species, as we will see in a bit. While they both knew the treaty would not last forever, the reason it ended had nothing to do with the species themselves, but the intervention of the Darkstars.

Finding other life and duking it out

The method of living was not at all similar between the two species. Both were interested in finding other life, but the reason for searching was not the same.

The Kryllonians did not want to be alone. They loved life, enjoyed being together, reveled in art and family, and wanted to share this with others. They used so many resources and put so much of their intelligence into developing a way to find other life. Had they known what would happen they probably would have taken a slightly different approach to finding the other life, but it would not have stopped them. The Kryllonians were tenacious but happy.

The Ith’al had an entirely different take on life. Research and technology were for furthering intellect, life was serious and there was no time for frivolity. Their reason for looking for other life was to study them and see what can be learned, to further their own technology, and to improve their knowledge. They had not bargained for the ensuing centuries of battle.

First contact means instant war

Neither species was looking for a fight, but their very different motivations for looking for it was inevitable. The first impressions that each species had on the other put neither in a good light. The Kryllonians went away feeling bewildered by what had happened. Their easy-going attitude was heavily rebuffed and condemned by the very strict Ith’al people. The Ith’al left the first encounter feeling irritated and offended that this other species would not seem to take anything seriously. This severe disappointment on both sides should have lead to both of them acknowledging their differences and continuing to look for other life. Too often is logic ignored.

After several attempts at civility, the Kryllonians and Ith’als found they could no longer overlook their differences and war ensued. For two species that had not been looking for war, they both certainly excelled. Given their advance intelligence, although not focused on combat, they found that knowledge could be easily adapted to fighting. They were so successful in adapting their technology and strategizing that several hundred cosmic years were lost to what seemed like a ceaseless war.

Truce of necessity

As could be expected, no species could possibly sustain a never-ending war. As this became apparent to both the Kryllonians and the Ith’als, truce discussions began, and both civilizations knew that no matter how temporary there would be time to heal. Portions of the star system were divided. The division was meant to make each side equal in the resources that could be pulled from the planets within them.

During the truce, the Ith’als were frugal, pulling together resources and building up their forces. Time was on no one’s side and the Ith’als would make the most of what they had. The more carefree Kryllonians were desirous of picking up where they left off prior to CYs of war. They used their remaining resources to travel further, hunting for life that might share their lifestyle and could enrich the Kryllonian existence. Unfortunately all this did was draw unwanted attention.

One empire undone

As the Kryllonians began to realize they had over extended themselves, they were ready to swallow their pride and ask the Ith’als for assistance. The Kryllonian king, King Bethalisar, and his queen announced this decision, which was disappointing but acknowledged as necessary by their people. Relinquishing their pride for their people, the rulers prepared themselves for pleading with the Ith’als to help them.

The departure was set. The queen insisted that she would go. Both monarchs readied themselves for the ridicule they felt was inevitable. What happened was far worse. Neither of the royalty made it off of the planet. Their march to the transport was interrupted by the appearance of Sire Vengeance, whose presence caused death in the subjects around them, and though unseen, all of those under their banner. The king and queen watched in horror, but it was nothing compared to what came next.

It was the permanent end of the species war and the beginning of something far more tragic.