Galaxy 8 - Storyline

Galaxy 8 opens with Sasha experiencing a surreal dream. She finds herself on Meridian, witnessing a war taking place. As she makes her way through the firefights and wreckage, she passes the corpses of her friends, Isabel and Wes, as well as Ambassadors Luna and Salesh. In the distance, Sasha sees the USS Orion shot down by Menagerie forces, and it plummets to the ground, smoke billowing behind it. Before she gets to the ship, Sasha finds Commander Kyle McKennan holding off a group of Menagerie soldiers. Battered and bloodied, he tells her that Dimitri is ahead, and needs her help. Sasha searches hastily for Dimitri, eventually finding him locked in battle with the Assassin. Just like before, it is wholly consumed in flames, and its humanoid skin has been gruesomely melted off, as as result. Sasha finds herself incredibly exhausted as she tries to climb up an insurmountable pile of her friends' corpses, but she can't pass their apex. She struggles while she watches Dimitri grapple with the Assassin, then recoils in in horror as they both fall over the cliff nearby. Sasha wakes up on the USS Orion, under the care of Isabel, as they are traveling to Orchastrainia.

Dimitri, Sasha, Isabel, and Wes reflect on their journey until Ambassador Luna enters and prepares them on the entering Orchastrainian space. She says that she and Ambassador Salesh will be holding a meeting with the Orchastrainian Council, and stresses how secret they are. No one from the Solar Galaxy has ever had a chance to see them. Before returning to the bridge, Luna tells Dimitri and his crew to study Orchastrainian customs and formalities, since the etiquette of the council meeting is an incredibly important Orchastrainian tradition. Wes shares his fascination with Orchastrainian culture, and is excited to put the knowledge of his studies to good use. Isabel and Wes leave the sickbay, excited for the meeting, and give Dimitri and Sasha time to themselves. Sasha asks Dimitri if they are doing the right thing, and is worried that she may not be able to save him, due to witnessing his fall on Meridian. Thinking back on Ambassador Luna's actions on the Menagerie base, Dimitri says that he is inspired by the Orchastrainians' selflessness for their people, and he wants to do the same for humanity. The two then follow Isabel and Wes.

Hours pass, and the Orchastrainian fleet finally arrives home, accompanied by the USS Orion. Orchastrainia's head regent, Varshahn, leads the landing procedure, and is accompanied by a small group of guards, and his assistant, Hennet. He tragically notes how much of the fleet is either heavily damaged, or missing outright. The Orchastrainian fleet lands in a spectacular sight and Varshahn directs the Ambassadors' ship to the docking bay where he awaits. The air traffic controller helps the Ambassadors' ship land, and Varshahn meets up with Luna and Salesh, welcoming them. After disembarking the USS Orion, Dimitri and his crew talk about the council meeting, and their worries for Earth. The Ambassadors introduce Dimitri and his team to Varshahn and Hennet.

After only a few minutes, Hennet gets an unexpected message, and informs Varshahn, Luna, and Salesh of the arrival of the Solar Fleet. As it enters Orchastrainian space, Varshahn grants them permission to land. Dimitri and his team watch with concern, and notice that many of the Solar Fleet's vessels are heavily damaged. Sasha sees the Admiral's ship, the USS Bastion, among the landing ships, which raises alarm. She demands to know what is going on, but Luna says that they don't know, and are going to greet them with haste. She urges Sasha and the USS Orion's crew to go forward and prepare for the meeting with the Orchastrainian Council. Sasha notices the USS Silencer among the Solar Fleet, and pushes past the guards, rushing towards it. She is determined to find answers. Kyle's team, composed of himself, Helena, Ambassador Hoch, and Miss Ziza Zoga, disembark and meet with up with Dimitri's crew. They shake hands, glad to be reunited. Ambassador Hoch and Miss Ziza Zoga appear greatly devastated, and Wes is overcome with sadness upon seeing them so distraught. Dimitri asks Kyle what is going on, and Kyle says that they came from Earth. He regretfully explains that he can't say anything else, until the meeting. Sasha demands more, but Helena stresses that everything will be revealed soon. Any further questions Dimitri's team has about Earth are met with a look of sadness that does not bode well.

Once everyone is in the ready room, they discuss the possibility of Earth being attacked by the Fourth Galaxy. Dimitri continues to question Kyle, but he doesn't reveal anything noteworthy. Wes approaches Hoch to see if he's okay, but Miss Ziza Zoga says that he is grieving, and needs time to himself. She then takes Hoch away to a place where he is more comfortable. Before things can be debated further, Ambassadors Luna and Salesh enter the ready room. Luna stresses the formalities of the meeting, and asks if everyone is prepared. Everyone nods in affirmation, and Salesh escorts them to the council chamber. As they cross a long, elaborate hallway, Isabel comments on how exciting this moment is. Wes agrees, and is grateful for all the time he spent studying Orchastrainian customs. He continues to prepare his team while they walk. Kyle's team is accompanying them, already versed in Orchastrainia's customs, due to the team being Ambassadors, a scientist, and a military leader. At the main door to the council chamber, Salesh and Luna once again stress the importance of the meeting, before leading everyone inside.

In the council chamber, everyone takes their seats and say good morning to each other, as per Orchastrainian custom. The Arbiter introduces himself and the two Council members that are currently present. The meeting officially begins. Admiral Seth is introduced first, and he steps forth, while everyone looks to him in interest. Sasha sees the Admiral in a different light, compared to her initial meeting with him. Admiral Seth explains the situation on Earth and details the Fourth Galaxy's arrival, staying as calm, composed, and formal as he can. He explains the situation with the organs and the body, and says how the Fourth Galaxy destroyed seventy percent of the Solar Fleet. It becomes clear that Earth is struggling to survive, and the source of Hoch's grief is now known. Admiral Seth asks Kyle to step forth and present his findings on the Fourth Galaxy. Kyle takes the stand, and explains the Fourth Galaxy's mission of reclaiming their organs for the body. He talks of Chloe's research, and says that Ambassador Hoch and Miss Ziza Zoga made a virus through it, which can infect the organs and destroy them. Ambassadors Luna and Salesh then present their findings on Meridian, and speak of the Fourth Galaxy forces they fought. Luna shares Isabel and Wes' research on the Fourth Galaxy, and says that their work helped the Orchastrainian fleet survive the Fourth Galaxy's assault. With this new, combined data, the Orchastrainian council says that they have a means of defeating the Fourth Galaxy. Admiral Seth then asks the council for aid in saving Earth. The Council answer Admiral Seth's plea, and grant Orchastrainia's aid in reclaiming Earth. They say that they need to repair and ready their forces first, however, which will take time. The Admiral nods in understanding.

Suddenly, the council meeting is interrupted by emergency alarms. Hennet appears and tells Luna and Salesh that the Fourth Galaxy have entered Orchastrainian space. They tell the fleet to get to battle stations. Since the Council needs to be evacuated, Varshahn and his elite guard enter, in order to escort them to safety. As they leave, the Council assure Seth of his aid, but explain that they must protect their home, first. Seth says that he will lead the Solar Fleet alongside them, in order to protect Orchastrainia from the Fourth Galaxy. The Council look with utmost sincerity to Seth and say, "Orchastrainia will never forget this."

Meanwhile, the two teams, led by the Ambassadors, head toward the Orchastrainian command building. They see the Orchastrainian fleet taking off, and notice the Fourth Galaxy appearing in the distance. Everyone is on standby, awaiting the command to attack. Luna and Salesh, along with Dimitri and Kyle, greet the Fourth Galaxy, in the form of a Mr. Voiceless. The Fourth Galaxy says that they require more organs, asking for the heart. Mr. Voiceless says that they already know about its location, but need the eyes and the kidneys, which have been found on Orchastrainia, itself. Salesh runs a scan to locate them. He hopes that this will stall the Fourth Galaxy, in order for Luna to ready the fleet and protect the Council.

Dimitri and Kyle's team discuss the body mentioned in the meeting. Isabel says that they have no idea how to stop it. Even with their research, the body destroyed the Solar Fleet. Sasha is distraught, not knowing what to do. Dimitri mentions that the Third Galaxy might be the only one strong enough to beat the Fourth Galaxy, but he is disheartened, since they are working together. Even so, he wonders if they could find a way to get the Third Galaxy to help them. Dimitri thinks back to his childhood, being raised on the planet Titania, among the Menagerie. The Menagerie's connections to crime, galactic secrets, and black market trading could most likely find a member of the Third Galaxy that is sympathetic to their cause.

Ambassador Hoch has come up with a plan. He says that they can use the virus he and Miss Ziza Zoga created to infect the organs on Orchastrainia, which will hopefully kill the body from the inside out. Salesh agrees, resumes his scan, and manages to locate the eyes on a nearby continent. As he readies the virus, the Fourth Galaxy become aware and initiate attack.

A massive battle in space breaks out, with the Fourth Galaxy battling the Solar and Orchastrainian fleets. Without warning, the body appears, and everyone freezes in terror. Both fleets fire upon it, but the body swings forth an arm and instantly destroys a large portion of them. Overcome with determination, Dimitri decides that they should head towards Titania, in order to find help. Hoch becomes hysterical, refusing to let the same thing that happened on Earth happen to Orchastrainia. Kyle steps in and agrees with Hoch, wanting to protect Orchastrainia as well. He says that his team will stay behind and help the Ambassadors find the organs. Kyle says that if they can locate the organs before the Fourth Galaxy does, Hoch's plan of infecting them can succeed. Luna and Salesh say that they will cover the both groups' escape with their fleet. Everyone feels the pull of hopelessness, but they try to maintain bravery during their goodbyes. Dimitri and his team board the USS Orion and depart Orchastrainia's atmosphere. As Sasha accelerates the ship, the team again witnesses the devastation of another swing of the body's arm. Isabel cries in Wes' arms, while Dimitri turns to Sasha, asking sorrowfully if she is okay. Silently, Sasha turns to Dimitri and shakes her head, no, and he embraces her without a second thought. As they leave Orchastrainian space, the last thing they see is the body embracing Orchastrainia's homeworld.

As the USS Orion enters Titania's atmosphere, everyone start reminiscing. Sasha asks Dimitri if he really wants to do this, and he says that he never thought he'd return to the place where he was born. Dimitri says that despite that, he realizes that if this is what it takes to save Earth and Orchastrainia, he doesn't have a choice. Wes then playfully says, "Welcome back!" Menagerie ships fly beside the USS Orion, and hail it, asking for credentials. Dimitri states that they are piloting a decommissioned Solar Fleet vessel. They are approved, and are escorted to a docking platform.

After the USS Orion docks, the crew explores the city. Everywhere they go, they are given menacing and hostile looks. Everyone puts up their guards, still very familiar with how things were, despite many years passing. Someone in the distance is watching Dimitri and his crew, and reports their location via a comm device. A few people from Dimitri's past welcome him back, but sneer at him in jealousy. Sasha threatens them, telling them not to try anything. Dimitri leads his friends towards the club, the Eternal Night. Before they arrive, they are greeted by an old friend, Lanister, who welcomes Dimitri 'home', and hints at old beef they had. Despite this, he pretends not to hold grudges. Lanister warns Dimitri not to trust everyone he meets, before saying goodbye. Once Dimitri and his crew arrive at the club, the bouncer welcomes them in a fanciful display. He poetically announces the Eternal Night, before they enter.

As they enter the club, the group is treated to an incredible sight. The club creates an inspiring mood, with powerful, addictive music, and dancers all around, including the back and front elves. Isabel and Wes talk, but Isabel quickly becomes embarrassed, remembering what happened here, years ago. Sasha goads her, asking Isabel if she remembers when she danced on-stage. Before they split up, Tara, a dancer, comes forward and welcomes Dimitri back. Seeing Isabel, she tries to get her to dance, reminding her of how she stole the stage back then. Isabel remains shy and refuses, telling everyone to stop; a whimsical moment. Dimitri asks Tara how she has been, and she says that things are largely the same. Lowering her voice, she says that the Menagerie have only gotten worse, and a lot of chaos has happened, due to the state of the universe. She says that everyone knows about the Fourth Galaxy and what's happening in the universe. Dimitri asks about Michelle, his childhood friend that grew up with him on Titania, and Tara replies, "How about you ask her yourself?" She then points towards the bar.

Wes encourages Isabel to get a drink so she can relax, and they depart. Dimitri and Sasha find their way to the bar, see Michelle, and she immediately lights up upon noticing them. She welcomes Dimitri back to the Eternal Night, and they spend some time catching up. Dimitri tells Michelle that they are part of the Solar Fleet now, and she congratulates him, impressed by how much he's changed. Dimitri asks Michelle how she's has been, and she says she's still here, running the bar. She says that she lost her left arm, and had to replace it, due to a fight that broke out amongst the Menagerie a few years ago. Dimitri feels awful for her, and notices her fear, carefully hidden behind her cheeriness. Dimitri asks Michelle if she's ever thought about moving to tthe Solar Galaxy, but she says she couldn't, based on her record. Dimitri tries to persuade her to go, but she refuses. Michelle then asks Dimitri why he is here, and he asks if she can go on break. She does so, telling her fellow bartender to cover for her while she is away.

Dimitri, Sasha, and Michelle all sit down at a nearby table and talk about the state of the universe. Dimitri asks Michelle about the Third Galaxy, and wonders if she knows anyone who opposes the Fourth Galaxy. Michelle nods in affirmation, and says that there are resistance fighters. There is conflict in the Third Galaxy, and many are unhappy that the Fourth Galaxy is controlling them. Michelle then tells Dimitri that she can set up a conversation between him and two members of the resistance, and points them out, amongst the tables. Grateful, Dimitri agrees and she departs, needing a moment to do so. Unknown to Dimitri and his group, Lanister eavesdrops on their conversation, and believes their actions will conflict with the Menagerie interests. Before he leaves, Dimitri and his group notice Lanister, but he fades from view before they can do anything. Michelle becomes scared, and Sasha voices her hate for Lanister, saying that he was always butting into their business, and still is, even now. Michelle says that Lanister is the current leader of the Menagerie, and wishes them good luck before returning to work. Dimitri and Sasha take a moment to talk, and they wonder what Lanister is plotting. They are unsure if they will be able to convince the Third Galaxy to help them, but know they will do their best. Isabel and Wes are seen getting drunk, and Wes encourages Isabel to dance on stage. After a few minutes, Michelle finds Dimitri, saying that the resistance is ready to see him.

Dimitri and Sasha take their seats beside the two Third Galaxy rebels, who introduce themselves as Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla, lieutenants of the resistance. They say that tthe Third Galaxy is under the control of the Fourth Galaxy, but want to be free of them. Their Leader, who holds control of their fleet, is being used as a figurehead by the Fourth Galaxy, and Dimitri immediately remembers the incident on Star Corp. The Third Galaxy nearly has complete control over the Third Galaxy, but the resistance is doing their best to fight against them. Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla say that there are many in the Third Galaxy who are part of Maglookla's resistance, established years ago. They are trying to fight the common mindset of the Third Galaxy being hostile to other galaxies, and want to establish peace. Dimitri offers his team's research to Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla, saying that they have figured out how to bypass the Fourth Galaxy's technology. He says that he will share the technology and help them free their galaxy, but requests their aid in return. Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla deliberate and agree, explaining that their mission is to free the Third Galaxy's Leader. Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla say that they are on Titania to request the Menagerie's help, and they have granted them knowledge of the Leader's location. Dimitri and Sasha thank Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla for their help, and say that they will accompany them to help find the Leader. Before they return to the USS Orion, they find Wes and Isabel, who are on the dance floor. Isabel has gathered and audience, and Tara is goading her on as she dances, incredibly. Sasha grabs Isabel and says it's time go, while Dimitri does the same with Wes. As they group exits the club, Lanister continues watching them.

As Dimitri and his crew return to the USS Orion, a fierce battle takes place at the docking platform. Dimitri realizes that while he and his crew were at the Eternal Night, an ambush was being prepared for their return. The team fights off their attackers and depart Titania, before joining up with Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla's fleet. After a few hours, everyone arrives at the ship where the leader of the Third Galaxy is rumored to be, but Wes is unable to detect any lifesigns aboard the ship. Wanting to make sure the readings are correct, Dimitri gives Sasha the bridge, and he and Wes head down the elevator to the teleporter bay, where they prepare themselves. After they beam aboard the mysterious ship, the two men reach the control room. The ship has indeed been completely abandoned, and through accessing its computer, Wes learns that ship is a trap; a bomb set for them by the Menagerie. He and Dimitri return to the USS Orion as quickly as they can, warning the Third Galaxians' fleet in the process.

The USS Orion and most of the fleet manage to escape the detonation in time, but the Menagerie appears suddenly and engage them in battle. Lannister hails Dimitri and voices his rage toward him for killing his forces at Meridian. He curses him for constantly thwarting his plans. Seeking revenge on Dimitri, Lannister opens fire and an incredible battle commences. Dimitri and the Third Galaxians manage to defeat Lannister and his forces, and Wes recovers the true location of the Third Galaxy's leader from the wreckage of his ship; an unmarked planet in the heart of the Third Galaxy. They set off immediately.

During the journey, Dimitri is overcome by the severity of the situation. He realizes that this is an incredible point in history, and realizes how vital he and his team are, ambassadors in their own right, as they work alongside the Third Galaxy for the second time in history. He delivers a rousing speech, thanking his crew for their service, friendship, and faith, and says that he will do his best to lead them to victory; not just for them, but for all three Galaxies as a whole.

Upon entering the planet's space, the USS Orion and Third Galaxy rebels find an entire Fourth Galaxy fleet awaiting them. Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla use Dimitri's technology to provide cover for the USS Orion while it enters the planet's atmosphere. A battle takes place instantly, with the Third Galaxy fighting for their freedom against the Fourth Galaxy. Many Third Galaxians exclaim "For Maglookla!" upon going into battle, seeing her as the first pioneer of the rebels, and a beloved war heroine.

The USS Orion lands on the planet after fighting off a Fourth Galaxian Assassin ship. Dimitri and his team head towards the tower where the Third Galaxian rebels' leader is located, fighting Fourth Galaxy forces and Third Galaxy forces devoted to them, along they way. As they make their way through the tower, Wes hacks open the doors, his time spent studying Third Galaxian technology making itself known. The group fights a mech, and Sasha struggles, remembering her dream. After some time, the team reaches an elevator and arrives at the top floor.

Upon entering the main room, Dimitri and his crew find the Third Galaxy's leader, who is standing beside a Mr. Voiceless. Dimitri tries to reason with the leader, but Mr. Voiceless whispers in the leader's ear before every reply. Dimitri says that many Third Galaxians have broken free of the Fourth Galaxy, and the Solar Galaxy has given them the technology to fight against their captors. Dimitri stresses that he is proud to help the Third Galaxy liberate itself. This breaks the leader's mind control upon him, and Mr. Voiceless loses his composure. He strikes the Third Galaxy's leader, sending him across the room, and injuring him greatly. Mr. Voiceless angrily states that they will never wrest the Third Galaxy from the Fourth Galaxy's control, and Dimitri draws his energy rifle, ready to fight. Mr. Voiceless readies two blades before advancing. Trying to save the Third Galaxy's leader, Isabel performs surgery upon him, while Wes provides assistance and keeps a shielding barrier around them. Dimitri and Sasha fight Mr. Voiceless together, keeping his attention off Isabel and Wes.

As Mr. Voiceless charges forth, a battle commences. During the conflict, Sasha is greatly wounded and is sent across the room, where she struggles to remain conscious. She witnesses Dimitri battle Mr. Voiceless, one on one, and has flashbacks of her dream. Dimitri is caught off-guard in a crucial moment, and Mr. Voiceless knocks Dimitri's rifle from his hands. Dimitri continues fighting him with his hands and feet, displaying his knowledge of hand to hand combat, but depite this, he is overcome by Mr. Voiceless' incredible speed and strength. Sasha remembers what happened to Dimitri in her dream, but here, in reality, she refuses to let the same thing happen. She desperately crawls to her gun, picks it up, and fires it at Mr. Voiceless, catching him off-guard. This gives Dimitri a moment he needs, and he re-arms himself. Together, Dimitri and Sasha blast Mr. Voiceless, killing him instantly. Seeing Dimitri standing, Sasha falls unconscious, unable to keep her eyes open any longer. After the intensity of the battle clears, Isabel manages to save the Third Galaxy's leader, who thanks them for what they've done. Dimitri gives him the technology, and the Third Galaxy's leader broadcasts it to the Third Galaxy rebels. The leader then makes a grand speech to his people, saying that they have the power to reclaim their galaxy. He says, "Let us unite and fight back! We will be controlled no more!"

Lead by Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla, the Third Galaxy's fleet turns against the Fourth Galaxy, and the body that is before the planet. Ha'Li-Li-Li and Hagloogla tell the fleet to combine their force into a single attack, and to fire at their mark. All ships charge up together, and unleash a single wave of power that hits the body, dealing tremendous damage. They fire again, and again, and again until at last the body is destroyed. Overwhelmed in victory, the Third Galaxy celebrates, and Dimitri and his team know now that there is a real chance of destroying the Fourth galaxy.

After a while, the USS Orion leads the Third Galaxy to Earth. Sasha regains consciousness, and wakes up to her friends huddled around her. They say that they won, and Dimitri thanks Sasha for saving him during the fight with Mr. Voiceless. She is overjoyed to see everyone alive, and is glad the Third Galaxy was able to take back their home. Dimitri then tells Sasha that he is grateful for her protecting him, and that they "are a team," reinforcing how important she is to him. Sasha beams, embracing him. She thanks him for telling her that, since this entire time she was struggling with being unable to protect those she cares for, or the Galaxy that is her home.

The USS Orion leads the Third Galaxy's fleet to Earth, and arrive from lightspeed. Once there, they witness Earth, and face the reality of their return...