As I surveyed the massive circle of fellow ancients before me, I felt sorrow. I’ve grieved much these past years. Ever since we decided to expand past our star system we have experienced much, discovering that the galaxy was not the idyllic expanse we envisioned. We have witnessed unforgettable experiences, from crisis to calm, from brutal conflicts to harmonious accords. And now the fate of the Unfallen stands at a precipice.

The senatorial nominees are in a heated dispute over the urgent issue of our national security. The chief cause of much contention was our most recent discovery: a special airborne concoction of spores and dust that could flourish in the tissues of alien races, connecting to their nervous systems. Already, there have been many theoretical uses for this aberrant brew, from preposterous notions like enslaving belligerent nations to heterodox schemes like forcing our consciousness upon them.

While we have always been an irenic and harmonious people, the tragedies of previous years have begun to chill our once warm hearts. Even I cannot help but concede to the most pressing arguments of the militarists: “How can we call ourselves champions of liberty when we sit idly and allow others to be subjugated? Shall we sit passively, allowing our adversaries to consume us, or shall we strike first, and ensure peace and freedom eternal?” Indeed, the past years have been an almost constant cycle of peace and war, some savages even attacked immediately after expiration of truce. Yet I have not given up on the hope of reconciliation. For I know well that if the warmongers had our grand vision and united awareness they would have fallen to their knees and cried out in anguish for what they have done. Yet, we must not thrust enlightenment upon them, but instead patiently guide them to the truth. Sadly, the militarists do not share my views, saying: “Repeatedly we sacrificed ourselves to bring peace through the sacred incense, yet they still return to their foolish ways, killing and bleeding. If only they could see like we see the futility of war, surely even the most bloodthirsty will put down their arms."

For we the Unfallen to adulterate and bastardize was once unthinkable, but now our concern for survival has begun to supersede our concern for virtue. We have begun a perilous path that shall lead to our destruction. Such is our plight that even I, Dreadnought Aldrich Cohen Philip Durant, Adamant Shield of the Unfallen, am nigh helpless against. Nevertheless I must ensure my people do not repeat the mistakes of the Endless. For long ago, when I was but a seedling, germinating in a forgotten Endless temple, I was filled to the core with Dust and wisdom; imbued with immensity beyond my years and resilience unsurpassed. Yet paramount is the prophecy of a Grand Unifier who shall come to bring everlasting peace to the galaxy. Thus is my quest: to seek the Unifier and thus bring order to the galaxy.