Here we are the third story that I have now decided to name The Fires of War! This will span to the Reaper Invasion where there will be many epic space battles! However, the story will follow around 5 main arcs with the first being the Batarian Escalation War, followed shortly by integration into a new galactic unity. Then we will get into Shepard's main part of the story, but it will be done much differently than the Canon. Then Mass Effect 2…if I decide to have Shepard killed. Then there will be the war with the Reapers!

Well enough talking here is the next chapter of the story!

"What is the status of the fleet?" asked Admiral Schneider in a somber tone.

"We lost over half our frigates, half our destroyers, and a third of our Cruisers Admiral! Data taken from the battle indicate that their fleet lost ¼ of their numbers." Stated Taylor as the Admiral nodded.

"32 out 76 Ships are all that remains of my fleet. So many men lost their lives just so those Batarians can seize power!" yelled Schneider as he looked over the data that the SPARTANS had retrieved from Shanxi.

"Admiral Battlegroup Harvest has arrived and is awaiting orders! They have 4 Cruisers, 2 Destroyers, and 8 Frigates Sir!" stated Taylor as Schneider nodded.

"Have them form up on our fleet! We only have 10 minutes till the enemy arrives! Is the Fleet of Reconciliation ready?" asked the Admiral as Taylor nodded.

"They are Admiral! The Fleet Master has his fleet ready to jump in the second the enemy fleet closes in on your ships!" stated Taylor as Schneider nodded.

"Good…now we wait for our enemy. They won't know what hit them when they meet the full might of the USF!" declared Schneider.

"Admiral…I'm sorry about your son." Stated Taylor softly.

"It's okay Taylor…he always did believe in a noble death. He wouldn't of had it any other way and I will honor him by winning this battle in the name of peace!" declared Schneider as his crew's spirits lifted slightly at his words.

"Sir we are getting a message from command!" stated Taylor as Schneider nodded in acknowledgement.

"Bring them up! Admiral Hood Sir!" Schneider saluted to the admiral before him on the holo vid.

"I heard your fleet ran into quite a bit of trouble Admiral! You just have to hold out a little longer and you will have the support of three USF fleets all ready for offensive operations against these new alien aggressors. I'm sorry about your son Admiral…he was a good man." Said Hood as Schneider nodded.

"Thank you Sir! We will hold this planet Sir! I promise you that!" Schneider declared as Hood nodded.

"Good! Hood out!" said Hood as Schneider saluted him one last time.

"Admiral! The enemy is exiting FTL!" shouted Taylor.

"All ships prepare for combat! This time we win!" said Schneider as the enemy fleet of around 250 ships now closed in on his fleet of 42 ships. "Open fire!"

The USF fleet opened fire the second the Council fleet was in range and gutted a large grouping of shits in the initial volley. However, the enemy had more than enough numbers to make up for their losses and opened fire on the USF fleet.

"Admiral they are pressing in closer to our fleet…soon they will be in position for the trap to be sprung!" stated Taylor as the Admiral nodded.

"What is the status of our ships?" asked the Admiral.

"They are holding up well, but it won't be long before our ships begin to buckle from the onslaught of the enemy fire!" claimed Taylor.

The USF ships fought valiantly against the massive fleet, but were now starting to crack under the combined firepower of the Citadel fleet. "Admiral! My fleet is in position to surround the enemy fleet!"

"Good! Jump in now before any more of my fleet dies!" ordered Schneider as he watched a cruiser explode due to multiple MAC rounds impacting its hull.

"Copied Admiral! May the gods smile upon you Reclaimer!" responded the Fleet Master as the Covenant Fleet jumped in right behind the Council fleet that was now at 182 ships while the human USF fleet stood at 31 battered ships.

However, the 54 ship Covenant USF fleet jumped in right on top of the council fleet and opened fire on the significantly smaller ships of the Council fleet. The Covenant fleet has one super carrier and five assault carrier along with numerous cruisers, destroyers, and Corvettes.

Plasma torpedoes and missiles traced across space and easily tore apart large amounts of enemy ships. The plasma weapons completely bypassed the council ships and would eat way at the hulls of the ships. Many of the ships weren't built to deal with the damage done by the plasma weaponry and exploded in massive fireballs.

The Council fleet was thrown in complete disarray as the tables were suddenly turned. The numerous ships of the council spread out in panic as they all started to fire in panic at what every ship was closest to them.

"Let's finish this battle! Have all Cruisers and the Infinity target their Dreadnoughts! Have the Maginot launch the rest of their squadrons and harass the enemy fleet!" ordered the Admiral as the ships of his fleet opened fire at once and decimated a small group of ships that had managed to regroup.

"Admiral the enemy fleet is attempting to retreat!" stated Taylor as the Admiral saw two different parts of the fleet branch off and try to clear the USF fleet and escape.

"Don't let the Batarian ships escape! If they escape then there will be no telling what they will do!" commanded the admiral as the UNSC ships concentrated their fire upon the 24 Batarian ships that were trying to escape the battle. Similarly the Covenant ships stopped firing upon the rest of the Council ships that numbered around 28 ships and started to fire solely upon the Batarian fleet.

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"Matriarch! The enemy ships are concentrating their fire on the Batarians! They are completely ignoring us now! Should we turn around and help the Batarians?" yelled out an helmsmen on the Destiny's Ascension. The ship was normally the flagship of the council fleet, but was sanctioned to be used in the assault to impress upon the Councils new enemies.

However, they did not anticipate such ships as the Saratoga, Infinity, and Maginot to have been so powerful. The Council fleet quickly learned that even the smallest of the enemy ships were powerful enough to destroy a Dreadnought in one on one combat.

"No…something isn't right about this battle. I fear we made a grave mistake in allowing the Batarians to have the second in command position…also we must warn the council of an impending attack." Stated the Matriarch as the Council fleet escaped the blockade of USF ships.

"How can anything that big even fly? It doesn't even have Element Zero readings…Goddess help us all!" cried out a crewmember aboard the Ascension. The Matriarch couldn't help agree with her,

"Quiet! Every ship has a weakness and we will find one…we just have to make it back to council space!" commanded the Matriarch.

"The fleet has cleared the enemy! Preparing for FTL travel now!" shouted the Helmsmen.

"Jump and set course for the Relay!" shouted the Matriarch as the severely weakened Council fleet.

With out the remaining council ships, minus the Batarians escaped the battle and made way for Relay 314 to warn the council of the dangers of the superior USF ships. While they escaped the few remaining Batarian ships were trying their best to escape the deathtrap set by the USF.

"Admiral! Kinetic Barriers are failing! If we don't do something soon then the next hit will shatter the ship!" yelled a man as the last remaining Dreadnought of the Batarian fleet in the combined fleet shook after being struck by a MAC round.

"Execute the Dawn Protocol…there is no other option! Prep the ship for jump as soon as the Protocol is executed." Stated Admiral Tarlon as his XO started typing into a keyboard.

"We have 10 seconds till detonation…ship is ready to jump!" yelled out the XO as Tarlon nodded.

"This may be a defeat this day, but in the end these things will met their destruction by our hands. Get us out of here." Stated Tarlon as the Dreadnought executed an emergency FTL jump as the remaining ships in the fleet all blew up as their Mass Effect cores were remotely activated to cause as much destruction as possible to the USF fleet.

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"Admiral the enemy flagship has escaped and we are picking massive…oh my god! The enemy ships have all destabilized!" cried out Taylor as the 18 Batarian ships all exploded in massive explosions…they weren't strong enough to destroy any USF ships, but it was enough to ensure that they didn't pursue the enemy.

"That ship escaped again? Damn it! Can we pursue?" asked the Admiral as the the AI shook her head.

"I wouldn't recommend it…the fleet has suffered major damage and it is unknown what lies by the relay. Best course of action would be to wait for the USF fleets to arrive which shouldn't be long now." Stated Taylor as Schneider nodded.

"What sort of ships will be expecting from the fleets?" asked Schneider as Taylor quickly replied.

"The USF 5th Fleet will consist of one UNSC Maginot Super Carrier, 2 Reach Class Battleships, 2 Infinity Class Battlecruisers, and a number of Cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. Along side that their will be 1 CSF Super Carrier, 8 Assault Carriers, and numerous cruisers, Battlecruisers, destroyers, frigates, Corvettes. The 7th Fleet is by all readings the largest fleet ever fielded by the USF…it consists of 80 Frigates, 40 Destroyers, 30 Cruisers, one Super Carrier, 6 Carriers, 6 Battleships, and two Battlecruisers. That is just the UNSC portion of the fleet…the CSF numbers at 50 Corvettes, 30 Frigates, 20 Destroyers, 20 Cruisers, 10 Battlecruisers, 6 Assault Carriers, and two Super Carriers. This brings the total number of ships in the 7th Fleet to 303 and an army of over 3,500,000 soldiers. The 12th Fleet's numbers are unknown, but they are coming to reinforce our fleet and then to await further orders." Stated Taylor as the Admiral's eyes went wide at the mention of the two massive fleets that were coming through the relay in only a couple of hours. However, questions still needed to be asked.

"What's a battleship? I was under the impression that they were discontinued during the Great War when they were too impractical?" asked the Admiral.

"The Reach Class Battleships have only recently been released from drydock and information has only now just been released. They are 3.8 KMs long and are equipped with one super MAC, two standard MACs, 30 300 mm Cannons for close range ship combat, about 100Plasma Torpedo and Missiles bays, thousands of pulse laser turrets, and 140 50 mm Cannons, two energy projectors, and last 14 Shiva Nuclear Missiles,. The Reach Class ships are built for only one purpose and that is to completely destroy any enemy fleet." Stated Taylor as Schneider whistled.

"I wouldn't want to ever go up against a fleet like that…" stated Schneider as Taylor nodded.

"Indeed…"

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"What do you mean the fleet was outmatched? That was one of the largest fleets we have ever used! There is no way that this race could've outgunned it!" shouted Sparatus in anger and fear.

Valern, the Salarian councilor, shook his head in denial and whispered under his breath as he contemplated how they had yet another Rachni Situation. Tevos, the Asari councilor was light headed and swaying a bit from what she learned of the battle.

"We must muster the fleets and put all our resources into war! We have to end this now before more lives are lost! The Turian Fleets have already began to mass over Palavan and the Batarians are already massing their entire fleet!" shouted Sparatus.

"I am not sure if that is the wisest choice…maybe we can still negotiate! These reports from the battle are strange and don't seem entirely accurate. What happened to the fleets flagship? Most of the ships didn't even report the enemy firing…" stated Tevos as Valern nodded.

"Indeed, but this species obviously has much more advanced warships than ours. They could've easily have used a weapon that was undetectable to our sensors. Not only that, but their largest ships did possess weapons that could destroy a Dreadnought in only one shot. However, the chance does exist that the Dreadnought was sabotaged." Stated Valern quickly as he began to run over the chances of that being true.

"Listen to yourselves! If they hadn't fired then why wouldn't they just surrender? We have to attack now before more of our worlds fall!" argued Sparatus in anger as he glared at Tevos.

"I am only just stating the possibility Sparatus…the Asari Republic has already called all units and ships back to staging areas. When this new species decides to attack the Asari will be ready to defend council space." Stated Tevos as she stared impassively at Sparatus.

"As are the Salarian people. STG teams have already been deployed to key locations around the Relay in order to watch for the enemy fleet. Furthermore the Salarian Union is sending a fleet of our most advanced warships to help in the defense of our space." Added Valern as Sparatus nodded.

"What of the species? The Volus, Elcor, and Hanar can provide soldiers and ships to the effort. We should work to have them support our fleets in combat!" suggested Sparatus as Tevos nodded.

"We will ask for their help, but not now. We must act like we can handle this situation or other the other species will lose faith in us." Stated Tevos as the other two councilors nodded in agreement.

"What have we gathered concerning their weapons compared to ours?" asked Sparatus as Valern looked over his datapad.

"They are much more powerful than ours, but the recharge time gives us quite the advantage when we are closer together. However, their plasma weaponry has no equal among our fleet and this ally of the our enemies is quite the problem!" stated Valern as Tevos sighed.

"Things aren't looking good at all…one of the enemy ships was reported to be 27 Kilometers in length. That's nearly half the length of the citadel itself and that's not even including the larger ships these humans used against us!" Tevos muttered with weariness as more and more odds were stacked against the Citadel.

"Don't give up hope yet Tevos! Ships like that cannot be massed produced, but ours can! We will overrun our enemies with numbers if we must and the Turian Hierarchy has already begun to mass produce ships and weapons for the coming war!" stated Sparatus calmly as Valern started to type into his datapad.

"Calculations figure that it will take several weeks before most of Citadel space will be prepared to enter a large war with this power. However, the chances of this race being ready are just as bad…I theorize the enemy will only be ready to attack in one month or two." Added Valern as Tevos looked at him in confusion.

"How can you know that information?" she asked, confused by his proclamation.

"Just theories on how large the enemy ships are. Ships that size must take quite a while to build and their area of the Galaxy doesn't have many relays according the Relay network. This says that their resources are scarce on their planets and their population cannot be anywhere near ours in size. Surely they will not be able to last long against us in a large war." Affirmed Valern as the two other councilors nodded.

"Either way the Turian 2nd Fleet is reroute to the Citadel to ensure its safety. The fleet is smaller than a normal fleet, but combined with the fleet already here their will be 215 ships defending the Citadel. Not to mention the numerous other shps that will be defending the relays leading to the Citadel." Added Sparatus as they all began to debate different strategies to end the war.

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"What information do we have on the species and defenses of the Citadel?" asked President Cole as he stared at a general assembly of the most high-ranking personal of the USF including his own personal Avatar.

Across the room an old, but yet imposing man stood up. He was dressed in a white navy uniform that was covered in numerous medals and badges and his face held a certain awareness about it that betrayed his age. "Mr. President these new enemies of ours are at a severe disadvantage against our combined forces." He stated in a strong and bold voice that fit perfectly with his commanding appearance.

President Cole looked at the man with a small smile tugging at his lips. "What makes you believe this Supreme Admiral Hood? I was under the impression that their ships can be quite dangerous to ours?" he asked as the Admiral huffed at that question.

Hood was spared from answering when Rtas 'Vadum stood up in his polished silver armor. "They outnumbered the defending ships by an extremely large number and still were defeated in open combat! Given the information from the battle our ships have stronger weapons, defenses, strategies, and a more effective form of travel than these species that rely on the Mass Relays." Stated Rtas as the others in the room nodded.

"Very well…what about the species in this Council? Are their any that pose a threat in particular and are their any other species that might hold a grudge with the council?" asked the President as another Sangheili stood up. He was covered in an elegant purple cloak and looked rather intimidating.

"Is it wise to accept the aid of any council race in this war? We shouldn't bring these nations into this war…" stated Thel Vadum…leader of the Sangheili and perhaps one of the most influential beings in the universe.

"Perhaps, but we have learned that some of their technology is in some ways more effective then ours. The two species that have the highest chance of working with us would be perhaps the Qaurians and the Krogan. Both species were betrayed by the council when other courses of action could've resolved the issues in a better way. However, both species present a risk with working with them." Stated one of the Presidents Cabinet members.

"What are the risks of working with these species and how did the council betray them?" asked President Cole in curiosity.

"The Krogans are a species that was uplifted by the Salarians in order combat a race of insects known as the Rachni…they pushed the Council races back and the Krogan presented a way to effectively combat the Rachni. After the Krogan eradicated the Rachni, there was nothing to stop the rise in the Krogan population and the two went to war that eventually forced the council to unleash the Genophage upon the Krogan. The Genophage is disorder the results in 1 in 1000 births to be successful…the rest are still born." Stated the man as the rest of the cabinet recoiled in horror at what they had just heard.

"So they forced another species into near extinction because they didn't take into account that Krogan's population would rise that quickly? They should've had protocols made to ensure that the Krogan were ready to be integrated into galactic society. What would our chances be of recruiting them to the USF and what would it take?" asked President Cole.

"The Krogan value strength above all else and their clans flock to those that are strong. However, that also leads to many disadvantages, as the Clans will mostly tend not to work together. But Gene Therapy Scientists have already begun to look for a cure to this Genophage…to a certain extent as per your orders to look into any advantages that may be needed in this war. The one we have begun working on will cure the deaths of infants, but slow the birthrate down to 1/10th of what it originally was." The man stated as the President nodded.

"I want it finished ASAP and what of the Qaurians? What problems would adding them to the USF represent for us?" asked President Cole.

"I am quite curious myself…from what I have read of the Qaurians is that they were betrayed completely by the Council and lost all of their planets and have no where to go. A matter of fact there is a system between both Sangheili and Human space that has two habitable planets for their species…would they not jump for an opportunity for planets to settle?" asked Thel Vadum as the Cabinet member shook his head.

"That would be true, but the Qaurians more than likely hold a hate for any AI as it was the Geth that killed most of their species and evicted them from their home world. However, if pressured there is a good chance that they will join the USF." Stated the man as President Cole and Thel Vadum nodded.

"What of Admiral Schneider's fleet? The battle destroyed over half the ships that participated in the battle and many men died?" asked Admiral Hood as many in the room started muttering about Schneider.

"Have him hold his position and receive reinforcements…I think it is time we reformed the 12th fleet. Tell him that he will receive command of the fleet and once ready he will play a major role in fighting the Batarians." Stated the President as the rest nodded.

"Indeed, Admiral Schneider fought with honor and showed what it truly meant to be a leader during the battle. Even despite him losing his son he fought with a level head and won the day." Stated Thel Vadum.

"Now…how do you all think we should repay these Batarians?" asked the President as everyone one in the USF Council room smiled in anticipation.

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"I've been promoted the Fleet Admiral?" asked Schneider in surprise as Lord Hood smiled at the man.

"Indeed Admiral…the USF has ordered your fleet to merge with the 12th fleet and you will take command of the fleet. Your standing orders are to patrol the relay and make sure nothing comes through while we gather our forces." Relayed Hood as Schneider nodded.

"So we will be attacking soon then? There is absolutely no way to achieve peace?" asked Schneider as Hood shook his head in a negative fashion.

"I'm afraid not…there is a good chance that this Citadel Council sees us as the aggressor now. However, that may change soon…the 5th and 7th Fleets have already received their objectives and will be moving out soon to deal a major blow to the Batarians." Stated Hood as Schneider nodded.

"Very well Sir!" said Schneider as he cut the holo vid feed with Lord Hood and turned to Taylor. "Well that was unexpected…"

"Indeed, but I believe the promotion is fitting for you Admiral. So I'm guessing you will be moving your command to one of the new Reach Class Battleships?" asked Taylor as Admiral Schneider shook his head.

"No…the Reach Class ships aren't meant for leading a fleet. They are built purely for combat while this ship provides me with exactly everything I need and one of the best AIs in the USF." Replied Schneider with a smirk.

"Ahh Admiral you really know how to complement a girl!" Taylor replied cheerfully as the Admiral smiled.

"Will you be able to maintain the ship? I haven't had much sleep in the past few days…" trailed off the Admiral as Taylor nodded in reply. "Let me know if anything important comes up."

Schneider exited the bridge as everyone of the men working on the bridge saluted the admiral as he made his way off the bridge. It didn't take long for the Admiral to make it to his room and where he sat on his bed and grabbed a picture frame containing a picture of a younger Admiral Schneider, his wife, and three boys all in their teens sat outside smiling at the camera.

"Why must there always be war…" Schneider muttered as a stray tear made its way down his cheeks as he turned a laid on the bed and quickly fell asleep with the picture clutched to his chest.

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"Your orders are to proceed through Slipspace to this Batarian Planet known as Paz. Paz is known in their space as the center of their galactic might and that is why the 7th Fleet will be the fleet leading the assault for there may be as many as 500 Batarian ships defending the planet. You will also have numerous battle groups in reserve if they are needed, but their primary roles will be the defense of the troop transports and equipment needed for a planetary assault." Stated the Holographic form of Lord Hood as he stared at the Admiral who would be leading the massive 7th Fleet.

"It shall be done Lord Hood! My honor demands that these Batarians pay for the crimes they have committed." Stated a Sangheili in Charcoal Gray Fleet Master Armor.

"Good…prepare your men for you have 24 hours before you must move out." Stated Hood as his hologram shut off.

"This will be a battle worth remembering Fleet Master Theum Vadum! We will follow you into hell and back if you wish it." Stated another Sangheili standing behind the Fleet Master.

"I know…I am honored to have a crew such as the one I currently have. Inform the men that we will be moving out in 24 hours. Let them have some fun and relax before they are forced to fight in this war." Stated the Fleet Master as the one Sangheili bowed in understanding.

"It will be done." He stated as he walked away and left the Fleet Master to his thoughts.
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24 Hours later

The 5th and 12th fleet watched as the largest fleet the USF had ever fielded entered slipspace alongside numerous other battlegroups sent to support the large fleet. Just the sight of that many ships together put courage in the hearts of all who gazed upon it. It was the accumulation of all these species working together to ensure their survival after having been at war only 8 years prior.

It was a new day for the USF and hope shone like a beacon of light in the ever expanding darkness of space. However, they were all unaware of an ancient evil slowly awakening at the far reaches of the galaxy. An evil more terrifying and ancient than even the flood itself…

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Batarian Military World of Paz

Paz was one of the first planets found by the Batarian's after they had begun to first use the Mass Relays. It's habitat allowed for many Batarians to live their and the minerals found on the planet were easily accessible and plenty. The Batarian's quickly turned it into the most important military base in their part of the galaxy and many believed it to be impossible to conquer.

That would be put to the test as hundreds of USF ships jumped out of slipspace, right on top of the disorganized Batarian Fleet. Lights streaked across space and explosions lit up the sky as the USF ships destroyed any Batarian defense standing between them and the planet's surface.

Orbital Cannons fired round after round at the USF fleet, but the powerful shields shrugged them off as if they were nothing. Fighters and bombers attempted launch strikes on the capital ships, but point defense turrets and fighters of their own were much more superior.

The 500-ship fleet of the Batarian Navy was cut down to half in little more than two minutes of battle. The once great defenses of Paz were scattered and burning as the large USF Fleet moved to clear the remaining ships that had managed to regroup.

The Batarian Ground forces were even fairing worse if it was possible. With the navy being defeated so swiftly, the Army had no time to prepare for the enemies first waves.

ODST's, SPARTAN IVs, and Elites dropped in by orbital insertion on strategic targets, inflicting massive damage on the infrastructure of the Batarian Army. Next to follow were the Marines, Rangers, Grunts, more Elites, and Hunters with heavy equipment like tanks and scarabs.

The Batarian positions focused on the main continent, which contained only 12% of the planets population, but it contained about 75% of its industrial building. The Army decided to abandon the main population centers early to protect themselves.

The USF leaders were disgusted by the act as themselves to fend off an invading alien force left those civilians. Granted the USF never targeted civilians so they were left alone as the USF forces quickly closed off any chance for the Batarians to hold the planet.

The battle was over before it even began as the Batarian's were caught with their pants down. They had underestimated the USF and had paid dearly for it with the loss of a powerful fleet and the taking of a strategically important planet.

This also served to give the USF quite an idea of how to fight these Citadel forces. One, the citadel races tended to focus their defenses around the relays, as that was where a normal enemy would appear. Slipspace negated that as the USF didn't need the Relay's to attack any planet. Second, the USF was much more experienced with many forms of warfare as they had just finished fighting a massive war. The last was that the USF had much more powerful military technology that easily decimated anything the Citadel had on hand.

This would dictate Citadel and USF relations for the next ten years, before their differences would be put aside to fight a much more powerful foe!

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WELL HOW DO YOU GUYS LIKE THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS? HUH? PRETTY GOOD RIGHT? WELL I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I WILL NOT BE WRITING ABOUT SHEPARDS ACTIONS DIRECTLY. THIS STORY WILL FOCUS UPON THE MILITARY ACTIONS OF THE USF IN THE WAR WITH THE COUNCIL AND EVENTUALLY THE REAPERS. HOWEVER SHEPARD WILL PLAY A HUGE PART IN THE STORY…HE JUST WON'T BE A MAIN CHARACTER.

AUF WIEDERSEIN