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Citadel News Report
"This is Citadel News Net and im Tashya Porae. We have just been informed that the UNSC Invasion Of Torfan has been Successful. The UNSC reports that it's casualties are as low as 150 men and women dead. They also promise that they will be discussing their new evidence with Council, they Claim to know who was behind the attack on Elysium. We have some video footage here as promised by the UNSC. Here it is now" Stated Tashya Porae
The video came up to show a slaver fortified area with trenches, MG nests and AT AND AA cannons. This area was at least 500 metres across, it seemed to be an outpost of sorts, no bunker in the area. ODST's dropped in about 100 metres from the outer defences on all sides. The ODST's took cover and waited for 4 longsword bombers to perform a bombing run. The Longsword shields flared as they were hit with AA shells. It was followed by a few explosions. The ODST's charged forward into the outpost killing the survivors as they went. Pelicans descended into the area carrying Cobra's, marines and some Spartans. In the distance Slaver reinforcements were incoming. The Cobra's set themselves into lock-down. The ODST's and Marines set themselves into defensive positions around the Cobra's as did the Spartans. Slaver troop transports sped into the area. Some getting taken out by the howling shot from the Cobra's, it was very clear to the viewers of the footage that the Cobra was an anti armour vehicle sporting a miniature MAC. Slaver Infantry charged at the UNSC position which were reinforced with Mantis Gunships, they begun suppressing the UNSC. The camera then panned back slightly to show 2 UNSC Wolverines reinforcing the UNSC, firing their missiles at the gunships. Obliterating them in a barrage of missiles. The Spartans then charged the Slaver infantry, decimating them. The camera panned to the forward of the battle, zooming in on a group of Spartans running inhumanely possible. Firing their weapons with deadly accuracy dropping enemies before they realized what was happening. A Krogan charged a Spartan, only to be impaled on a plasma bayonet and thrust upwards being thrown back onto its back. The Spartan approached his prey and curb stomped its face, crushing his head under the Spartan's boot.
"Well, as you can see. The UNSC forces are really adept at warfare. We have not seen such warfare so well performed in over a millennium. Since the introduction of the Turian Hierarchy to the galactic stage. We also have some footage that shows the bunkers slave quarters. If you are squeamish or have children in the room you may want to shield their eyes." warned Tashya Porae
The video was showed from the helmet camera of an ODST. The soldier walked into a room with their squad. It showed a range of species (Except USA races) all showing signs of malnutrition and Abuse. The Soldiers holstered their weapons and moved to assist the victims. Introducing themselves as UNSC soldiers here to liberate the planet. The Victims all showed signs of relief and began to praise them as much as they could. The camera forwarded to show the ODST moving into another room with beds and female Humans and Asari, all chained to the beds they lay on. Some were drugged to keep them docile, others had signs of abuse but all showed signs of sexual abuse. The ODST's moved to assist again, some picking up the victims as they were unable to walk. Taking them to safety. The Camera forwarded again to show humans in cages. Men, Women and Children all with incisions on their heads where control implants had been forcibly placed with no anaesthetic. The soldiers again moving to get them out of the Bunker. The camera then changed from point of view, showing pelicans lifting the victims to the orbiting ships and again shifting view to show UNSC doctors treating all victims with the correct medicine, no mix up of dextro and levo amino acids. All the victims showed appreciation to their UNSC saviours.
"As you can see, the UNSC had discovered some very traumatic scenes in the slaver bunkers. The UNSC has saved hundreds if not thousands of lives from Torfan. We have heard your opinions on the recent events. It used to be mixed opinion about the UNSC's Invasion of Torfan. But now we are mostly hearing praise for their actions. The UNSC has shown itself to be a humanitarian force as well as a very capable war-fighter. We will keep you posted on recent updates. We have confirmation that the UNSC ambassador will be meeting with the Council with their proof of who was behind the attack. Oh before we go, we have some information on 1st Lieutenant Shepard. He was part of a group who took to the bunkers on Torfan. We have learned that he displayed unwavering courage and pursued the enemy denying them the opportunity to leave. It has also been rumoured that Shepard himself captured the 'Proof' of who was behind the attack on Elysium. This is Tashya Porae signing off"
Citadel Council Chambers
The Council had been pleased with the outcome of Torfan, even if they could not show it publicly. They had been reading over the reports again and again. Making sure they had all the facts.
"This is, well unbelievable!" exclaimed Valern "The UNSC's capabilities and effectiveness are better than the Turian Hierarchy!"
"And if im reading this right, they are more precise and have intelligence gathering capabilities on par if not greater than the Salarian Union!" replied Sparatus
"Even though im too proud to openly admit it, they are Humanitarians just as great as the Asari Republics" stated Tevos
"Who would have thought that a single species has the capability to out perform our 3 races main traits." replied Valern
"Thats what concerns me, we have not seen what the collective USA could do. The Human race seems to be upsetting the power balance in the Galaxy. We need to move carefully to ensure the safety of Council space." Stated Tevos
"Very true, they are still the wild card. Only being on the galactic stage less than a century." Stated Sparatus "I cant believe im suggesting this. But perhaps we should invite them a council seat after we determine their motives."
"I agree on both. We should see this evidence of theirs. If this race joins us. We could ensure peace across the galaxy" replied Valern
"That would be of some concern to the member species who have been attempting to do so for millennia. If they prove themselves worthy though, I doubt the public would deny them" replied Tevos "Any way, lets prepare for our meeting with the Human Ambassador, he claims we should hear the evidence as it implies a government. Probably the Batarians"
30 Minutes Later
Ambassador Udina walked into the Chambers accompanied by Fleet Admiral Hackett.
"Greetings ambassador" stated Tevos
"Greetings Councillors, this is Fleet Admiral Hackett of the UNSC" stated Udina
Hackett saluted the alien politicians and returned to his stance.
"We have evidence that incriminates another government. Said government paid for the capture of human captives. They were specifically going to be used to open a Forerunner installation" stated Udina
"Which government does it incriminate ambassador? And where would this facility be located?" quizzed Valern
"I think its pretty obvious by now Councillors. The Batarian Hegemony. We captured one of their high ranking military officials on Torfan. Said official denies all Hegemony involvement and claims it was his actions alone." stated Udina
"And who is this individual?" quizzed Sparatus
"The officers name is Admiral Balak. Our AI hacked into his data-banks before he could destroy them. We have fund transfer records, communication records and tracking the communications was successful also." stated Udina
"Well, what do you plan to do about it?" quizzed Tevos "Why is the Fleet Admiral present?"
"Because Councillors" said Hackett as he let out a sigh. "This is official. We want the Batarians to come to the negotiating table or we will wage war."
"Good luck with that" stated Sparatus
"And, considering what we found at Torfan. We wanted to know your stance on the situation. If things go sour at the negotiating table. We wanted to know if you would join in a declaration of war with us. After all they were taking your peoples too" stated Hackett
"Im sure you know my species motto. If we did join you, we would strike first and without warning" replied Valern
"And even if we did, we would be risking danger to our populations" replied Tevos "The people who were captured were no doubt independent colonists. We have no right declaring war"
"Be that as it may, the Turian Hierarchy would most likely prefer to stand with the UNSC. The Batarians have never promoted peace. They have in fact been a thorn in our side for too long. Should we vote on this, I approve." declared Sparatus
Tevos was shocked, Valern remained calm as usual after all he most likely knew Sparatus was going to say that and Udina had a grin on his face.
"Well, im surprised you have not asked the USA to join you in war should it come to it" stated Tevos
"We didn't need to. They offered it after the attack on Elysium" countered Udina
More shock grew over Tevos
"Hmm, perhaps you do not need us at all? But I would prefer to have a grateful ally than a resentful enemy." stated Valern
"I want to call a vote on this now" stated Tevos "Who is in favour of joining the Humans in war if it comes too that?"
"I approve. Slavery is against Council law. We could spread the rule of the law with the help of the UNSC. They have very similar morals and have been nothing but co-operative towards us." stated Sparatus
"I would agree, but until we have further intel I will have to respectfully decline. Do not mistake this a dis-approval of your governments actions Ambassador. We are just more cautious than most" stated Valern
"I disagree, we do not need to wage war unless it is absolutely necessary" stated Tevos
"Very well, I will relay your decision to the UNSC and UEG. We need to release the victims onto a Council controlled world. Any suggestions Councillors?" quizzed Udina
"You have permission to bring them here to the Citadel itself. We will ensure their care and protection." stated Tevos
"You didn't too well before or we wouldn't be having this discussion" declared Hackett
"I beg your pardon?" quipped Tevos
"Admiral, I appreciate your input but we are not here to insult their previous decisions. But he has a point Tevos. We would not have had to save these people if the Council had the Verge under control and enforced your anti-slavery and anti-piracy laws more effectively." stated Udina
"I agree, I cannot consent the previous Councillors decisions. But you are right" replied Sparatus
"We will be taking our leave now. We have negotiations to attend" stated Udina
Udina and Hackett left the room. Leaving the Councillors to mull over what had occurred in their meeting. Possible war. It is preferable to have the galaxy under the rule of peace than to leave half of it to the lawless terminus systems. The Council may have no choice if the public outcry is large enough.
Orbit of Torfan – 1 Week Later
The UNSC had called out to the Hegemony. To the negotiating table, the Hegemony had agreed. Both sides were suspicious of the Other. It was going to be a tense negotiation, seeing as how the UNSC was going to be demanding more than requesting. The whole of Council space was also watching the event, they were interested to see the outcome of the negotiations. The negotiations would be taking place on neutral ground, A Council vessel was in between the Hegemony Fleet and the UNSC Fleet. The Council ship would be the neutral ground.
The UNSC Ambassador Udina would be representing the UNSC along side Fleet Admiral Harper. The Batarian Hegemony would be represented by Jath'Amon the Batarian Ambassador along side a Batarian Admiral named Tarak 'Omor. They were both allowed 2 armed guards. The UNSC chose 2 Spartans. The Batarians chose 2 members from their Special Interventions Unit (SIU). The respective Ambassadors and Admirals took their seats guarded by their own Special Forces members. The Batarian Admiral was staring at Admiral Harper with menacing eyes.
"See, something you like pretty boy?" asked Harper
"Insults typical" replied Tarak
"No, a joke. But didn't your mother teach you its rude to stare?" quizzed Harper
"No, actually we are taught to do so as it intimidates the weak." replied Tarak
"Ah, I see. Well it seems we have something that intimidates the weak also. But we call them Spartans" stated Harper with a smile
"Enough, we came to negotiate. Not to see who has the bigger stick" stated Udina
"Thank you Ambassador. First off we would like to know what evidence you have and how you think we are involved." stated Jath'Amon
Udina hit a button on the table and a screen popped up to his left. It showed the Batarian Admiral they had captured.
"This is one of your Admirals yes?" quizzed Udina
"That is correct. What about him?" replied Jath'Amon
"Don't be coy with me. Your government used him to oversee the operations from Torfan. He ordered the attack on Elysium. To capture our people." barked Udina
"You don't have any proof of these accusations. Im sure he was doing this on his own whim. You see slavery is common, he himself may have wanted a human slave. We cannot do anything about individual Batarians performing these actions and-" he was cut short by Udina
"Funny, we DO have proof it was your government." stated Udina as images flashed on screen. Detailing comms records and orders given to Admiral Balak while he was on Torfan that were traced back to the Batarian Homeworld Khar'shan, specifically their governmental building.
"Our AI's have determined it was your government that issued the order." stated Udina with a grin
His grin caused all of the Batarians present to tense up a bit.
"We have demands that must be met by your government." stated Udina
"Or what?" asked Tarak
"Or its an official declaration of war!" barked Harper "And we will gladly do so!"
"Calm down Admiral. They must first hear our demands" stated Udina
"What do you request of our government?" quizzed Jath'Amon
"Do not pretend we are requesting Ambassador, we are demanding! Our entire populace wants blood for Elysium. But to avoid war we have turned to the following demands. First and foremost, the slave trade MUST be completely disbanded." stated Udina as he paused to see their response.
The Batarians just tensed up.
"We must be allowed to patrol your space and enforce anti-slavery and anti piracy laws" stated Udina
The Batarians got tenser. Tarak was practically ready to explode.
"And finally, the Forerunner Installation that you have discovered. Must be returned to its rightful reclaimer. Humanity. Failure to comply with any one of these Demands will result in open warfare between our nations." Declared Udina
"You are asking too much. Im afraid we must decline. The Batarian Hegemony will not bow to outside influences and we will most definitely be giving you the location of the Installation. We are leaving now!" Barked Jath'Amon
"Just a warning. The Batarian Hegemony will not be so easy to beat like pirates and slavers. You will face the Full might of the Hegemony!" declared Tarak
"Ah, well. I guess then you won't be taking Balak home with you? Never mind he's scheduled for execution for your governments crimes. Feel free to watch." replied Harper with a sly smile
"You Dare!" Stated Tarak
"Dare what! He will die for his crimes to the Human Race" stated Harper
"Come Tarak. This is not the time or place. We must warn our government of the impending war" stated Jath'Amon
Tarak growled and left with his men. That was the fastest negotiations in galactic history. Udina and Harper left for their ships, while the Council vessel left for the Citadel. Carrying the news.
Citadel News Report
"This is Citadel News Net and im Tashya Porae. We have just received a broadcast from the UNSC. This comes from the Leader of the UNSC himself. Here's the Broadcast now"
The Video came on to show Fleet Admiral Hood standing on a podium. With press taking photo's and hammering for answers. Hood raised his hands to quell the noise. He looked around the crowd as he spoke and into the camera's that were broadcasting.
"I, Fleet Admiral Lord Terrance Hood. Am here to address you all of the situation. The Batarian Hegemony has refused to change its ways. So we, the Human Race declare war on the Batarian Hegemony for its crimes against our species. We will not Relent! We will not Falter! We will not Fail!" Declared Lord Hood "We will not stop this war until the Batarian Hegemony is defeated or it surrenders!"
The speech was followed by applause and another surge of questions and pictures. Lord Hood left the podium and Ambassador Udina took his place. Answering all questions that came his way.
"Today is a historical moment. The Batarian Hegemony has antagonized another species and will now have to deal with the outcome. Stay tuned for more updates on the situation. This is Tashya Porae signing off"
On the Edge of UNSC Space in the Verge
UNSC Fleets had begun amassing. Preparing to Invade Batarian Space. The Invasion would begin on the outer edge of Batarian space. Precision strikes at Batarian Military Installations and planets of great importance. The amassed fleets headed into slipspace. 3 Battle-groups were sent to 3 separate targets. The UNSC Infinity and its battle-group would be heading to the Batarian stronghold of their outer colonies. The other 2 battle groups were headed by the newly constructed Super Carriers, they would 'skirting' around Batarian Space in a pincer movement.
The USA offered to defend UNSC space in the Skyllian Verge while their fleets were absent.
What do you think?
Codex
UNSC'S War On Slavery
The UNSC declared war on the Batarian Hegemony after they refused to change their ways. The UNSC intends on retrieving all slaves and eliminating the threat to all of civilised space in the Skyllian Verge and Beyond. The UNSC started the Invasion of Batarian Space with attacks of a Blitzkrieg style. Rapidly attacking the enemy and moving on as soon as opposition was demolished.
The USA offered to protect the Human Colonies in the Verge for no gain of their own. This move allowed the UNSC to free up more fleets for the attack and indirectly removed any racism or tension between the 2 governments.