8/10 2055
Großdeutsches Reich's embassy on the citadel.
It was a day like any other on the citadel; people kept on doing their daily jobs and being themselves. The new building on the presidium was impressive by every standard, the German embassy. It was built with the same imperial architecture as the newer buildings in Germania back on earth. SS guards in honor uniforms stood guard both in front of the building and inside. A Supersoldat was also there to show people that they meant business. Other species that had ambassadors to the citadel where hold up in the standard embassy, they didn't even have their own rooms.
The Reichsadler was the logo on the front of the building, made in solid gold. Underneath the eagle, there was the motto of the Reich: Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Fuhrer.
The day appeared to be like any other, people had gotten used to the presence of these Humans on the citadel. The Reich had made a remarkable entry into the galaxy, but they had been mostly quiet for the past 10 years.
The ambassador's office was large and beautiful decorated. There was a large window at the far end of the room looking over the presidium. There was a large desk, where the ambassador worked most of the time. The current ambassador Alexander Jäger was sitting In the leather chair. A ruthless diplomat who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He was ambitious and determined. Three high ranking party officials were sitting in front of him. They had been speaking for the last 2 hours.
"So everything is ready?" Alexander asked as he looked over the data pad in front of him.
"The Reich has established colonies in the regions, enough to upset the already large Batarian colonies. The next move is to be made by you." One of the officials replied.
"The council has already called a meeting regarding the issue. The Batarian ambassador has already voiced his concerns to them" Alexander commented.
"Then you know your role. Once your part is complete, we can move on to stage three of operation Herrshaft." The same official remarked as he lifted himself from the seat.
"A good day to you ambassador, we look forward to your report." The official said as a final note as he and the two others left through the door.
Alexander got up and he straightened out his uniform a bit. He looked out the window and saw the beautiful lake on the presidium. He looked at the clock on the wall, and saw that his meeting would begin in an about 30 minute's time. He looked around his own office a bit, not really sure how to kill 30 minutes of his time.
He sat down at his desk once again and looked over the classified file once again to make sure everything was in order. It was a bold move, even by the Reich's standards and they would be exiled from the council if they were ever to find out. This file was meant to stay in circulation only around the highest standing members of the party.
Before he knew it, his 30 minutes were up. He called the guards to be ready to escort him to the council chamber. Perhaps it was paranoia, but now in these troubled times you just can't be too careful, especially after your species humiliated an otherwise well respected citadel species. Some nutjob might decide to take upon himself to enact some revenge.
Alexander walked in the middle, two guards at his sides, one guard in front and one in the back. They wore heavy armor and looked like they were primed to roll into the former Stalingrad. Their boots echoed throughout the street, people stopped to look at them as they passed the escort. The guards made sure to remind them to keep their distance.
Finally they arrived at the council chamber. They took the long ride up the elevator to the top. They all stepped out of the elevator and made their way into the meeting that had already started. Angry voices could already be heard as they came ever so closer to the meeting place. It was clear that the Batarian ambassador was less than pleased with recent events, especially those concerning the humans.
The ambassador entered the stage as the Batarian ambassador continued his rant; it was probably fueled even more by the fact that Alexander made his appearance.
"You can't possible choose these savages over us! We been part of this galactic community longer than them and done more than they ever have!" The Batarian ambassador preached with angry words.
"We have heard your case mr. Kradgalak. Please allow Mr. Jäger to have the floor." Councilor Tevos requested. ambassador Kradgalak backed down and mumbled something under his breath.
"Thank you councilor. As stated in intergalactic law, these planets are free to colonize as long as a species does not hold a monopoly over the system. Our government acted in good faith, trying to secure and bring civilization to the terminus system. Starting in the areas already under development by Batarian pioneers. Our government sees no reason to fight, but we will not abandon the posts made by our brave colonists." Jäger explained.
"If you chose these thieves and savages over us, then we Batarians see no reason to continue our presence in this galactic community." Ambassador Kradgalak said.
"You cannot be serious ambassador Kradgalak. Batarians have been part of the community for hundreds of years, why throw it all away?" Councilor Tevos asked.
"If you choose to ignore our demands, we don't wish to extend any form of help to the council" Ambassador Kradgalak replied with a cold expression on his face.
"Humanity will resign from our post if you don't uphold the law of which the council wrote themselves. It shows weakness, and we have neither time nor love for weakness." Was Alexander's response to the issue at hand.
The council found themselves in a rather unfortunate position. The Batarian had been with them for far longer than the humans, but they had a rather dirty reputation and what they were currently requested was technically against current intergalactic laws. The humans too had a rather shady reputation, but they had shown to be unpredictable and had a far superior military to the Batarians. It was a hard choice to make.
The councilors looked at each other. It seemed that the Turians had no intentions to hand the humans anything, but even they couldn't question galactic law. They nodded to each other.
"We are saddened by the outcome today, but we can't kick out human's colonies as long as they follow citadel law." Councilor Tevos said.
"You will regret this, the humans will soon turn their backs on you!" ambassador Kradgalak proclaimed.
Ambassador Kradgalak stormed out of the room, an otherwise incredible rude action, but considering he just resigned an entire species from the galactic scene, the rules didn't really apply to him, or the Batarians for that matter, anymore.
"We had hoped for a better result of today's negotiations, but the Reich believes the council did the right thing. If the Batarians become a problem, we will assist in the matter." Alexander promised.
"We appreciate it. This meeting is adjourned." Councilor Tevos said as a final note.
Alexander made a deep bow to them and said his farewells. He was escorted back to the embassy. He stormed into his office and turned on the hologram for the men who had visited him earlier.
"Phase 2 is done. Deliver your report to the Führer." Alexander said.
"Excellent work mr. Jäger. We will inform the cabinet of today's events." The leading one answered.
The call was then ended and Alexander allowed himself to lean back in the chair. The next part would be even more of a gamble than this one.
VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO
15/12 2055
Omega
News of the recent Batarian diplomatic move had sent shocks throughout the galaxy, even reaching Omega. The hub for all criminal activities in the Terminus systems. The Batarians had closed themselves off from the outside galaxy. The only ones roaming around were pirates or slavers.
Grork Kekcah was a feared mercenary and part time slaver in the terminus. He led a large group of stray Batarians. He had been informed of a business opportunity on Omega and while hesitant at first, he warmed up to the idea.
It was in a small back alley, some shady warehouse with a small table in the middle of the room with only one light. It didn't sit right with him, he figured something was off. His thugs stood behind him as he sat down in one of the chairs.
In front of him was a hooded figure, he too had brought armed guards with him. For a few moments, things stayed quiet. No one was sure how to proceed in the given situation. Grork took a moment to observe these strange people.
"It's good to see you mr. Kekcah. You are the first to take us up on our offer." The hooded figure said.
"I wanted to see if you were for real or not." Grork replied.
"We certainly are. The task is simply, and to your benefit." The hooded figure said as he shifted in his seat.
"I can see that, I just don't understand what your stake in this is." Grork replied.
"We have our own reason, mostly regarding investments opportunities. We are willing to pay." The hooded figure answered back.
"How much?" Grork asked.
"Name your price." Was the simple answer.
Grork smiled at that.
"2 million credits up front, another 5 million when it's done." Grork demanded. To be honest, he would have done it for free, but these people were willing to pay for it.
The hooded figure remained quiet for a little while, probably thinking about the offer.
"Done." He finally said.
He raised himself from the seat and typed in some commands on his omni-tool.
"You will receive the payment within 2 days. It was a pleasure doing business with you mr. Kekcah. I trust we won't be seeing each other again." The hooded figure said as he took off with his guards.
Grork was a bit unsure of what the man meant, but he wasn't going to argue with that sum of money. He would even make a little money on the sideline if he played his cards right. He finally left the warehouse alongside his thugs.
VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO
3/2 2046
Vancouver, Reichsprotektorat Canada
The 14 year old Jane Shepard was sitting in an alley way, it was showing and her clothes didn't do a good job of keeping her warm. This was the third time these past 2 months she had run away from home. She hated her mother and father, they kept telling her that she was going to be nothing, that she was just another mouth to feed alongside her siblings.
She wanted to be free, but this was not what she had expected freedom to be like. She was starving; she hadn't eaten for almost 36 hours. She wondered if she should head home, but she knew both her parents would be pissed at her.
It was late in the evening. She didn't have a clock on her, but if she had to guess, it was probably around 11 PM. She heard a can get knocked over somewhere behind her. She figured it must have been a rat or something like that. That was until she heard voices. Two guards were walking down the alleyway, from the looks it appeared that they were searching.
Jane tried to hide behind a dumpster, but knocked over a few things herself. She covered her own mouth to keep herself quiet.
"Aufhalten." One of the soldiers said as he held up his hand.
The two soldiers looked at each other. They began searching more thoroughly. Jane kept quiet, hoping that they would pass by and not find her. She could hear their footsteps, their hobnails echoing throughout the small alley.
Then they passed her. She let out a small sigh of relief. Her victory was short lived however, one of the soldiers pulled off the blanket she had been covering herself with. She let out a gasp and she saw the rifle pointed at her head.
"Wir haben einen streunenden Hund hier drüben" The soldier said.
Jane had German lessons in school, so she had a semi idea what they were talking about. Her mother was the local leader of the Bund Deutscher Mädel. She demanded even more of her than there was required of other girls her age. Also one of the leading factors in her recent departure from her family home.
"Nein dummkopf. Das ist Hannah Shepard's Kind." The other one replied. The soldier pointed the rifle slowly put down the rifle.
"You are safe now. Come with us" The nice one said as he held out his hand for her to grab.
She was hesitant, but she knew that if she didn't' take his offer. She would be transported with force.
"I don't want to go back." She replied, hoping to bargain her way to freedom.
"Versandabteilung, wir haben die Shepard Kind gefunden, aber sie nicht zu Hause will. Bitte beraten." The soldier said into his radio, waiting a few moments for a responds.
The dispatch responded, but it was too muffled for her to pick up. She waited for the soldier's next move.
"It will be alright. You can stay at the station for the night." He said.
"Thank you." Jane replied with a small smile forming on her face. She took the soldier's hand and walked with him to the station.
VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO
3/1 2056
Neu Saxony, German colony
Jane Shepard was awoken by the sound of an explosion. She was currently on shore leave on the German colony of Neu Saxony, a rather recent founded colony. She had landed a carrier as a Unteroffizier inside the Wehrmacht, the official army of not just the German Reich, but the entire human race. Females in the Wehrmacht was uncommon, the only reason she was even permitted to join, was the fact that her mother held a rather high ranking position within the Canadian National socialist party.
Jane quickly looked out the window of her hotel room, courtesy of the Wehrmacht. She did not expect to see a full-on battle happening in the out skirts of the city. Jane quickly found her armor and equipped it in record time. She grabbed her rifle as she stormed out the door, eager to join the battle.
She ran through the otherwise empty streets. She sprinted towards the sounds of battle. It was worse than she had expected, the small garrison was about to be overrun by the attacking force. She couldn't make out the enemy at this point, but she could guess who it was.
She sprinted the last distance and saw a man barking out orders for the defenders of the colony. As she got close to him, she could see that he was a major; Also from the Wehrmacht.
"Reporting for duty, sir!" Jane said as she stopped right behind him. The major turned around. He looked confused at first, probably not expecting a female to report for duty.
"Who are you?" He asked. Jane was about to answer when an artillery grenade hit the ground besides them. They took a moment to regain their balance.
"Unteroffizier. Jane Shepard, German Wehrmacht." Jane replied.
The major eyed her for a moment, she wore standard issue armor and her rifle was the favorite pick for Wehrmacht personal. He also wasn't in a positon to be picky about the help he received.
"Alright Unteroffizier, post to the east holdout, they are facing heavy fire." He ordered.
"Jawohl!" She replied as she sprinted towards the location mentioned by the major.
It was even worse when she got there. The attackers were also through the thin line set up by the small garrison. They fought back hard. It truly was life or death. Jane joined the fight; it was close quarters, so her rifle didn't do much good. She switched to her pistol and knife. Minutes felt like hours, wave after wave. She kept fighting, defeat was not an option.
She had heard rumors about what happened when you were taken by pirates. Most of them involved slave labor or worse. Her own line slowly became even thinner, the garrison was well trained, but they were outnumbered at least 5 to 1, and clearly outgunned.
Jane stabbed her knife into the skull of a pirate; she then heard a general retreat from the pirate side. They were no longer putting pressure on the east flank. She knew that they would try to take another angle. She stormed back to her original position. She was already too late; the pirates were already breaking through. The major lay on the ground, slowly bleeding out from a wound to his chest. He winched in pain as he fruitlessly tried to stop the bleeding. He kept shooting at the invading force with his pistol as he slowly dragged himself.
Jane saw the major and rushed to his aid. She was all out of medi-gel though. She decided to try and drag him to safety.
"NEIN! LEAVE ME! FOCUS ON SAVING THE COLONY, IT'S ALL THAT MATTERS!" He yelled as he reloaded his pistol.
"I can't! I need you!" She replied as she tried to pull him.
"I'm irrelevant. The colony is all that matters!" He said. He wiggled himself out of her grip and laid down cover fire.
"GO!" He yelled as an order.
She was hesitant to leave the major, but she knew that if the colony wasn't saved it would all be irrelevant. She felt herself grow anger at the attackers and angry at the waste of lives. She took her rifle in her hand and began slowly moving forward while never letting go of the trigger.
The invaders didn't expect an offensive, and were caught off guard. Many were unprepared for this sudden attack, they fell within minutes. Jane felt the adrenalin pump in her veins. She kept on fighting, slowly the invaders regrouped and it became a stalemate.
Jane had achieved her objective of halting their advance. Buying precious sand for their sand glass so that whatever resistance they had left could regroup. She fought hard for another 20 minutes, slowly pushing them back by herself.
A stray bullet grazed her left thigh, forcing her behind cover. She exchanged fire with the attackers, who were bunkered down about 70 feet from her. She prepared herself for her death, knowing it would most likely come soon.
Just then did she hear the radio light up beside her. "This is eagle 2, laying down fire." It said. She heard the fighter fly over her and drop a bomb on the enemy position. She heard multiple fighters after that.
'Thank god' she thought. The Luftwaffe had come to their recuse. It wasn't long before the attackers were on a retreat back to their ships. Shuttles with reinforcements landed on the colony. Fresh marines helped Jane push them back even faster.
The fighting came to a halt, the battle was now fought in space, but it was laughably one sided. Jane received treatment for her wound as things calmed down. It was mostly Wehrmacht soldiers and marines trying to contain the situation. She took note of a small squad of SS soldiers that looked like they weren't supposed to be there. They weren't helping the Wehrmacht soldiers and seemed to be scouting for something else. Jane didn't have time to dwell on such issues; she was too busy received comments from Wehrmacht soldiers about how she was a hero and would receive the iron cross.
She allowed herself to get some rest; it truly had been a special day.
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