Sudden Contact

by A Very Thirsty Megalomaniac

At the dawn of the Great War, first contact was made between the protoss, imperious firstborn of the xel'naga, and the turians, proud militarists. As the galaxy catches fire at this sudden conflict, unlikely alliances are formed while ancient directives are carried out by the oldest minds in the Milky Way. The Koprulu sector has opened, and the zerg are loose. Now complete!

36. Victus

Adrien

Adrien was looking at an overview of Thessia on a haptic map with about half a dozen other leaders, wondering how in the Spirits a day like this could come to pass. We are launching a counterattack on the homeworld of a Council species. Thessia. Judging by the body language of the others seen through the QECs, similar thoughts were running through their head.

"The biggest outlier is that damn terran device's capability," said the Hierarchy Second Fleet General Desolas for about the eighth time. "Assuming it works, it is definitely a force multiplier. But by how much? How well was it tested? And how will those brains on the surface affect its abilities, if at all?"

"I say disregard it," replied Admiral Dekeer of the Batarian Hegemony. "Among my people, we believe preparing for a worst case scenario to be the most intelligent course of action. If you're wrong, you're pleasantly surprised. If you're right, then you're prepared. Assume it does nothing." A glance at the Hegemony's political history indicates that this is not a line of thinking commonly held by your leaders. Still, in this case it makes sense.

"That might be best," said Adrien, marveling that in the same day he was to attack Thessia, he would also agree with a batarian. "At the worst, the device will do nothing. At the best, our attack will have more effect. Just leave it out."

"That don't help me none," mumbled General Duke. The oaf was seated to Victus's left, and had apparently been given explicit instructions to make as little noise as possible during the proceedings. Now, eyes were on him. "What? I prefer to let my boys know how bad it is before we drop. Gives me a better idea of how to ration alcohol and deploy nuclear weapons."

The single asari admiral who was available opened her mouth to speak, but someone else got there first.

"Nuking Thessia is not an option," said the sole salarian admiral present, one Admiral Herron. Adrien had little experience with salarian facial expressions, but he could read between the lines of that sentence. Not an option at present. The reports and live feeds from the planet were becoming increasingly infrequent, and the Sixth Fleet had abandoned the system entirely until the reinforcements arrived. So the zerg won't be too softened up.

"Assume it is bad," said General Desolas. "Assume it is very bad. How did you put it, Executor?"

Desolas, to Adrien's surprise and slight delight, was proving extremely accommodating to the protoss representative, who was reciprocating with unanticipated gusto. He could have been a politician. Smooth things over with the protoss well enough, and he might be the next primarch.

"You are bearing witness to the zerg's god," said Artanis. "You must treat this battle with the severity it deserves. Victory ends the zerg. Defeat ends the galaxy. But we will not be defeated."

"Draw up the battle lines, then," said Admiral Herron, a little exasperated. "Chest pounding and bravado, yes, yes, all good. But it takes some actual planning to get the work done."

"War is in our bones, admiral," said Adrien lightly. "The protoss have proven themselves likewise accomplished. Do not talk down to us. I find a reassurance of victory to be personally refreshing."

"Worst case scenario," said Dekeer cheerfully. "Remember, we're dealing with a worst case scenario." Most of the room ignored him.

"The fleet movements are going to be nigh impossible to organize once we're on site," said Desolas. "Every time we've tangled with these bastards it has ended in a simple order to shoot anything that moves. Victus, do you agree?"

"The zerg are highly mobile and adaptable," said Adrien, thinking back to Tarsonis and Mar Sara. "They force engagements that are favorable to them and very costly to move out of. By admitting that space combat must devolve into some… action vid nonsense, it is likely playing into their hands. How much success has the Asari Sixth Fleet had with their tactics?"

"The hit and runs?" Desolas sounded incredulous, but then his glowing form shifted its mandibles, thinking. "They took relatively few losses, from what I saw, and downed a few of the leviathans. The zerg move fast over short stellar distances, but have difficulty crossing larger ones. And their range is… pitiful. The issue is surviving that initial charge."

"We can organize our fleets to provide strafing runs," said Admiral Herron, now actually sounding eager. His hands were pressed against some unseen console, and he leaned forward in excitement. "Make short jumps once the zerg close the distance. But… while this will save ships and lives, it won't open the way to the planet's surface. You are certain orbital bombardment will not kill the Overmind?" The salarian addressed this last part to Artanis.

"It is beyond certain," said Artanis sternly, barely shifting. "It is an eldritch being, the likes of which have not been seen before, and hopefully ever again. Assaulting it only serves to further enrage the zerg and give them time to close to your ships. It will take a ground assault of legendary proportions to open the way to the Beast."

"Then you'll need the best," said Dekeer. "That means the protoss, first. We're not stupid. Then you'll want us to stiffen the lines, and those terrans for their infantry."

"Our infantry is third best?" Duke snorted. "Don't know what you four eyes are packing, but it better be damned impressive if you're passin' over General Duke."

"I'm bringing in the SIU," growled Dekeer. "Our troops train extensively in CQB. We don't have your armor, but we can actually hold our own up close."

"It matters not," said Artanis, causing Duke to shut his mouth and instead begin scowling. "The protoss will hold the line and gladly accept the assistance of the le- of Council forces. Where do we strike?"

"Thessaly," said Desolas firmly, marking the now ravaged city. "It is fully overrun, but the zerg have demonstrated time and time again that evacuating civilians is exactly what they want. Hitting their hive clusters makes them change tactics. We've seen it on Irune and Zada Ban. You want to kill zerg, stop playing defensive. I believe Doctor Mordin Solus said as much."

"A brilliant man," said Admiral Herron, smirking. "But let's wait a moment – how do we plan on getting our ground teams down there?"

"We will open the way," said Artanis. "Backed by the terran battlecruisers to deter scourge, we should be able to root the bulk of the Swarm in place while your other fleets inflict the heavy damage at a safe distance. This will allow us to deploy troops while the zerg orbital defenses are occupied."

"There's going to be heavy casualties," said Dekeer, almost joyfully. "If there is a stage of the battle that could make the most use of the Psi Disruptor, that would be it. Otherwise it will be a bloodbath."

"Don't count it out," said Duke. "It was Confederate tech, and they didn't mess around when it came to weapons of that scope. Trust me." Never.

"The turians will deploy ground forces as well," said Desolas, stiffening in posture. "Second Fleet already has blooded infantry against the zerg, and we are fully equipped with polonium rounds. And of course, our Jiris fighting vehicles can assist the terran siege tanks with suppression and clear out the air targets." Jiris fighting vehicles. I could go another three lifetimes without seeing more of those. Flashes of Taetrus went through Adrien's mind, and his mandibles shifted into a grimace.

"Just stay behind the big guys and you'll be fine," said Dekeer. And now I am anticipating countless batarian casualties in CQB while the turians and terrans dig in from behind. The grimace turned into a swiftly-hidden smile. They are our allies. Control yourself.

"So, securing the landing zone – which is basically all of Thessaly," said Herron, giving every leader a measured glance, "how exactly do we plan on taking it?"

"Raw firepower," said Desolas, and Adrien believed him. "Aside from a combined ground force of turians, batarians, protoss, and terrans already offering considerable might, I plan on taking advantage of General Victus's prowess. Third Fleet may be in shambles, but the survivors are considerably experienced." Desolas's eyes flicked up to look at Adrien, who was barely able to return the stare. So much I would have done differently. Do not speak highly of my character. Just send me into the fight. "General, I need what's left of your fleet providing orbital support. You will be close by the terran and protoss fleets. You are to evade zerg fliers and level any and all zerg hardpoints while also intercepting their flying transportation organisms."

"You cannot authorize dreadnought fire on a garden world!" exclaimed Admiral Hera, slamming a fist down on her unseen console. "That is tantamount to saying you do not believe this world can be saved, even if the Overmind is slain!"

"On the contrary, I am trying to maximize her chances of survival," said Desolas, sounding legitimately sympathetic. "We are targeting areas hardest hit. There is little to no chance of friendly fire."

"Just… keep it to where they're nesting," said Hera, sounding quite shaken. The coloration around her eyes indicated either a severe lack of sleep or a great deal of stress. Her scalp even looked like it was turning grey. "What are the plans for evacuation?"

"There were a large number of captains offering their vessels to perform rescue runs," said Desolas, "even a terran military ship has offered its services." Duke noticeably twitched at this. "Unfortunately, there is no way to escape the system. There are other clusters within FTL reach, but all planets in the Athena Nebula are under siege. Evacuation efforts are limited. Either we eliminate the zerg threat and pick up what's left afterward, or we come away with nothing."

"Steel your resolve my friends," said Artanis, directing his fiery gaze to the asari. "Our immediate impulses are to save the innocent – it is the way of righteous souls to feel as such – but our hearts must be hardened. To truly save the lives of your peoples, you must strike out against those that would harm them. To do otherwise… it can lead only to a rout."

"The zerg are ignoring some of the orbital platforms at present," said Adrien gently. "It may be possible to ferry a few survivors out of the fight."

"If the opportunity presents itself," said Herron with a wave of his hand. "Let's be honest, it's doubtful we'll get that chance. Dekeer's policy is probably the best one right now. After Thessaly, then what?"

"Ground push," said Adrien quietly, looking at the overview. "Forty-three miles of former jungle and suburbs, all infested. Two Cerebrates and their accompanied broods are in the way." The image of the terrain flickered on the overview, a great expanse of chittering structures, and Adrien knew he was not alone in trepidation as he stared at the planet's surface. And at the end of that slog, Armali. Then, the Overmind. Above the Overmind, Adrien knew, there were countless zerg fliers screaming and wheeling like some shrieking crown. An air approach was impossible. The ground approach… was not much better.

"For once," said Artanis, sounding grim, "I see a fight the Templar will not relish."

"War is not something to be relished," said an exasperated Herron. "What can be expected?"

"Burrowed zerg," muttered General Desolas before clearing his throat. "Hmm, air attacks should ideally still be stymied by a combination of the Psi Disruptor-" (Dekeer snorted at that) "-and our fleet actions. The buildings can easily hide infested vorcha and asari, hydralisks. The trees are mostly gone, so ultralisks won't have any problems moving around. Of course, that means our own armor can advance without difficulty…."

"Praetor Fenix and Tassadar will lead the charge," said Artanis firmly. "They are among the finest Templar to ever grace the Khalai. They will light a beacon of wrath, and the rest of your forces need only follow."

"It's not going to be that easy," grunted Dekeer, this time actually sounding serious. "The terrain isn't flat. There are plenty of hills and you have a lot of ground to cover. If you end up with a train of infantry stretching as far back as the eyes can see, the attrition will be severe. Zerg attacks on the sides, troops falling from exhaustion, burrowed zerg emerging in the middle of companies without warning…."

"We can supply observers," said Artanis. "We will know of the zerg's presence. As for the rest… it is war. The Templar will lead. You will follow as best as you can." Do the protoss require sleep? How do they eat? Taetrus flashed behind his eyes again. It is selfish, but I am quite thankful I will be remaining aboard Momentum.

"The Cerebrates," said Desolas, looking to Artanis. "They require the Dark Templar's, ah, expertise?"

"Yes, and their deaths are quite necessary." Artanis put his arms behind his back, his armor clanking as he did so. "It will weaken the Overmind, though I fear the efforts may do the same for us. But Tassadar and Zeratul have given the order. It must be done."

"And then, Armali," whispered Hera. Adrien looked to the display. From Armali, the Overmind looked back.

"If we're still intact at that point, it may become as simple as shooting our way through," said Desolas, trying to inject a little optimism into his voice. "The plan at that point will just depend on whoever's left, to put it bluntly. Fortunately, I suspect that even the Overmind will be worn down by that stage."

"That would be nice," said Herron, his voice all cold steel. "What I am seeing is a suicide run."

"For salarians, certainly," said Dekeer. "You like your wars already won for you."

"No, stop!" bellowed Desolas before the admiral could offer a retort. "This… this is what we have. We all have our own roles to play, and none of us will have an easier time of it if we're angrier at each other than the zerg. You've got your orders. Carry them out."

The QECs all winked out save for Desolas, their users going back to commanding their various fleets. All across the galaxy, waiting for the protoss to make the first move. Duke sighed and stood, stretching his arms while Desolas, Adrien, and Artanis watched.

"We got a shit job ahead of us," he said with some venom. "The boys on the ground have to wade through the zerg's nerve center, while those up above will be bled by inches by their fliers. I don't wanna hear any whinin' about Council seats when this is done, y'hear?" When no one responded, he grunted and sauntered out. Adrien suspected he was about to go get very drunk, however inadvisable that might be. I hope I'm wrong.

"I was not present when we made first contact," said Artanis, "but I regret that our initial meeting was… hostile. Tassadar and I share the hope that, following this battle, our peoples might coexist in, if not harmony, than at least peace."

"We would like that," said Desolas, dipping his head. Artanis returned the gesture before disappearing into a blue haze. That just left the two battered turian generals.

"Feel free to demote me," said Adrien, voice quite hollow. "Not now, but when and if this is done, if we're both still standing. I botched the Koprulu operation."

"You were told to assist a man who later ended up claiming himself emperor of the terran race and murdering several billion of his own people," replied Desolas. "I suspect some of this blame can be left on the people who told you to trust him. Not all, but some. It is not coincidental that your mission is probably the most dangerous. You will be close to the zerg throughout the process, but must rely on terran and protoss support. You will be unable to fire back."

"Considering the ships we have left, Third Fleet is probably the best suited for this," said Adrien. "This is a chance for redemption, and I thank you for it. But… my son, Tarquin. I have not heard from him."

"I had something arranged," said Desolas, warmth creeping into his voice. "You came through on your end? I was hoping to dissuade him from… this. Tarsonis was enough."

"If you could dissuade him, he would not be your brother," said Adrien, before inclining his head. "And… thank you. It will be only a minute." Adrien lifted his head and brought up the haptic keyboard for the QEC, tapping it a few times. Desolas faded, swiftly replaced by a new image. The turian on the other end was smaller, for Tarquin had always been small for his age. He got it from his mother, much to his dismay. Adrien had never cared. The krogan are larger than us, and we beat them.

"Dad?" Tarquin's voice broke through the other end. His figure shimmered, and for one thoughtless moment Adrien thought the QEC was breaking up. This was of course, nonsense. Tarquin's form steadied, and it became clear that he was confused. "Is that you?"

"Of… of course." Adrien looked at his son, bearing fresh officer marks on his uniform. That's new. He's been advancing while I was away, following in his parent's footsteps. Or… perhaps people above him have died. Still, he could not help but feel proud. "I… where are you? I didn't get all the details. Are you safe?" Stupid question. Relays are locked out. No one is safe.

"I'm on Digeris," said Tarquin, causing a wave of relief to flow through Adrien. Close to Palaven. Thank the Spirits. "We were about to get shipped out to Zada Ban, but everything's stopped. I heard they sent you to the Koprulu Sector –"

"Listen to me," said Adrien quite clearly, in a tone of voice he had rarely used with his son. Tarquin fell silent. "We don't have very much time. When this is over, you will hear things about what happened out there, with the terrans. If it is unflattering, it is likely true. But I want you to disregard that. I just…" Adrien paused, trying to think about what he wanted to say. It all sounds so dramatic. There's really only one thing I want to say. Seeing his face… that was the main thing.

"I'm proud of you," said Adrien. "When I think of my accomplishments, they're all just… messy. Taetrus. Surviving the Koprulu Sector. All those Terminus skirmishes. It was just blood and noise. Watching you walk for the first-"

Tarquin coughed, and Adrien realized he was going a little too far. Making my son nervous. He realizes something is very wrong. He has to believe – I have to believe that I will walk out on the other side.

"I have one last bit of blood and noise to deal with," said Adrien simply, "and then it will be your turn to take up the banner. I am beyond certain that you are ready. Die for the cause."

"Die for the cause," said Tarquin, before cocking his head. "I've read the reports and seen some of the footage, but is it that serious?"

"There's a… reason your deployment was cancelled," said Adrien. "This is not the time. Stay safe. I'll see you on the other side."

"I… yes. I'll see you soon," said Tarquin, a little confused. The image flickered and died, and Adrien watched his son fade into embers. A little selfish. I think I needed that more than he did. I only hope I can ask for forgiveness later.

Saren was waiting outside. Adrien nodded to him, and was stopped by an outstretched hand.

"He is trying to convince me to stay here, isn't he? With Janus?" Saren didn't wait for a reply. "You could have given him my answer for me."

"I did, but he's a bit stubborn," said Adrien. "Seems to be an Arterius trait. You cannot fault him for being worried, considering what you've been through."

"I would plant the emitter again if I had to," snapped Saren. "I followed orders. We got our alliance. It was costlier than I had hoped but –"

"Just talk to him," said Adrien, closing his eyes and breathing deeply. "You are certain you want to be on the ground?"

"I missed my chance to kill zerg on Tarsonis," said Saren, sounding almost feverish, "not this time." I think the Arterius family reunion is going to be less productive than the Victus'.

They said nothing more, parting ways for what might be the last time. Adrien was bound for the bridge while Saren would be loaded on to a terran battlecruiser, to be deployed via dropship as fast as physically possible. Shame the turians still don't have those marine suits. Drop pod would be safer. Relatively speaking.

Adrien stopped by his cabin on the way up. It was still decorated with the ridiculous volus artwork that Janus so loved. It probably just went up in value. That made him feel sad, and he had never felt much of anything for either volus or art before. It's because things are changing. The old rules don't mean anything anymore. Everything's different. A relay opened, the protoss flew on through… that's what started all this.

Well then. I suppose it is up to me to end it.

For the first time since Tarsonis, Adrien stood proudly up on the bridge. When he announced the mission to the remnants of the Third Fleet, there was no protest. General Janus might have given in and elected to remain and help rebuild the Citadel (meaningless at a time like this) but the rest of Third Fleet was determined to see this through. This should be… cathartic.

"I doubt a force of this size and variety will ever band together again," said Adrien. "Stand proud. Much of this was the doing of Third Fleet. We may fall today, but our actions will be burned into the minds of those that witnessed them. Die for the cause."

"Die for the cause!" It was less enthusiastic than Adrien was used to, but more people joined in than he would otherwise have suspected. We are turian. We might be overshadowed at this hour, but it will be our ships and troops that make the difference in the end. I feel it. In my bones.

"This is Executor Artanis," said a familiar voice through the minds of all present, "I am relaying communications from the other leaders. Beginning preparations. Udun says he is ready. The mothership is primed."

"Admiral Dekeer, the Hegemony is ready to prove its worth."

"Admiral Hera, ready since Thessia was first hit. No more waiting."

"General Duke, let's get this over with."

"General Desolas, die for the cause."

"Admiral Herron, sound the charge and… hold the line."

"Raynor here," causing Adrien to start with surprise. "What? C'mon darlin', I couldn't resist."

"General Victus. For Palaven," said Adrien clearly. "For Thessia. For Tarsonis. Let's end this."

"Praetor Udun!" bellowed Artanis, causing Adrien to shiver despite himself. "You have slain a Reaper! You have seen the battlefields of Kalath, of Braxis, of Chau Sara, of Char and Ilos! Long will we tell tales of your honor and courage! Now… give us one last moment of bravery!"

If Udun made a reply, Adrien didn't get to hear it. The LADAR indicated that the mothership had faded away. Now all they could do was wait. It's nonsense. Waiting for the damn protoss to work their space magic to save us...

A minute went by. Then another. The turians on the bridge muttered to one another, and it was not to offer reassurance or encouragement. Adrien maintained his stiff bearing and stared straight ahead. Please. Don't let this fail at the very beginning stages.

"Commence dimensional recall." Those words – I never thought I would find them reassuring. Or even uttered, honestly. But here we are.

Everything seemed to bend and stretch. Adrien looked at his hands and found them elongated beyond measure. All that he saw was becoming suffused in a soft blue light. Space magic nonsense… not that there is any use in denying their capabilities. Just as Adrien began considering how pretty everything was, it all snapped back into place, and the LADAR lit up with countless signatures.

"Praise Udun!" cried Artanis from his ship. "Battle is joined!"

"Third Fleet, you have your coordinates, begin jump!" Adrien wasted no time. The terrans and protoss signatures had already flickered and moved. Zerg were converging on their location. Is the Psi Disruptor doing anything?

"Activating Psi Disruptor," said the terran Adrien vaguely knew as Matt Horner, answering his question. "Three… two… one…."

Third Fleet jumped. Their ships were now facing directly downward, their guns facing the planet's surface. Around them, the zerg closed in… and then began to scatter.

"We got our funnel!" cried Matt. "Send them in, send them all in! Go, go!"

The Hegemony ships had closed the distance as well. LADAR indicated that the other fleets were now engaging the zerg at extreme range; Asari Sixth Fleet had even made a reappearance. The terrans were raining drop pods and troop transports upon Thessaly, and Momentum was training its guns. Our turn, you bastards.

"Give me a firing solution!" bellowed Adrien. It was given. "Fire until there's nothing left! Clear the way for the ground forces!"

Momentum shuddered as it unleashed its payload. For the first time in memory, a dreadnought fired on a garden world. Below, the zerg disappeared in a cloud of ash, many of their structures vanishing in a haze of orange.

"Confirmed hit!" yelled an aide, but Adrien paid him no mind, watching the impacts of the few cruisers and frigates left to him. This should be the volus's job, but Spirits know I earned this position.

He looked at the display of Thessia and shuddered. And there are worse positions to be in.

"Zerg are breaking away for the other fleets," reported an aide, "but they're closing in. Psi Disruptor did its job, I guess, but they're just too thick here."

"We've got our orders," said Adrien, sounding more confident than he felt. "Hold here. We bomb Thessaly, we bomb that damnable stretch of wasteland, then we bomb the Overmind. Got it? We are on overwatch. Intercept the overlords, but otherwise pay the zerg fliers no attention." He looked back down at Thessia. It's nice that we have that luxury, assuming the others can cover for us. Good luck Saren. Raynor. Tassadar.

The battle of Thessia was joined.