Been SOOOOO slow to think of ideas that have been popping up for writing and doing artwork, but was almost struck by writes block's but didn't stop me! thinking of some ideas from Destiny with the House of Wolves and the Rise of Iron for future arcs for the COTA story. For Novum Aurora, having some trouble with ideas and could use some help which would be a great effort for me as I am going to be very busy. Please, it would be nice to have some reviews of what you think of the story so far and a beta reader for this story please!
Also note I'll go back to one of the chapters to change for minor changes.
Milky Way galaxy, Sol System, Earth
Hundreds of thousands of years ago…
After the Ancients had seeded many worlds with human life, the native inhabitants setting foot across what would be known as Africa. They are nothing more then simple scavengers trying to survive by the harsh climates and beasts they battle for dominance. All they have for their young civilization were nothing more small communities run by a chief, skins of the animals they hunted to stay warm with lack of fur of their own and to make huts for their families, sharp branches and stones to hunt and fight among each other.
A group of hunters sent out to the grasslands in search for food they brought weapons for hunting and protect themselves from lions. But what they needed was water and it was the dry season and they had to preserve some of the water before until they reach the next river.
They notice something was strange happening to the weather, clouds forming all of a sudden yet it was all clear blue skies, birds flying away and some of the animals were behaving strangely.
The primitive humans could not understand what was going on, until one of them, calling out to the others and pointed up. They did, and saw something they never seen before.
As if day turned to night with the sun blocked by a massive, sphere-like object simply floating high above them. It was as if the moon descended from the skies and stood there without touching the ground. But for some strange feeling, this was no moon, but something else.
Staring upon the sphere as if it was sent by something so divine, they couldn't take their eyes from it and felt something was happening all of a sudden. Clouds surrounding the sphere started raining, as it hadn't happened in ages for them. They dropped their tools and raised their arms to embrace the rainfall to end their drought and thirst, looked up to the sphere, as if it gave them hope.
But it was something more then just rain, they hardly noticed, but their minds have been changed. Their intelligence would grow slowly and pass on their newfound knowledge to their children and so on. They would see this as a being that travelled from the stars and gave them the gift to build a future.
Wenua System, Gaia, 2663
For many centuries the Dark Empire was a strong power compared to the Romulans and almost close to the Goa'uld before their downfalls, advancing their technological achievements and obtaining resources from worlds, including pre-spacefaring planets for easier infiltration for their own purposes. Some they defeated in their time, but one race they were in a war for so long, the Banshees. A race with powerful psionic abilities beyond anything the Vampires could imagine, in some theories or superstition they could be direct descendants of the mythical or possibly extinct Eldar that survived, or perhaps an evolutionary branch due to similar abilities physiology, yet unable to prove such theories with very little evidence of trying to capture a life banshee for study. Some feared them yet desired such power they possess for their own that could make the Vampires more powerful then their enemies in the galaxy.
When they found a community of them hiding on the very Tau'ri homeworld, on a small island landmass called Ireland. They disguised themselves as humans to live among them and brought their war to the planet, creating corporations to advance the humans over the centuries for their personal gain and possible enslave the native races. Until the Asgard and the High Foundation discovered their presence and forced them to leave while the planet was under the Protected Planets Treaty. Had they discovered the remnants of Forerunner technology on the planet, they would've taken it by force to complete their goals.
They became powerful allies to the Lucian Alliance and eventually earned a membership within the organization. But, then came the Dominion War, the Great Vampire Houses the controlled government were divided and plunged into a civil war.
All caused by a Changeling agent who took the form of one of their leaders' closest friends, fortunately the House Bhrinn sided with the loyalists and exposed the true identity of the imposter before they were assassinated by the Dominion's Jem'Hadar soldiers and ended the conflict. With the end of the war, the Greater Vampire Freehold was created from the ashes of the old empire but the House Brhinn was wiped out, but one survivor was the young Vampire child who according to some, he was put into cryostasis from the lab that laid buried by debris. Waking up after 200 years to find much of the galaxy has changed and formed a vast organization made up of other interstellar powers from various parts of the Milky Way known as the Interstellar Commonwealth.
Despite so much loss, the sole heir and survivor of the assassination of his family, he was determined to bring his House back to glory and take part in the political role of the Greater Freehold. History was one of Lasoroth's strongest skills, to learn from the past to understand his allies and enemies alike to ensure the future of the Freehold from sharing the same fate as the Empire had centuries ago. With the gateway nearing completion, he would set his plans in motion to allow the LA an opportunity to expand its economic and political power; new technologies to obtain or trade for and untapped resources to exploit thanks to the capability to travel between galaxies much easier without the Commonwealth to know.
There were some issues to deal with, there were few of those who seem to favour of either to form a new relationship with their former rivals and peace, which means there could be some problems of those that may see this as an attempt to betray their trust.
That wouldn't be of a problem for him until he earns more of their favour and make a few deals, getting on the good side with the Ferengi senator Lepex was easy, knowing that his people love to make profit schemes in this galaxy. So long as he can trust a few people, they would earn something in return to keep their lips sealed for now.
Gazing upon the sun through the shaded window that was slowly set into the horizon, held his hands behind his back when a beeping noise brought to his attention.
Pressing his finger on the surface and a small hologram of a bald Vampire with a cybernetic impalant over his right eye. Maltum as he was called, was chosen for the top-secret research and one of the best of the research and development branch of the Alliance. But was made sworn to keep this a secret from the Lucian Council for the time being, uncertain what it is he wished to speak but so long as the link was untraceable for anyone to listen in on their conversation he would not need to worry. "What is it you wish to speak, Maltum. It better be of some updates about our little project."
"My apologies for any interruptions, my lord. We have installed the last piece for the spacebridge and will proceed to perform a test run on your orders. The problems of activating the gate require new replacements of components and parts to activate gate device."
He narrowed his eyes directly at the projection. "I don't care how you did it, as long as I know that it is completed we can proceed." Uninterested in the details as he already knew that the device was very ancient, but whoever built that gate long ago was still a mystery but unimportant for now. "And I trust it is now safely secured from anyone in that sector?"
Unfazed by his tone, Maltum kept a neutral expression as he spoke. "Indeed it is, but with need to send ships it would require security measures to keep this a secret for the time being. I believe in order to know that it works and it links to the Halo galaxy, a few probes would be necessary before we send anyone through."
"Very well, but I would like to see the results once they are through. I've already earned some favours and make certain no one. And I mean NO ONE is to send any footage or video logs of the device while it remains classified. Am I clear?" Leaning towards the hologram with a hard look on his face."
"Perfectly. If it comes to shall we say 'precautions' it will never reach public ears." The Vampire head researcher gave a small grin on the side of his lip. "I will leave now and we shall begin the test very shortly. You will receive the results once we have completed it."
"Excellent to hear. Now continue as planned, remember that we cannot afford to be delayed." Receiving a nod in his response before disconnecting the transmission. But just then the senator was receiving another incoming call from someone. "Yes? What is it?"
"Good evening. I hope I didn't caught you on an unexpected moment but thought I see how things at your end." Only receiving an audio only from the caller, but Lasoroth knew who it was and smiled warmly.
"Ahh, it is good to hear from you as well, my good friend. Sorry about there, but just some updates on the gate and we should be on schedule very soon." Lasoroth smiled and sat down, taking a glass out and filled it up with liquid for beverage. "I trust things are running smoothly on your end?"
Hearing an audio chuckle from the communications of the person he was speaking to. "Nothing to worry about, just left the Pegasus Galaxy on a finished business. But given my new assignment, an interesting planet we found a couple of years ago. I'm sure you know which one."
"Yes, THAT planet, by now the Commonwealth will know but nothing to worry, but will need to keep a low profile. With your talents and qualities, we may earn a few favours on our side. "
"You'll be pleased to hear about that, we found some who could serve our purpose. There have been recent activities going on in the Frontier, and not just the Cabal. Something about a few raids occurring from the borders. Should be on the files I found some time ago." Stroked his finger through the board to bring up a group of classified logs from the well-known Intelligence organization known as the Conclave tapped the first one and started reading it.
Subject File: Dilgar Genocide 3/5/26
With the Dilgar War ended, the League of Non-Aligned Worlds were greatly relieved to the end of the imperialistic DIlgar and our aid, no remorse for their entire civilization down to the brink of near-extinction. Yet, something about a star going supernova just when the war turned in our favour feels strange, no signs of it's core collapsed only by a few billion years and yet this one did.
Further analyses from the remains believe this was artificial as the only logical theory. What's more was from the Dilgar tech we scavenged appear to have been reversed engineered compared to the weapons and ships we found, could be the possibility that the Dilgar also had allies… or enemies likely since we never seen any species that willingly helped them, which could be reasons for their barbaric experiments. The civilians we rescued say they weren't always that way but some point about a century ago, their entire culture changed from a nation of democracy to a militaristic empire.
It may be a strong possibility that someone or something could have the power to blow their sun into supernova.
Reading from this file, he was aware of the Halo Expedition entering the first stellar war in the Halo galaxy, then came to some files containing footage of what looked like six-limbed creatures, wearing heavy armour and helmets. Almost look like insects.
I'm File Subject: Fallen
They were considered unknown, as they were sighted within near the frontier borders and seen in raids or war with each other.
Some native races call them, Fallen. Unknown where they come but were considered nothing more then pirates or scavengers. The Centauri had an encounter with them some time ago and caused trouble, giving the enslaved Narns the opportunity to rebel against their oppressors. Despite being a nomadic race they are highly advance to travel many worlds.
They were considered one of the several species to be cautious for any attempt to make contact with one of these Fallen Factions until further data is added.
Understanding about this species, he looked at the video log of one of the Vanguards in combat with one of these groups, observing their combat skills and use of drones, some of them seem to have lacked the extra limbs or have synthetic replacements, could be something of a genetic diversity or injuries but what caught his attention was the purple illuminated sphere which resembled something like an eyeball that held such power in one machine. This would later need to be studied if they can get their hands on one of these machines
The next one showed some interest in the footage from what appeared to be an old humanoid machine drifting in space, almost looks like cybertonian but in fact a machine with a cockpit. They appeared to have found it on an early voyage and brought it back to a secret base for study of the machine. Attempted to open the file but so far nothing, a strong firewall protecting whatever secrets it was hiding.
This made the Vampire annoyed, but immediately cast his frustration aside as he was more interested about these Fallen as they call themselves and thinking they could be of some use to their plans.
"This could turn out well for us. I'm certain you will have no trouble with this, Mr. Mordin."
Halo Galaxy, Shukahl System Aevanna
Tapping his finger on the armchair, scrolling through the files Darius received from Commander Quitoria over the recent battles from the war. He almost thought that with new allies to aid them, this could turn out to be a blessing, only just now things became more complicated then anyone imagined.
After receiving the news of the successful liberation of the outpost the fleet now discovered the Cabal's true motives behind the Incursions when Darius brought up the discovery he made after finding a few files of the current battles the Citadel Council made, the Cabal attack patterns were too random and easily confused by the Commonwealth officers when informed that some of them were mere colonies, outposts and planets that were either less important or too far into Inner Council Space and the Attican Traverse, but the Council could not afford to let the Cabal have much of the resources and territories they have and sent their military forces to hold them off, so far they did claimed a few victories but heavy losses and on a few stranger events when they feel they won the enemy just left planets after they got what they wanted and only left the fleets either temporally stranded in a remote system to slow them down and beginning to make sense.
The entire war was a big distraction and the Council didn't see it coming, but to do that they needed as much of their fleets out of the way for the final assault on the true target. But, so far there have been no word from them, which is either a good sign or they're just preparing themselves for the battle. Quitoria didn't like this one bit either and alerted the Hierarchy immediately after the conversation and warn the Council before its too late.
For the time being his fleet was still in need of repair and few remained active from the battle while protecting the colony world that was spared from the, and so far the Commonwealth expedition fleet held minimal damage to their ships. With the technologies they possess centuries ahead of anyone in the galaxy, they could have a chance of saving lives.
"Sir, the councillors are on the communication channel." The officer informed him.
He sighs under his breath, knowing sooner or later they would've contacted him. But what he would say, will be troubling and not just about the discovery of the Cabal strategy they discovered. "Very well, put them through." Standing to attention before the three projections of the Councillors.
"Commander Keternrill, so glad you can contact us. What is the status of Aevanna?" The Asari councillor Tevos spoke in concern of the colony.
"You be please to hear, we just driven the Cabal from the planet and have received a new ally that could help us change the war for the better." Knowing by now they would have seen the news footage of the battle so perhaps shedding light on the mysterious new aliens known as the Interstellar Alliance from as much as he learnt from them.
The Councillors were very much intrigued and surprised to learn the Commonwealth was a vast group of species and culture like theirs but more diverse, much to the interest of Tevos of how they learned to co exist with one another. Alann was also intrigued to find out they were from another galaxy and hoping to learn about them for the benefit of anything they could learn from for improvement on their galactic community. Falterius was also interested in their ships and military, but as a Turian he is very cautious of whose side they are on and if they try to turn on them next. Finding out that the two sides were enemies and fought against each other long ago made sense for the Cabal to attack them and show no reason to invade their borders was a relief.
They were surprised to discover these races of the Interstellar Commonwealth were from another galaxy and only came for exploration and set up a few colonies, with news they never discovered or use Element Zero was a little unexpected since they learnt much about the Cabal, but their origins shocked the three of what the Commander said.
"Are you saying the Cabal were from this galaxy? And they were rivals to the Protheans?" Alann was surprised and yet fascinated to hear that another civilization existed alongside the Protheans.
Doren nodded to his question. "That is correct, one of the leaders admitted it when we sent a team to infiltrate the outpost before his death. They say the Cabal were rivals until at some point they left this galaxy, maybe they thought with the Protheans long gone, they must've taken this as an opportunity to retake the galaxy for themselves." It was a possible theory but something about it made little sense to their plans.
"Perhaps they went into cryostasis to wait for until the time at their civilisation was at their downfall. A few centuries maybe, thousands of years would be logical, but 50,000 years?" Falterius found it an odd but clever strategy, but unable to understand why they waited this long.
"I dont understand it either, but we have more important matters to attend to then how they survived this long or why. We discovered the Cabal are plotting to make their final assault on to the Citadel while it's defence is limited." Receiving the shock and horrified expressions on the three councillors throughout he transmission. Attacking the Citadel was unheard of since the day the Asari discovered the station, not even the Racchni or the Krogans could have done such a scheme in the last two major wars.
"Attack on the Citadel?! This can't be?" Tevos covered her mouth to and fighting the urge not to faint.
Much as he hate to admit it to cause them to feel scared, but they needed to hear this. "It is, I looked at the reports of the previous battles and realised something wasn't right about this. They've been forcing us to send our best armed ships in the remote locations that hardly consider too important until they attack other colonies, slowly leaving the Citadel for the open with limited ships to protect it."
"But what about these aliens, the Commonwealth? Can they offer their aid to help us?" Alann stroked his chin when suggesting some idea, receiving the looks from the two.
"What? How can we be certain they be trusted. We hardly know anything about them!" The Turian Councillor didn't like this but didn't want to say anything to sound distrusting.
"I know this sounds insane, but they are the only hope we can get and know more about them. They not only took down several of their ships but are more advance then anything I've seen on their ships. Hoping they accept the idea as he feels this could be the only chance to save the galaxy.
Tevos was silent for the moment and listening to the conversation between them, slowly getting over her grief and thinking of what was the best way, even if she might not like the idea of something more greater then the Citadel in the galaxy as they were meant to be the voice of the galactic community until now. But, in a time of crisis, she needed to think this over later until then. "If they are an enemy of the Cabal, then we could perhaps offer and alliance with them and force the Cabal to surrender."
"I highly doubt they will let the Cabal run riot in this galaxy. Fortunately they are receiving reinforcements, not certain how many but I hope it be enough." He responded, seeing their faces now relieved of the news.
Falterius turned his attention to the Commander. "Commander Kiternrill, we appreciate what you have done and I will see to it that the Primarchs would promote you for this with my support." Hearing this from the Councillor meant a great honour and appreciation for his work.
With the battle over, both factions begin rounding up survivors and prisoners of war. It was a slightly difficult task but got through in just a few hours. The medical teams went around the clock to help anyone in need of help, no matter what species or faction since they all fought alongside each other to liberate the planet from the conflict. The expedition fleet offered help to the colonists and soldiers during their time in the system and for reinforcements but also took the time of studying the ancient outpost while under the colonists' jurisdiction.
The saddest moment of the war was the loss of lives, graves filled of the fallen who gave lost their lives to the battle
Silvi laid in a hospital bed, wearing a gown after going through physical examinations before they take her back to the freighter, the fight with the Cabal took a lot out of her, even as a high rank Warlock. Waiting for the doctor to run some tests on her for anything else.
The doctor scanned her using the medical tricorder over her. "So far, despite a few broken bones in the left arm and rip cage, we'll have them patch up and on your feet again by the time your back to frontier space, but I recommend you take a few days off and let your body rest up from that fight."
Much to her discomfort to say it, the doctor was right and was very lucky to be alive. It was her first combat with a Cabal, but nothing she ever imagined to be this rough. But there was something else that bothered her and couldn't explain it. "Very well. But, doctor, is any readings that were… unusual?"
Asking the question to him, giving her a peculiar expression on his face. "Yes, now that you mention it. When we took a psi scan, your brain patterns acted very strangely, we weren't sure what it was but seem to have been only a few moments as if you were… receiving a signal from something, was unable to pinpoint the readings until your neural patterns responded and treated it as some sort of threat."
It felt very strange since she entered the ruins something was trying to affect her mind for a moment until her psionic abilities quickly created a barrier from whatever it was. She could not recall what it was, but least it was gone. "So, is it still there?"
"Fortunately, no signs of any changes so your psi levels are normal." Leaving the room before one of her teammates, Sveek came by to check up on her.
"How are you doing, Silvi?" Asking his comrade.
"Like having fight with a Zentradi, but should be fine and will help the Commonwealth if they need me."
The Gorn Vangaurd held up his hand before her. "First off, I believe you should earn a rest as you deserved it after the battle. And I heard from the doctor's advice and suggest you take. You are a gifted warrior, but also have limits to your basic abilities. I'll suggest the captain to send a shuttle but perhaps take some time to rest until they bring someone to fix you up."
The young blue haired maiden sighed in defeat, knowing he was right and should take some time off until she was back in good health. But still felt a little uneasy about the chat with the doctor from earlier.
"You seem troubled by something." Turned to S'veek when he asked her a question.
"I'm sorry what?" Uncertain what he said.
"Your thoughts were open and something was troubling you, and it wasn't about the Cabal."
"Yes. When I entered the ruins, something about that place felt… I don't know what it was, but something about that place didn't seem right."
"So you felt it too?" With her reaction, it confirmed his suspicion of whatever it was they felt on this planet, strangely for some individuals, majority of those being the Asari show strong psionics abilities like them yet something else, something… artificial and strangely connected to the ruins. "Had this nagging feeling ever since we arrived on this planet. Was there anything you felt while you were inside it?"
Silvi sighed and "Actually yes, when I was in there it felt… like something was trying to mess around with my mind. And… visions I couldn't understand, but they weren't very pleasant."
The Gorn nodded and thought of a suggestion. "For now, I believe we should keep any of our Vanguards to maintain a distance from that outpost until we know its safe. I'll contact the captain of the situation. In the meantime, you should stay here and rest, after a battle with the Cabal you earned it. And that's an order, not a request." Making certain she gets the message without having to deal with her protests, fortunately she seems to accept it with the condition of her body still in need of recovery. With what she explained just now proven his theory that something from the outpost was off when they came close to it and making their psionic abilities go odd, something didn't sit right to him since he and the others came to this galaxy and few reported having odd visions, the High Foundation will need to hear about this as soon as he returns from his mission.
Returning to the ship and get some refreshments after a long day, he finds a lot of people gathered in the bar, both Starfleet and Citadel officers were somewhat cheering and rooting for someone. Confused of what was going on and turned to one of the officers. "Excuse me, but what is going on here?"
Christina and Keltrad turned to the Vanguard and sighed. "Oh, nothing serious, just that fool of an officer, Blake just offered a challenge to one of our new neighbours." Unsure what she was talking about until he got throughout he crowd and saw the soldier known as Blake Finster having a drinking contest with the Krogan, he saw how many mugs they drank and couldn't believe they had that much.
"I just don't get how they haven't lost concours, already there are some making bets with each other." Keltrad had this worrying feeling that this was only the beginning of an odd relation between them, least on the bright side neither are enemies after engaging the Cabal.
Blake just finished the latest mug and slammed it against the table, looking a little tipsy and grins at Wrex. "There is… Urrp… no otway, I would loose as I could take… a DOZEN more! Cuz I got mix bloods, both warrior, and Klingon in me on my mother's side!" Wipes the remains of the beer from his mouth. "Course, like you guys, they love to fight, sing, feast and drink! Aint that right fellas!" Receiving a laughter and agreement from many, especially the Klingons present.
Wrex slurped up the last mug before taking the next one but seems less affected by the alcohol, least not as much as his competitor was. "Sound like a great bunch, like to meet them!" Taking another jug with some of his fellowKrogans cheering him on and slowly took a moment to sample the taste and slowly feels light headed. "Damn. Strong stuff, almost makes me tingly or something." Looks at his hand and waves it softly in front of his eyes.
Finster laughs as he was certain to win. "See what did I tell ya, he can't hold his liqui..." Stopped at his sentence when the soldier was so drunk that he slowly leans back, and fell off his chair with his feet sticking out for a moment. Everyone just laughed or signed by the drunk and sleepy expressin with a snore on his face as he lost the challenge.
"Guess I win! HAH!" Howled and raised his mug before finishing it off, looks down at his fallen competitor. "Good match, maybe next time we have a spar when both of us are sobered up." Only moments after his win, Wrex also fell over to the floor and gave a loud snore coming from him too.
Many just laughed or groaned in the loss of their bets, Keltrad sighed and shook his head a little. "If a Krogan wants to challenge the Klingons in a fight, hate to imagine what it be if they encounter the Tetramands." Calling the others to clear up and get ready for the main fleet to arrive, not to mention be ready to fight the Cabal again to stop the war. Looking at the two drunk duo snoring, this may be more difficult to show some impression to the new neighbours.
Codex Entry:
Nimbus Campaign:
Attempted invasion of the planet Carcosa in believe to be ruins of Prothean that were dug up until evidence of another civilization before they vanished when the Greenhouse effect became too severe, used as a temporally base for Cabal to mine minerals, guarded by Kig-Yar for two planetary months until they were driven out by Asari military.
They seem to have been interest in setting up a base on the frozen world Neargas until they found out it had an unstable orbit and held no use for the time being.
Took the full fleet to push them out but at a great cost, only able to push them out after destroying one of their destroyers with three Turian Dreadnaughts and several Asari cruisers. The battle for the nebula waged for only less then two month. Despite one of the few victories claimed in the short period of the war, the Cabal had hardly seemed any interested in the worlds they occupied.
Raid of Pheiros:
During the battle over the asteroid military base, they were raiding several asteroids for resources and materials. They destroyed several Turian ships and
Kept the area isolated for a few weeks until they left before the fleet arrived.
Prehistoric Humanity:
For as long as anyone from Earth, or Erde-Tyrene know, humans evolved from the planet in the Solar System with the ancestral heritage goes back to the collective species of large primates known as Hominids, Homindae, or mostly Great Apes. However, their evolutionary genes had been tampered by a number of alien races as evidences were proven from Noah's Ark after its discovery. Not only has it been proven they were genetically seeded by the Ancients, but were once a technological advance civilization thousands of years ago. According to the Monitors, Humanity as a collective group of hominid species were uplifted by an unknown alien entity which had somehow advanced the existing hominids beyond their natural state to create an interstellar empire known as the Imperium of Man, for reasons this 'Traveller' as it was known for doing such a thing remains unclear until further research and answers to this mystery can be answer.
The prehistoric civilization of that age expanded to several star systems and used what they learned from the Traveller. There were some little data on how they lived before the downfall by the Ori Plague but have shed light on one of the reasons each hominid race from Earth appear on on other worlds, ancient ruins of the Imperium still remain throughout most of the Orion Arm were discovered during the earliest decades of stellar expeditions by Stargate Command and unlock the ancient secrets the Prehistoric Humans left behind that could bring light to the future of the galaxy, and prevent any mistakes the past had experienced.
Another possibility from High Foundationists who have been studying the records from the time period known as the Age of the Imperium, records reveal they were once allies of the prehistoric ancestors of the San 'Shyuum Civilization and fought in a war other then the War in Heaven before their downfall.
So, hope you enjoyed it and thinking of adding another series into the COTA verse but not telling but will give a hint, it from an online game.